In Short: Pierre Loti in Sydney’s Cremorne offers café goers a unique experience to sample café favourites done with a Turkish twist. The quality is far above your standard café fare, and the stellar service make this a foodie find we’re very proud to put on our short list. Tip: Definitely try the Persian Feta Avocado Bruschetta and the Turkish Delight Coffee Cocktail.
Pierre Loti, the great novelist, drew inspiration from his travels on the high seas that led him to a love affair with the kaleidoscope of cultures that coalesced at what was perhaps the Old World’s crossroads of Constantinople. That intersection of the old and new world is still very much the backdrop for what we now know as Istanbul, and the café that pays homage to his literary legacy, right here in Sydney’s Cremorne, also brings to life that engaging meeting point of tradition and innovation.
Stepping into the invitingly cosy space of Pierre Loti, it’s immediately evident that we’re welcome, as talented Brazilian barista, Roberto has some expertly extracted brews underway for us as we slip into a window seat. As you’d expect with any Turkish influenced experience, the coffee is coerced from its bean with care and love. Our cup runneth over with a custom roast that starts bold and finishes mellow with a silky forth. Tip of the hat to Roberto for his inspired brew.
First bite of the day comes in the form of what Chef Hayat calls the Persian Feta Avocado Bruschetta, and we sneakily dub it the best avo smash this side of the Harbour Bridge! Seriously, look at this masterpiece of fusion and phantasmagorical flavours! We posted a sneak peek of this stunning plate on our Instagram recently, and people went wild for it! I’m here to tell you that the taste lives up to the picture! Chunks of eggplant blended with Persian feta, roasted capsicum, full cherry tomatoes, on a base of crunchy sourdough, and topped with caramelised balsamic and candied oranges… I mean wow! Need I say more!?
While working our way through the mountain of “avo smash”, Roberto drops a showstopper on us with a tower-tall frosty Turkish Delight Coffee Cocktail! This is no gimmicky concoction that is treacly sweet with fake supermarket chocolate bar flavours. This is the real deal in a glass! Chunks of rose-infused Turkish delight become extra chewy amidst a bath a chilled milk and silky ice cream. In fact, as I write this, I’m making plans to visit Pierre Loti just to get another sip of this sublimely sophisticated treat.
Still dazzled by our drink, Chef Hayat takes us for a tour of her kitchen, and explains how everything is made on site and by hand. From daily baked pastries right down to the accents of candied oranges. It’s all clearly done with passion and love.
Chef also lets us try some of her warming homemade soup that is just what’s in order on this chilly Sydney morning.
So, not to be outdone by the previous parade of plates, the Angels Burger makes its appearance. Caramelised onion mingles with crispy bacon strips as they prime the palate for the star of the show, the succulent beef burger nestled between a ciabatta style bun. This is not your trendy over-the-top, stacked high burger. This is quality ingredients done right in a no-nonsense way that let’s you taste that quality in each bite.
Pierre Loti is a community café that offers a food experience well above what you’d expect from the usual café fare. The care and attention to quality from every member of Pierre Loti’s team pays dividends to diners who are searching for the perfect blend of café culture with a side of Turkish inspired flare. Simply an outstanding food experience!
Leave a Reply