We arrive at Paper Cup right on the dot of noon only to be told that the cafe has shut the kitchen for the day - they're over it and are shutting shop early - fair enough, we all have days like that after all.
That said, when I wail sadly that we've driven all the way from Parramatta to try out the cafe the man-in-charge takes pity on us and declares breakfast shall be served to the Westies. The cafe's other patrons - lined up at the bench seat and happily tucking in to the last of the Croque Madam's - have a chuckle at our theatrics and thank their lucky stars they live within walking distance of this neighbourhood gem.
We all order coffee to start with - The Boy and I opting for a skinny cappuccino each and Nicey-Poo for a large latte. We all have a bit of a chuckle when the Barista jokingly tells her that large lattes may work at Gloria Jeans at Parramatta but not at the Paper Cup in Stanmore. She quickly points out she lives in Enmore, but I don't think this diminishes her coffee faux par in a place as serious about coffee as Paper Cup.
The breakfast menu is short but sweet. I was all set to try my first Croque Madam, but sadly we missed out due to our late attempt at brunch. The second item to grab my eye is the Smoked Salmon Toastie with Fresh Ricotta, Free Range Eggs and Capers ($10.00). Niecy-Poo likes the look of this also - so we order one each. The sandwich is neatly presented in four little squares of toasted Turkish Bread. The yolk of the egg is still a soft, the ricotta lush and creamy, and the capers offer the perfect salty compliment to the tender salmon.
The Boy orders the Pesto and Goats Cheese Omelette with Roasted Capsicum ($12.00) and is thrilled to see it served in a fry-pan. He's confessed to me before that one of his food dreams it to be able to eat straight out of the fry-pan in a restaurant without be sent to wait in the car for a display of bad manners.
In my typical "diet starts tomorrow" frame of mind I decide that I need something sweet, and another coffee to end my meal. Although there are range of cookies and sweet treats in glass canisters on the counter, this truffle cookie takes my eye - oh so good!
Paper Cup is at 157/161 Cambridge Street, Stanmore.
