For anyone that has been to Sqirl in Los Angeles, I want to tell you we have found its sister cafe right here in Sydney. Now thats pretty big statement given the cult following and absolutely amazing food that Sqirl is known for. But, we 1000% stand by our words. Two Chaps is just that good!
When we started frequenting the area about 10 years ago there was nothing but industrial warehouses as far as the eye could see. Now its a hive of activity as young families and creatives have moved in.
Two Chaps is literally in an old brick factory with a roll up garage door that leads straight onto the footpath. It follow's a from-scratch and sustainable approach in all aspects of its operation; is 100% vegetarian with most items able to be made vegan or gluten free so it even feels very LA! Best thing is not only is it a cafe but its also a bakery making fresh bread and pastries daily.
"We operate on a collective creative energy, a strong sense of responsibility with respect to food production and consumption and our engagement with the local community. Our ever-changing, produce driven menu is a product of our enthusiasm for working within the seasons and we have a strong focus on local supply and supporting like-minded producers. All of our bread and pastry is made by hand, daily using sustainable and organic Australian flours. Our Sourdough levain is the life of all our loaves and is used to produce a wild-fermented bread."
Their menu follows a mediterranean flavour and like all good cafes, they serve breakfast all day. On Thursday's and Friday's from 6pm they open for dinner offering fresh made pasta, local cheeses, salad and desert. And just when you thought it couldn't get any better they have a dinner set menu which included BYO corkage for $55.
Merango Crumpets
Torched meringue, mango and line curd on sourdough crumpets w/fresh cream and meringue crumb
Croissant Loaf
w/chocolate, espresso and wattleseed custard, figs and fresh cream
Avocado Toast
w/heirloom tomate, seaonal leaves, vannella buffalo fetta, pickled chilli and paprika oil (v)
Fried Rice Brekkie
Biodynamic brown rice with chilli, ginger, soy, greens and two fried eggs (gf) (v)
We all know the Sqirl started as a jam company, well Two Chaps even has a similar back story. Their first product was handmade Sticky Chai and when we first discovered them years ago that was all they were doing out of the current location. Manufacturing and producing the chai along when doing takeaway cups for passerbys. Cut to now, and its a major destination for anyone in the know. And these two chaps have been busy to say the least. Not only have they extended the operation into a fully fledged cafe and bakery, but they also launched their specialty coffee roasting project - Blind Man Coffee.
On weekends the lines get crazy and you have to arrive early to get a seat. And if you want to eat dinner, just make sure you make a booking.
LOCATION
122 Chapel Street
Marrickville NSW 2204
HOURS
Tues/Wed 7-3
Thurs/Fri 7-3 & 6-10
Sat/Sun 8-3
Closed Mondays