In the race to become Sydney’s next hot gastronomic destination, in 2013 Redfern became the ‘new Surry Hills’. Shortly after, Alexandria was the new Redfern. Now Rosebery is well on its way to becoming the new Alexandria. Yes, Rosebery.
The former industrial precinct has enjoyed a regeneration in recent years. Led in no small part to the influx of food and drink destinations such as Koskela Kitchen (formerly known as Kitchen by Mike) and Archie Rose, Sydney’s first distillery to have opened in over 100 years.
However for the sandwich lovers amongst us, the most exciting result of Rosebery’s revolution is the decision by Black Star Pastry, Newtown’s favourite bakery, to open their second store in this suburb. Because for a bakery that specialises in all things cake and pastry, they make one hell of a corned beef toastie – a sandwich so pretty you almost don’t want to eat it. Almost.
An overly generous portion of rich pink flesh glistens as the toasted sandwich is placed on our table. As a result of the salt curing of the beef, the meat falls apart effortlessly under the weight of our teeth. That saltiness also adds an intensely moorish flavour to the sandwich which we love.
Surrounding the corned beef is two layers of spinach and almond pesto so tasty we’d happily eat just it with a shovel. Then Swiss brown mushrooms, sautéed in garlic and butter, have us searching for a second shovel. This combination of pesto, mushrooms and corned beef is just magical, and gives the sandwich an earthy feel and flavour. It’s like eating the enchanted forest from your favourite children’s fairytale.
Unsurprisingly for a bakery, the seeded bread is exceptional. Toasted to a perfect golden brown, our neighbours’ visibly flinch under the assault of audible crunches with every bite we take. The toasting also melts the wickedly delicious Emmental cheese, and amplifies the sweetness of the caramelised onions.
Simply put, the sandwich is spectacular. And judging by the size of the queue on the day we first enjoy it, many others agree. So do yourself a favour, get to Rosebery and find out why this bakery is so hot right now. Or, visit the soon-to-be opened third Black Star inside The Galleries in late October…… if you can wait that long.
Black Star Pastry- Roseberry
C1 85-113 Dunning Ave Rosebery 2018
Open: 8am – 3pm Monday to Friday and 8am – 4pm Weekends
A Man and His Sandwich
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