@chocolatesuze Breakfast at Shadow Baking inside Gelato Messina #marrickville #sydney #sydneyrestaurants #sydneycafes #shadowbaking ♬ original sound – ChocolateSuze

Inside Gelato Messina’s flagship store in Marrickville is Shadow Baking, one of my fave pastry shops in Sydney who now have a dine in breakfast menu from 8am to 12pm Thursday to Sunday.

Line up at the pastry counter and try to resist ordering one of everything. The custard tart is one of my faves in the cabinet, the buttery pastry is ridiculously flaky and holds a centre of smooth custard that has the perfect level of sweetness.

This sausage and egg bun with apple cider hollandaise hits the spot, pro tip: add the rosti for $4 extra for that satisfying crunch. The sausage patty is on the thinner side and while I wish it had cheese, it’s still a tasty and satisfying breakfast sandwich.

And finally the famed croissant loaf French toast with maple butter and drenched in crème anglaise. This was outstanding, the bread is buttery and rich and somehow the custard just elevates everything, making each bite pure decadence.

@chocolatesuze Young’s Palace- a regional Chinese restaurant #pottspoint #sydney #bigsamyoung #sydneyrestaurants #youngspalace ♬ original sound – ChocolateSuze

I went to the opening night of Young’s Palace in Potts Point, a regional Chinese restaurant from Big Sam Young and Grace from Smore.

The crab Rangoon wontons is a strong starter, the crispy wonton skins holding a pocket of smooth cream cheese and crab.

Followed by salt and pepper squid which is the perfect pairing for a beverage or two and the shredded potato salad with enoki, chilli and black vinegar is a surprise hit and cuts through the oiliness.

The steamed scallops w ginger, shallots and light soy are perfection and I could easily eat 10

Followed by the super comforting chicken and corn soup, then the signature sweet and sour pork, Chen’s fried rice and chicken mapo tofu.

Finally for dessert we end with the super nostalgic banana split with 3 scoops of Neapolitan icecream

@chocolatesuze The most delicious dry aged duck #melbourne #melbournerestaurants #duck #omniabistroandbar ♬ original sound – ChocolateSuze

I fly to Melbourne at least twice a year specifically for the duck at Omnia Bistro in South Yarra.

The honey roasted duck is dry aged for 14 days and it is incredible. It’s a bit exxy at $160 and recommended for 2 people but honestly it’s worth it, and for our group of 5 we ordered 3 ducks.

The duck is always perfectly cooked and juicy and the crispy golden skin is an absolute explosion of happiness. It also comes with a duck leg and pistachio pithivier with the most buttery and flakey pastry and we couldn’t resist dipping into the duck jus. Oh and the desserts are also a must order.