Over the last 7 or so years, Marrickville had been lauded by real estate agents as the New Paddington, a previously less attractive area that, due to its proximity to the city, relatively convenient transport and multicultural community, was set to boom. Sellers (and buyers) were quick to price in this potential. Luxurious warehouse conversions started popping up.

Then young hip city dwellers from Newtown and Enmore spilled over past Enmore Park and started opening warehouse music venues in Marrickville. The Vietnamese restaurants gave way to the pioneering cafes and bakeries.

While far from having the pomp of Paddington, Marrickville is on the up and up – at least as far as cafes were concerned.

For breakfast yesterday, we caught up with J at Cornersmith in Marrickville, a new cafe on Illawarra Road. The cafe has been heavily blogged about of late and we wanted to check it out.

The space itself it small but very well furnished and utilised. After placing our name on the chalkboard outside and a short wait, we were seated in a cosy table.

In the time we were there, the place burgeoned with patrons. To serve everyone, staff waited on you with a rushed efficiency. Inoffensively and with a polite smile but rushed.

Of course, everyone was here for the lovely locally-sourced food. V had the Vanilla Bean Labneh with Pear & Chamomile Conserve & Seeds on Rye. V liked it but I thought that while it was richly flavoured, it was a little on the sparse side.

Vanilla Bean Labneh with Pear & Chamomile Conserve & Seeds on Rye $10

I had the Sardines, Carraway Labneh, Fennel, Greens & Wild Greens Peston Rye, which I thought was better value than V’s. The sardines and labneh was a very interesting combination over the thin crunchy rye.

Sardines, Carraway Labneh, Fennel, Greens & Wild Greens Peston Rye $12

J had the Poached Egg Roll with Pasture-Raised Ham, Garlic Aioli, Smokey Onion Relish and Fennel Salad, apparently the best of the lot.

Poached Egg Roll with Pasture-Raised Ham, Garlic Aioli, Smokey Onion Relish and Fennel Salad $12

As a side, we had the sweet Honey Cured Carrots with Fennel and Sesame Seeds. This was great. I could have easily had a salad of this.

Honey Cured Carrots with Fennel and Sesame Seeds $5

The word? Cornersmith sets a high bar for other cafes to follow in the area. Food-wise, the dishes are thoughtfully and lovingly devised and is mostly reasonably priced. Would I come back? Certainly. If it’s too busy at Cornersmith, there are always the hearty pho places nearby.


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