The New & Improved Circa Espresso, Parramatta

I never understood the term "new and improved". If something is improved, then there had to be something pre-existing to improve upon, and if it's new, then how can it already be improved?

But I digress.

I learned the hard way in the middle of January that Circa was closed for renovations until the end of the month - it's the second time I've gone and they were shut, damn and blast it! Still, about a week after it opened the doors again, Stephen and I went to meet his sister and his mum for lunch.

It's still small, and there are still lopsided tables outside on the sloping driveway that make it a bit hard to eat, but we were welcomed with the same friendliness as last time, and there was a lot more space as the cooking area has been moved to the back instead of along the side of the interior. We were provided with menus, which I hadn't seen before as previously all options were written on butcher paper and stuck on the wall.

Cold Drip Coffee - $6.00

This cold drip coffee had been prepared using Yama iced filtration, where coarsely ground single origin coffee beans had been soaked in cold water for 6 - 8 hours, then filtered and served over ice. The resulting coffee is easy on the palate, less bitter than its warmer incarnation, and notes of dark fruit and chocolate were observed.

Honey Soaked Chai - $4.50

I'm a big fan of the honey-soaked chai, which I always order with soy milk because I prefer the taste. It's sweet, warm, and comforting.

Chicken Breast Schnitzel Wrap - $9.00

Melissa ordered the schnitzel wrap, composed of succulent, juicy chunks of battered chicken, creamy avocado, house made aioli that gave a bit of a zing, crunchy cucumber and some mixed salad. The wrap itself was impressively thin, with just the perfect thickness to hold everything and remain intact.

Scrambled Egg Breakfast Wrap - $8

Rosie ordered a breakfast wrap of perfectly scrambled eggs topped with chilli jam for some heat and supported by a bed of baby spinach leaves. It was definitely a flavour combination I'm not used to, but I found myself quite liking it.


Smoked Ham Sambo - $8.00

Stephen ordered the ham sandwich, which featured smoked ham off the bone, beautiful vine-ripened tomato, some fresh basil and lots of melty cheese. The bread was some sort of multigrain, but very good quality.

Lasagna Special (price unknown)

My lasagna was a thing of beauty. The layers of pasta were thin and silky, perfectly supporting the rich mince and tomato sauce that alternated with the creamy bechamel sauce. Topped with cheese and accompanied by a side of rocket leaves, I was very impressed by this dish.

I'm one of many people who love Circa with a passion, and have taken an oath to take everyone I know there for a meal. The consistently lovely service, simple food made with quality ingredients, and passion for coffee will have me coming back again and again.

Circa Espresso

21 Wentworth St
Parramatta, NSW
2150

Comments

[Miss Piggy]

I've been back to Circa a million times since the reopned...I miss the kitchen out of the front, but glad to see the coffee bar still there...I like chatting to the guys whilst I gorge myself on their awesome menu!

[Juliana]

The food looks good...it seems that it is a nice place to hand out.
Hope you have a great week ahead Jasmyne :)

[yummychunklet]

Those wraps look delicious!

[yummychunklet]

And, yay! This is the first time Wordpress has allowed me to leave a comment here in awhile!

[Joanne]

I'm definitely craving one of those scrambled egg sandwiches now! Sounds like whatever renovations were made, were for the best!

[Chopinand @ ChopinandMysaucepan]

Dear Jasmyne,

That chicken wrap is something I would do if I'm famished after a pub crawl.

[Hotly Spiced]

That looks like a great place to go if you're after a casual lunch with friends. It would be a difficult choice between the chicken wrap and the lasagne though - both look excellent.

[Vivian - vxdollface]

Good value! I still haven't been yet >< Only time I dropped by was in January.. when they were closed for renovations. Will have to find time to go!

[Dolly]

the lasagna looks so hearty!

oohh the coffee drip is tempting me to dry.

Have u tried vietnamese ice coffee?

[muppy]

yum! haha i take everyone i know there too :) we are there most sunday mornings for breakie, possibly at little obsessed

[Lucas @ coverversions.tv]

I work less than a block from Circa and it's my only coffee destination. I also enjoy snapping a ridiculous number of photos while I'm there and reading the comics they have lying around.

[rockahenry]

hmmm i guess old and improved doesn't have the same ring to it. how bout... old, but new!

i only recently discovered circa and was quite impressed by it. i've never tried cold drip coffee before so I'll give it a go the next time i'm there!