2042 Cafe and Deli, Newtown

We here at The Empty Fridge take brekky seriously - and when it comes to the meal of champions, we don't muck about. We do the hearty breakfasts well, most attribute this to a big night out and would consider these dishes "hangover cures"but come on guys..you know us better than that. Our nights have been spent at home, alternating between Bill the Vampire and Don Draper. Hungover or not, somehow the Museli, Yoghurt, Banana Bread, Oats, Fruit Salad aka Healthy Light Option portion of the breakfast menu is overlooked 9 out of 10 times. Bring on the Bacon and the Chorizo, and pile it up.

Gianna and I have trekked down the far end of King St (The 'away from the city' side) several times to visit 2042 Cafe and Deli, and its fast becoming a regular haunt for locals. It is also across the road from the increasingly popular Bloodwood restaurant. This particular visit was on a sunny Saturday morning and it was already bustling at 10am. I want to add that this cafe is also a continental deli, and you intelligent readers would have also seen that in the title - but I'll get to the magical cave of wonders of imported meats and pastry goods inside. We are on a breakfast mission and we manage to score a table outside. 

The coffee here is delicious, they serve Danes organic coffee and G's Piccolo and my Macchiato are brought out in a flash and with a friendly smile.The service here is excellent, despite everyone being rushed off their feet by the weekend morning crowds. I order the Schulz smoked wagyu beef sandwich with swiss cheese, saukeraut, dijonaise and pickles on soft white rye bread ($13.90).

Gianna..being Gianna (note: who is currently undergoing a fitness / healthy eating overhaul) orders the corn and ricotta hotcake with bacon, rocket and green tomato relish ($14.90). However, she flashes that smile and substitutes the bacon for chorizo and this is why I adore my hungry girlfriend. For a while there, I didn't think she was going to share anything, but the dish is a great choice. The hotcakes are still sweet, and balances the salty goodness of the chorizo. There are also sweet corn kernels mixed into this batter which also gives it a nice crunch. The rocket and green tomato relish make Gianna think that she is eating something healthy but I think it provides a nice tangy flavour and adds to the overall appeal.

My breakfast sandwich was simply put - delicious. The Smoked wagyu beef is a testament to the high quality of meat that is sold at the deli counter. It has a great flavour, and is reminiscent of my favourite rare roast beef sandwich at Katz Delicatessen in New York. The tanginess of the dijonaise spread cuts through the slices of wagyu beef, and it was so good I wanted to ask for a big squeezable bottle of that stuff. My only complaint is that it was missing was a big bowl of fries - but this was breakfast.

After demolishing our meals, we opt for fruity frappes. Gianna had a cherry frappe and I had the the lemon variation. Both were delicious even with the cold wind blowing in our faces and a couple of brain freeze situations. Drink Slowly. 2042 is a licensed cafe and is open till late - so you can also have a champagne breakfast or a late night vino if you can pull yourself away from the TV.

If you are not full, or even just passing by make sure you take full advantage of the deli inside. As mentioned previously, its a treasure trove of imported small goods, cured meats, antipasti - and everyone's favourite - imported cheeses. Eveything is sourced from around the world - Imported salami and proscuitto, Spanish Jamon, Danish and French Cheese is all exciting stuff. The writing on the wall tell us that come lunch and dinner time, 2042 would make a mean cheese and chauticerrie platter, with cocktails and wine to match. We are definitely coming back for a 2024 after dark post, the offer is just too tempting. For today, its a small container of Sicilian olives and some French Brie for afternoon tea later in the day. They also stock Sonoma artisan bread, and we should have grabbed that olive loaf.

Until next time 2042, thank you for an amazing breakfast. You give Bill's a run for their money and we'll be back in Newtown shortly, hopefully to pick up a bike from the shop nearby. You have to burn off the chorizo and wagyu somehow. 

2042 Cafe and Deli 

403-405 King St Newtown (02) 9550 2500