See Sea

Sydney Morning Herald

Tuesday July 18, 2006

Jacqui Taffel

Where Cremorne Point Wharf, end of Milson Road.

Open Mon-Fri 6.45am-3.30pm, Sat 8.45am-4pm, Sun 9.30am-4pm

Seats 15

Fresh juices $5.50-$6.50

Coffee Sidoni's, $3.50 sit down, $3

Takeaway

Bestseller homemade muffins (eg, rhubarb and raisin), $3.50.

People on ferry wharves are usually there to catch a ferry, but at Cremorne Point they might just be grabbing a coffee. Many do both.

As commuters run down the boarding ramp clutching their lattes, those at leisure sit on See Sea's wooden stools and, if the sun is out, bask in its rays and the smugness of not having an office job.

For five years, Frenchwoman Sophie Vaillant (above) drove her van here early in the morning, unloaded her espresso machine, sandwiches and muffins onto a collapsible table and, rain, hail, wind or shine, delivered one of the fastest flat whites on the North Shore.

A few years ago, she got a permanent home, a sleek, Burley Katon Halliday-designed white box that snugly fits a coffee machine, sink, fridges and microwave. The limited seating is still essentially outdoors, but the menu has expanded.

She still makes her distinctive muffins and a mean blackberry brownie. She also stocks pies, lemon tarts, chocolate kisses, almond nougat and bikkies.

Although it's not the place to come for a full cooked breakfast or to visit on hideous, windy days, it's another good reason to visit the Point.

© 2006 Sydney Morning Herald

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