Whenever there’s brunch and bubbles involved, you can count us in. This time it was particularly special though, because there were bubbles of both varieties — the kind you can drink and the kind you can pop!
At the relaunch of Chippendale cafe Concrete Jungle, not only did we encounter a bubble machine running full blast, but loads of scrumptious drinks and a buzzing crowd, too. It almost felt like things were going back to normal again… minus the socially distanced seating arrangement, of course.
A serene oasis at the heart of Sydney, Concrete Jungle is quite a gorgeous city-centric escape. With leafy arrangements draped elegantly over hanging lights and pot plants decorating every corner, it’s hard not to feel soothed when you step inside.
The Food
Last week’s relaunch event served up a taste of their new menu, as well as a flowing stream of ultra-funky cocktail offerings. For our mains, we both chose the Brekkie Mezze and for dessert, we shared the Pandan Bread and Butter Pudding. When it came down to drinks, we maaay have gotten a little ahead of ourselves and took the liberty of trying one of each.
A tasty plate filled with middle eastern style bites, the Brekkie Mezze hit just the spot. From the Merguez Sausages and tangy halloumi, to the hummus and Afghan bread, everything in this dish had our tastebuds dancing with joy. The poached eggs broke with an ideal amount of runny yolk, too. 10/10, would order again.
As for the Pandan Bread and Butter Pudding, the density was so satisfying and locked in all the pud’s delicious flavour. Moist and mouth-watering, we practically inhaled it all. It was also beautifully presented, with the seasonal fruit, coconut yoghurt, caramelised white chocolate crumbs and fruit sorbet positioned in an immaculate little pile of perfection. Very insta-worthy.
Our favourite cocktail of the day was the Laven Der Vibe cocktail, mostly for its stunning theatrics. With a flower-filled, ice sphere as the centrepiece, the cocktail is already super gorgeous as it is. But if that isn’t extra enough for you, the bartender will come over to garnish it with a smokey bubble. Floating atop the ice for a split second, the bubble bursts over the cocktail and releases an explosion of fanciful smoky haze. I mean, if that doesn’t scream drama, then we don’t know what does.
Evolutionary stages of the Laven Der Vibe cocktail 
Evolutionary stages of the Laven Der Vibe cocktail 
Evolutionary stages of the Laven Der Vibe cocktail 
Evolutionary stages of the Laven Der Vibe cocktail 
Evolutionary stages of the Laven Der Vibe cocktail 
Evolutionary stages of the Laven Der Vibe cocktail
Honourable mention goes to the Evil Horny Mezcal cocktail, fusing together Crema de Mezcal, jalapeno syrup, fresh lime, tequila, Mexican spices and hot chilli. We loved the cheeky garnish: two sliced chillis either side of the chilled coupe, made to look like devil’s horns!
Concrete Jungle has two locations — Chippendale and Kogarah — and is open every day 2am-10pm, excluding Mondays. Head to their website to find out more info!
@theadelaidian Oh how we’ve missed blogger events ?Instagramable spots of Sydney Pt. 3?Concrete Jungle Cafe. ##sydney ##sydneyfoodie ##brunch ##foodies ##sydneyfood
♬ original sound – theadelaidian
