Spain, France and German Food Trail

Europe 3 - HERO - La Flamenca Paella.jpg

Bonjour! I’m the Parisian Gnome. When I visit a new country, I love to bring back a souvenir and memory of a favourite dish. I’ve recently travelled through three countries, from Valencia to Madrid, Paris and Berlin, enjoying a feast of classic tastes and flavours along the journey. I have discovered these restaurants in Chatswood serving French, Spanish and German-style food, from delicate macarons to the bold flavours of paella to the hearty pork schnitzels of Germany – all capturing the unique flavours and aromas of these European regions.

Here's my favourite finds in Chatswood:

1. Schweineschnitzel at The Bavarian

My part-European heritage always has a soft spot for a good schnitzel as a comfort food dish. Schweineschnitzel - giant 300g pork schnitzel, cabbage slaw, lemon and fries ($26) at The Bavarian is pretty true to its name and quite a feast for one so be warned. A generous sized crunchy golden crumb around moist meaty pork to please. I love a good cabbage slaw to help cut through the meat-fest and the crispy beer battered fries are on standby to add extra help in lining the stomach, there is also a 500 ml or 1 litre stein beer glass of German beers available to help wash it all down. You’ll certainly be full and satisfied for the rest of the day as you roll out of the restaurant.

Chatswood Central, Shop 4-6, 1-5 Railway St, Chatswood NSW 2067

2. Gourmet Nutella crepe with strawberries and cream at Crepes Mademoiselle

Upon arrival at Chatswood Mall Market I discovered a fantastic variety of food stalls on offer. To help kickstart the day I decided to go for a sweet rather than savoury crepe with the tempting Gourmet Nutella crepe with strawberries and cream ($13) from Crepes Mademoiselle. I always love watching the skill and art of a thin crepe being made to order with the batter being poured onto a traditional round hot plate crepe maker and then evenly spread out using the crepe spreader tool. Plenty of Nutella filled the crepe before being folded and topped with fresh strawberries and two good sized piles of cream. The wait is worth it and be sure to eat quickly before the cream melts too much on the warm crepe.

Chatswood Mall Market, Victoria Ave, Chatswood NSW 2067

3. Paella Mixta at La Flamenca Paella

Chatswood Mall Market is home to some authentic Spanish food from La Flamenca, paella in particular. I chose the Paella Mixta ($16) because I love trying a bit of everything. It’s a combination of rice, calamari, mussel, king prawns, chicken, onion, garlic, tomato, green beans, extra virgin olive oil, saffron, paprika and homemade chicken stock. It’s a mellow yet tasty dish served up hot from a huge paella pan which first drew me in from the delightful cooking aroma. Great to see such a well-known dish of Spanish cuisine that originated in Valencia being found in the heart of a very Asian cuisine oriented suburb.

Chatswood Mall Market, Victoria Ave, Chatswood NSW 2067

4. Churros and milk chocolate at San Churro

How can I resist some Churros and milk chocolate dip ($10.95) at San Churro located in Westfield Chatswood. I love donuts and these long corrugated sticks are like the Spanish version of donuts. I have fond memories of eating these in Spain freshly extruded and cooked in oil to a thin crisp shell and soft inner texture. I remember the ones I had in Spain were a bit thicker in size but these ones are still a joy for a simple sugar hit. They go well with a coffee or simply on their own. I even noticed you can get a churro filled with Spanish choc-hazelnut — oh yes please, maybe next time.

Westfield Chatswood, Shop 609, 1 Anderson Street, Chatswood NSW 2067

5. Macarons at Pattison’s Patisserie

When I visited Paris many years ago I had to see the Eiffel Tower and visit Ladurée for macarons so when in Chatswood if you’re craving those famed French treats you can get a mixed box of macarons ($18.50, 6 pieces) at Pattison’s Patisserie located in Chatswood Chase and Westfield Chatswood. I always find the hardest decision is trying to choose which flavour as there’s so many to choose from. I chose Pistachio, Fairy sprinkles, Passion fruit, Red velvet, Raspberry & Cream and Honeycomb — Honeycomb was the favourite. Other flavours available are Nutella, raspberry, salted caramel and chocolate which would be classic flavour winners I’m sure. If you’ve never had a macaron they generally have a light crisp outer meringue shell with a slight chewy texture and creamy filling. For me the best ones have distinctive flavours and are well made and presented. They make for a great gift idea when nicely boxed as well.

Chatswood Chase, Shop B/50, 345 Victoria Ave, Chatswood NSW 2067

Written by Simon Food Favourites

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