Burnt Orange, Middle Head, Mosman. Sat 9th June, 2012

What a gem!

Thanks must go to our two friends, Andrew and Jenny, for letting us in on this Sydney secret. We knew about Ripples and the Gunners' Barracks but it was only today that we discovered and savoured the delights of 'Burnt Orange', perched on middle head overlooking Sydney Harbour.

Perhaps best described as Laura Ashleigh meets Australian Federation chic, the wide verandahs, enormous windows of this converted golf country club is warm and welcoming from the moment you emerge from the native bush that surrounds it to the moment you are kindly offered a seat and all the pleasure in between.

Perhaps the glorious sunshine helped (amid a gloomy wet week), but we (Sal, Brad and regular interstate guest, Andrew) all agreed this was one of the best brunch spots to date.

Highlights included:

* Excellent personal service. Attentive but not invasive.

* Wide tables (which allowed one to spread out the paper while eating brunch) - a rarity at too many cafes these days.

* Excellent food.

*Attached cottage gift shop where, among other things, you can purchase homemade (As in, yes, on site) marmalade. Which we did.

* Birdsong drifting up from the parrots in the eucalypts.

Ok, if we're sounding a little sappy and, well, Mozzman Mummy, too bad. When on the north side and amongst the locals.. let yourself go.

QUIZ RESULT:

Probably because of the sensory overload, we only achieved 16/20. Annoyed that there are too many popular culture questions and not enough of the traditional History, Literature, Geography. We may have to write another letter...

RATINGS:

BRAD: I can't believe I've driven past this one so many times on my way to Ripples. Burnt Orange 'kicks ass'. Sorry, don't know what prompted that gratuitous vernacular, but I do rate this place highly and will bring guests back here, especially international or interstate. 5 Golden Eggs.

ANDREW (Shelley): You did it again Sydney. Hard not to be impressed. A thoroughly delightful morning among friends, fine food, good coffee and beautiful vistas. 4.5 Golden Eggs. Can't give anything perfection outside Canberra.

SAL: A piece of Mosperson heaven what a delight. Large timber tables that you can both read the paper at, excellent service and my food  -  eggs florentine where excellent. Very good choice for anyone with a visitor in town. Top marks 5 Golden Eggs