Food News

Dessert Eat & Drink Produce

Jackie McMillan
January 29, 2014

Across the road from the wonderful Nithik’s Kitchen (which I also review this week), Rozelle’s renaissance continues under a gleaming chromed Art Deco style sign. Bellingen Gelato is co-owned by Robert Sebes and his son Danny. Robert established the infamous Badde Manors Cafe in Glebe back in 1982 and began making gelato there in the late 1980s. In 2004 he sold the business, before opening up a gelato store in Bellingen, northern NSW. The catalyst for opening their first Sydney store was picking up the Grand Champion prize for their sorbet of stewed plum, cinnamon and cloves at the Royal Queensland Food and Wine Show. Danny tells me that all “gelato is made on the premises using recipes developed by Robert over the past 25 years with the focus on strong flavours, high quality natural ingredients and keeping sugar to a minimum.” After trying Watermelon & Mint – “85% watermelon and a bunch of mint”; Burnt Caramel (which would also make a fabulous milkshake); and Macadamia & Honey that impressed with a really natural feel, I’m thinking that Gelato Messina’s finally got some real competition…

Bellingen Gelato
688 Darling Street, Rozelle.
Ph: (0410) 458 773 bellingengelato.com.au

REVIEW: Karen’s Diner Top Ryde

Arts & Entertainment Eat & Drink Scene

Swagatalakshmi Roychowdhury
June 28, 2022

I am not going to lie, walking into Karen’s Diner, which is reputed to have the worst customer service in the city, can be nerve-wracking. After several minutes of nervous pacing and scrolling through the reservation confirmation with clammy hands, a Karen turned to serve me. Rolling eyes and sass made up most of her demeanour, which finally put me at ease. As I looked around, I realised I was not the only nervous one in the diner. Many of customers were similarly hesitant to order their food, all of whom were understandably unwilling to invoke the Karens’ wrath but equally keen to experience what this place was all about.

An evening at Karen’s Diner was a fun experience indeed. From aggressive pushes of food on the table to constant f-bombs and booing at customers, Karen’s Diner was a vibe.

The diner decorations were also quite beautiful. Seated at a high-top table with a table full of has-beens next to a comic plastered wall we watched the customers heading out to play the Wheel of Misfortune. Misfortunes that could land you anywhere between model walks to the not-so-fun spicy shots.

I ate a meal called the “Royale Karen” alongside sips of a cocktail called the “Sour Karen” – listening to Good Golly Miss Molly playing overhead. The food was good, but it could have been better.