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This happened before I started this blog but I have decided it is worth telling the story as it shows how interesting it is to live here in Redfern and that it is not the scary place some think it to be.
On a late summer evening about 11.30pm I left a party at a friend's place - her name is Lovely, because she is - in Redfern....East (they do see themselves a little special you know) and I was walking  to my home in  Regular Redfern or maybe I should call it simply Downtown Redfern.

The night was balmy and I was wearing my favourite white loose fitted linen pants and a light white loose top. The rule I learned many years ago when walking alone at night is to always walk with your keys in your hand with the largest one protruding between the index and middle fingers to be used as a weapon if needed. The idea is to shove the key up the aggressor's nose which should give you enough time to escape. Good theory I have always thought.

Anyway, I was walking up Redfern Street, properly armed as it were, and as I approached the Tudor Hall pub I noticed a guy standing outside - the street was deserted, no cars, no police in sight. OK here we go, I thought. Do Not Make Eye Contact, Walk in a Positive Manner, Make Sure the KEY is in Position, Get your Running Shoes Ready.

As I approached the guy moved to block my path and said that I was a vision of pale beauty coming along the street. Would I mind if he kissed my hand in appreciation of my beauty. WTF, can't remember the last time someone had asked me that, so I graciously offered my hand which was duly kissed.
He then doffed his Akubra hat and asked if a small hug would be out of order - what could I say to that? So, I received a hug.
Go in peace lovely lady he said.
And off I went home, with a smile on my face.
Perceived danger, eventuating only in a lovely moment.
That's what I experienced in Downtown Redfern.

Spoiled for choice.

After spending the day in the office and with the sun shining, I thought the time was right for checking out the many cafes in the main drag in Redfern Street.

My first stop was at the Crepe & Coffee Co. (actually in Regent Street) where most people leaving the train station would pass by.

Brad is the owner and with a new baby is proof that men can do two things at once (although he  did have someone else holding the baby while I was there).

Specialising in crepes, Brad also has a weekly stall at Eveleigh Markets which shows that his quality of product is good as the Markets are very particular as to who operates there. Open 7 days a week, I would say his hands are full

Moving along Regent Street is the Appetite Cafe owned by Lym

a funky little cafe which I have been to a number of times - the coffee is good and the service friendly. Lym has been there for 5 years and is open 7 days from 6am to 6pm - the hours are so long in this business.

Now, along Redfern Street to Coffee Tea and Me. Now this place pumps 7 days a week, rain hail or shine people are sitting out on mismatched chairs and boxes. The shop used to be a barbers' and is simply a small hole in the wall. The coffee is very good and they start the day with a range of bagels with between 7-9 fillings and the usual muffins, all freshly made. By the time I was there, not too much left in the display counter.

Joanna is the Manager and the cafe has been open since April - talk about making your mark on the street. Totally unassuming from the outside, it still pulls the punters in. This photo was taken at 3pm - normally there is anywhere up to 20 people queuing for their caffeine hit.

Across the road is Baffi & Mo a very stylish cafe owned and run by Regina and Roy. They bought the business 2 years ago and Regina bakes the cakes - her gluten free chocolate cake is fast becoming a favourite, and mine is the flourless orange cake. Their chef Hardy, did his apprenticeship at Tetsuyas and before Baffi was at Watermark. Seeking a more humane work load they are fortunate to have him at the stove.

Open 7 days from 7-3pm and serving all day breakfast they bring a stylish place to Redfern.

Just love the walllpaper.

Regina was concerned she didn't look after a long day - I don't agree.

They have 2 fabulous zinc tables, mismatched chairs and a couple of leather couches. It is a bright and comfortable place to pass the time. Roy gave me a yum muffin to take home which will be my breakfast tomorrow morning while I do the SMH crossword. Heaven.

Last stop for the day was Tapeo - I have been here many times and intend to go in the evening to sample the tapas menu. You can book which is always a comfort for me, 8084 7237 as I hate waiting - (for anything, really).

The owner is from Israel and his name is Liora. The main cafe opened 18 months ago and 3 months ago he opened up next door with a bakery and another espresso machine. The bread is baked at their place in Botany and is 100% organic.

They are very very lucky to have Ray Kersch baking their gluten free pastries - which I will have to try another time.

Liora worked at Sopra in Dank Street before Tapeo and shows a warmth and enthusiasm for what he is doing. Here he is standing in front of an almost empty bread display counter.

Isak the barista made me an excellent coffee - I put my spoon into it before photographing which ruined it a bit.

Well, there are a couple of other little hole in the wall cafes in side streets, but as they were closed by the time I got there, they will have to wait until next time.

Ish that all there is?
Sorry, couldn't resist.
Cafe Ish is a new cafe in Regent Street next door to the Actors Workshop. They felt like a new challenge having been in Surry Hills and from what I have seen they won't have a challenge bringing in customers. On Saturday at lunch people were being turned away because of lack of seating.
I went with my RHBB as I had noticed they had crisp chicken wings, which I just lurve. We ordered the wings with soy & vinegar sauce but they mistakenly gave us the hot sauce. Instead of taking them back, they said to keep them and the correct order would be just a few minutes - no argument from us!
Of the two options we actually preferred the hot sauce option - not the best photo, but they really are lovely and crispy.

Our second choice was the mini crab omelette - if that's what they call mini, can't imagine how big the normal is. Anyway, it was actually soft shell crab which I used to love but having seen them in the raw just cannot eat them now. Sometimes it is best not to see things before they hit the plate. Blood sausage is one....tripe...bull's testicles... the list could go on.

Anyway, moving right along, we were chatting with the couple who shared our table and they each had burgers which looked pretty good. A nice crisp topped bun and not too gross a size so it would fit into most people's mouths, if you know what I mean. They also had the milkshakes which apparently Cafe Ish are well-known for and gave them top marks.

Now, the couple who shared out table were very nice but as they live in Redfern..EAST I had to remember that they are a station above me as I live in plain Redfern. And now of course there is Redfern Heights to consider. Maybe I am really living in a valley.

The End of an Era
Poppy who owns Black Lace is packing up and going to live overseas for a year. After being at the shop for so long she feels the need for a break. Maybe come back and open another store; who knows.
That is not good news, but there is a silver lining. Summer stock is still to come in and will be available until October. Everything will be reduced immediately so you should go in and grab a bargain.
My RHBB nabbed a beautiful beaded caftan and another BB a cerise jacket - me, a great black jersey long sleeved t-shirt and matching pull on casual pants (all for $68).
I will be keeping a lookout for something unusual for summer.
While in the shop last week, people were coming in expressing their disappointment at the imminent closure - it's good to see someone who has contributed to the life of Redfern being so appreciated.