Montparnasse: Randwick

In mourning on discovering my favourite cafe in the Randwick / The Spot area (Cafe Malena) had closed suddenly (this weekend, apparently, March 5-6), I tried out this place - an almost perfect replica of a touristy local cafe, the likes of which dot Paris, especially the real Montparnasse neighbourhood.

The authenticity has, though, its plusses and minuses. The staff and owners are all French, and very pleasant and efficient. They were great with the 3 year old boy I brought with me, and made him a very tasty looking Croque Monsieur (ham and cheese toasted sandwich).

They also do breakfast all day (a big plus in my book - I like to know it's always there, especially on weekends).

Unfortunately, though, especially in the case of my eggs, the serve wasn't huge (in fact very small), the baguette toast was rather stingily thin, and cold. Coffee was ok. And it wasn't cheap - $16 for a small serve of eggs, tiny amount of toast and a bottle juice poured into a glass ain't a great deal.

But it was pleasant enough. Just not a great place I'd be keen to return to for the food itself.