Plan B by Bécasse

Plan B by Becasse

Would you believe me, Dear Reader, when I told you that the humble sausage roll had broken the $7 price barrier? You might be even more surprised when I tell you that at $7 it was worth every lip smackin’, finger lickin’, slowly savoured bite. The sausage roll in question is from Justin North’s “Plan B”, the tiny hole in the wall cafe next to Bécasse. I was put onto it by Y from Lemonpi who had visited earlier and told me about their fantastic Wagyu burger and $7 sausage roll. The most expensive sausage roll I’d had was the sausage roll at Bourke Street Bakery and even that was hardly what you’d call expensive at $4, and a lovely sausage roll it was. But I wasn’t too fussed about trying this one as it was almost double the price. I had no idea that Plan B existed, so tiny hole in the wall it was, I even dined at Bécasse right next to it without knowing of its existence and that it has been there for as long as the restaurant has, for 3 whole years.

Plan B by Becasse Cakes

Cake selection $3.50-$4 each

There are 3 tables outside that seat 2 people each, so it’s definitely more of a takeaway your lunch back to the office and read blogs during your lunch-hour kind of place. Apparently the new logo’d umbrellas call out its existence a bit better to passing trade. It’s small but it is stylishly outfitted of course. You’d expect no less from Becasse. I’ve rung ahead to pick up my lunch as we’re stopping through the city. I ordered a Wagyu burger (made with 600 day grain fed Wagyu beef) and a sandwich with pork and apple. The crisp pork belly, hoisin sauce and spring onion was out unfortunately so I made do with the pork and apple although I did toss up between that and the coronation chicken. I’d decide on a cake when I got there and I could see them up close.

Plan B by Becasse sandwiches

Sandwich selection, $8 each

My wagyu burger was lost, apparently there was a miscommunication between the cafe and kitchen and my burger was just put on the grill when I arrived to collect it. Two suits who are standing up inside having finished their burgers get up to leave. I see the range of prepacked sandwiches and a plate of cakes and biscuits as well as designer drinks (I don’t think they even had Coke). The cakes look particularly good. The menu on the website seems to have changed slightly for the seasons. Whilst they had a caramelised mango tart, now it’s caramelised apple.

My burger is still running late and a man comes in from an outside table asking for a paper napkin. He happily declares “I’m covered in crumbs but it was all worth it, that was the best sausage roll ever! Worth every crumb!” and wipes the imaginary crumbs off himself and exits. I need no more convincing and I add a sausage roll to the order. I also buy a caramelised apple tart and a candied lemon and vanilla cookie for good measure. I get a coffee takeaway and it is fantastically good, one of the best coffees I’ve ever had (if not the best). It eventually all comes together in a brown handled paper bag and the lovely girl behind the counter apologises profusely for the delay.

Plan B by Becasse Wagyu burger

Wagyu burger made with 600 day grain fed Wagyu $10

The smell is driving us crazy it’s so good so we unpack our goodies and dive right in after the obligatory photos. The Wagyu burger has got to be the prettiest burger ever, with the burnished glossy bread bun with sesame seeds, the thick patty, melted cheese and mixed salad (although the salad is wilted by now) coming together perfectly.

Plan B by Becasse wagyu burger

Food porn worthy cross section shot

The Wagyu is beautifully seasoned, not just a plain patty and not as finely ground as a regular burger which shows that there is a whole lot of meat, not breadcrumbs or filler involved in making the patty. The bun is sweet like a brioche which and perfect looking in every way-it looks as if someone styled those sesame seeds. Burger perfection it is indeed. Give me more!!

Plan B by Becasse sausage roll

Sausage roll $7

The sausage roll is next, it looks like a regular sausage roll and comes with a sweet slightly tangy tomato relish. There are pieces of smoky bacon and minced pork inside and the pastry is beautifully flakey and buttery.

Plan B by Becasse Sausage roll

Food porn worthy cross section shot showing smokey bacon and pork mince interior

For someone who wasn’t quite sold on the $7 per sausage roll proposition, this has me buying stocks in the idea it’s so good. I take extra small bites so that I prolong the juicy pork and smoky bacon bites. My husband won’t give up his half of this no matter how hard I try.

Plan B by Becasse Pork apple sandwich

Pork and Apple sandwich $8

I try the pork and apple sandwich. It’s on a soft, spongy holey bread. The apple is delicious with the pork but I am getting rather full from my half of the burger and sausage roll so I give this to my husband who devours it quickly. Whilst it was good, very good in fact, I preferred the Wagyu burger and sausage roll.

Plan B by Becasse Caramelised apple tart

Caramelised Apple Tart $3.50

Onto the sweets, the caramelised apple tart is fantastic. For tarte tatin lovers this is plump with caramelised apples on top with a thin crispy layer of pastry underneath. It’s gorgeously fruity and plump.

Plan B by Becasse Lemon vanilla cookie

Candied Lemon and Vanilla cookies $3.50

The Candied lemon and vanilla cookie resembles a tart but is an unmistakebly buttery cookie crust with delicious sweet lemon slices in the centre. For a lemon lover like me, this is sheer heaven.

I contemplate getting a job in the city centre to be closer…

Plan B by Bécasse

204 Clarence Street Sydney
Tel +61 (02) 9283 3450
Open Monday to Friday 8am-4pm
Cash only

Share with your friends:

Related Posts

29 Comments | Add your own

  • 1. Maria T | June 9, 2008 at 10:49 am | Permalink

    Ooops I think I just drooled a little! Burgers and sausage rolls are my boy’s favourite foods. He will like this. Great blog today NQN, thank you!

  • 2. Cappucino | June 9, 2008 at 2:29 pm | Permalink

    Another place that I need to visit as a matter of URGENCY!

  • 3. Alexandra | June 9, 2008 at 4:40 pm | Permalink

    oh the burger sounds exquisite!! and that sausage roll…they don’t make them like that over here! almost makes me want to attempt to come up with a recipe of my own…

  • 4. grace | June 9, 2008 at 6:47 pm | Permalink

    a fabulous food find is definitely a legitimate excuse to change jobs. i don’t think a single food lover would hold it against you. :)

  • 5. SydneyGal | June 9, 2008 at 7:30 pm | Permalink

    Oh, thanks. That’s just what I need (insert fake sarcasm here)! My diet has already suffered (or been improved) by the existence of Central Baking Depot. Now, a whole other place I can go for fabulous pastry of the sweet or savoury kind. Carbs are chasing me around the city, I swear to god.

    I’ll be there tomorrow.

  • 6. Not Quite Nigella | June 9, 2008 at 8:13 pm | Permalink

    Hi Maria T-You’re totally forgiven for drooling (not that that ever needs forgiving) but it’s also totally understandable! Your boy will love it, I guarantee it. Thankyou so much! :D

    Hi cappucino-Definitely, and let me know what you think (oh and could you leave me 1 Wagyu burger and 1 sausage roll when you clean them out? ;) )

    Hi Alexandra-Oooh if you could come up with a recipe for those I’d love to see it! I can only imagine how great it would be to have a never ending supply of these sausage rolls… *dreams*

    Hi grace-True true! Reason for leaving? No Plan B sausage rolls within walking distance :lol:

    Hi SydneyGal-LOL I know, it’s a trap everywhere really! Too many good food options, although the flipside would be totally miserable if we didn’t have them. Hehe see you there tomorrow, I’ll be the one eating endless sausage rolls and burgers.

  • 7. Iron Chef Shellie | June 9, 2008 at 8:57 pm | Permalink

    oooo you finally got the Wagyu beef!! mmmmmm…..

    now i’m craving sausage rolls too!

  • 8. Kim | June 9, 2008 at 10:11 pm | Permalink

    I think a fabulous food find is worthy of moving across the globe. I so want the burger and sausage roll. Great pics.

  • 9. Isla | June 10, 2008 at 12:05 am | Permalink

    oh gosh, if only i found out about this while i was still working in the city (on market st)!!! maybe i’ll pay this place a visit on my day off.. umm.. looks delish!

  • 10. Angela | June 10, 2008 at 3:24 am | Permalink

    Well, that post was absolute food porn! It almost made me start looking for flight prices to Sydney, but then I remembered the spiders.

    Still, a few more restaurant posts like that and I may well throw my arachnophobia caution to the wind and eat my way through Sydney and the suburbs!

  • 11. Bean Sprout | June 10, 2008 at 9:48 pm | Permalink

    My goodness…this shop is sooooooo tempting for me…definitely go there asap….Hamburger, Sausage Roll, Tart tartin…ahh…I think i have to go there many times…Thanks for let us know all the nice shops ^ ^

  • 12. Y | June 10, 2008 at 9:59 pm | Permalink

    Ahh that bun.. I remember it fondly :) I’m glad you found the snag roll worth the price. I wasn’t sure if you would. I’ve passed on your review to my friend. I’m sure she’ll be pleased to know you gave her pastries a thumbs up :)

  • 13. Not Quite Nigella | June 10, 2008 at 10:14 pm | Permalink

    Hi Iron Chef Shellie-Yep I finally did! And was it a goodie :lol: I think it’s the start of an addiction…

    Hi Kim-I would totally understand, indeed every food blogger out there would completely understand your move! Thanks! :)

    Hi Isla-I know, I wish I’d heard of this before. I can’t believe that it has been there for 3 years! Imagine all of the burgers and sausage rolls I could’ve eaten in that time :lol: Definitely a place to visit on your day off ;)

    Hi Angela-I felt the same way when I was editing the photos-my husband said “No that one, it’s closer up and you can see the details” :lol:

    OK yes fair point about the spiders but they aren’t too bad in the city. I hardly see them here! ;)

    Hi Bean Sprout-Yes it’s really a haven for temptation. I felt myself wanting to go back today and fighting with myself trying to resist. It was hard! :lol: Do let me know what you think when you go :)

    Hi Y-’Twas definitely worth every cent. Thanks again for the recommendation. You always know the good stuff! And yes your friend makes some absolutely lovely treats! :D

  • 14. Caleb | June 11, 2008 at 1:45 pm | Permalink

    whoa $8 sandwhiches! That’s about one gallon of gas…so next time I fill up I’ll tell the attendant to give me 20 sandwhiches worth of gasoline, haha.

    I’ll let you know what happens next.

  • 15. Not Quite Nigella | June 11, 2008 at 10:58 pm | Permalink

    Hi Caleb-Yep $8 indeed. In its defence the sandwich was rather good though :lol:

  • 16. Saryn | June 12, 2008 at 11:58 pm | Permalink

    I passed by Becasse all the time and never noticed Plan B. I soo have to go find it now.

  • 17. Lucy | June 13, 2008 at 4:06 pm | Permalink

    Wagyu Burger for $10?? I’m going there tomorrow!

  • 18. Lucy | June 13, 2008 at 4:44 pm | Permalink

    Oh no I just realised they’re closed tomorrow. I don’t think I can wait till Monday =/.

  • 19. Not Quite Nigella | June 14, 2008 at 12:19 am | Permalink

    Hi Saryn-I know, it’s very easy to miss. Although they have new umbrellas which make it stand out a bit more-finally! :)

    Hi Lucy-It’s such a steal at that price, especially since it’s the very same kitchen that produces the fabulous 5 star food. Yep unfortunately it’s closed on weekends :( Hopefully that will change sometime, I don’t often go to the city during the work day much anymore!

  • 20. melissah | June 14, 2008 at 11:41 pm | Permalink

    Why did I have to read this blog on a Saturday??? It will be an excruciating wait til Monday, and even then I doubt I will be able to escape North Sydney over the lunch break to get to Plan B and back :( However, when there is a will there is always a way!

  • 21. Lucy | June 15, 2008 at 1:57 pm | Permalink

    Lucky, I live in the city. I’ll definitely hunt this Wagyu burger tomorrow. I’ve been dreaming about it since I saw this post!

  • 22. Zam | June 15, 2008 at 7:11 pm | Permalink

    I’m SO excited to have only just moved back to our city office (from the suburban office…) - I’m definitely going to Plan B to pick up my lunch one day this week, especially since it’s on the same I street I work at (I wonder if I can contain it till I get back to the office though??) *drool*

  • 23. Not Quite Nigella | June 15, 2008 at 8:37 pm | Permalink

    Hi melissah-Hehe just one more sleep! Perhaps you could offer to do a lunch run for your office and ring ahead to order them and that way it will be a work sanctioned trip with a cabcharge if you have your boss ok’ing it! ;)

    Hi Lucy-Ooh lucky you, being so close to them! Just one more sleep until the burger is yours! :D

    Hi Zam-The same street? Wow,how can you beat that? You can eat in if you get one of the outside tables (in case the wait is too long, I should warn you, it smells divine). Definitely let me know what you think of it.

  • 24. Maria | June 16, 2008 at 11:10 pm | Permalink

    I’d be so curious about a $7 sausage roll I’d have to buy one to try it! It looks delicious and Oh! so does that burger!

    We’re going away tomorrow and one of us will be ordering the Wagyu tomorrow night.. I’m very much looking forward to it!

    Very interesting ‘cookie’ by the way! It resembles the “house cake” at a bakery in my town. Same everything.. except the centre is filled with custard and topped with either blueberries or raspberries. I’ve always thought the ‘crust’ part was very shortbread/biscuity. It’s buttery as you describe.

  • 25. Not Quite Nigella | June 17, 2008 at 9:50 pm | Permalink

    Hi Maria-It’s really worth it. At first I poopoohed the idea but when I had my first bite, I was sold.

    I’d love to hear if they do a good job with the Wagyu and what the marbling score is. I think 12 is the highest amount of marbling (and most expensive) although I think a lot of restaurants ones more around the 7-8.

    Mmm that sounds like a lovely combination. Although I can definitely recommend the candied lemon too! :)

  • 26. Maria T | June 26, 2008 at 6:18 pm | Permalink

    I tried this burger today. Was delicious! Only negative I had was that it was gooey raw in the middle! I never send anything back but I just had to. Second time round it was just right. Pink in the middle but no goo. The girl was lovely about it and checked to make sure everything was alright. She mentioned that its supposed to be quite pink in the middle. But i’m not sure if it was meant to be gooey! Snatched a vanilla slice on the way out. A frenchman came in with his work mate and kept saying “Good yes??” as his friend was eating. Clearly a big fan! I will definitely be back. Hope you are having a great time on your trip NQN :D

  • 27. Not Quite Nigella | June 29, 2008 at 7:03 pm | Permalink

    Hi Maria-Oh gooey raw!? Yes you definitely did te right thing sending it back, I’m sure they’d want to know. The goo is no good! The girl is really lovely there, she was so apologetic that my burger was late although it wasn’t her fault. How was the vanilla slice? Haha at the french guy-sounds like her persuaded a friend to come along and was eager to find out what he thought of it. Sounds like what I’d do :lol:

    I am thankyou so much Maria, we’re having an awesome time! :D

  • 28. Maria T | July 5, 2008 at 5:31 pm | Permalink

    The vanilla slice was everything a vanilla slice should be. Crispy layers of puff pastry with a firm filling and just the right amount of icing. The sweetness was just right for me :D Dare I say it - the perfect vanilla slice!

  • 29. Not Quite Nigella | July 5, 2008 at 7:34 pm | Permalink

    Hi Maria-Oh fantastic! I will definitely try one the next time I go :)

Post a Comment

Your email is never published nor shared. Required fields are marked *
*
*