Update: As the owner Josh has publicly stated “Lorraine aka Not Quite Nigella is a bitch” and insulted my blog, I can’t say that I would recommend my experience here in any way.
“He’s a grumpy guy but he sure can cook” says an affable fellow diner at Cafe Ish, moments after Cafe Ish’s chef Josh tears up the small cafe, looking bad tempered and slightly wild, and points at my husband and says “NO cameras, you’ll have to put that away!” and storms back to his tiny kitchen. We’re all speechless and a bit taken aback. His partner Ai tries to explain, you see she’s also unhappy that her coffees were compared to others online and asks whether we can show some credentials. Fellow blogger Christie from Fig & Cherry and I show her our business cards and after that it is ok to take photos. And despite being allowed to take photos, Dillon and Christie report that the whole time, chef Josh has been eyeballing us intently making it for a less than comfortable lunch.
We’re still a bit shocked at the manner in which we were told but we are determined to enjoy our lunch nevertheless. My husband and I are lunching with Christie and her husband Dillon today, after weather changed our Palm Beach plans. Cafe Ish is said to be Organic Modern Australian food with a Japanese twist. The service it has to be said otherwise is absolutely charming from every other member of the staff. We’ve heard so much about the soft shell crab omelette and despite the fact that it’s not on the menu the waitress assures us that I can indeed have it. There is an emphasis on Organic produce with the Free Range eggs coming from Kangaroo Island where there are no foxes so the chickens are left to roam free, the pork from Berkshire (soon to be all organic) and milk from Country Valley Dairy in Picton. Everything is categorised into “ishes” from “Sweetish” to “Savourish” to “Eggish”.
Wattle Maccacino $6 large
Our coffees arrive first, very artistically presented we must say (and both Christie and I love the cup and saucer set). It’s their signature coffee the Wattle Maccacino with wattleseed and macadamia. It’s an unusual but nice cup of coffee with some of the taste probably coming from the milk from the Country Valley Dairy in Picton where the taste of the milk changes depending on the season and what the cow eats.
Salts and peppers
We’re given a selection of salts from the black Hawaiian Volcanic Salt; a Salt and Pepper combination; Citrus salt and chili salt as well as a grinder of Tasmanian Alpine Pepper Berry.
Grinding with the purple hued Tasmanian Alpine Pepper Berry
Soft Shell Crab Omelette $20ish?
I try my soft shell crab omelette. It’s a light lacy omelette filled with delicious soft shell crab. I can see why it gets the raves that it goes, the soft shell crab and avocado salsa going so well with the omelette with the piquant relish on top and the pool of soy and ginger sauce. I season it with some Tasmanian Alpine pepperberry which gives it an interesting taste and a pretty sprinkling of purple.
Native pepper pork loin on roasted pumpkin with house made tomato relish $18
Christie’s dish is a huge piece of pork loin which makes us gasp as it’s brought to the table it looks so good. It’s an incredibly juicy piece of pork loin sitting on a bed of perfectly seasoned soft roasted pumpkin. Did I mention how juicy it was? Ok yes, absolutely worth the abuse 
Japanese style curry with crocodile, apple, muntahries and lemon myrtle rice $15.50
Dillon’s curry is certainly interesting with chunks of crocodile in it. Crocodile is like a cross between pork and a very firm fish with a slightly dry texture to it. The muntahries, a native berry, are delicious and the lemon myrtle rice is a lovely and unusual accompaniment. It’s said to be a Japanese curry but different to the curries I’ve had there (the Vermont and S&B tasting ones).
Wagyu burger $16.50
The Wagyu burger on a slightly burnt damper roll with tomato, cos lettuce, tomato relish and ketchup is large and filling and whilst it’s not bad, I prefer the adventurousness and finesse of the other dishes.
After we’ve eaten Josh comes out and takes our plates and introduces himself and we shake hands. He says with a wry smile “One day I’ll learn to ask people not to take photos in a nicer way”. “You didn’t have to chuck a spaz” says the honest Christie which makes us all laugh. He’s not so grumpy anymore it seems. ETA: Although despite his apology his comment below (see comments section) says that he feels he wasn’t shouting at all, merely being assertive. Hmmm, I didn’t think people needed to apologise for being assertive ho hum…
Wattleseed and macadamia ice cream
We have a chat with him and have a look at the tiny kitchen. Everything is made on the premises, even in this tiny kitchen, one which he points out is without any gas, only electricity and two burners (however they will be taking the premises over next door). All of the desserts are home made with only the bread and ice cream being bought in and the ice cream is a special blend made for them of wattleseed and macadamia. So of course we are compelled to try that. It’s a deliciously nutty blend with plenty of texture to it from the wattleseed.
I’d love to say that I’d be back but to be honest, I didn’t feel that the subsequent exchange of comments would mean that I would be welcome. Also I prefer to enjoy myself when dining out and being with friends and being yelled out doesn’t cut it, especially when an apology is given but then taken away.
We walk through the city to Chinatown where we spy one of the free pianos which the public are urged to play as part of the Sydney Festival. I decline, there are too many years between my last playing of Für Elise and now.
Check out Christie’s review of Cafe Ish on her blog Fig & Cherry!
Cafe Ish
Shop 2, 102 Albion Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Tel: +61 (02) 9281 1688
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33 Comments
LOL – all that ho-hum about your lovely pie and you end up in Surry Hills!
Hi NQN! You guys were super nice to stay and give them your patronage! I would’ve walked straight out after that outburst. As they say, there’s no such thing as bad publicity! Hard to be in hospitality if you’re going to react like that to a bad review!!
Absolutely adored having lunch with you and Mr NQN. Can’t wait to do it again darling!
The food looks great! A pity about the outburst from the chef.
The pork loin and the omlette look like they’d be my favourites
~~
I cannot believe how amazing this food looks! I must make a trip to Sydney to dine here!
I walk past this place every day on the way to work but never go past early enough to drop in before my shift. That omelette sounds divine, although I’m with Min Ai – I would have left if yelled at like that! Good thing I don’t take my camera out much!
Love this place, I’ll have to go back for the Pork as it wasn’t on the menu last time! I go here often for the Maccacino, the aroma is amazing. They have awesome dessert as well. We often rack up quite a bill when we come here.
The last time I went the owner (Josh) was saying he was going to move the Cafe somewhere down the road because it was bigger. I wonder if that is still going to happen ..
Hi L – I relate to grumpy! He is maybe part Viennese
Crocodile? I had that last in Alice. I will definitely take my boys there on Saturday. Much Love M
Sounds like you guys handled the awkward moment very well and managed to enjoy lunch in spite of it. I love the Aussie foods being included. I haven’t had pepperberry before, it sounds pretty.
Isn’t it amazing what can be made in tiny, underequipped kitchens? Sounds like it was a good meal despite the initial hoohah!
wow, the food looked really yummy. but those salt and pepper bowls, don’t you wonder about the last people to put their fingers in them?
heh gold nail polish! me likey
What a place, and the food sounds pretty amazing. I’d love to try that ice cream, I’ve never heard of Wattleseed.
Hi MsGourmet-Ho hum? I think we were just looking forward to eating it
Hey as long as we met up that was what counted!
Hi Min Ai-Thanks! We actually debated about whether to write something or not. I saw on eatability that others had had some similar experiences so that makes me feel better
Hi Christie-It was so much fun. I look forward to more yummy meals (hopefully without scenes)
Hi Cappucino-Yes as the food was great. I think he realised that it was uncalled for later. Perhaps it was too hot in the kitchen!
Hi Apocolypstick-It’s a definite favourite amongst many of the locals (and otherwise!)
Hi Annie-It was a close call indeed!
I felt sorry for my husband who was only taking photos for this-poor boy got shouted at for it 
Hi Howard-The pork was a special so I don’t know how long it will stay around. But it’s worth another visit to have that! No they’re taking up the space right next to it so that will be good.
Hi Big M-Haha there’s no way that you’re grumpy! You’re the least grumpy person I know
I think the boys will like it. Lots of love xxx
Hi Arwen-Thankyou. I think we did too and I am glad that he made amends at the end. The use of the Australian spices is done very judiciously and cleverly I have to say
Hi arista-I know, I was gobsmacked at the size of his kitchen!
Truly amazing!
Hi the projectivist-haha I did discuss that with my husband. They did give a spoon with one of the salts although I must admit that I grabbed a pinch of the Hawaiian volcano salt without even thinking!
Hi chocolatesuze-hehe thanks! It’s more silvery gold. The gold one didn’t look very good on me
Hi Hayley-It’s very nice, very grainy and quite nutty!
Wow – the chef may have been a little inhospitable, but all of that food looks and sounds amazing! Even the coffee is pretty special. You’re making me want to go to Sydney to see this place. (And to think that I used to work in Surry Hills only 4 short years ago – can’t recall such good food then …)
two things:
-i love latte art, and
-what the heck is a wattleseed?
i’m going to pay the cafe a visit. they should be thankyou instead.
if she’s running a cafe she should get used to having her coffee compared to other establishments. how does one improve if there’s nothing to compare against? how does one improve if they cannot take criticism?
I think I would have cried if someone yelled at me like that about my camera! It still feels awkward when people stare over in my direction when I start snapping away…and that’s just the people I go with. Sounds like they made up for it with the good food and the tour at the end though =)
Hi cakelaw-It was very delicious indeed I have to say
He sure can cook like the other diner said! I think Surry Hills has changed quite a bit!
Hi grace-hehe latte art! I never knew that it had a name
Wattleseed is a native Australia seed from the Acacia tree. It’s quite nice and a bit “sandy” in texture.
Hi EL-We didn’t quite understand that either. We thought that it would be a good thing to be included and surely it’s worse to be left out?
Hi Chris-It was very scary! I’m glad they did in the end too
That is not the memory you want to have of a place.
Oh wooooww! I must get myself business cards or just dine with you guys hee hee (00) as the no camera thing happened to me as well.
The food here does look tasty though yummm
That’s a great picture of the coffee. And the food looks pretty impressive too – which makes me puzzled as to why they were so defensive about the photography thing. Is it because they have been getting bad reviews online?
Hi Ffichiban-I held off on getting business cards for ages until I realised everyone had some and I made some up quick smart
They’re very handy actually!
Hi Y-Very pretty coffee indeed!
I don’t know what people have been saying really beyond what I’ve read which has been positive. I suppose some others have commented on having “run ins” with Josh and Ai but nothing about the food or coffee itself.
I’m slowly but surely making my way to each and every cafe and restaurant in Surry Hills, and this is next on my list despite the camera outburst. I don’t have a business card just yet though so I might keep the camera in my bag.
Most people (from waiters to my friends) just laugh at me when they catch me taking photos, but the waiters and chefs alike seem quite happy when I say that their food is so good it deserves to be captured in print. Note to self: get business card.
It nothing to do with reviews.
Its all about maintaining competitive edge, and ownership of intellectual property.
Also about asking before taking photos.
And for the record they were not shouted at.They were told assertivly.
hell I can cook but cant spell
Josh
Hi MsUnreliable-Haha watch out! That’s all I can say (see below comment) and best of luck!
Yes most people are more than happy for you to take photos, the only one time I wasn’t allowed to was at The Ivy and they said so politely and discreetly (and it was also on the menu)
Hi Josh-No, let’s not misrepresent something, you did shout and the whole cafe did stare and stop whatever they were doing and yes we were made to feel like criminals for what? Taking a photo of a coffee. You were not being assertive. If you’ve read Christie’s review, she called it yelling and it was.
I thought that I was more than fair on you in my story and 100% accurate in reporting how things happened. I think it would be a shame as you’re a great cook but personality goes a long way and sorry dealing with people like this doesn’t do it for me.
As Adriano Zumbo said, bloggers are a great way of cataloging intellectual property. The photos and visits are dated so using blogger’s photos and stories, you can easily show the original source of an idea using a timeline. Besides which, anyone that wants to copy anything can do it with a piece of paper or simply by looking at something and remembering it.
I’ve eaten in plenty of places all around the world where intellectual property would be an issue (Gordon Ramsay, Alain Ducasse, Joel Robuchon, Iron Chef Sakai, Iron Chef Michiba) and everyone has been more than polite and interested and happy for us to take photos. It’s a pity you’ve gone the other way.
Dude, if theres one thing you need to know about NQN its that she’s really accurate in what she says. I’ve gone to heaps of restaurants on her recommendation and its just like she says it will be. So if she says u were shouting its probably true.
BTW you might want to have a look at the 1st page of eatability. Two people have written about a similar sort of thing.
Hi Ryan-Thankyou very much
We also have 4 members of our party that were there and everyone agreed it definitely wasn’t just assertive!
Hi!
Living in Surry Hills I’ve been to Cafe Ish quite often.
I’d totally agree that the the food and coffee are excellent. Some of the best available in the area. I’ve always found that the staff members are always very friendly.
Regarding your negative experience, I think there needs to be some consideration of both sides. I can understand that being yelled at and ‘told off’ is never pleseant. But, as your friend said on her blog, you normally ask before taking photos, but didn’t in this case. Sure, its understandable to forget something like that. But in that respect, I think you need to also consider other perspectives, since it seems to me that you both made errors.
For example, regarding the disparity over yelling vs being assertive, the kitchen of Ish is a small but very busy place, which can easily muffle talking if you’re inside it. I’d suggest that Josh has probably had to learn to talk louder to make himself heard by those outside it. When rushing out to tell something to someone, this could come out as yelling, when it is not the intention. Thus, its reasonable to think that both descriptions of the event were accurate. I doubt it was Josh’s intention to yell at you, as I doubt it was your intention to covertly take photos for publication. Also I’d add that there is a difference between taking photos in front of paid staff, and in front of the owner – who’s reputation and livelihood you are critiquing. I’d be willing to bet that if you started a photoshoot of his food in front of Ramsey himself (without asking/explaining) you’d get a significantly bigger (and intended) earful!
Of course, Ramsey also has a big name already, so a negative reviews or two means a lot less, in fact it’s expected as people’s experiences will always differ.
Anyway, perspective is everything, and imo its important to consider as many as possible in all situations. I’d suggest that others reading this blog, and similar, focus on the quality of food. Yes, some places have terrible service (or food) but Ish is not one of them.
Can “presentation of food” in isolation (as opposed to the recipe itself) officially be registered as intellectual property? I’m talking only about the visual aspect here, as that’s all that a photograph can convey.
Seems like a tricky legal area, and from the photos above, the food doesn’t look particularly original visually. So how could you tell, for example, the burger in the photo above from a thousand other burgers available in Sydney cafes, just by looking at a photo of it? And if you can’t tell the difference, how can you prove that you have rights to the visual aspect of that burger?
Burgers aside, presentation of food is just as much a part of the creative process of making food, as making the actual food itself. So yes, in a way, it can be regarded as intellectual property, but in the same sense, a lot of presentation is so derivative anyway.
I just think it’s unfortunate the situation was handled so badly by the owner. Most people are happy to put away their cameras, if asked to nicely.
Hi James-I can see what you’re trying to achieve but if he had just let things be after our visit I would have been fine to recommend Cafe Ish but I can’t now. He still feels, after everything, that he was merely being assertive yet if so, why did he apologise? Our “error” was merely to take a photograph. It is a public place and intellectual property based on the look of an item from the photograph is shaky at best. There was nothing unusual in the look of anything that we ordered, if anything it might be in the combination of flavours or recipes which a photograph does not convey. Nothing was covert, it’s a big camera, nothing was intended to be sneaky, it was just some photos. It’s also a slap in the face that after I enjoyed my food and wrote about it glowingly, that he comes back with that comment. My husband read my draft and thought that I was being extremely kind of them given our experience.
I’ve dined with food bloggers many a time and I don’t think we’ve ever asked if we can take photos. Maybe that should change but the fact that no restaurant (aside from The Ivy, London because of their celebrity clientele and they state no photographs on their menu) has ever had an issue with it would lead me to suggest that asking before taking is the norm. However if someone had told us nicely, we wouldn’t have had a problem. The fact was, we weren’t asked nicely. Another thing to consider if that we’re paying for the food and/or drink and if I had gotten something takeaway, I could have done whatever I wanted with it as I’ve paid for it. If someone is wanting to copy something, they’d take it away and analyse it at their leisure. Also if we are talking Intellectual Copyright, their “Wagon” is not an original idea either as it is based on an existing item.
I do not wish to keep debating it with Josh, I can see that he staunchly believes that he was in the right the entire time and whenever I hear the words Cafe Ish it’s just a very unpleasant memory for me. I feel sorry for any tourist that whips out a camera because they are taken with Ai’s pretty cappucino pattern only to get an “assertive” Josh pointing a finger in their face shouting at them that they aren’t allowed to.
Hi B-Yes I agree, visual presentation of the food in question is not unique to Cafe Ish. The recipe itself can be subject to intellectual property laws but even a list of ingredients cannot be copyrighted.
Hi Y-As B mentioned, there wasn’t anything particularly unique to them, it was a burger, a loin of pork, an omelette and a curry and a coffee with a pattern I have seen done similarly in the past. Yes if asked nicely, it would be a vastly different situation.
And like Josh has arbitrarily decided that everyone needs to ask before taking a photo I’ve decided to close comments on this story, although I’ve never closed comments on any story before. Discussing Cafe Ish only brings up unpleasant dining memories.
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