Bidding farewell to the North Shore is a sad goodbye. For years, I’d always thought that there wasn’t much in the way to eat around here but I was sorely mistaken and set straight by many loyal readers who pointed out great finds in the area. Living close to Neutral Bay meant that I had a range of fantastic Japanese food within 10 minutes and one of my favourite places was Japaz, a Japanese tapas place. I later learned from Yas from Hungry Digital Elf that Japaz also has a cafe called Atomic Espresso across the road and they happen to serve Katsusando (Fried Pork Katsu Sandwiches) from Thursdays to Saturdays. Only 20 of these sandwiches are made on these days and if you want to nab yourself one, you need to ring ahead and reserve your “sando” (Japanese for sandwich).
Evidence of my Limited Edition lunacy
Yes this is a Limited Edition Sandwich. The two words Limited Edition can either bore or excite someone. Sadly I’m one of the latter. If I hear that only a few are available of something, the desire to covet and own one of these things is exponentially increased. The Louis Vuitton Murakami collection was one such instance of instant smitteness. I had to have the Murakami Retro bag. I rang LV and put my name down and pestered them every few days to see whether a shipment had come in. When it did, I bought it, used it and then after a big fat raindrop plopped on the cream leather trim (you can probably see it on the right of the bow), stowed it away in its dustbag for years, just in case it ever got marked again, taken out only on occasions where a dress or outfit specifically matched the colours. I never said I made sense did I?
Cappucino $4
This afternoon Mr NQN and I find ourselves on the small Atomic Espresso cafe on Wycombe Street in Neutral Bay. The chef from Japaz walks past us and gives us a quiet Irasshaimase and nod. The waitress is friendly and we tell her that we are here to collect our Katsusando and have lunch so we order coffee and a pasta dish that she recommends. It’s called Atomic Espresso so we have high hopes for the coffee and we’re not let down. It’s a great, full bodied coffee.
The Limited Edition Pork Katsusando $15
She brings us our prized sandwich and we study it. It features thick, white bread slices and even thicker pork katsu slices. There’s a seeded mustard spread on the bread and the katsu appears to have been fried earlier. We take a bite and sink our teeth into the soft bread and tender, fatty pork katsu. It’s very good indeed and the pickle provides a nice vinegary contrast. The mustard is mild and if I can be picky I’d prefer this with that fantastic Japanese mayo and the katsu freshly fried but the thickness and juiciness of the katsu makes up for it. Mr NQN however, being a bit of a Jack Sprat, thinks that the pork is too a little too fatty but I’m of the opposite opinion. To me, fat equals flavour. Does this make me Jack Sprat’s wife who could eat no lean? 
Chili Crab Linguine $11
The Chili Crab Linguine sits in the centre of a soup bowl and whilst it’s not heavingly huge in size, for $11 with an expensive ingredient like crab, it seems just right. The crab is delicately flavoured and with the correct amount of chili so that it doesn’t overwhelm the crab flavour. The linguine is of a good al dente consistency too (thankfully, as I dislike soggy pasta). Definitely worth the trip and something that I will miss from the Lower North Shore.
So tell me Dear Reader, how do you feel about Limited Edition items? Do you flock to them or are you indifferent or unimpressed?
Atomic Espresso, Neutral Bay
148 Wycombe Street, Neutral Bay, NSW
Tel: +61 (02) 9953 0666
Open: Monday-Friday 7am-3pm
Saturday: 8am-2pm. Closed Sundays
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37 Comments | Add your own
Why is it that you appreciate some more when it is scarce? Regardless, so love the idea of a limited edition sandwich. So novel!
Why am I only finding out about this place now when I don’t live in Sydney any longer?! Not fair!
I used to live in Willoughby and was concerned at the supposed lack of dining places – turns out you just have to do a little digging to find the hidden gems of the North Shore.
I’m coming home to the Coast for a visit this weekend, might see if I can nab a couple of these and then convince my mum to take the 1 1/2 hr drive to get it!
I really have to get myself to Neutral bay so I can try these famous katsusandos, the bread looks so soft and fluffy! Though I totally agree with you, katsu and Japanese mayo is delicious
wow thats one big sandwich. They must be good- having to reserve a sandwich- thats the first I have heard of that sort of thing.
I have walked past this place so many times I didn’t realise this was THE place where the infamous katsu sandwiches are housed!
The pasta looks yum, but I’m with your Hubby – fatty pork is definitely not my thing!
I hardly ever cross the bridge :S But I’ve come across so many great places on your blog, I think I’ll have to do it…! I love the huge chunk of pork katsu, yes fat = flavour
I think I would prefer some yum cha char siu buns over the sando, I’m not into limited edition things, unless they are also affordable, then I am all for it.
So which part of town is lucky enough to lay claim to “The home of NQN” now…?
Woohoo you did it! LOL
I’m such a sucker for “limited edition” and countless purchases I’ve made in the past…
Hmm Chili Crab. I always ask for extra size LOL Their omelet is pretty good too
Well, sad to leave your beloved neighbourhood, but I’m sure your new place will be much convenient for more eating occasions to come
Gorgeous bag!!! A limited edition sandwich sounds a little funny to me… and I also don’t like my food very fatty…
Have fun in your new place!
Yayyy you got the sando ^^! I really crave some now as well haha! I think they should use thicker bread as well hee hee
Since you ate it there, the bread didn’t go soggy right?
And gonna miss youuu /tear come visit often!
One of my destination.. the coffee looks great too. Now I got stomachache..not sure its reflux or gastiritis.. so can’t drink coffee or oily food T_T
Though the bag is way cute. I’ll take the Atomic espresso and the limited sandwich over the bag if I had the choice. Whenever I travel to Europe and ask for a double espresso the waiters try to talk me out of it, thinking that I have no clue as to what I am ordering. My daughter is just like you, keeping her gems in dustbags for special occasions. The raindrop would have drip would have driven her crazy!
I luv Katsu! Hehe sando is such a cute way to say sandwich. Ill put this in the dairy for Thursday to Sunday too =)
Forget the sandwich, I let out a squeal when I saw your LV Murakami bag – gorgeous!
Where are you moving to now? It is sad to leave your ‘comfort zone’. I don’t blame you for feeling strange about it. Hopefully your new area has plenty of cafes and restaurants you can investigate! Good luck!
OMG! In love with that pork Katsusando! I love western-Japanese fusion food! I can never find that ard here, though
Ah, I know the evils of limited edition marketing. It appeals to that illogical, competitive little child in us all. The number of items I’ve bought after hearing “it’s the last one, and someone wants to try it after you ma’am..”
But that kastu sandwich has been doing the foodie rounds. I’ve read enough. I want it too! Damn ltd edition appeal.
Gonna miss you bringing us good bites from the North Shore.
I’ve read quite a few foodbloggers go on about these katsu sandwiches.. I think it warrants me a trip over the bridge to check it out
I love your gorgeous LV bag (rain spot or not, that bag is fantastic)! I’m a sucker for limited edition items because of the thrill of knowing there’s so few in existence.
That crab linguine looks delish!
That sandwich looked delicious. I think I need to go and try that. A change is good. Hopefully your new location will bring a lot of fantastic reviews and places that your readers can check out.
I want one of those sandos! (Oh, looks like the marketing’s worked
). It’s a good thing Mr NQN doesn’t like “fatty” pork, there’s more for you…a perfect partnership .
Very, very, very lovely bag!
Kewpie Mayo is absolutely the best mayo, accept no immitations! Was there any katsu sauce on your sarnie? xxx
I use to live up in the lower north shore too and loved neutral bay for its japanese food. By any chance, will you be moving into the eastern suburbs?
Heaps of places to eat your heart out.
I’m a limited edition girl… terrible, I know.
Btw, thanks for that review on Romance … I’m going to celebrate my birthday there with some “caviar” & vodka HAHA.
Those Katsusando looks tasty! I did read it on ‘A Table For Two’ and had it down on my ‘must try’list! It is so close to where we live – would be silly not to go!
I totally get the Limited edition thing… yet I am never patient enough to wait for them, so I commend you on your patience to wait! Im a sucker for ‘limited stock’ food though… such as ramen places that have menus reading ‘ Only 50 bowls made per day..’ and I find myself ordering it even if I don’t feel like it… *sigh* So these Katsusando would be another vice of mine. Love your blog! x
fried pork sandwiches mmmmmm, limited edition handbag double yum!
Ooh, that katsusando had me drooling!
On limited edition foods, it’s heartbreaking when you grow very fond of them and then they’re pulled off the shelves or the menu! (Case in point: my too-short love affair of sorts with the mont blanc at the local Japanese bakery. *sigh*)
Mmm I agree – fatty pork katsu has the most flavour! I’m going to miss your reviews of North Shore restaurants.. now I’m going to have to go out and search for places to eat on my own without your sagely wisdom
hmmm…methinks the wife of jack sprat is one of the most fortunate nursery rhyme characters.
also, “if i hear that only a few are available of something, the desire to covet and own one of these things is exponentially increased.” you and me both, sister.
Sliders got their name b/c they were so greasy, people claimed they “slid” right down to their gut–they could pop one in their mouth and barely have to chew.
I love pork katsu sandwiches! We stuffed ourselves with them from the cart on the bullet trains in Japan
I want the cute bag!!!
Hi Julia-Yes I know!
Thanks! 
Hi Melissa-Oh no! What a shame! I totally agree, at first it doesn’t look like much but there’s a lot there! Hehe spoken like a true foodie!
Hi Steph-Yes definitely do! Oh yes I think most things go well with japanese mayo
Hi sandra -It was massive! Hehe I haven’t done it often I have to admit!
Hi Trisha-Yes who knew that this little place had the famous katsu sandos!
Hi Gab-Hehe really? But I love the flavour!
Hi Betty-yes do them all at once!
Yep fat=flavour amen to that!
Hi Tara-Oh really? I need some of that logic but alas I’m a LE freak!
Hi Robert-I’m back in the Eastern Suburbs now!
Hi Yas-Yep I did! Thanks for letting us know about it! Yes the omelet was a close choice but hubby felt like pasta. Yep that is true, thanks!
Hi Anita-Thankyou! Yes it is a little unusual but worth it to me
Thanks so much! 
Hi FFichiban-I did!
Yes that would be a great idea. Yup the bread wasn’t soggy which was really good. I hate soggy white bread! I will! I still have some N Shore places to visit 
Hi Ja-Oh cool! I hope you’re ok?
Hi Kim-LOL well it is ruined now with the raindrop lol. Really? You’d think they’d figure you knew what you were talking about as you asked for it!
Hi Brianna-I know! Isn’t it just
Cool! I’d love to know what you think of it!
Hi Belle-Heehee thankyou!
Hi Einna-We’ve moved back to the Eastern Suburbs
I grew up here so I know it well and it is a lot closer to things! 
Thankyou!
Hi Sophia-Hehe! Oh what a shame!
Hi Forager-Yes it’s totally illogical but oh so alluring! You must have it! I mean the sandwich and the bag!
Hi Ellie-Aww you and Ffichiban can represent!
Hi clekitty-Hehe it’s definitely worth it if you like Katsusando!
Hi Faith-Thankyou so much! It was instant love and looking at it still makes me pine for it. Me too! The crab was great
Hi Katherine-I hope so! At least it seems closer to everything!
Hi shaz-Haha I know! I was totally lusting after one
I know! We are the perfect pair 
Hi Angela-Thankyou very much! Isn’t it just! I love kewpie and I love how it pipes out in a star shape
xxx
Hi JeniD-Yes it’s the best suburb for Japanese food
Yep to the Eastern Suburbs which is great. It’s so close to everything! Oh wonderful, Happy Birthday and have lots of fun and vodka and caviar! 
Hi Eve-Oh yes well if you’re close definitely pay it a visit
I know waiting is like torture and I’m the least patient person I know 
I’m the same!
Even if I don’t feel like it, I feel like I have to order it. Thanks so much! x
Hi Moya-Hehe thankyou!
Hi Midge-Oh I know, isn’t that the worst? Like makeup, they always make the best stuff LE!
Oh the mont blancs sound amazing!
Hi Jacq-Yep it’s true! I’ll still go over there. I still have some places in my little black book to go to
But thankyou for your kind words!
Hi grace -Hehe I like to think so!
It’s a sickness but one which I am not interested in curing 
Hi Blond Duck-Ahhh ok! I thought they slid off the bun or something!
Hi Christie Haha good work!
Hi Cakelaw-Sadly because it was LE it’s now gone from the shops!
I have a major thing for purses, it is my weakness.
I love yours desperately, but sadly, yes, you can see the stain.
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