Although Bitter Sweet is a cult favourite in Port Macquarie, as well as one of my go-tos for a sugarcoma, I think a lot of the praise it receives is superficial. Sometimes, when someone else is buying for you and a measly cake costs 8 dollars or more, you just want to tell them it's good. The same situation hits you when you're eating out at a place one your dining partner has chosen: we internalise that it would be rude to let them know that they just wasted our money. I think this situation happens a lot with Bitter Sweet.
The selection of patisserie goods on offer is awesome - I will give them that. But too often, they look a lot prettier than they taste. This is especially the case with their baked cheesecakes, which, despite being advertised of different flavours, are differentiated in taste only by the toppings: the cream, fruit, ganache, nuts et cetera.
This is why I was astonished when confronted with the baked macadamia and honey cheesecake ($8). The macadamia and honey flavours were very evident, and the cheesecake different to all others I had ordered from the patisserie. This creation was almost perfect: the chocolate ganache tucked away in the waffle cone had a beautiful velvety texture that contrasted the crunchy macadamias that surrounded it well. The only let down was the small waffle-like cone. Upon glancing I expected a crunch, but when I bit into it, it was soft and chewy, disappointing.
This visit was with my grandparents; Bitter Sweet is one of their favourite cafes in Port Macquarie and they visit frequently for a mid-morning coffee and toasted banana bread. They both ordered the gigantic white chocolate and almond cookie ($3). My Gran was unable to finish it, so wrapped it up tenderly in the accompanying pink serviette. My Gran is quite the cook and the treats at Bitter Sweet continue astound her, if that says anything. As do the friendly waitresses, who know most of my family by name and are some of the warmest, most genuine waitstaff in Port.
The iced coffee at Bitter Sweet is one of the best I have tasted. I find other drinks there - like lattes and cappuccinos - a bit bitter, but something happens when they make an iced coffee (maybe the sugar and ice cream balance the bitterness out). Whatever it is, their iced coffee is smooth and deliciously creamy.
Of course, Bitter Sweet doesn't only deal with coffee and patisserie goods: they have lovely summer menus for breakfast and lunch, with the items I have so far sampled being quite decent.
Just a warning though, the inside area can get a bit loud, with people walking through the middle of the cafe to place orders and grab their takeaway coffees, then there's the purring of the coffee machine to consider. I recommend you visit on a nice sunny day to laze about in the outdoor area. But even then, the view isn't the best. Sure, you're overlooking the pristine Lighthouse Beach, but you're also situated in the middle of a car park. Bitter Sweet does their best to hide this fact with gorgeous little flowers dotting the outdoor area and tables.
Bitter Sweet Cafe, 48 Watonga St, Port Macquarie
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