Cimini's Pasticceria, Cafe and Bakery on Railway Parade at Kogarah has only been operating for three-and-a-half years but they've sure made an impression.
The bakery, run by the Cimini family, is this week's Leader Local Champion Business and the customers will tell you that it's well-deserved.
Angelo Russo comes to the bakery at least once a week from Matraville, to meet his mate.
"We've been coming here for a few years now, it's so friendly, and everything's great - great cakes - and you can talk to them. Everyone smiles. There's no snobbishness, and they'll sit down with you," Mr Russo said.
"I just love coming here. I know the girls, it's a family run business, and that's what I like. The mother and daughter are good on the eye, too!" he laughed.
The cakes and pastries - including zuccherati and cannoli - are all made by hand by John Cimini, who has been in the bakery industry for over 33 years.
"I was keen to bring my knowledge and specialty food to this area so my wife Lena and I opened our current business from an old run down shop," Mr Cimini said.
The shop has won multiple awards, including The Great Aussie pie comp and also Aussie Best Pie comp, and was recently named Best Bakery and Patisserie in a The Daily Telegraph online poll.
"Lena and I are extremely passionate about our little bakery. I do all the baking fresh on site and Lena takes care of serving and accommodating our wonderful customers," Mr Cimini said.
"I actually grew up in my parents Italian pasticceria in Leichhardt so Italian cakes, pastries and bread are in my blood.
"I love good food and have a sweet tooth myself and I find it most satisfying to see people enjoy my food as I put my heart and soul into what I do.
"My motto is quality, freshness, well priced products and the customer always comes first."
Lena Cimini said the plain meat pie was a bargain at $4.50 and was popular due to the quality of the pastry - "It can't be too soggy or saggy" - and the ratio of meat to gravy.
The business does its bit for the community and has donated vouchers to the Carrs Park Soccer Club, local preschools, and charity events like the Biggest Morning Tea.
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Sarah Falson
Daily Liberal journalist. I love telling people's stories. Get in touch at sarah.falson@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Daily Liberal journalist. I love telling people's stories. Get in touch at sarah.falson@austcommunitymedia.com.au
