Flour Eggs Water, Tramsheds, Sydney

There was a time many moons ago when “little Italy” in the inner west suburb of Leichhardt epitomized spaghetti bolognese and Sicilian pizza.

As much as we love chequered table clothes, fiascos of prosaic chianti and kitchens orchestrated by the over-bearing family matriarch, times have moved on.

Italian cuisine in Sydney has become contemporary and more specialized, denominating into Lombardian, Sardinian and southern Italian to just name a few specializations.

Flour Eggs Water, Tramsheds

Flour Eggs Water, Tramsheds Sydney

Tucked away in the tiny inner west suburb of Forest Lodge, Tramsheds is a food destination that combines providores of fresh food, fresh meats, artisan produce and an array of restaurants from fish and chips, tapas, pizza and pasta to Japanese sushi and gelato.

Flour Eggs Water is a spin-off from Eugenio Maiale‘s A Tavola, famed for fresh pasta and and hearty Italian style ragu. I am told by one of the staff that Maiale’s involvement is not longer behind the kitchen burners but more of a strategic planner for the business.

Focaccia with rosemary, garlic and chilli infused garlic oil

Focaccia scented with rosemary and garlic is warm and fluffy … just the simple starter we need while deciding on pasta and the daily specials.

Grill spatchcock, olives, oregano, mushroom and tomato

Special of the day: Grill spatchcock, olives, oregano, mushroom and tomato $33

They may not call it chicken cacciatore but this special of the day is quite easily one of the best interpretations I have ever tasted.

A spatchcock butterflied into quarters is swimming in rich tomato sauce with thinly sliced button mushrooms, fresh oregano and diced roasted olives.

The golden brown chicken skin is full-on flavour, the meat tender and juicy.

Pappardelle, beef, tomato, red wine, parmesan

Pappardelle, beef, tomato, red wine, parmesan $33

Broad sheets of pappardelle are drenched in a beefy red wine and tomato sauce.

The pasta is thin yet al dente and takes in all the flavours of the sauce. This is quite easily one the tastiest plate of beef ragu Sydney has to offer.

Linguine, squid ink, cuttlefish, chilli

Linguine, squid ink, cuttlefish, chilli $33

Dices of tender, spongy cuttlefish sit on al dente linguine tossed with squid ink.

Flavours of the sea are dancing in my mouth and we can’t help but order another serve of focaccia to mop up the delectable sauce.

Fresh vegetables and greens for sale, Tramsheds Sydney

Tramsheds is a food destination where you can shop for fresh produce.

A casual walk before your meal to work up the appetite or one after to burn the calories, you can’t go wrong strolling the laneways to pick up some fresh ingredients for the dinner pot tonight.