By Blackbird

On King William Road you’ll find a Korean-born, Melbourne-trained, Adelaide-based pastry chef producing some of the best French pastries in town.

Chakey Kim’s first Adelaide business was Au Matin Calme, the Hutt Street cafe famous for its lemon tarts and quiches. But success also brought stress. By Blackbird – inspired by the Beatles song – was born from Kim’s restorative process.

At the back of the store, a window peers into the pastry kitchen. Here, croissants are laboriously folded, cakes are layered and tarts are filled. Savouries and sweets are both featured.

For breakfast the blueberry croissants are a good choice, while lunch sees the likes of leek or mushroom quiche, toasted croissants and smoked salmon crepes.

By Blackbird isn’t just a quick in-and-out cafe. Lunch can be joined by a pint of Grolsch or a glass of red, and pastries enjoyed while you chat over a mug of hot chocolate or tea.

Of course, as it’s a French cafe, coffee is essential, while Francophiles can also track down some hard-to-find bottles of Orangina.