Tahlia and Matt inside a different kind of kitchen – in the “Central Perk Cafe” at the Friends Experience in Sydney. Photo: Supplied.
Who are you?
I’m Tahlia Cormick, and my husband Matt and I, along with our eight-year-old son, are Illawarra locals who love the hospitality industry. We both have a background in restaurant management. I am also a qualified baker and pastry chef.
What is Tahlia’s Bakery and Cafe in Shellharbour Village, and how did it begin?
I did my apprenticeship in this very shop 15 years ago. I left the industry for a few years to pursue restaurant management but the calling and wish was that one day I would come back and have this shop as my own. We purchased the shop from my previous boss in May 2022.
How should food be enjoyed at Tahlia’s Bakery and Cafe?
We have tables under cover and out in the sun. A lot of our customers love to get pies and cakes and go to the beach to enjoy with their coffees.
What’s the signature dish on your menu?
We are becoming famous for our pies. Our large counters of cakes are also very popular. Personally, my favourite item is anything chocolate. Caramel slice is always a winner.
What’s next for Tahlia’s Bakery and Cafe?
I always have plans. We are currently building our wholesale market, which is very exciting. We also have a lot of other exciting things on the horizon.
What are your top tips for at-home cooks — the tricks you use at home to make things yummy?
Top tips would be … have patience. Slow and steady is definitely the best approach to cooking. You can’t rush cakes and cake decorating.
Who is your biggest culinary influence?
I don’t really have a culinary influence or a person that I follow. I do enjoy Instagram and TikTok bakeries and pastry chef videos and seeing what is on trend and following along with those.
Tahlia’s Bakery and Cafe is located at 2/21 Addison Street in Shellharbour Village. The bakery is open Monday to Friday from 6 am to 3:30 pm, and Saturday and Sunday 6:30 am to 2:30 pm, with later hours through the summer holidays. Follow Tahlia’s Bakery on Facebook.
