In recent times, I decided to brave the Melbourne cafe culture and decided to visit unchartered waters. My first visit found me at Mr and Mrs Anderson; nestled cozily among the suburbian life. The place itself makes use of the surrounding natural light. Standing boastfully with the use of whites and woods, it was tasteful on the eye and inviting in its own right. The environment is a lot more relaxed; resembling the locality compared to the extremes of the city lifestyle. It is spacious and inadvertently busy for a Sunday afternoon.
Staff are bright and quick to attend to us to grab any drink orders. We were fortunate enough to meet the owner herself, Ruella who sat down with us for a little chat. The morale of the cafe is built upon fond memories of her childhood and the impact of how organic, fresh produce can make. All items are locally sourced and free from the chemicals which generally riddle all items to touch our plate today.
I decided to opt for the green freshly squeezed juice. Packed full of nutritional goodies, the drink itself was revitalizing and of vibrancy. Had the juice been a bit more chilled, it would've been smack bang perfect for a warm day.
Over all at the table, we had a general consensus that the dishes were well plated, well portioned, and well seasoned. For myself, I grabbed the pork loin wrapped with bacon - adding a lovely hit of salt and meatiness against the sweet corn and tomato sugo. Flavours married well and the poached egg added a creamy texture to cut through the bold flavours.
The highlight however, was brioche with bits of berry in the centre. Served with crystallised white chocolate, berries and chocolate matcha; I commend their dish for being well balanced without dancing dangerously to being a plate of sugar. Acidity from the rasberry sorbet added moisture to the dense brioche and brightened the palette with its sour notes. It was a lovely, well thought dish and as beautiful on the tongue as it was to the eye.
Craig and his team are attentive and are more than friendly enough for a little chat without being anything intrusive. In terms of food, I tried the crispy skin ocean trout. Being house cured, it was on the saltier end of the spectrum when eaten alone, but did well in accompanying the nuttiness broccolini. The kale gave a light crisp texture like seaweed. The highlight on the dish would have had to have been the carrot and cumin puree; lifting the dish with another note of earthy tones and natural sweetness.
To drink, I grabbed "A Touch of Passion" - a revitalising juice with the likes of orange juice, apple, passion fruit and pineapple. Whilst very refreshing and being thanked by body by a healthy choice, I was a little disappointed with the overpowering orange flavour; dulling my ability to taste the other fruits.
I could not forego the opportunity to try the pikelets, which were served with scrumptious collection of strawberries, meringue gems. A perfect addition to share over brunch - the pikelets being fluffy, and bouncy in texture. The coffee and chocolate soil added a hint of bitterness, without overkilling the sweet tartness of the strawberries.
All in all, I am pleasantly appreciative to being proven wrong and will approach cafes with a clean slate, and less like I am playing a game of minesweeper. I cannot wait to keep you all updated with future brunch (and restaurant) adventures!
Over all at the table, we had a general consensus that the dishes were well plated, well portioned, and well seasoned. For myself, I grabbed the pork loin wrapped with bacon - adding a lovely hit of salt and meatiness against the sweet corn and tomato sugo. Flavours married well and the poached egg added a creamy texture to cut through the bold flavours.
The highlight however, was brioche with bits of berry in the centre. Served with crystallised white chocolate, berries and chocolate matcha; I commend their dish for being well balanced without dancing dangerously to being a plate of sugar. Acidity from the rasberry sorbet added moisture to the dense brioche and brightened the palette with its sour notes. It was a lovely, well thought dish and as beautiful on the tongue as it was to the eye.
Mr & Mrs Anderson
A: 398 Tooronga Road, Hawthorn East 3173
Ph: 9822 9888
Following the successes at Mr and Mrs Anderson, I tested my luck with British-inspired eatery, Saint James in Malvern. The sustainable cafe is not as vibrant like the stereotypes of the modern day cafe, but provides a lovely, well paced place to sit down for a morning coffee with a paper or to catch up with a few friends. With the dull brown earthy tones against whites and pale blues, the vases of flowers add a little pop of hello to give it the perfect balance without being extreme in efforts to please. It is cool on its own merit, without being 'forced'.Ph: 9822 9888
Craig and his team are attentive and are more than friendly enough for a little chat without being anything intrusive. In terms of food, I tried the crispy skin ocean trout. Being house cured, it was on the saltier end of the spectrum when eaten alone, but did well in accompanying the nuttiness broccolini. The kale gave a light crisp texture like seaweed. The highlight on the dish would have had to have been the carrot and cumin puree; lifting the dish with another note of earthy tones and natural sweetness.
To drink, I grabbed "A Touch of Passion" - a revitalising juice with the likes of orange juice, apple, passion fruit and pineapple. Whilst very refreshing and being thanked by body by a healthy choice, I was a little disappointed with the overpowering orange flavour; dulling my ability to taste the other fruits.
I could not forego the opportunity to try the pikelets, which were served with scrumptious collection of strawberries, meringue gems. A perfect addition to share over brunch - the pikelets being fluffy, and bouncy in texture. The coffee and chocolate soil added a hint of bitterness, without overkilling the sweet tartness of the strawberries.
All in all, I am pleasantly appreciative to being proven wrong and will approach cafes with a clean slate, and less like I am playing a game of minesweeper. I cannot wait to keep you all updated with future brunch (and restaurant) adventures!
Saint James Cafe
A: 1376 Malvern Road, Melbourne 3144
Ph: 9078 8150
Ph: 9078 8150