Serotonin Eatery – All About Happiness, Sunshine & Smiles =D

Swing Seats!

Outdoor Seating

Indoor Tatami Mat Seating

Indoor Seating

Indoor Seating

Corridor leading to more seating

Counter

Serotonin T-shirts

Table Seating

Matcha Latte

Close up of Matcha Latte

Working at Serotonin

Happy Zucchini Linguine – Raw Zucchini Spirals, Red Pesto, Cherry Tomatoes, topped with Fresh Herbs

Close up of the Happy Zucchini Linguine – Raw Zucchini Spirals, Red Pesto, Cherry Tomatoes, topped with Fresh Herbs

Happy Zucchini Linguine – Raw Zucchini Spirals, Red Pesto, Cherry Tomatoes, topped with Fresh Herbs

Happy Zucchini Linguine – Raw Zucchini Spirals, Red Pesto, Cherry Tomatoes, topped with Fresh Herbs

Organic Carrot Cake

Organic Carrot Cake

Close up of the Organic Carrot Cake

Menu:

I was looking at Instagram one night and came across a picture of a café that had swing seats – when I clicked through I was surprised to see that the cafe was located right here in Melbourne – Richmond to be specific. The place was called Serotonin Eatery.

With such an interesting name I was intrigued and clicked through to the website. I was greeted with a large banner that said The Science of Making you Happy! This was a café that was all about making you feel happy, being positive and sharing happiness with a smile. Their main vision is to be the world’s leading Happiness Educational Institution – what an awesome vision to have! I couldn’t wait to check out this place (and between you and me – the swing seats too!!) – so much so that I went there during my lunch break at work!

Serotonin is the brain child of Emily Hazell – and integrates both a nourishing Eatery together with an Exercise centre (located right next door). The idea is based around eating a plant-based diet to ensure the body, mind and earth all function at their best. Basically you can achieve health and happiness with little effort. Simple!

So what exactly is Serotonin? Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a large part in regulating your mood – it is also the chemical that is linked to a healthy appetite, digestion and sleep. Here at Serotonin Eatery – the idea is to deliver a high Serotonin menu that will improve people’s moods and literally put a smile on their dial – as well as providing a sanctuary to escape from our fast-paced lives!

Emily has enlisted the help of nutritionists, naturopaths, dieticians, food scientists and psychologists to get not only the menu just right but the feel, look and vibe of the venue. Serotonin sources produce locally from quality farmers and select organic where possible. The entire menu is created by in-house chef – Sean Muir – with each dish featuring produce in its most natural state and assisting in increasing the daily intake of fruits and vegetables of its customers. If the great tasting and healthy food wasn’t enough (Serotonin Eatery), you can get healthy in the form of exercise with an on-site personal trainer in the form of Hazell’s brother – Gus Arundel (Serotonin Exercise) as well as wellness education talks (Serotonin Education – you can book these sessions via the website) and regular events like cricket matches, hula classes, acro-yoga…and laughing classes!

Serotonin is located in Burnley – right across the road from Bicentennial Park and serves as the perfect location for a café like this!
The venue is decked out with wide windows allowing tonnes of natural light to filter through paired together with blonde wooden furniture and bright yellow cushions dotted across the yoga mat style seats and finished with hexagonal tiles – this is the link to serotonin’s chemical structure – smart right? This theme continues with the tableware – hexagonal etched plates, beakers and gold (how cool!!) cutlery.
There are three main seating areas (with seven different styles of seating!!) – the day bed style seating that greets you as you enter together with standalone tables and chairs in the front area together with some swing seating by the window, another seating area as you walk past the kitchen towards the back and finally the outdoor seating area – which has a combination of marble topped low tables and swing seats for the high tables which allows you to look into Bicentennial Park. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE SWING SEATS (sorry for the Caps – I just really love the idea!!).
Customers can also take their meals to the adjacent park – with their food being packed into a picnic basket.

There are seven dishes to choose from the Breakfast Menu which include the Burnley Big Breakfast, Twiced Baked Beans, Super Smash Avo, Nutrition Bomb (a rainbow bowl with poached egg, broccoli, wilted greens, house made hummus, cold roast veggies sprouts, nuts, powerkraut and pickles) and Positive Pancakes just to name a few. The Lunch menu has eight dishes to choose from including the Smiling Pizza, Hearty Lasagna and Blissful Open Burger. There is also a kids menu with 3 different variations – Pancake, Super Smash Avo and Vegemite Toast. There are a variety of drinks available – organic teas (which are locally made), specialty coffee (Coffee is from 5 Senses and Timboon Milk from The Schulz Organic Farm) and specialty lattes – my favourite! Specialty lattes include – Chai Latte, Matcha Latte, Cocoa Latte and Golden Latte (house made turmeric, ginger, cinnamon + black pepper on almond milk).

I couldn’t decide where I wanted to sit – and in the end decided to sit outside in the back where the sun was shining and I had a clear view of the swings. I couldn’t actually sit on the swing seat as I had my laptop with me and needed to do some work. The tables were marble and a cactus in a stone hexagonal shaped vase – simple yet beautiful. Water is served in a conical flask – further adding to the sciency theme of the venue, whilst staying cool and classy.
Whilst perusing the menu I ordered myself a Matcha Latte – Fine Organic Green Tea Powder spun with Timboon Milk. The Matcha Latte came out in a beautiful black ceramic cup with honey on the side. The Matcha was strong, rich and perfectly creamy thanks to the wonderful tasting milk. It was my first time drinking a Matcha Latte and I loved it!
It took me quite a while to decide which dish I wanted – I was tossing up between the Positive Pancakes, Happy Zucchini Linguine and Protein Pasta. I ended up going with the Happy Zucchini Linguine – Raw Zucchini Spirals, Red Pesto, Cherry Tomatoes, topped with Fresh Herbs.
The Happy Zucchini Linguine came out beautifully plated with cheery red sauce and fresh green herbs surrounding the zucchini linguine and topped with a bright yellow lemon wedge. I love that the linguine was actually made out of zucchini – such a brilliant idea to replicate linguine. The flavours worked well together and the additional of the lemon really enhanced these flavours. I loved the slight crunch that came from the linguine which added texture to the dish.

There are also Organic Desserts available such as Raw Balls (Coconut, Bee Pollen or Raw Cheesecake with Berry and MAtcha Layers), Fruit Slice, Cookies and a selection of difference cakes daily. On this day they didn’t have any of the Raw Cheesecake so I opted for the Carrot Cake. The Carrot Cake came out presented really well – the main cake in the middle with a scattering of nuts surrounding the cake. The cake itself was soft, moist and filled with plenty of nuts. The flavouring was good – but there was something missing – the cheesecake icing on top was delectable.

I went to Serotonin Eatery on a working break and it really did work for me – I got a lot of work done! And it really did make me feel a lot better – happier in fact! The staff are really friendly and willing to help in any way they can. Serotonin Eatery is all great food, improving your mood and creating a great experience for you. Check it out !

Rating : 4 Pandas
Price: $$$
Menu – Refer to Menu above – Breakfast (All Day) and Lunch with a great selection of drinks – Specialty Lattes, Coffee, Tea, Bluice (Blended Juice), Juices
Fullness: 100%
Atmosphere / Ambience: Fun, Vibrant, Welcoming and Relaxed
Standout Dish: Happy Linguini –
Service: Fantastic, Friendly and Helpful.
Online Booking: No
Restaurant Details and Location:
http://www.serotonindealer.com/
52 Madden Grove, Burnley
Tel No: 0421 233 150

Opening Hours:
Wednesday to Friday: 7am‒4pm
Saturday & Sunday: 8am‒4pm
(Kitchen closes at 3pm)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/serotonindealer
Instagram: serotonindealer
Twitter: @serotonindealer

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The Kettle Black – Next Level Cafe

Outside Kettle Black

Front of The Kettle Black

Business Cards

Sweet Counter

Unique Water Station

Entrance to The Terrace Area Seating

The Terrace Area Seating

The Terrace Area Seating

Inside Kettle Black – View of the Port Hole Wall

The High Ceilings

Inside the Apartment Side

The Barista Counter

Coffee at The Kettle Black

Fresh Flowers

Latte at The Kettle Black

Food at The Kettle Black

King Island Crayfish in an Ash Roll with Native Coastal Spinach, Lime & Yuzu Mayonnaise

House-made Coconut Yoghurt with Gluten-Free Grains, Seeds & Nuts, Toorak Station Prickly Pear, Rhubarb, Citrus Powders, Fruits and Flowers

King Island Crayfish in an Ash Roll with Native Coastal Spinach, Lime & Yuzu Mayonnaise

Menu:

Leading up to and in the just the few days that The Kettle Black had opened there been a lot of hype surrounding it – from the visual spectacle of the venue to the highly anticipated crayfish roll and of course, the delicious coffee. So of course I had to go and check it out for myself.

I decided to go during lunchtime (a late lunch around 2pm) as it is a short 10 minute tram ride from work. The Kettle Black is located on Albert Road in South Melbourne – a short walk from Domain Interchange. As you make your approach to The Kettle Black you are greeted by the white visual spectacle – a combination of a grand old Victorian building together with the ground floor of an Elenberg Fraser designed residential complex – 21 storeys in fact (!) – called Fifty Albert.

This magnificent -must try place – is brought to you by the team who are responsible for places like Top Paddock, Two Birds One Stone! Jesse McTavish (chef from Top Paddock) together with Top Paddock owner Nathan Coleman, along with business partners Ben Clark and Diamond Rozakeas, as well as Tim James (Two Birds One Stone) and Sam King (ex De Clieu). What a team! Coleman is in charge of the running the floor with King in charge of the coffee side of things.

The fit out is designed by the awesome twosome Kestie Lane and Hana Hakim from the quirky cool design company Studio You Me. They have brought two very different worlds seamlessly together using white walls, green Italian tiles as well a marble and brass detailing. The breathtakingly beautiful building begins with an outside eatery area located in front of the Victorian terrace. As you enter the venue there is a coffee cart where you can purchase takeaway coffees whilst you wait. Once you step inside you are greeted by a hotel like reception / cashier desk / sweet counter – there are a selection of sweet treats on display for you to choose from including the melt-in-your-mouth doughnuts from Doughboy Donuts.
From here the interior splits into two halves – the left side sits in the converted apartment block and is complete with a modern vibe, high ceilings (which is simply stunning and has a great effect thanks to a method of layering of white tiles against each other), fresh sunlight streaming in – thanks to the floor to ceiling windows – as well as an emerald green tiled and marble barista station. There is also the striking porthole-like wall which is a highlight in this room. The right side sits in the Victorian terrace side has a more homely feel complete with gold and brass trimmings (a very interesting looking light fitting that is reminiscent of two gold earrings), flowers and arched windows.
Another highlight that I saw whilst waiting for my table was the unique watering station – which consisted of a stone base with a gold sink and finished black tap ware with small square tiles in the background. Tables are wooden and there are mixtures of low tables, as well as one tall communal table. You can sit at the barista marble bar as well – with the look finished with green stools. What is also great is the addition of flowers in bottles throughout the venue – adds colour and class to the already classy venue.

The menu by McTavish is focussed on using mainly Victorian produce – or Australian when Victorian isn’t possible. The relishes and butter are made in house with bread supplied from Burnham Beeches, Wallaby from Flinders Island, Steak from Robbins Island, Seafood from King Island and house-fermented yoghurt. Coffee (espresso) is a custom blend from 5 Senses, as well as a rotating single origin. Filter coffee is sourced from specialists such as Small Batch and Market Lane. Another interesting fact to note is that The Kettle Black makes their own compost which they then use to grow their own leaves, herbs and flowers in their greenhouses and gardens.
Drinks include Cold Press Juices (there are two to choose from) as well as Fresh Juices (Orange or Ruby Grapefruit). There are also a selection of bottled drinks as well as Ice Chocolate and Iced Coffee available, as well as Tea.

The food menu comprises of a unique take on your normal breakfast dishes – there are a variety of combinations that are served with eggs that you wouldn’t usually see such as Chilli Scrambled Eggs with Air Dried Flinders Island Wallaby or Tataki Ocean Trout with Raw Kale, Seaweed Salad and Poached Eggs. The famous hotcakes – that are served in Top Paddock – have made their place here on The Kettle Black menu. There is also Polenta Porridge, Fruit Toast, Muesli and House-Made Coconut Yoghurt. More food is available that strikes me as a lunch offering, however this isn’t stated – items like Kingfish with Potato Crisps, Robbins Island Wagyu Skirt Steak served on the Kettle Black Bun, Mixed Beans, Burrata and the famously known King Island Crayfish Roll.

Even during a late lunch hour – there was still a list of people wanting a table. I had a wait time of about 10-12 minutes. You don’t really feel the wait time as there is a lot that too look at and observe or even order a takeaway coffee from the coffee cart. I was seated at the marble bar, perched on a stool that allowed me to observe the coffees as they were cranked out. I ordered a latte whilst deciding on what I should eat.

The latte arrived shortly after and was delicious! It is definitely one of the best coffees I have had this year (refer to my Coffee page for their rating at https://thegrazingpanda.wordpress.com/coffee-worlds-best-pick-me-up/). The coffee was strong with notes of caramel mixed together with floral and a hint of citrus at the end. The after taste was creamy and memorable. I would happily make the trek from work on the tram just to have this coffee.

After much consideration I decided to order the King Island Crayfish in an Ash Roll with Native Coastal Spinach, Lime & Yuzu Mayonnaise. The Crayfish Roll comes served on a heavy stone curved square plate, with a lime wedge placed next to it. It is visually stunning especially against the grey backdrop of the stone. The ash roll is clearly evident together with the fresh smell of crayfish emanating through preparing your taste-buds. The green and purple of the native coastal spinach as well as the addition of the yellow flowers brings the whole dish together.
The bun was soft, warm and delicious. The crayfish was oozing freshness and flavour and was perfectly poached. The mayonnaise was tangy and full of all the right flavours, which brought the whole dish together, however I would have liked more mayonnaise in my bun. Overall, the dish was good but I wasn’t blown away as I had expected to be from all the rave reviews of the crayfish bun – it almost felt like an extra ingredient was needed to add more depth and flavour.

I also decided I needed to end on something sweet – so I ordered the House-made Coconut Yoghurt with Gluten-Free Grains, Seeds & Nuts, Toorak Station Prickly Pear, Rhubarb, Citrus Powders, Fruits and Flowers. The presentation of this dish was beautiful – too beautiful to the point that a part of me didn’t want to touch it – and reminded me of a flower garden bed. Served on a glossy black plate which allowed the white coconut yoghurt to really shine through and topped with the spectacular bright colours of the watermelon, strawberry, blueberries and assorted flowers, finished with citrus powders. The yoghurt was smooth, creamy and the perfect balance of the coconut flavours flowing through. I loved that the grains were hidden under the fruit – it made for a great surprise with every mouthful. The components of the dish worked extremely well together and the mix of flavours were tasty. My only criticism would be that the watermelon didn’t have the crunch and freshness I expected.

The staff are super friendly and accommodating in any way they can. The Kettle Black is one of those places that you will find yourself coming back to and when people ask me for a brunch place that I would recommend – this is the first place I tell them.

The Kettle Black exudes class, style and swank all without the attitude and pretense. The venue is delightful and a visual spectacle that is must see yet the atmosphere remains relaxed, lively and fun. The menu has been carefully designed and the dishes will get your taste buds pumping. The presentation is excellent and the coffee top notch. Come and see for yourself.

Rating : 3.5 Pandas
Price: $$
Menu – Refer to pictures above
Fullness: 100%
Atmosphere / Ambience: Breathtaking and Spectacular Venue – with a relaxed, carefree, lively and fun atmosphere. Definitely one to bring people from overseas or interstate – anyone really!
Service: Fantastic – Friendly, accommodating and welcoming
Online Booking: No
Restaurant Details and Location:
http://thekettleblack.com.au/
50 Albert Road, South Melbourne
Tel No: 9088 0721

Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 7:00am – 4:00pm
Saturday & Sunday: 8:00am – 4:00pm

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Kettle-Black/707633809303415
Twitter: @kettleblackcafe
Instagram: kettleblackcafe

Third Wave – American Smoked BBQ

Food at Third Wave

Inside Third Wave

Inside Third Wave

Inside Third Wave

Inside Third Wave

Coffee at Third Wave

Coffee at Third Wave

Coffee at Third Wave

Inside Third Wave

Sauces at Third Wave

Sauces at Third Wave

Pomegranate Juice

Beef Ribs

Smoked Salmon BBQ

Smoked Salmon BBQ

Confit Kipfler Potatoes

Smoked Mac & Cheese

Georgian Salad

Pecan Pie

I have previously heard about Third Wave café and their strong focus on American BBQ flavours on both meats and fish, so I was delighted when owner Greg invited me to come and experience this first hand at the Prahran Third Wave. One small hiccup when we arrived was that our reservation hadn’t been placed – luckily a table was available and we were shown our seats.

Third Wave is owned by husband and wife team – Greg and Inga and there are currently two locations – Port Melbourne and Prahran. The café in Prahran is the sister café to their first café / restaurant in Port Melbourne. Both venues hold true to their tag lines – “Café by day, American BBQ restaurant by night” – with the Prahran venue also having a specialised Paleo Menu. The Third Wave at Prahran focuses mainly on breakfast/brunch/lunch but from Wednesday to Saturday they open their doors at dinner time for patrons to enjoy the American BBQ experience.

The fit-out is simple – softly lit with a dark wooden decked ceiling pairs well with the dark wooden tables with curved white chairs – there is also some banquet seating available. The main attraction is the big marble topped bar / coffee counter – with the kitchen located behind. Their homemade sauces and fresh flowers line this bar for added colour and pop. The vibe is welcoming, bright and has a homely feel to it. Another thing to note is that Third Wave is not just about the American BBQ flavours – they are serious about their coffee as well. They use 5 Senses coffee and even have syphon coffee available.

Third Wave has revamped its menu after working tirelessly for many months – on “secret recipes”, as well experimenting with different cuts and cooking times. The idea is also to source some of the best hickory, maple and apple wood in order to impart distinctive flavours into the respective meat and fish dishes as well as using traditional dry rubs and barbecue sauces. The team has now perfected the art of barbequeing. The new menu has a strong focus on a range of slow cooked meats and fish that can be accompanied with homemade sauces and a selection of side dishes.

The menu is split into different sections – starting off with the Slow Smoked BBQ, “More”, Sides, Paleo Menu and ending with Sweets menu. The Drinks menu includes Beers, Ciders, Spirits, and Cocktails such as an Espresso Martini, Uptown Apple Cider and Pomegranate Cosmo. Sangrias are also available and served in a 500ml carafe. Other cold drinks that are available include the usual soft drinks, as well as juices (Pomegranate Juice, Blueberry Juice), Smoothies (Spirulina Smoothie, Mango Smoothie), Iced Drinks – such as Ice Coffee, Ice Chocolate and Ice Mocha.
The Slow Smoked BBQ includes the 6 main meats and fish (Salmon) such as Beef, Chicken, Lamb Shoulder, Pork and Beef Brisket which come in medium/half rack (recommended for 1 person) and large/full rack servings (to be shared by 2). All the meats and fish have been marinated for over 8 hours and the smoked using either apple, hickory or maple wood. They all come served with BBQ Sauces which are made in-house.
The “More” menu consists of dishes that are big enough to be considered mains if a Slow Smoked BBQ isn’t what you are up for and include dishes such as Gourmet Burger, two different Salads, Lamb Quesadilla, Crusty Salmon. There are around 8 dishes to select from the Paleo Menu which include Almond Crusted Chicken, Zucchini Fritters, Lamb Shakshuka just to name a few.
There are a number of Sides that can be ordered as well and most of these can be made into either Vegan/Vegetarian options. These include the Smoked Mac Cheese, Crispy Coleslaw, Glazed Mushrooms, Confit Kipfler Potatoes and a variety of salads.

N and I decide to dive straight into the Slow Smoked BBQ Section – N opting for the Beef Ribs and I went for the Salmon. We also ordered a side of Confit Kipfler Potatoes, Smoked Mac & Cheese and a Georgian Salad. For drinks I ordered a Pomegranate Juice – which came bottled and was actually 100% Pomegranate juice which I was impressed about. I am a huge fan of Pomegranates, so whenever I see it available on a menu I always order it – this was a massive tick in the box for me.

The Beef Ribs have been smoked using a special 9 spice dry rub and smoked with hickory wood. You can select either a half rack or a full rack – N opted for the half rack. The Beef Ribs come served with their homemade Spicy IQ BBQ sauce as well as a Horseradish sauce. N enjoyed thoroughly enjoyed his dish – the beef he said was tender, succulent and slid off the bone so easily. Further, the sauces were a great addition to the smoky flavours – with the IQ BBQ adding some spice and the horseradish bringing some creamy tang.

I ordered the Salmon which has been brined in salt, sugar and spices for 8 hours followed by being smoked over Apple wood to elicit a beautiful smoky spicy flavour combination. This flavouring really does complement the rich flavour of the salmon. The salmon itself was soft, moist and perfectly cooked and comes served with a homemade dill sauce. A wedge of lemon was also provided for extra flavouring which I didn’t think was needed. The addition of the dill sauce added a creamy, somewhat spicy tang which meshed well with the salmon. Overall a really great tasting dish.

We also ordered the Confit Kipfler potatoes which were dusted in rosemary. The potatoes were well cooked and had a beautiful crunchy casing with a soft, pillow like centre. They served as a great accompaniment for the Smoked BBQ dishes.

The Smoked Mac & Cheese is their take on the classic Mac & Cheese – with an added twist. Third Wave’s version is smoked with Hickory wood. The result is brilliant smoky flavours intertwined with the cheesy flavour. Anyone who is a fan of the traditional Mac & Cheese will definitely want to try out this version.

The Georgian Salad was a mixture of 5 herbs – parsley, coriander, dill, mint and basil – together with tomatoes, cucumber and red onions and dressed with red wine vinegar and olive oil. The flavours were refreshing and punchy and worked well with the combination of the other dishes we ordered. This dish came recommended by our friendly waiter.

No meal is complete without dessert (even if you are really full!) so after much deliberation and some help from our waiter we ordered the Pecan Pie. I was tossing up between the Creamy Orange French Toast – which was concoction between a fluffy bread and butter pudding and a moist French Toast – will have to come back and get that next time around.
The Pecan Pie is served warm with Espresso Cream and Vanilla Ice Cream. I love the combination of a warm pie that literally melted in your mouth together with the coldness of the espresso cream and ice cream. The added texture thanks to the crunch of the pecans was an added bonus. The highlight for me was the espresso cream – with just the right flavouring of coffee.

Third Wave has an extensive menu complete with Russian inspired dishes and the hugely popular and great tasting American BBQ. I have also heard and read great reviews about their breakfast offerings (I must come back and try!). They also make homemade sauces such as Hot Bar-B-Que Nectar and Sweet Apple Bourbon sauce which you can in store. If you are looking for delicious food that you can’t find anywhere else in Melbourne – check out Third Wave!

Rating : 3.5 Pandas
Price: $$
Menu – Refer to the pictures above. You can also find a menu at: http://thirdwavecafe.com.au/prahran/menu.php
Fullness: 100%
Atmosphere / Ambience: Casual, Homely and Welcoming. Great for a catchup dinner with friends.
Standout Dish: Any of the Smoked BBQ Dishes
Service: Friendly and Helpful
Online Booking: Yes via website – For Prahran: http://thirdwavecafe.com.au/prahran/index.php For Port Melbourne: http://thirdwavecafe.com.au/index.php
Restaurant Details and Location:
http://thirdwavecafe.com.au/prahran/index.php
30 Cato St, Prahran
Tel No: 9510 2991

Opening Hours:
Monday to Tuesday: 8:00am to 4:00pm
Wednesday to Sunday: 8:00am to 10:00pm

Third Wave – Port Melbourne
http://thirdwavecafe.com.au/index.php
189 Rouse St, Port Melbourne
Tel No:

Opening Hours:
Monday, Wednesday to Friday: 7:00am to 10:00pm
Tuesday: 7:00am – 3:30pm
Saturday & Sunday: 8:00am – 10:00pm

Lolo and Wren – Worth the Trek!

Come inside Lolo and Wrenn

Crate Table at Lolo and Wren

Inside Lolo and Wren

Inside Lolo and Wren

Espresso at Lolo and Wren

Latte at Lolo and Wren

Sweetcorn & Zucchini Fritters with peperonata, Meridith Soft Goat Feta, Pebre Salsa, Chilli Jam and Avocado

The Goodison Breakfast – Potato and Rosemary Rosti, Bacon, Baked Field Mushrooms, Pork and Fennel Sausage,Homemade Relish, 2 free range eggs and organic sour dough

Close up of the Peach and Strawberry Pancakes

Peach Melba ish Pancakes – Caramelized Peach and Strawberry Pancakes, Macerated Peaches, Strawberry, Mint, Almond Praline, Vanilla Mascapone and Canadian Maple Syrup

Menu:

           

N and I made the trek down to Brunswick West to check out Lolo & Wren. Frank Caruso (ex- Richmond Hill Café & Larder) together with his wife Karen are to thank for this lovely café. The main focus behind this café is for it to become the people’s local – where they can come to get great food and coffee and most importantly to put a smile on people’s faces. I love this motto.

Lolo & Wren serves all day breakfast, as well as having a lunch menu and is located in Albion Street. The café sits under a newly built apartment building amongst a strip of shops. There is lots of parking available in the adjoining parking lot to the left of the café.

The décor is simple yet warm, with a strong focus on the use of recycled materials. The result is a light open and airy space to enjoy the perfect cup of coffee and some tasty morsels. The main feature is the counter and the communal table – both made out of wooden crates. I especially love the counter and really feel like it adds character and charm to Lolo and Wren. The high communal table is in the centre, and allows you to peer into the kitchen watching the chef’s pump out the meals. Frank used the help of his friend and cabinetmaker Craig Goodison to create this fantastic design and styling – even down to the painting of the venue! There are low tables situated around the main communal table, as well as outside under some shade.

The food comes from local and organic product from places like Fenton Farm, Jonsey’s Dairy Fresh, Flinders Island Meat, Melbourne Rooftop Honey, cheese from Savour and Grace and Coffee from 5 Senses. The menu has a focus on Spanish flavours and there really is something tempting for everyone to try.

Before trying to work out what we wanted to eat – N and I ordered coffee – he a long black and me a latte. Both our coffees came out and we were surprised to find a chocolate covered coffee bean on the side – a nice addition to the coffee. N’s long black came out with sparkling water on the side and he enjoyed the strong acidity. My latte was delicious – low acidity, nutty and creamy – just the perfect way to start out the morning.

The menu consists of dishes under the “Classic L & W” heading and includes dishes like Sweetcorn and Zucchini Fritters, Baked Beans, Roast Duck Breast Salad, ‘The Goodison’ Breakfast and two sweet dishes – the Peach Melba’ish’ Pancakes and Brioche French Toast ‘St Clements.’ There are also the usual Bircher Muesli, Banoffee Porridge and Organic Quinoa and Vanilla Soy Porridge available. There is also a selection of Toast and Eggs however you want it. There is a “Croque and Roll” menu – which consists of some rolls, a Cripsy Croque Monsiuer dish as well as Bruschetta. You can also alter most of their dishes to Gluten free or Dairy free options. Drinks include Juices from Market Juices as well as drinks from Hepburn and Daylesford Mineral Company. As Lolo and Wren have their liquor license – there is also a selection of beers available.

I decided to order the Sweetcorn and Zucchini Fritters – with peperonata ,Meredith Soft Goat Feta, pebre salsa, chilli jam and avocado. The dish came out presented very well – the fritters being the main component of the dish and all the other elements placed artistically around them. There was also a mix salad placed on top of the four fritters. The fritters were crispy on the outside and soft and textured on the inside. The addition of the stewed peppers and the chilli jam, salsa and avocado made for a very flavoursome dish. The Goat’s Feta was fresh and brought the tang element to this dish. It is quite a generous serving size and you can get quite full on this dish.

We also ordered the Peach melba’ish’ Pancakes – Caramelised peach and strawberry pancakes, macerated peaches, strawberry, fresh mint, almond praline, vanilla mascarpone and pure Canadian maple syrup. This was to be like my dessert dish at brunch time, and lets be honest was more for me than for N. This dish was a mighty colourful dish as well – the reds from the strawberries, mixed with the orange of the peach and speckles of green from the mint, against a white backdrop from the plate. There were two quite large sized pancakes together with a little yellow jug filled with the Canadian maple syrup. The pancakes were rich, sweet and delicious – the strawberry and peach were infused into the pancake itself yet the result was fluffy and soft. The hardness came in the form of the almond praline. This is a very sweet dish and the vanilla mascarpone helped to cut this sweetness a bit whilst adding a creamy and smooth flavour. This really is a dish for all sweet and pancake lover’s to try out.

‘The Goodison’ Breakfast – Potato and rosemary rosti, bacon, baked field mushrooms, sausage, homemade tomato relish, 2 free range eggs and organic sourdough. This is one huge breakfast dish and is great for anyone with an appetite. It has all your basic elements and cooked really well and comes with not 1 but 2 eggs!

Lolo and Wren is great café that sources local produce to create interesting dishes with a twist in generous portions. Lolo and Wren is also open for dinner on Friday and Saturday nights, and have also created a tapas menu. Bookings can be taken before 10am or after 1pm. Have to head back and try out their tapas menu. Trust me – its worth the trek!

Rating : 4 Pandas
Price: $$
Menu – Refer to the pics above. There is a Croque and Roll Menu, Class L&W menu – which has your breakkie dishes, Through the Mill and Toast Menu as well as a Drinks menu. There is a newly created Tapas menu as well (which I do not have a picture at the moment)
Fullness: 100%
Atmosphere / Ambience: Casual and Laid Back – very warm and inviting as well.
Standout Dish: Too hard to pick really but the Peach Melba ‘ish’ Pancakes were delicious!
Service: Friendly but sometimes when it is really busy it does take you a while to get their attention.
Online Booking: No
Restaurant Details and Location:
facebook.com/LoloWren
484 Albion Street, Brunswick West
Tel No: 9383 3712

Opening Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 7:00 am – 4:00 pm
Friday: 7:00 am – 4:00 pm, 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Saturday: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Sunday: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Touchwood – Great Place for Good Food and Relaxation

Touchwood

Sitting Area at Touchwood

Coffee Counter at Touchwood

Inside Touchwood

Coffee Menu at Touchwood

Latte at Touchwood

Sweets at Touchwood

Avocado on Toast, Beetroot Relish, Burnt Lime, Pickled Red Onion, Corriander, Mixed Seeds, Sumac Salts

Touchwood is collaborative effort from the partners – Matt Vero and Steve Rowley  – behind Coin Laundry (Armadale), Station Street Trading Co (Port Melbourne), Tall Timber (Prahran), Pillar of Salt (Richmond) and Barry (Northcote).  They have enlisted Tristan White (ex-Ladro and Red Door) to look after the food side of things. Touchwood serves coffee from 5 Senses and is served from the custom made Synesso Hydra coffee machine.

Touchwood is located at Bridge road in Richmond (quite close to its sister café Pillar of Salt). It is located in an old recycled timber furniture store and takes on a MASSIVE SPACE – it can seat 120 people. There are large glass windows at the front which let lots of light and air into the venue, this entrance opens out into the main dining area. As you keep walking through the brick archway there is a back room with more seating and then finally outside at the back, there is a bright, sunny and open courtyard which seats 40.

The whole look and feel of the place – which kind of pays tribute to its former life – is wooden yet clean, casual and warm. There are concrete floors with white washed brick walls, planter boxes and hanging plants and finished with wooden tables and chairs. There are short tables as well as higher tables – take your pick of where you want to sit. The feature is of course a crate styled counter-top which houses the coffee machine as well as the sweet bites and takeaway savoury bites.

The menu consists of the breakfast favourites with the addition of components to creatively change the dish. There is a morning grain salad, as well as a tequila and citrus cured salmon dish, as well as the breakkie board which is featured from Tall Timber. If you are really hungry there is always the Touchwood Massive – which features just about everything including a lamb chop! A highlight on the menu is the much talked about peanut butter and jelly wholemeal waffles complete with peanut butter ricotta and brittle.
The lunch menu is just as enticing with things like Brioche Wagyu burgers, pulled pork tacos and toasted Po’ boys as well as a Mexican inspired salad. There are also two fresh juice combos to choose from – one with kale, celery, cucumber, apple, lime and parsley and the other with watermelon and mint.

I order a latte while I wait for L to arrive. The latte was smooth and creamy and a great start to this rainy day. There are many coffee options available such as cold drip and pour over. I wasn’t quite sure what to order to eat – I was tossing up between the Avocado toast, the omelette with shaved asparagus and goats cheese or the morning grain salad. I ended up getting the Avocado toast – with Beetroot Relish, Burnt Lime, Pickled Red Onion, Coriander, Mixed Seeds, Sumac Salt and I added a poached egg.

The dish came out and was quite colourful thanks to the black background of the plate, together with the bright pink/purples of the onion and beetroot, the green colouring from the avocado and coriander and the yellow from the burnt lime. I really enjoyed the addition of the beetroot relish together with the coriander as additional components to a normal avocado dish – I thought that they worked really well together. Even though I am not a fan of pickled onions, I did try some with all the other elements and it went quite well with the dish, you almost don’t realise that it was once an onion. The dish overall was a really well thought out dish and was quite filling as well.

The atmosphere at Touchwood is quite relaxed and chilled, and you can see yourself losing track of time. There is warm and inviting feel to the place thanks to the openness and the lighting. Add to this great coffee and some really delicious food combinations and you really do have a winner. Have to come back and try the peanut butter waffles!

Rating : 3.5 Pandas
Price: $$
Menu – View the menu at http://touchwoodcafe.com/Touchwood_Menu_06.pdf – Breakfast, Lunch and Drinks
Fullness: 100%
Atmosphere / Ambience: Casual, Elegant and Chic. Has a relaxed feel thanks to vast openess, lighting and feel of the venue. The courtyard out the back is perfect on a sunny day!
Standout Dish: Avacado Toast with Beetroot Relish, Burnt Lime, Pickled Onions, Mixed Seeds, Sumac Salt with a Poached Egg (extra)
Service: Friendly and Welcoming
Online Booking: No
Restaurant Details and Location:
http://touchwoodcafe.com/
480 Bridge Road, Richmond
Tel No: 9429 9347

Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 7:00 am – 4:00 pm
Saurdayt to Sunday: 7:30 am – 4:30 pm