Cafes

𝐋𝐚𝐦𝐛 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐨𝐧 (4⭐️; $27) - Inspired by Beef Wellington, an entire New Zealand lamb shank was encrusted in a light, flaky and buttery pastry. Well-marinated with spices such that there wasn’t any of the gamy aroma associated with lamb, and the meat was flavourful and pull-apart tender. Especially enjoyed gnawing against the bone for naturally sweet meat.

The eggless Shokupan was fluffy and airy with a well-executed caramelized and crisp exterior. Paired with sour fresh berries and berry coulis, and sweet caramelised banana. The drizzle of yuzu honey was an addictive tangy-sweet mix while the mascarpone and luscious Elle&vire whipped cream infused with bourbon vanilla lightened up the dessert.

Thin crust chewy pizza with crisp and airy edges. Enjoyed our half-half rendition comprising signature La Mattina Dopo - hearty tomato, mozzarella, bacon, mushroom, and egg mix, along with Prosciutto Di Parma topped with tender parma ham and rucola.

Perfectly poached oozy eggs atop fluffy English muffin, paired with savory siracha hollandaise sauce and umami tobiko. There’s the option of classic smoked salmon and we opted for the more unique crunchy battered ebi shrimp.

Comforting garlic dashi shoyu broth with flavourful seafood aroma from the salmon chunks and sweet clams. The mixing in of onsen egg added an enjoyable creaminess while the sesame, nori, and ikura provided umami depth. Would recommend!

𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐢𝐬𝐡 ($18) - Succulent grilled fish well-marinated with homemade spices. Enjoyed the pairing with grilled vegetables such as juicy eggplant and sweet bell peppers.

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐲 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭 ($25) - Lived up to the name with the huge serving of toasted bread, giant pork sausage, baked beans, juicy mushrooms and tomato, fresh spinach, crispy tater tots, and two eggs done any style (we forgot to indicate our choice but enjoyed the oozy sunny side ups nonetheless). Includes a choice of tea/coffee (valued at $5+) and we enjoyed the smooth and palatable flat white.

Decently sized portion of an omelette wrapping spinach, creamy avocado, and smoked salmon (or choice of sautéed mushroom). The omelette was an enjoyable soft and creamy mix despite being thin, and all the components paired well with the toasted multigrain bread for a hearty meal.

April-exclusive collaboration between Melbourne-based Sara (buttermilk pantry) who’s recipes were a top to try during lockdown and masterchef Gen (sourbombe).

👍🏼 𝐂𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐚 𝐋𝐚𝐯𝐚 - Definitely for the matcha purists and fans with the rich grassy and umami flavour. Recommend halving it (or getting two 😉) and trying it both warm and cold. Difficult to choose a preference between the oozy matcha lava paired with the firm matcha cookie dough shell and the cold rich & creamy nama-chocolate-like experience.

𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐨 𝐓𝐚𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐢 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐞 - Savory-sweet fudgey bite that was a good balance of umami miso and nutty sesame. Personally found it a tad too heavy on the palette but loved it in small portions.

𝐏𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐤𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐎𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐎𝐢𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐤𝐞 - Gen wasn’t lying when she said this was the most moist cake she’s tried. Packed with flavour from roasted kabocha, olives, dark chocolate, and tangy Yuzu olive glaze. Personally would have preferred for less dark chocolate to better appreciate the natural pumpkin and tea flavour but a delicious cake nonetheless.

👍🏼 𝐏𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐤𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐁𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐞 - Airy and fluffy donuts generously filled with luscious pumpkin custard. Topped with candied pecans and cream cheese glaze.

𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐊𝐚𝐬𝐮 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐞 - Polarizing flavour heavy on the cheese & tang that received divided views among the family.
P.S sake kasu is the by product of rice fermentation in the making of sake

𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐤𝐞 - Moist and soft banana chocolate cake with distinct rum element.

We also tried the alacarte 𝐌𝐞𝐥𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐞 which was an indulgent mix of espresso chocolate, burnt Australian honey which added a lovely toffee flavour and sticky element, and crunchy roasted macadamia

TLDR: highly recommend getting a box!

📍@sourbombebakery X @buttermilkpantry

𝟐𝟒𝐡𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐟 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐭 (3.5 ⭐️; $20) - The star was the well-marinated and tender braised beef brisket, paired with two perfectly poached and oozy eggs. Personally found it too heavy on carbs with the tangy toasted sourdough, confit baby potatoes, and hand-cut potato chips (that had lost a bit of their crisp), but a satisfying meal suitable for carb-lovers.

𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐰𝐧 & 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐨 𝐚𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐨 𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐨 (4 ⭐️; $22) - Perfectly al-dente pasta tossed in umami prawn head butter and with spicy kick. Includes char grilled tiger prawns and savory chorizo strips.

𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐓𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧 (4 ⭐️; $20) - Feast for the eyes and stomach! Thick brioche rich in eggy goodness while retaining fluffy and soft, paired with delectable seasonal fresh fruits of figs and berries, whipped cream cheese, and maple thyme drizzle. Loved the chunky and nutty peanuts nestled within for added textural and flavour contrast. Did find that it can get quite rich; would recommend sharing it and would have appreciated more tangy berry compote, mint, thyme, or zest.