Set in the heart of mansion meadows, this out-of-the-way cafe was enjoying its first birthday, so we thought we'd better join the celebrations.
The look was a little deceiving from the outside. With parked cars lining both sides of the rural highway, it looked like the little black cottage wouldbe packed from wall to charming china plate-covered wall. But beyond the cosy house-like part was a sprawling, alfresco dining area with rustic timber beams and plastic curtains, and a kids' playground.
The menu - one side all-day breakfast; the other all-day lunch - was extensive and full of choice: from creamy coconut breakfast risotto ($12.90) to duck a l'orange ($28.90). This place is renowned for its fries with smoky aioli, but there were many appealing alternatives.
The food was handsomely presented. We ignored traditional for cultural, opting for the Mexican-style mince on homemade cornbread, and the welsh rarebit (both $19.90).
The tasty mince and beans were topped with two perfectly fried eggs; the rarebit, an interesting stack of rye, cheese and onion rosti, poached egg and spinach - but the rich smoked eggplant puree was an acquired taste. Because it was their birthday, we couldn't resist the delicious carrot cake with a slab of cream cheese icing ($5).
The coffee was Allpress and was fine, but our coffee connoisseur needed a double shot. The teas, served in very cool teapots, hit the spot.
The service was knowledgeable and attentive without being obtrusive. The water with mint leaves, served in old-fashioned milk bottles, was constantly refreshed without having to ask.
Overall, the Black Cottage Cafe is a satisfying reason to take a meandering drive through the lush Coatesville countryside (and include a snoop of Dotcom's mansion).
