KEY POINTS:
Our reviewer finds a surprise on the all-day menu and enjoys the comfort food in a lovely courtyard environment.
We chose this place because it was open. Not so easy to find such a one on Queen's Birthday Monday.
Parking was on a side street.
We walked in and immediately thought it looked full, for the reason above. But the courtyard area was empty, so we settled there, under the heater.
The most unusual thing on the menu was cucumber sandwiches and a jug of Pimms No. 1 Cup ($16). A little early for us, but it was on the all-day menu.
We ordered wholemeal pikelets with banana, bacon and maple syrup ($15) for Bill, and for me? Aaaah, comfort food. Kedgeree, with smoked fish, lightly spiced basmati rice, soft boiled egg and yogurt, topped with bacon ($15). It was delicious, with the yogurt adding a welcome touch of piquancy, complementing the smoked fish. The pikelets were pancake-sized and thick, with plenty of bacon and, unasked, a side jug of extra syrup. Nice touch.
The service was friendly but a little slow. The waitress did reassure us that our order wouldn't be long, each time she flitted past, so at least we knew we hadn't been forgotten.
The coffee was very good, hot, strong and prompt.
We recommend if you come here you head for the courtyard. It's a jolly nice spot, and the notice asking patrons to respect the neighbours and keep the noise down seems to be reciprocated.
Overall we thought if you could speed up the service, Mr Landreth, you'd have a real winner.
Canvas Rating: 4 out of 5