Occam Cafe and Bar

By PHOEBE FALCONER for canvas

The old Cameo picture theatre building stretches in a reverse L-shape from Williamson Ave to Great North Rd. Tucked into the corner of the building where Williamson meets Selbourne St is Occam Cafe and Bar, recommended by Sally as a good place for brunch. As obedient parents we hastened to follow her endorsement.

Occam on a Saturday morning was loud, full of families and groups of friends all noisily happy to see each other. The music was set at a level where it could still be heard above the babble, but, thoughtfully, it was lowered later as the crowd thinned.

Occam is comfortable, full of well-used cafe furniture, newspapers and magazines, self-help water regularly changed, and decorated in shades of grey and mustard, with interesting and co-ordinated artwork. The staff are friendly and relaxed and seem to enjoy what they do.

We found a table inside, but the corner location means a wind-free spot can usually be found outside. The menus arrived promptly, and so did the tomato juices we both ordered, one spiced and one not. Detailed discussion revealed there was indeed a difference between the two.

The menu lists the usual suspects, from muesli with fresh fruit and yoghurt ($8.50), pancakes with either banana, bacon and maple syrup or blueberries and cream (both $10.50) and eggs on toast ($7.50, or $10.50 with bacon), to corn fritters with bacon, salad and aioli.

As an aside, why have corn fritters gained gastronomic status? In our house, they are still considered a low-rent lunch.

Bill went for the big breakfast, at $14.50. No surprises there, but Occam also offers a half-size big breakfast (a biggish breakfast?) for $7.50, which is a nice touch. I ordered mushrooms on toast, at $9.50.

Bill's meal arrived hot and plentiful; scrambled egg, bacon, hash browns, homemade baked beans, mushrooms and toast. His only complaint was that the latter was toasted french bread, which he found a little awkward. My mushrooms were delicious, flavoured with oregano and tasting like real field mushrooms, and accompanied by the two biggest slices of toast I have ever seen. Each was at least 2.5cm thick and made from five-grain bread that I was informed came from Pandoro. When I had finished my meal, one slice lay still untouched, which is an indication of size, not lack of flavour.

Flat white coffees arrived promptly after ordering, and were hot and strong.

A mix-up with the bill was treated quickly and apologetically, and we left replete and determined to return.

Where: 135 Williamson Ave, Grey Lynn.

Parking: Easy, usually.

Ambience: Very casual.

Service: Prompt and polite.

Open: 7.30am till late weekdays, 8am till late Saturdays, 8am to 5pm Sundays.

* Read more about what's happening in the world of food, wine, party places and entertainment in canvas magazine, part of your Weekend Herald print edition.