Atticus Finch Cafe
Wednesday, October 28, 2015I can't even explain why it's taken me so long to get to Atticus Finch, being close in Paddington and a favourite of one of my regular partners in breakfasting crime, Y. Although funnily enough, I can count the number of times I've had breakfast in Paddington on one hand since moving nearby so maybe it's a case of too convenient? There's also that small issue of Paddington hills and not wanting to ride up them...
I finally visited the To Kill A Mockingbird namesake up on Latrobe Tce a few weeks ago for an early Sunday breakfast with Y. It's not overly obvious that it's there, tucked in a shady corner, but upon approaching I immediately felt the relaxed vibe and we were welcomed immediately by the friendly staff. Being early we had our pick of tables and we opted to sit outside, being a nice day, but in a shaded area on the front deck. The all-day menu is short but hardly simple with options deviating from the standard - think warm malted semolina & rhubarb, black sticky rice with banana, tapioca & coconut, miso baked salmon on Japanese rice w pickled ginger & dashi dressing. Coffee is made with beans by Coffee Supreme and apart from the usual espresso based, they do Aeropress and (to my sleepy delight) unlimited filter brew (both $5), which we ordered. That's right - unlimited coffee - you're welcome. Y decided she felt like the Mixed Grain Porridge with poached pear, berry compote, honey, pistachios & cinnamon. Despite being tempted by the salmon, I chose slow-cooked broad beans and lentils with a poached egg, tahini, tomato, pickled cucumber & toasted sourdough but with gluten-free bread instead, which was no extra charge. Already I was feeling like a winner at this point. Orders are taken at the counter which I hadn't realised but luckily Y knew the drill.
Menu clearly stating that you need to order at the counter #readingfail |
Coffees arrived quickly - a carafe of the Aeropress for Y which came with a glass of ice and a star print straw for a nice touch and a cup of smooth filter brewed coffee for me. After asking for some water, we were asked if we wanted sparkling to go with our coffees, to which we immediately agreed. I'm not sure if it's just our coffee types or all black coffee but I like the touch! It was such a lovely morning and peaceful, even with more customers beginning to arrive, and perfect to catch up with a good friend.
Fancy - carafe of Aeropress coffee + stars |
Our meals were served and unfortunately I spotted that I'd been given the sourdough instead of the gluten-free bread but that was quickly rectified with apologies - our waitress was so lovely that I almost felt bad asking about it! I'd expected that the lentils & beans would be like baked beans with the beans and lentils whole but instead they had been cooked until soft to a chunky purée, or a breakfast dip as Y proclaimed. So in dip-style, I tore off some bread, smeared it on, adding a bit of poached egg and cucumber and was in taste heaven. The beans and lentils had a Middle Eastern flavour and were like a delicious cousin of hummus, especially with the tahini sauce drizzled around the bowl. The pickled cucumber was crunchy and zingy and a few fresh cherry tomatoes added pops of sweetness. The beans and lentils were standout alone but adding a poached egg with a gooey yolk made me love it even more. It's a tasty, wholesome dish that will keep you feeling full for a long time.
Meanwhile Y was loving her porridge, deviating from her usual semolina favourite. Served in a flat bowl, it is a thick porridge with deep red berry coulis on top with swirls of honey and a sprinkling of pistachio dukkah on top. Perhaps you could have it with additional milk but as is, it's like a warm Bircher. The use of multiple grain types made it texturally different from a plain oat porridge. It was lightly sweetened and creamy, with the berry topping added a contrasting tartness and the dukkah brining crunch factor. Being porridge I'm not sure if it will be on the menu much longer but after having a taste, I think it's one of the best I've had!
Mixed grain porridge (12.0) |
Our meals were substantial and we left feeling very sated! I also had about four cups of that filter coffee...so I was rather buzzed for the rest of the day. I love the relaxed feel of Atticus Finch and with lovely service and great food, I'm going to have to go back ASAP. Sadly without Y (who has left me for Bahrain...I get it, they probs have better food) but I want to try that Miso Baked Salmon or maybe that Warm Malted Semolina....
Details
Atticus Finch Cafe83 Latrobe Terrace
Paddington, Brisbane
M-F | 0630-1400
S-S | 0700-1400
https://www.facebook.com/atticusfinchcafe/
https://instagram.com/atticusfinchcafe/
$$
GF | DF | EF | V | VV
Breakfast, Lunch, Cafe
Ratings
Food | 9
Coffee | 8
Service | 8
Menu Options | 8
Value | 9
Bike-ability | -
Bike Friendly | -
See ratings for explanations.
Flatlay FTW |
For your #yolkporn pleasure |
Hello, bottomless cup of coffee... |
An excellent menu indeed. |
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