Braking for Breakfast

The address is listed as being on Merivale St but my geographically-challenged brain was convinced it was on the same street as Merriweather aka Cordelia St. Obviously it wasn't so after working that out, we parked in the Secure Parking lot between Merivale and Cordelia Streets. Trusty Google Maps showed number 52 as Subway so we assumed that it had replaced Subway but no, Subway was still there. Slightly perplexed, we walked around a little before finally finding it in the area between the two streets but closer to Russell St...literally in front of where we had exited the lift from the carpark.

Ginger & Green is in a green building but I'm not sure if their name is an acknowledgement of that. Inside has that minimalistic, clean Swedish look with white walls, timber tables, colourful chairs and complete glass frontage allowing plenty of natural light to shine through. It's a popular look for Brisbane cafes but I especially like G&G's take on it. It's a relatively small space, perhaps similar in size to Ponycat, but elongated and with a very different vibe to Ponycat's casual, cozy appearance with their awesome 90s themed decoupaged tables. Inside is a large communal table as well as some smaller tables jutting out of the wall and window bench seating. Several more tables of varying sizes are outside but were covered due to the recent rain.

We were greeted by the friendly staff and invited to take a seat anywhere so we opted for the large communal table inside. We were immediately handed menus and given a bottle of water and glasses. Ginger & Green primarily use 7 Seeds coffee beans but feature a rotating list of options which can include other roasters. A small chalkboard on the counter lists them along with their tasting notes - they clearly take their coffee seriously, evidenced further by the fact that they weigh the grind before each pour. The menu lists the standard coffee espresso options ($3-3.5) as well as filter pour over ($6) and batch brew ($3.5); at the moment the batch is served as cold brew which I opted for. 

The broad all-day menu has a range of breakfast and lunch options ranging from toast and condiments and free range eggs on toast to grilled salmon salad with du puy lentils and quinoa. Apart from the toast and simple egg options, the menu prices range between $15 and $20 plus there are many cheaper pre-made options in the counter cabinet. I was still feeling full from a ribs degustation the night before so looked to what was in the front counter cabinet. Filled with pre-made sandwiches, bagels & chia puddings, as well as freshly baked sweet and savoury muffins on top, there are plenty of great options for those on the run and all under $10. I was torn between a delicious looking Reuben rye bagel with corned beef, cheese, russian dressing and pickle ($8.5) and a coconut chia pudding with yoghurt, seeds & fresh fruit ($6.5). I ended up going for the healthier chia pudding, primarily swayed by the fresh fig on top. Such a sucker for figs. C, with her amazing metabolism, chose her version of a light option - salmon gravlax with wasabi creme, poached free range eggs, pickled heirloom vegetables on rye beer bread ($19).

Our coffees were quick to arrive and I loved my refreshing cold brew on ice, served in the most gorgeous matte black and white ceramic mug. I seriously love when a cafe has beautiful plates and cups and these are incredible. I'm pretty sure it was functional as well, keeping my drink chilled. There weren't too many other patrons around when we arrived but a steady stream of takeaway coffee orderers began to appear by that time. Our food was relatively quick to arrive too. Given that I ordered out of the cabinet, mine was ready immediately but C's meal didn't take long and when it did come we were impressed by the lovely plating. First, the flat plate with raised sides (which I love btw) was matte black (SO much love) which starkly contrasted with the vibrant colours of the salmon, wasabi creme, and pickled baby beetroot and carrot. Even the plain poached eggs looked pretty on it all, atop two slices of the toasted bread.

My chia pudding was exactly what I felt like - light and fresh but still substantial with the fresh fruit adding sweetness and seeds a crunchy factor. An interesting addition was a sprinkling of nigella seeds on top too, which just added something a little different. It was so generous in size that I couldn't finish it and took away the rest for later. C loved her meal and also couldn't quite finish. The eggs were perfectly poached and I sampled some and loved the intensity of the wasabi with the salty salmon, but I am a crazy wasabi fiend. If I had to nitpick, the toast was slightly burnt on the edges but that was the only thing.

So impressed by my breakfast there, I returned with my other favourite breakfast friend, I, that Saturday. Happily I was hungry this time so went straight for the menu...although had the Reuben bagel been available I would have been tempted. Instead I decided on the gluten-free sweet potato & leek pancakes with eggplant kasundi, baby spinach and a choice of streaky bacon ($16) or salmon gravlax ($19). I used to often get the savoury pancakes at Ponycat but I don't remember them being gluten-free so not sure if they are also or if they've altered the recipe. I'm not a streaky bacon fan and wasn't feeling the salmon so asked if I could have something else and was generously told I could easily swap for any of the extras. Unfortunately I was bordering on hungry which makes my ability to make decisions SO MUCH HARDER and I'm bad at the best of times when it comes to choosing food...or anything really. After much deliberation I chose the mushrooms and to her credit, the amazing waitress (who I think is actually the owner) was incredibly patient with me. C went for the popular crispy potato skins with shredded beef, bacon jam, Gorgonzola, crispy prosciutto and fried egg ($18). We also both ordered long blacks on the Seven Seeds Single Origin bean upon recommendation.

Our coffees came first and I enjoyed my coffee but it was a fruitier than I prefer but C loved his as he likes his coffee more acidic. Our meals then arrived on matching plates - the same as the other morning but mine on a white version. Yin and yang. Again attractively plated - I really believe it eating is a full sensory experience so having a visually appealing meal helps!




My plate had two thick pancakes layered with large, juicy flat mushrooms, a generous amount of the eggplant kasundi relish and spinach and micro herbs with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar around it. C's potato skins wasn't what I expected but was so much better! I'd envisioned fried-to-a-crisp skins but instead it was a whole potato hollowed out and crisped then re-filled with a mixture of the potato and shredded beef topped with a massive mound of bacon jam and shards of crisped prosciutto. Two fried eggs with gooey yolks lay beside them and a few scattered micro herbs for a finishing touch.

I loved my pancakes -  slightly doughy with chunks of sweet potato throughout and more flavoursome than I anticipated. I'd been concerned that they'd need a salty accompaniment (like the suggested bacon or gravlax) but they were actually well seasoned alone. I had also thought they might need a sauce but they were moist enough and the juicy mushrooms worked well with them. I absolutely loved the spicy eggplant kasundi with chunks of spiced chewy eggplant. C loved his meal and after sampling some I could understand why. Filled with so much flavour, the potato and tender beef was enhanced by the intense bacon jam and the soft fried eggs brought it all together. We both felt some chilli or spice would be an excellent addition but we chilli-fy everything and just added a good dose of ground pepper. There was so much bacon jam and so I stole some and a bit of egg for my dish and seriously recommend them as add-ons to the pancakes if you don't get bacon or just want to amp it up even more! Warning: the bacon jam is pretty rich though and so you can imagine that the potato skins is one seriously filling meal.

We left very, very satisfied and I imagine it won't be long before I return. It's a fantastic new option for any of the many workers in the office buildings in the complex for either breakfast or lunch. Apart from the all-day menu there are the cabinet options and I spied a blackboard advertising reasonably priced lunch specials. I imagine it can get quite busy during the week but it was fairly quiet on the weekend, perhaps due to it being new and also being hidden from the street. That may not last long though! And if you can't find street parking on Russell St or nearby and don't want to pay the high prices of the neighbouring carparks, the IGA carpark isn't far (direct path from the exterior carpark to G&G) and if you purchase something you get 2 hours free parking underneath...

Details

Shop 7 52 Merivale Street
South Brisbane
https://www.instagram.com/gingerandgreencf/
https://www.facebook.com/Gingerandgreensouthbrisbane/

Food | 9

Coffee | 9

Service | 9

Menu Options | 9

Value | 8

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.

Slow-cooked beans & lentils (14.0)

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 Cafe
83 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

Flatlay FTW

For your #yolkporn pleasure

Hello, bottomless cup of coffee...

An excellent menu indeed.

As I get older, I'm valuing my body more and try to treat it as well as I can by keeping active and healthy with what I eat. I try not to be too restrictive with what I eat but I prefer to eat food that is as natural and unprocessed as possible. We've hit a #superfood revolution with ingredients such as chia, quinoa and acai being as common on menus as bacon and eggs. But as much as I like all of those things (OK I admit, they're all present in my kitchen) I'm just trying to eat food which is good for me, or whole foods. Whole foods refers to foods which have had minimal or no processing or refinement prior to consumption. The easiest way to eat this way is to cook food yourself, which I love doing but I also love to go out to eat and try new places. There are a number of places around Brisbane promoting the whole food ethos (Mondo Organics, Plenty, Merriweather Cafe and Felix to name a few) and the latest one is Miss Bliss Wholefoods Kitchen in West End. 



As a regular visitor to West End Coffee House, I noticed the opening sign for Miss Bliss go up several months ago across the road where the old fruit and vegetable shop used to be, and also recognised the logo from the Miss Bliss bliss balls which have been popping up in cafes over the last few years. I was intrigued to see a group of elderly gentleman gathered inside, who I later discovered were owner Jacqui's grandfather and friends. Fast forward to June and word was out that a new 'healthified' cafe was opening in West End. With teaser pictures appearing on Instagram of delicious looking chia puddings, seeded toasts with fresh toppings and, of course, bliss balls, I had a feeling I was going to like this place. 




Shortly after Miss Bliss Wholefoods Kitchen opened, I made plans with some fellow food bloggers to have breakfast one weekday morning. I had recently returned from being away for almost a month and it was the first time back on the bike in a while. I rugged up as much as I could while trying to still look presentable (need to work on the #cyclechic) and hopped on my bike for the ride to West End. Coming through the Roma St Parklands, it made sense to then go over Kurilpa Bridge which led me to Montague Rd, which is almost dead early in the morning. From there it's simply a left turn onto Vulture St and up and over the hill to get to Miss Bliss, just before the intersection with Boundary St. There wasn't any truly visible parking so I locked my bike to a random pole. 

My friends were yet to arrive so I took the opportunity to take some photos before they did, as I tend to forget to do so when leaving. The cafe has a natural and slightly unpolished look with the structure of the fruit market and roller doors still intact. An exposed brick wall lines one side and the counter with outdoor bar seating lines takes up the other. Furniture and cabinetry have timber tops and white bases, keeping the look modern but rustic. The natural vibe is furthered with mini plants lining the shelves and mini cacti in the cutest planter boxes placed on tables. It all comes together to create a warm and fresh atmosphere, which is in tune with the cafe concept. 





After snapping a few not-so-sneaky photos, I sat down to wait and was brought water and a menu. The cup was Falcon enamelware and the menu was printed on kraft paper...my embarrassingly hipster-esque heart was already lost to this place. I was impressed by the number of options on the all-day menu, all of which I would very happily have eaten. Ranging from simple sweet options of granola and (quinoa) porridge plus a few Acai-based Bliss Bowl options to some substantial savoury options such as the 3 Egg Omelette and the MB Breakfast, essentially a 'big breakfast' meal. Additionally, there is a section called Toast 'n' Toppings where you have the option of 2 ($12) or 3 ($16) slices of house made nut and seed loaf with your choice of delicious sounding toppings such as natural PB, banana, goji berries or smashed peas, beetroot pomegranate relish. That may sound simple but I think that the bread is essentially a version of the Life Changing Loaf of Bread from My New Roots, which is an incredibly filling and nutrition-dense bread. Owner Jacqui is a qualified nutritionist and her roots show on the menu, which not only clearly marks the vegan and gluten-free options but also those items rich in protein, high in fibre, immunity supporting, good for digestion and filled with healthy fats and antioxidants. 




My friends arrived shortly afterwards and after the usual greetings and chat and menu discussion, we got up to order at the counter. I chose the Savoury Bliss Bowl ($17) which was described as seasonal roasted vegetables, quinoa, soft 'n' gooey egg, house made pesto, and parmesan. Two of my friends ordered the Wellness Board ($16.50) with soft 'n' gooey eggs, sauteed greens, asparagus, sweet potato hummus, pickles, sauerkraut, beetroot relish with house made seed biscuit. I loved the sound of the 'breakfast tapas' board and it was a tough choice between the two. My other friend opted for the MB Breakfast ($22) of soft 'n' gooey eggs, avocado, organic chicken herbed sausage, crispy speck, sauteed greens, shrivelled tomatoes, sweet potato chips and your choice of bread from organic sourdough, house made gluten free and house made nut & seed loaf. And breakfast means coffee so I ordered my standard long black with milk on the side.

After ordering, Jacqui recognised my friend J who had met her earlier for a launch event and she took us out the back to show us the rest of the cafe and talked about her future plans for the cafe, including wanting to open nights eventually. At the back of the cafe is a booth section with a large black and white print of a photo of Jacqui's grandfather, great-uncle (the original owner of the fruit market) and friends in that exact spot covering the wall. When the fruit market was still just that, the group gathered and spent their days there and this is Jacqui's way of ensuring that they can still spend time there together. It's such a lovely touch and indicative of Jacqui's strong family and community ties. 




Continuing through the back doors is a large sunny outdoor deck area with additional seating and it truly has a welcoming backyard feel. Planter boxes with herbs line the back wall behind a large green bolted door. The strings of lightbulbs overhead make me imagine that come dark, it would be a great spot to spend an evening. 




After returning to our table, coffees arrived and my long black was strong and smooth. The lack of bitterness meant that I could drink it easily straight and needed little of the additional milk, which was provided in an adorable amber glass bottle. Providing milk on the side in adorable miniature vessels has become the norm but occasionally I'm particularly taken by some and this was one of them.  




Not long afterwards our meals arrived and after the necessary photo snapping and lighting assistance (hashtag foodbloggerlyf), we all dug in. My Savoury Bliss Bowl arrived in a shallow bowl with soft kale leaves and softly poached egg atop a substantial pile of quinoa, with roasted asparagus spears and baby carrot on the side along with a serve of bright yellow fermented sauerkraut and a large dollop of bright green pesto. Sprigs of watercress and shavings of parmesan finished it off. The white of the egg was translucent in the way that slow poached or sous vide eggs tend to have. I eagerly cut into the egg and was not disappointed to find that it was in fact soft and gooey with the yolk slowly oozing out. Yolk porn at its finest. The quinoa was cooked slightly al dente (if you can describe quinoa like that) such that it was ever so slightly crunchy and the vegetables were roasted just to the point that they still had crunch. I loved the flavoursome pesto and the way it and the egg bound all of the elements together. The unexpected kraut added a nice tang to the dish. Overall it was a great dish and the type of one where you feel just plain good and satisfied afterwards from. It's very similar to the sort of dish I'd make at home and I'm loving seeing these breakfast salad bowls, or abundance bowls, on menus these days. Because grains + vegetables + eggs = greatness. 

Savoury Bliss Bowl

The other meals looked equally appetising. The Wellness Board didn't actually arrive on a board but honestly, is anyone else over this wooden board trend? Love the look but practically speaking, it makes for difficult eating and things just slide off. Plus is anyone else concerned about how hygienic they are? Anyhow, the array of things on the Wellness Board appeared on plates but still very attractively plated and very vibrant in colour. All of the components looked absolutely delicious and there were no complaints from my friends. It didn't look overly filling but given that the cracker was densely packed with seeds and nuts, I suspect it was still quite satisfying. The MB Breakfast had everything as described, including two eggs, half an avocado and one juicy looking sausage. The slow roasted cherry tomatoes were declared the best tomatoes she'd ever had. 

Wellness Board

MB Breakfast