Braking for Breakfast

Gauge

Seriously, it's December already?! Life in 2015 has been quite excellent so far with some big changes like moving out from by myself to a shared house, learning a different role at work, meeting heaps of new people (mostly lovely foodies!) and doing some unexpected travel. It's also been an inconsistent mix of very slow months and insanely busy months - October being one of them. After months of feeling uninspired at work, I finally have been given a project to work with that involved me travelling to Bangalore, India, which is a trip I've been hoping to go on for a while. But of course that had to happen in a month which was already busy, mostly involving events around the wedding of one of my best friends, Kirst. So I squeezed this trip in between her Hen's Day and the wedding, after which I headed down to Melbourne for a long weekend for another wedding. Weddings galore!

Anyhow, as usual I'm taking forever to get to the point of the review, prior to the big Hen's Event my fellow Brisbane-based bridesmaids and I gathered to do a final round of planning and as avid breakfast lovers, we decided to meet at Gauge for the intense discussions for an early morning meeting. I'd been to Gauge a few times when it opened and enjoyed both times and am still dying to go for lunch and dinner.

The lovely C offered to give me a lift and so no bike required - however the trip via bike is super convenient either via the city and over Victoria Bridge or crossing over Kulripa Bridge and riding up near GOMA. The central South Brisbane location isn't very conducive to easy parking and the large amount of construction causing the majority of available spaces to be blocked off didn't help. However, it turns out that there are about three 1 hour parking spaces right outside Gauge so if you get there early, you can nab one of those like we did. Score!

Located on Merivale St, just off Fish Lane, Gauge is unobtrusive at street level but walk inside and you are met with a feeling of a safe haven from the busy street. Decorated in cool colours with minimalistic furniture, it's open and inviting. With several large tables as well as some smaller tables, there's plenty of seating for everyone - most of which the chefs in the open kitchen can see out to. B was already seated in the corner when we arrived, looking absolutely stunning in the first of her Frocktober dresses. If you weren't aware, Frocktober is a charity event that takes place in October (I'm sure you never guessed that...) each year and participants wear a different dress each day to raise money for Ovarian cancer. B's first effort was a gorgeous 50s style dress, with a matching hairstyle and white gloves to match. To say I felt sloppy was an understatement...

Not long after arriving we were brought water and menus and had our coffee orders taken. Gauge doesn't publish their menus online (painful for the indecisive orderer such as myself) and so I'd been 'researching' Instagram actively the night before but still wasn't entirely sure what was on the menu. It had unsurprisingly changed since I was last there but I noted that the Bircher and Sourdough Waffle were still present. Gauge are known for their innovative, offbeat menu and the new additions proved that with Smoked kingfish, pearl barley, soft egg, foam and Ash sourdough, almond cream, raw beef, poached egg w XO sauce & pickled green tomatoes now featuring. And Soft eggs on sourdough are nothing to turn your nose up at, especially if you add the optional coal grilled WA octopus with pickled beetroot. And with all these amazing options, what did I choose? Even now I'm retrospectively kicking myself but I eventually chose the house organic oat bircher w fresh seasonal fruits, lemon myrtle & honeycomb. I wanted so badly to feel one of those exciting options but in all honestly, they just all felt too much for me that particular morning. C, a recent Gauge addict, opted for the ash sourdough with raw beef and B chose the sourdough waffle, parsnip custard, freeze dried honey, bee pollen & brown butter.

Our coffees arrived and I had my standard long black with milk on the side. I've realised that I really only need the milk when the coffee isn't great but Gauge do a mean long black using Coffee Supreme beans so the milk was unnecessary...I must remember that when I'm ordering. So we began our brainstorming session well caffeinated and disused the important things in life like what would be involved in making flower crowns and just what was the topless waiter going to do?

Our meals arrived, plated gorgeously as I remembered. The waffle in particular looks attractive with all the dabs of the other elements around the plate, plus waffles are just plain delightful looking. Gauge have also perfected the art of plating Bircher, which is really quite ugly if you think about it...but they arrange the colourful pieces of fresh fruit and that chunk of honeycomb prettily on top with the smear of yoghurt underneath to disguise that fact. I was most curious to see the ash sourdough and it's dark charcoal colour didn't disappoint. Raw meat is raw meat - you can't just top that with some edible flowers and make it pretty, you know? - but on top of the almond cream and bread, it still looked appetising. But hey I'm a bit odd like that so willing to admit it might not be everyone's idea of the prettiest picture.

The Bircher was as good as I remembered - soaked enough to be easily eaten with becoming mush and with a juicy, fruity flavour from the apple and some dried fruit added chew factor. The lack of milk or yoghurt used to soak the oats means that it's not creamy as is and there is a distinctly chewier texture to them, possibly also due to the oats being milled in house. Lighter than a creamy milk-based Bircher but easily substantial enough to keep you going until lunch. The yoghurt is a natural liquid version and isn't plentiful in serve size but enough to add some creaminess and a tart tang to contrast with the sweetness of the abundant cut fresh fruit and honey. The fruit is seasonal and thus changes regularly. The cube of dark golden honeycomb oozes with honey and has a delightful waxy chewy texture. A sprinkling of sunshine in the form of lemon myrtle adds a colourful contrast but no discernible flavour. It's the kind of breakfast that leaves you feeling good about the day and wanting to smugly hashtag #cleaneating #healthyeats #goodforyourinsides and all other #healthy proclamations guaranteed to get you likes from the other nutrition obsessed. Sadly no #paleo though - damn grains.

B's pretty waffles went down a treat and after I snuck a bite, I blissfully remembered the greatness that is waffles. Seriously, freshly made hot waffles with crispy edges are amazing and ought to be the new donut stat. With all those surfaces available to be made crunchy, they're SO much better than those soft doughy things and are delightful either with a simple sweet maple syrup or amazing amped up with salty savoury toppings... Although thinking about the incredible-ness that is the sweet + savoury equation, why have none of the many donut bakers really gotten behind savoury donuts? Asian bakeries have been pumping out their weird sausage and pork floss versions forever?! Something to think about... Anyway, back to the ranch (ranch being Gauge's waffles), these waffles were only lightly sweetened with a faint fermented tang from the sourdough used. The rich parsnip custard was almost savoury and freeze dried honey added intensified pops of sweetness.

I also managed to score a bite of C's dish by throwing out the old 'Would you like to try some of mine? No? Oh thanks, yes I'd LOVE to try some of yours' play. Thanks C! The ash sourdough had a slightly different flavour but hard to pinpoint in one mouthful. The beef was seasoned well and deliciously tender and didn't feel overly rich. The almond cream added (wait for it...) creaminess which muted the intense unami of the XO sauce mixed through the beef. I didn't get any of the egg or tomatoes but I imagine they both contribute well to the dish in both texture and flavour.

After finishing our breakfasts and reluctantly admitting it was time to start work, we walked up to the counter to pay. With the use of the hi-tech iPad payment system, we were able to split the bill which is ridiculously convenient. Perched on the counter were also some croissants and other pastries, all of which looked delicious and perfect for takeaway with your coffee.

Gauge is not somewhere you'd go to get a simple bacon and egg dish (though I'm sure their version is excellent) and isn't targeting the starving hungover person, unless they order multiple meals. What they are providing is deceptively complicated dishes in the guise of simplicity and they are doing it damn well. I cannot wait to get there for lunch and dinner one day and I expect this won't be the last time I choose it for breakfast either. The coffee is excellent and the menu options, although minus many gluten-free options, are outstanding. Service was friendly and good, although we did have a bit of difficulty in getting our waiter's attention a few times from our dark corner spot. Congratulations Gauge, you've raised the breakfast bar in Brisbane to an impressive height.

Details

Gauge
77 Grey St
South Brisbane

$$
DF | V | VV
Cafe

Ratings

Food | 9

Coffee | 8

Service | 7

Menu Options | 9

Value | 8

See ratings for details.

Sunday, December 13, 2015
1 Comments

Atticus Finch Cafe

atticus finch cafe

I 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.

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

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.

Wednesday, October 28, 2015
0 Comments

Asana

asana

One of the best things I've gotten out of blogging has been meeting several lovely other food bloggers. Unsurprisingly, we've got a few things in common and they're always great to catch up with and also are always interested in eating out. Plus I feel slightly less awkward pulling out my camera and phone to take shots of my food when everyone else is too! A group of us try to meet for breakfast before work once in a while and the most recent suggestion was Asana at the new Capri by Fraser hotel on the corner of Margaret and Albert Streets in the CBD.

Asana has had more hype surrounding it that most hotel-related restaurants tend to due to the menu being designed by Paleo Diet advocate Pete Evans. As a result, the menu has a focus on having Paleo options but it not limited to them - bread lovers can breathe a sigh of relief here. While not personally a follower of the Paleo Diet, or particularly convinced of it, I do admit that the side effect of it being gluten-free is helpful as wheat does not appear to agree with me. While Asana offer an a la carte menu for lunch and dinner, they only offer a buffet for breakfast. However at only $25 for a full menu or $20 for continental, it is very reasonably priced.

I arrived just after 7 on my bike - Asana is easy enough to get to but the one way streets in the CBD can make it tricky unless you're coming from the Botanical Gardens. I couldn't see any bike racks nearby so locked my bike to a signpost across the street. Bookings for breakfast are not required and a few who arrived earlier were already ensconced at a booth table in the relatively empty restaurant. I like the comfort of booths but it can be tricky when in a group larger than four as there is always someone who has to get up for the middle person when they want to get out. There are plenty of tables at Asana and everything, being a new hotel and all, is modern, clean and colourful. After sitting down and catching up while waiting for a few others to arrive, we decided to take a look at what was offered.

The breakfast buffet options change daily and are definitely more interesting than your standard breakfast buffet options. The hot options include bacon, sausages, grilled tomatoes and scrambled herb eggs - all free range. If you prefer your eggs another way, they can be made to order as well as omelettes, as I was told by one of the very friendly chefs! And although there is a range of Paleo breads available, there is also a board of standard non-Paleo bread including sourdough, rye and fruit loaf which can all be toasted. Little jars of Hank's jam, tomato sauce plus containers of Beerenberg honey and small pats of butter are available as condiments.

I began with the continental bar where a large range of sweet and savoury options lay. As a massive muesli fan I was curious about the options. Mini jars of Bircher and two different types of chia pudding (chocolate with pistachio and coconut with blueberry) were available as well as a Paleo granola and a standard raw oat-based muesli. To go with your muesli there is dairy-free coconut yoghurt available plus a selection of add-ins including a range of fruit compotes, dried fruit, seeds, nuts and also a selection of powdered superfoods such as slippery elm powder. Healthy eaters will truly rejoice at this selection! For the sweet tooths with less of a disposition towards clean eating, there are Paleo muffins and a selection of non-Paleo pastries which seriously impressed my friend E, who said they were really fresh and delicious. Savoury items including devilled eggs, cured meats and salmon, which was impressively served with thin slices of raw beetroot and guacamole. Small bowls of fresh fruit including several types of melon were scattered on the bar amongst everything.

I grabbed a jar of Bircher, the coconut blueberry chia pudding as well as a thin slice of the Paleo banana bread and some fruit and coconut yoghurt. I also tried a few of the fruit compotes which I think were blueberry, strawberry and kiwi fruit. The Bircher was thick and delicious - I couldn't tell if it was oat-based or not but I suspect that it was Paleo so not. Served with a bit of Paleo granola on top, it was delicious with a bit of additional yoghurt and fruit. The chia pudding was moreish and I would have tried the chocolate one but felt it would be too much - which is a pity because D said it was amazing. The fruit compotes were lovely - not too sweet - and the fruit was fresh and sweet, even the watermelon which someone remarked upon as lately it hasn't been particularly good. The banana bread was as I expected and similar to gluten-free ones I've tried - very moist as probably made on almond meal and/or coconut flour but nice all the same.

I should also note at this point I did get a coffee which was from a self-serve Nespresso machine. I didn't mind that but for real coffee fans, you can order a proper espresso coffee at additional cost. There are also a range of T2 teas and juice.

After enjoying my sweet start, I moved on to savoury. I grabbed a bit of each of the hot items and got some prosciutto, salmon and a devilled egg. The bacon was good and not overly crispy, which is how I like it, and the sausage was tasty without being overly fatty. I was impressed by the scrambled eggs which were creamy and well seasoned. The devilled egg was intriguing with the filling being mixed with chicken and topped with bacon. For those who don't know, a devilled egg is a hard boiled egg with the yolk scooped out, mixed with other ingredients (usually mayonnaise and mustard) and replaced. They were popular in the 70s as a party canape but less so now. Unsurprisingly it was very tasty! The cured salmon was delicious but unfortunately they'd run out of guacamole when I was up so I went without but it was being refilled as I left.

Overall I was really impressed with my breakfast at Asana! Buffets are generally very dangerous for me and I don't know if it was trying to be restrained and not eat EVERYTHING or the fact that I was limited by the time I had before everyone had to leave for work, but I didn't leave feeling like my stomach was going to burst. I loved that there was such a range of healthy foods but it wasn't limited to them or Paleo-specific items. Considering that it's standard to pay up to $30 for breakfast if you get a few drinks these days, I consider this exceptional value. The staff were all very friendly and helpful and the atmosphere, despite being in the bottom of a hotel, is actually lovely with the room being warm and open. I would probably advise against sitting near the open bar area as its window is open for take-away coffees and on a cold morning, it can get quite chilly. I definitely plan on returning and am interested in trying their lunch and dinner menus sometime too. For those riding in like C and I did, there wasn't an obvious bike bay around but there were several poles around to lock our bikes to. Overall verdict? Paleo or non-Paleo, Asana is a great breakfast option in the city if you're looking for somewhere to sit down and have at least an hour to enjoy your food.