Cafe Cui

Eloquent words from the Hungry Cookie about eating in Footscray - "Upgrades to Footscray station, newsworthy Jam doughnuts and a prevalence of trendy cafes and gastropubs (Station Hotel!) means Footscray is steadily losing its ‘dodgy’ reputation. Who knows? Maybe some of our ‘precious’ east-sider friends will venture to the west for a taste *wink." 

Seddon and Yarraville are the main go-to spots for cafe style food in the Western suburbs, but Cafe Cui has proved itself to be a strong competitor. Located just seconds from the train and tram stop, the cafe is attractive to train and tram commuters with the exterior - inviting open windows and light brown timber, and the interior - small, modern and comfortable. The service is a bit slow which I was a bit annoyed about because it wasn't busy. The menu has so much variety, perfect for any cravings.

Cafe Cui's Mighty Breakfast (sourdough toast, veggies, eggs cooked your way, bacon and chipolata sausage) - $15.00

$15 for a big breakfast? What a bargain!!! Popular cafes in the CBD are charging at least $19 for the same thing. The portions are so generous as well, as you can tell from the photo above. The mushrooms were cut two large and the tomato was undercooked but for $15 I guess you can't really complain. The chipolata sausage was delicious and the eggs were poached well. 

The Lover-Lover Lobster Roll (lobster pieces in a sweet brioche roll, housemade mayo served with shoestring fries) - $19.00

The first time I had a lobster roll was Valentine's Day at Golden Fields. It was an unforgettable moment and we consequently had to order more. Golden Fields is no longer operating and has been replaced with Supernormal (I still haven't tried that place out yet) BUT NOW I am so happy a cafe in Footscray is serving it, with generous pieces of lobster too! I love the presentation with the chopping board, and personalised paper to serve the chips with. 10/10 rating from me.

I'm slowly getting better at these birds eye view photos! Practice makes perfect. I didn't order a coffee but they do Ca Phe Sua Da (Vietnamese Iced Coffee which is coffee with condensed milk). I smiled when I saw it on the menu, judging on the prominent Vietnamese location. Pay a visit to Cafe Cui if you haven't already because I made an effort from the Northern suburbs and wasn't disappointed at all.

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Cafe Cui
Address: 58 Leeds Street Footscray 3011 (Across from Footscray Station)
Contact: 9687 6967
Hours: Weekdays 6am - 4:30pm, Sat 7am - 4:30pm, Sun 8am - 4:30pm
Price: $$$
Website: http://cafecui.com.au/

HOW DO I GET THERE?

Operator 25

Finally got to try Operator 25 some time in July after seeing so many wonderful images on Instagram. My verdict? Amazing. You walk in and feel a sense of home and the waiters are friendly and super efficient. Nothing attracts my attention more about an eatery than excellent service and Operator 25 ticked all the boxes. I strongly recommend this place to any brunch or coffee lover!!!

Freshly squeezed OJ - $6.00

The perfect hangover cure, a coffee and a fresh juice. 

OFF TOPIC: I think it's time to upgrade my phone... my iPhone 4s is starting to shit me. I'm not interested in the iPhone6... tossing between the LG G3 or Samsung Note 4!! Any suggestions??? :)

Coffee (latte/cappuccino etc) $3.80

Being a coffee snob, I was very impressed with the coffees at Operator 25. I ordered a latte and it was simply perfect. The froth art looks so pretty too.

Terrible birds eye view shot because I was hungover and super hungry to eat... rushed jobs are the worst and I was sitting on the round communal table so the angle was bad :( 

** WORLD CUP SPECIAL IN JULY 2014 ONLY **

Escondidinho - Brazilian style Shepherd's pie with Carne-do-sol (Jerky), Smoked bacon and Black Eyed Beans topped with Cassava Puree, served with Lime & Tomato Salsa - $18.00 

Shepherd's Pie when executed correctly is delicious and fluffy. I absolutely loved this item on their special World Cup Menu (only available in July 2014) and considering it is a Brazilian dish, it was MOUTH WATERINGGGLLYY GOOD. The portion wasn't too large and sickening and the chunks of jerky were seasoned so nicely. Wish I could have this again :(

Dutch Chocolate Hot Cakes, Poached Pear, Vanilla Mascarpone, Milk Crumbs and Maple Syrup - $16.00 (+ bacon $4.00)

I'm unfortunately a sweet tooth so I had to order the hotcake with poached pear. The hot cakes were light and fluffy. The dish entirely was surprisingly not too heavy... even when I ordered bacon on the side (because I was hungover and bacon cures EVERYTHING). The waitress laughed and gave me a strange look when I ordered bacon... I do what I want :) 

Loved the presentation, loved the plate it came on and loved the beaker with maple syrup (how creative!). A must order item from Operator 25! 

Bowl of Fries - $5.00

We probably could have gone without ordering this. but I got greedy and felt like I needed a carb hit! Fries are always a winner, especially fresh chunky ones. Next time I have to order the sweet potato fries (which apparently Macca's now serve on the menu which I need to try) because it sounds delish.

Code Black Coffee Roasters! Hello barista :)

"It brew my mind" - lovely wall art.

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Operator 25

Address: 25 Wills Street Melbourne 3000 (Melb CBD)
Contact: 9670 3278
Hours: Weekdays 7am - 4pm, Weekends 9am - 4pm 

Price: $$

Website: http://www.operator25.com.au/

HOW DO I GET THERE?

BARRY.

Every time I write a new blog post, I seem to be constantly apologising for my hiatus status... Hopefully this time I can be more consistent because I have many reviews (both good and bad) to share with you guys during my time off writing. Thank you to my loyal readers who have been pestering me to blog, it means a lot to know that you guys read it instead of just skimming through the photos ♡♡♡

Let me just start my month long writer's block with a post about BARRY - located in a local spot, looks industrial and shows a real sense of community. Of course, this brunch place is simple, white and wooden as most eateries are these days (Industry beans/Top Paddock/Kettle Black etc). There is also covered outdoor seating also, which is good if you bring your pets or if you want to soak up some sunshine. As for the menu, everything is just under $20AUD and is super healthy (in true Northcote spirit). Now before you go and Google search the menu, think KALE, QUINOA and VEGAN. They do have bacon though!

Lamb Burger with Shoestring Fries - $18.50

Being a self admitted cheeky eater, I opted for the monstrous lamb burger (the greasiest thing on the menu)!!! Although the bun was small, the patty itself (as you can see in the photo) was huge. My stomach don't want none unless you got buns, hun. This wasn't your traditional burger which I quietly enjoyed and would rate 7/10. It would've gotten a higher score if it had more veggies like tomato to break up the heavy meat taste. The chips were seasoned just like Schnitz chips (and I love shoestring fries anyway) and comes with aioli. 

 Eggs Benedict $19.00 (+ Bacon $4.00)

The best friend ordered Eggs Benedict with a side of bacon. Unfortunately the poached eggs were not runny inside and didn't ooze out nicely when pressed with the knife. I think a classic dish such as Ben Eggs for $19.00 is seriously too dear. The ham hock was tender and juicy but not worthy of the pricetag... 

Barry has many beverage varieties from 5 Senses Coffee to cold drip to $8.50 fresh juices. If you're going to order a chai latte, keep in mind they only do soy chai lattes (just a heads up for those who do not enjoy chai). I think this place is cute for a friendly catch up with a mate or a quick coffee before work (because who doesn't love 5 Senses Coffee paired with a fantastic barista?).

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BARRY.

Address: 85 High Street Northcote 3070
Contact: 9481 7623 
Hours: Weekdays 7:30am - 4pm, Weekends 8am - 4:30pm 

Price: $$$ 

Website: http://www.barrycoffeeandfood.com/

HOW DO I GET THERE?

Two Little Pigs Charcuterie and Grind

Cafes are popping out in Melbourne faster than my heart rate after a strong cardio session. I seriously cannot keep up!!! This is a short and sweet post on Two Little Pigs which I found thanks to the trusty Broadsheet guide. So glad to see good local gems in the Northern suburbs. My overall experience here was enjoyable - friendly and efficient staff, great coffee, outdoor seating at the back and A WONDERFUL MENU! I'm going to pay another visit just to try their famous doughcakes with bacon ice cream. Yep, you heard correctly. BACON ICE CREAM!!! What a genius creation.

Pea & Ham (breakfast) - Crisp roasted pork belly, poached free range eggs, green pea velouté served with sourdough toast - $16.90

I am a sucker for any pig bi-product - bacon, pork belly, pork ribs........ As bad as it sounds I can't help being a meat lover :( Pair the pig product with poached eggs and you've got yourself a breakfast winner. I really enjoyed the pea velouté which I would have preferred over a pea puree. 

Charcuterie Boards - small $19.50, large $29.50 

I had my first Charcuterie board when celebrating my 20th birthday at Cumulus Inc. It was a great experience because you get a fine selection of sliced meats, each with their own texture and unique taste. I am a lover of meats so we opted for the Charcuterie board to accompany the other pork belly dish. THIS IS A SMALL SIZED BOARD! Great to share between 2-3 people. I can't imagine how big the large would be... The relishes are homemade which is great to see in a local cafe. There were too many olives though! I can't eat THAT many. Overall I would recommend you order this if you are to pay a visit, you won't be disappointed. 

Charcuterie is the branch of cooking devoted to prepared meat products, such as bacon, ham, sausage, terrines, galantines, pâtés, and confit, primarily from pork.

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Two Little Pigs Charcuterie and Grind

Address: 146 Sydney Road Brunswick 3056

Contact: 9939 4042

Hours: Mon-Fri 6am - 4pm, Weekends 7am - 4pm

Price: $$

Website:  https://www.facebook.com/twolittlepigscharcuterieandgrind

HOW DO I GET THERE?

Industry Beans

I went to Industry beans when it first opened several months ago (refer to image below) but I only ordered a chai latte due to lack of time. This time around I was there for lunch with my good friend Joanne and it had so much WOW factor, I couldn't stop taking photos :-)

If you look on Google Maps, Industry Beans used to be a small warehouse for Crossfit Victoria. The transformation into this gorgeous cafe is amazzzzzing! They've made it look minimalistic, using the right colours and furniture to complement the culture of Fitzroy.

I thoroughly enjoy studying at ACU because it's in the heart of the city and there are so many exciting places to try. N2 Gelato (an ice cream place made from liquid nitrogen) recently opened on Brunswick Street. I was fortunate enough to try it first in it's mother store in Sydney but it's nothing great because people have hyped it up too much tbh. Sydney one looks better as well and they make the experience more exciting compared to the Melbourne store.

Find me on Instagram: badasiandriver 

I copped some weird glances while I was trying to take a photo of myself, pouring the chai tea into my glass. The photo turned out really nice so I don't even care :3

Polenta and Funghi - $18.00

Shimeji, abalone and black funghi tossed with marjoram butter and white win served with fried polenta crisps, fried enoki and garlic chives.

LOOK AT THAT PRESENTATION!!!! Joanne and I had difficulty choosing what to order from the delicious menu. Jo was going to order either this or the Fried Duck Eggs, and I was going to order the pork belly dish. I'm glad we didn't because it was absolutely amazing. I am a sucker for mushrooms, whether it be in a brunch dish or Korean BBQ or even enoki for hotpot! I've never tried fried enoki before, I don't like it very much because it loses the flavour but Jo's dish was ridiculously good.

Cold Drip Cured Salmon and Cornbread - $19.00

House cured salmon on our own friend cornbread with cornichon vinaigrette, cultured cream, grapefruit, white onions and mixed edible flowers.

I enjoy looking at beautiful dishes with edible flowers on my Instagram but when I got to try it myself, it was a bit weird! I'm no where near a herbivore (I love meat too much) but the concept was so fun. The cornbread was a bit tough and hard to cut with my knife but it was so sweet and had a nice corn zing to it. If you are a lover of salmon then I would strongly recommend this dish because it's not like the usual brunch dish you would order. 

Another chai tea! Can't get enough.

Outdoor seating. It was pretty windy when Jo and I went but luckily there are outdoor heaters!

I think Industry beans is a pretty hard place to find if you're not a local but it's definitely worth the travel. The warehouse look is so contemporary and the waiters are so lovely! You'd be a fool not to go and have brunch there. Industry Beans actually take pride in their coffees (Melbourne Broadsheet named them Coffee Alchemists) so I'll be sure to order one next time.

Industry Beans

Address: Warehouse 3, Cnr Rose St and Fitzroy St 3065

Contact: 94171034

Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-4pm, Weekends 8am - 5pm

Price: $$$

Website: http://industrybeans.com/cafe/

HOW TO GET THERE:

Breakfast Thieves

Breakfast Thieves

Address: Shop 1, 420 Gore Street Fitzroy 3065

Contact: 94164884

Hours: Closed on Mondays. Tues - Fri 7:30am - 4pm and Weekends 8am - 4pm

Price: $$

Website: http://www.breakfastthieves.com.au/ 

Driving to Breakfast Thieves that afternoon felt like a long rollercoaster. It wasn't because it was a far journey but because Sarah and I were recovering from a big night at Alumbra (but in all honesty, when isn't it a big night?). We had our shades on even though it was cloudy and water was our best friend for the day. We had arrived at 2:58pm and the waiter advised us we had TWO MINUTES TO ORDER SOMETHING before the kitchen closed. I felt so panicked but fortunately I had arrived there knowing what I wanted to order (Thanks to @deancyle's instagram photo of boiled eggs with muesli).

Plain plants on the table. I really hate sitting on benches / stools because it reminds me of how bad my posture is. I also don't like it when there are no hooks to hang your jacket or bag on.

Chai tea! My favourite. I was going to order another coffee to keep me alive since we were going out again that night but I decided against it.

The Breakfast Chain - $17.50

WHAT A CUTE COMBINATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have never seen anything like this anywhere else in my life. From left to right: cheese covered toast, mixed berry yoghurt with muesli, two soft boiled eggs and warm apple and peach crumble. UMMM??? HEAVEN MUCH? The yoghurt was SO SOUR until I mixed it up with the berries at the bottom so the taste was more bearable. The two soft boiled eggs were surprising because the insides were gooey. I was expecting it to be hard inside (because I didn't read the menu properly). All the components would be so easy to assemble at home but it would be extremely time consuming and considering I wake up at 6am for work... aint nobody got time for that.

The Legend - $18
Spicy baked eggs with spanish chorizo, roasted mushrooms, green peas, feta served with herbed garlic toast.

Sarah ordered the baked eggs and to be honest, I have had many baked eggs in my life time and this was wayyyyy too runny and not well cooked. To be fair, the kitchen was two minutes away from closing so the chefs were probably annoyed that they still had to cook (sorry). Lucky I had my cheese "soldiers" that I dipped into Sarah's dish for more flavour. Presentation was lovely and I loved how it was served on wood boards.

I love eating chocolate but my personal trainer will probably crack the shits if she knew I was having more than one cheat day a week hehe.

These cabinets were filled with sweets before I took this photo. They just put it away in containers because the shop was closing. We were SO LUCKY that we arrived no later than 3pm. Keep that in mind if you're planning on paying a visit so you are not disappointed. I love that Breakfast Thieves is so close to my uni. I would strongly recommend this place for brunch... it wasn't rated 91% on Urbanspoon for nothing ;)

Instagram: badasiandriver

HOW TO GET THERE: