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?

Twenty & Six Espresso

Twenty and Six Espresso
Address: 594 Queensberry Street North Melbourne 3051
Contact: 93290298
Hours: Weekdays 7:30am - 3:30pm, Weekends 8am - 3:30pm, CLOSED TUESDAYS.
Price: $$
Website: http://www.twentyandsix.com.au/

H E L L O  Loyal Readers!

I am finally wiping the dust off this neglected food blog and am willing to commit to sharing more food experiences with you, more often. My recent brunch visit was at Twenty & Six Espresso, located on the dainty streets of North Melbourne. I was extremely pleased with the menu, as prices were all under $20. The first thing that caught my attention were the two heavenly words 'pork belly' so I knew I had no other option but to order it. 

Interesting drink menu!

It's quite rare to see a beverage such as 'Horchata' on a menu at a non-Mexican place. Don't get me wrong though, I love the rice and cinnamon flavour combination ever since I tried it for the first time at Mamasita. 

Iced Coffee $4.50, Latte $4.00

The weather on Monday was a bit moody for 25 degrees, but warm enough to have an iced beverage. It was unsweetened and strong, just the way I like it. 

Crispy pork belly, pork and fennel sausage, braised cannellini beans, silverbeet, garlic toast and slow poached egg $20.00

Holey moley. One of my favourite brunch dishes, EVER. The flavour of the beans were not too overpowering and the egg was cooked to perfection. For the main component of the dish, the pork belly, the knife just cut into it so easily and the pork melted in your mouth. Every one loves a bit of crackling!!! I wish the waiter gave me a a warning about how HOT the mini saucepan was, because I overlooked it and almost burnt myself trying to move it around. 

Smoked ham hock, pea puree, fresh peas, pea leaves, two poached eggs and toast $15.00

The best friend ordered this dish, a simple yet refreshing combination of ham and peas. The shredded ham was tender and not chewy at all, despite the rough look. The toast was a bit tough and chewy but the pea puree texture was consistent and not too sweet. Pea leaves are a popular addition to place on top of breakfast / lunch dishes. Love me some greens. I personally wouldn't order this dish, especially due to the small portion of food. Considering you are paying $15, you would think that they would put more ham on the plate!

Simple yet modern looking decor for the typical North Melbourne suburbia location. There is a courtyard located in the back, but we didn't get an opportunity to have a look. I'm sure it would be as nicely decorated as it is inside. This just gives me an excuse to pay another visit ;) I love cafes in North Melbourne, especially Auction Rooms, because they have so much to offer in terms of creativity and really good coffee!!! 

NSHRY

On the rare occasion that Melbourne blesses us with gorgeous, sunny weather, I grasp the opportunity and bask in the sun while I can. What better way to do that then at NSHRY? Pronounced 'NOSHERRY', this beachfront restaurant was listed 3rd in the Burger Adventure's Top 10 Burgers of 2012. 

For the first time in nine weeks, I didn't have work at 8am on a Wednesday which allowed me to visit NSHRY without stress. It's located 10 minutes from the CBD and there is parking across the road which isn't a strenuous walk. I found parking for four hours on Beaconsfield Parade (and it had no meter, score)!

I ordered a chai latte instead of a cold drip coffee because it was sooooo windy despite the sun. Eventually the sun hid behind the clouds again (but fortunately came back out when the food arrived, making the photos look super good).

The view of the pier from the outdoor seating area. I didn't even have to zoom in a lot because we were THAT close to the beach. It took a while for our order to be processed as the waitresses were not proactive enough. Don't get me wrong, she was very friendly but not aware of her customer surroundings. I've read on several Urbanspoon reviews that this is the case with the service anyway, so I wasn't expecting glamour hospitality. The mains are available after midday (12pm) and breakfast is served until 3pm which is pretty awesome.

 Soft Shell Crab Burger with pineapple chili $22

In my honest opinion, $22 is extremely dear for a burger. You can buy two of them at Huxtaburger or other popular burger joints. The size of it was TINY and you can tell by the colour of the chips that the oil was old... gross. I was going to order the Umami burger (which is what NSHRY is renown for) but decided against it because soft shell crab > everything. The soft shell crab was a bit too salty and left me thirsty for hours. The pineapple chilli really complimented the crab and wasn't spicy at all.

What I did like about the meal was that there was three dipping sauces - aioli, tomato and sweet chilli. I like eating my hot chips with dipping sauce, my favourite being onion chutney at Mocha Jo's.

 Pork Belly Burger $22

Unfortunately this was not crackling pork belly but regardless, Jny was given a huge piece of juicy pork!!! We asked for our burgers to be cut in half so that we could have the best of both crab and pork worlds - smart thinking. The pork itself was nicely cooked and soft as soon as you took a bite. I am going to comment again on HOW SMALL THE SIZE IS. I might be a girl but I have a pretty big appetite so when it came out, I was so disappointed considering the "traditional" size of burgers that other places offer. Size matters haha just kidding.

The weather was so beautiful so I didn't really mind that it was a 30-40 minute wait for our burgers..... I am a very impatient person when it comes to waiting for food and I wouldn't really say that the wait was worth it, but you should definitely try it out as the weather gets warmer. Not many places serve decent brunch meals on the beach front. Did I forget to mention that they also have PHO??????????? Pho is vietnamese beef noodle soup and can be found in Vietnamese restaurants for $8-$10 a bowl. NSHRY sells it for $19 which I am a bit skeptical about but will definitely try one day. I'm assuming they are trying to target the western crowd so I was not sold.

 Coffee syphon! I took it from the outside because I didn't see it until I walked out. 

Technically this is the front of the restaurant (as this side is facing the road) but the entrance is near the sand. They have no bathroom so be prepared to use the public toilet if you're like me and anal about where you do your nature calls. I would recommend NSHRY when Melbourne gets a little bit hotter as the wind really ruined my experience and I didn't want to sit inside when it was such a nice Spring day.

NSHRY

Address: 129a Beaconsfield Parade Albert Park 3206

Contact: 96821077

Hours: Closed Mondays, Open Tues-Sun 8am-4pm

Price: $$$ - all under $25

Website: http://www.nshry.com.au/

HOW TO GET THERE: