Collective Espresso

Tucked quietly down Cookson Street, Collective Espresso is just a hop, skip and a jump away from Camberwell train station. A local hot spot for train commuters, students and locals (lucky you), Collective Espresso is the perfect spot to rest up and refuel.

Skinny Flat White

Here at Collective, they use Five Senses beans and my skinny flat white was an absolute delight.

Dill and Lemon Cured Ocean Trout 

My eyes were the first the feast as I marvelled at my dish – it was a piece of artwork. Dill and lemon cured ocean trout lounged elegantly between wonderfully crisp rosti, perfect slow poached eggs and vibrant ruby red beetroot, grounded by a fine herb sauce. And the eggs, such beautiful eggs - wobbly translucent eggs which oozed liquid gold with just a gentle prod. Such lovely presentation and well balanced flavours, this dish did not disappoint.

Open Field Mushroom and Goats Cheese Omelette

E was head over heels with her dish – a meaty open field mushroom and slightly tangy yet creamy goat cheese omelette with balsamic dressing, crusty migas and fresh garden herbs. Two big thumbs up here.

Collective Espresso has garnered a solid reputation and is so easy to see why. Perhaps it’s the cozy space, the family feels in the air, the friendly smiles, or just all of the above in combination with good food and coffee. Yes, Collective Espresso manages to tick all the right boxes.

Collective Espresso

3 Cookson Street  

Camberwell, VIC 3124

Read More

Yo-zen

Yo-zen. [yoh-zen] - noun. An altered state of consciousness reached only when body, mind and yogurt become one.

Just a hop skip and a jump away from Camberwell station, this self-serve froyo can be found smack bang in the middle of the hustle and bustle that Camberwell brings.

We were warmly welcomed in by the team behind Yo-zen. As a family run business, the close-knit bunch of passionate froyo-goers are all about making the best of the best.

After sampling all 8 flavours (they're more than happy for you to try before you buy!),  we were ready to choose. 

For me, from the moment I tried the Macadamia and the Toasted Coconut, I was sold. Swirls of silky, buttery, nutty macadamia froyo, then twisted with tropical toasted coconut (with actual coconuts bits !). The frozen yogurt was satisfyingly creamy, with none of that icy business. Crowned with various fresh fruit, my cup was a perfect balance of nutrition and flavour.

T also enjoyed Macadamia and Toasted Coconut, and also adding in a generous helping of rich, melt-in-your-mouth Salted Butterscotch. Of course, she had to have some Asian marshmallows (mochi) in there too.

For the fussier eaters, you've not been forgotten - with French Vanilla as your go to flavour. Made with soy bean and vanilla bean, it's 98% fat free, gluten free and lactose free. Interesting flavours like dragon fruit also made an appearance, and I cannot wait to see what other flavours they plan to bring out in the future.

With loyalty cards and infectious smiles going all around, its hard to how you wouldn't become a loyal smiling customer yourself. 

confessions of a little piggy was invited as a guest of Yo-zen

Yo-zen

736 Burke Road 

Camberwell, VIC

Read More

Red Robyn

T had just landed back in Melbourne after her trip to the US. And without even asking, I knew she would have wanted something on the healthier side. Red Robyn is known to be an extremely allergy friendly café - if your allergies have not already been addressed on the menu yet, they are always happy to cater to your needs. And in my mind, 100% Gluten Free somehow translated to 100% healthy. So where did we go ? Red Robyn of course.

Sweet Potato Rostis

A nest of sweet potato rosti with house cured salmon, iron rich spinach, squeaky haloumi drizzled with orange blossom oil. A little different to what I would normally order, and so a little different to what my tastebuds were longing. Generous and extremely filling, it still did the job. 

Red Robyn Breakfast

Having imagined the a vegan friendly Big Breakfast, this dish caught us by surprise and was not what we were expecting at all. Presented was baked field mushroom, quinoa & corn tabouleh, grilled lemon poached in a tomato rich shakshuka sauce. And a mini Jenga tower of polenta chips for crunching and dipping purposes.

With no allergies myself, Red Robyn was just another café for me. However, with the sneaky eavesdropping and observing I was doing as I waited for my friend,  I can see how their allergy and customer friendly services make this an absolute standout café for those with dietary requirements.

Red Robyn

393 Camberwell Rd 
Camberwell

Read More