Rustica Sourdough

If you're a fan of sourdough at all, I am confident you have come across Rustica Sourdough's artisan breads. Baked using traditional sourdough techniques and using only Australian produce and ingredients, it's not hard to see why Rustica Sourdough's breads are a popular choice among cafes all across Melbourne. 

But little did I know that they had a café of their own. Oh, the shame. You can imagine how eager was to be invited to taste their award-winning, mouth-watering menu. Eek !

Skinny Flat White

Sautéed Greens

I was instantly drawn to Rustica's dish of Sautéed Greens - a sweet medley of broccolini, beans, snow peas and grilled haloumi (squeak squeak) on a bed of luscious smashed avo and pesto. Of course, all layered on a crusty slice of their famous sourdough. Topped with an oozy poached egg, this wholesome and nutritious dish was flawless.

House Cured Salmon

Equally as keen, my brunch buddy went for the House Cured Salmon on rye accompanied with a rich and tangy lemon & chive crème fraîche and microherb salad. A poached egg was requested because, well really, who doesn't love a good poached egg. Extra protein, extra smiles !

Lime & Basil Cronut

After finishing our dishes, our eyes could not help but wonder to the pastry cabinet. The most delectable looking danishes, tarts, cookies, croissants, donuts… you would only understand if you were there. After much drooling and contemplating we settled for the Lime & Basil Cronut - layers and layers of buttery pastry injected with a fragrant lime and basil filling. Personally I found the cronut a little too crispy for my liking, with just a bite causing the whole pastry to fall apart. Regardless, still a scrummy treat !

With no hesitation would I recommend Rustica Sourdough - food is fresh and full of flavour coupled with friendly and attentive service. I mean come on, what is not to like?

confessions of a little piggy was invited to dine as a guest of ID Collective and Rustica Sourdough

Rustica Sourdough
402 Brunswick Street  

Fitzroy, VIC 3065
http://www.rusticasourdough.com.au/ 

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Next of Kin

Brunch is by far my most favourite meal of the day and is something I always find my self looking forward to. However I do have to admit, my brunching adventures are getting a tad ridiculous. Pfft, what am I talking about ? I love it. But really, there is just so little time, yet so many cafes to choose from ! 

So which cafe was next of my list you ask ? Next of Kin of course.

From the man behind Cafe Gaia, you can find Next of Kin nestled snuggly down Glenhuntly Road in leafy Elsternwick. Inside, Next of Kin is light and bright, featuring lofty benches (sponge finger walls I like to call them) contrasted with rustic geometric chairs, a living wall of native climbing plants and decorative copper bowl light fixtures. A great space with thoughtful decor.

The menu here offers more than your usual drill. Sure you always have the option to order eggs your way, but don't stop there. Think Spiced Lamb Shoulder Tacos with spicy chipotle mayo, manchego, purple cabbage, coriander and lime. If that doesn't tickle your fancy, I'm sure the Herby Braised Mushrooms with baked polenta, goats curd, oozy fried egg, preserved lemon, hazelnuts and sorrel will do the trick.

Skinny Flat White

Cured Ocean Trout

My dish was sensational - crispy, velvety, rich, sweet and fresh all on one plate. The cured ocean trout was cooked beautifully, partnering well with sweet potato croquettes and avocado puree. I was particularly impressed with the inclusion of beetroot, in not just one way but three - pickled, poached and beetroot pearls. Finished with radish, fennel and fill, this dish ticked every box and more.

Poached Eggs and Avocado

My brunching buddy was after a much simpler start to her day, constructing her own poached eggs with gluten free noisette bread delightfully crusted with sesame seeds and perfectly rice folds of avocado. Simple, but done very well.

Come here for a cheery brunching experience coupled with good coffee, great food and over the moon service. Do yourself a favour and get yourself to Next of Kin for some good vibes ! 

confessions of a little piggy was invited to dine as a guest of Next of Kin

Next of Kin

546 Glen Huntly Road  

Elsternwick, VIC 3185

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Dex2rose Nitrogen Gelato

Are you a lover of gelato ? Have a penchant for boundary-pushing flavours ?  Well then, allow me to introduce to you Dex2rose, the newest nitrogen gelato kid on the block. Pronounced dex-trose, Dex2rose is a word play on dextrose - the dextrorotatory form of glucose, a monosaccharide, d-glucose monohydrate. Simply put, a vital ingredient for that oh-so-lusciously-creamy gelato.  

With head chef Jesse who trained with Gelato Messina’s Nick Palumbo constantly experimenting with new flavours, Dex2rose promises flavours that are fun, quirky and most importantly innovative and experimental. 

Cold Brewed Coffee

We started with a selection of drinks, with JJ having Dex2rose's Cold Brewed Coffee over ice. Brewed between 16 to 20 hours and containing up to 67% less acidity than hot brewed coffee, JJ's cold brew was naturally sweeter and super refreshing. 

Nitrogen Brew

Meanwhile, I had their Nitrogen Brew straight out of a beer tap, complete with a creamy head of foam. Charged with nitrogen, and infused with maple, rum and vanilla bean, the coffee was full bodied and went down a treat. 

Lazy Dinner

Onto the gelato shall we ? We began with the Lazy Dinner - a harmony of sage, burnt butter and caramel gelato drizzled with a sticky caramel sauce - entree, main and dessert all rolled into one. This was my absolute favourite with it's clever fusion of flavours.

Honey Stash

Next in line was the Honey Stash - a pistachio and honey gelato with hidden honeyed nut clusters adding in a lovely crunch. The addition of fresh raspberry cream was light and tangy, though didn't seem to work as a whole with the nutty gelato. 

Pink Flamingo

To finish off, we enjoyed the Pink Flamingo - a peach and rose moscato sorbet topped with rosewater coconut cream. Light, fresh and cheerful, just a spoonful of this instantly transported us to a tropical island. Nothing says summer like fresh coconuts or a glass or two of moscato by the water. 

With flavours changing every couple of weeks, Dex2rose has me constantly wanting to go back for more. I mean serisously, how can you say no to 'The Original Mr Grey' in all his hazelnut earl grey splendour or a sexy Black Plum and French Brandy gelato ?

confessions of a little piggy was invited to dine as a guest of Dex2rose Nitrogen Gelato

Dex2rose Nitrogen Gelato

377 Little Bourke Street  
Melbourne, VIC 3000
http://www.dex2rose.com.au 

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BlendCo

Concealed in a secluded carpark, you can find BlendCo blending away in the backstreets of Richmond. Blenders by definition and alchemists by trade, the guys behind BlendCo churn out epic blends of smoothies, juices and superfoods. 

The Acai Cup Blend

I grabbed myself an Acai bowl - a refreshing and healthy blend of acai berries, blueberries, dates, coconut water, banana, apple and a generous sprinkling of their superfood blend - a combination of 7 organic superfoods to support healthier skin they say. The perfect pick-me-up I say.

BlendCo, I could use more of you in my life.

BlendCo

3 Newton Street

Richmond, VIC

http://blendco.com.au

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Operator25

Really, it's a no brainer why trendy cafe, Operator25 brings all the brunchers to the yard...

Beer Battered Soft Shell Crab with Thai style Salad, Toasted Peanuts, Tamarind Dressing and Sesame Rice Crackers

Sweet Corn Fritters with Fried Duck Egg, Tomato Salad, Goats Curd, and Herb Oil

Matcha & White Chocolate Hot Cakes with Black Sesame Mascarpone, Banana Chips, Toasted Hazelnuts and Cherry Sauce

Operator25

25 Wills Street
Melbourne, VIC 3000

http://www.operator25.com.au 

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