Brunch... and more brunch.

Here's a roundup of some of the places i've brunched at in the last fortnight (plus plus) or so.  

I'd not noticed Tomboy on Smith St before and believe it's a pretty newcomer to the Smith St line of restaurants and cafes.  I was taken by the uber sweet window display- which i've obviously failed to take a photo off.  The restaurant is spacious and fairly limited in their number of tables.  I think there might be outdoor seats in the back but i'm not entirely sure.  Boy and I sat on a weathered communal table.  It seemed authentic in that it has provided a working platform for carpenters and the like for many years- I liked that about it.  The whole place seems so lived in and comfortable.  

Not the greatest photo!  But you have got to love the Milk Bar sign!

Veggie tart - I vividly remember this being beautiful!  I particularly remember the crust having a nice crisp crunch to it and a great balance between egg and veggies.

 Smashed peas w/ asparagus and crumbed poached egg - Boy and I were torn on what to order.  In saying that, there wasn't a huge menu but all the Vegie options looked truly mouthwatering.

Cute tip 'cashier'

Only thing i'd be worried about here is if i'm coming with a whole bunch of friends.  Unless the communal table is unoccupied, you wouldn't be able to sit more than groups of 4 I think. On the contrary, if you're into having a calm breakfast indoors yet with lots of natural light then Tomboy is an ideal brunch place for you.  In fact, it really reminds me of Martha Rays (apart from the restaurant fittings) with how simple and clean the food tastes, as well as the beautiful light coming through the space.  

Drinks!  Right.  I can't recall if I had a coffee or juice but either way, I left happy and Tomboy has left a lasting impression on me haha...so whatever it was, it must have been divine!

Much nicer photos here and a more articulate, precise review too at Let Me Feed You Melbourne

I will leave it to the expert foodies for good photos and real reviews of the food hah.

Tomboy

356 Smith St

Collingwood VIC troyal3066

03 9486 0162

The Hardware Societe has to be every CBD'siders can't be bothered to go anywhere far but don't mind waiting, fall back brunch place.  The mochas here are so chocolatey with a hint of coffee and a big dollop of amazing.  That's if you're a chocolatey mocha person.  If you sway towards more coffee and a wisp of chocolate then then you'd defintiely want to stick to the coffees here.

Poached salmon w/ peas, poached eggs and hollandaise (?) on a brioche bun.

I got a takeaway coffee for our walk around the city.  This photo was taken just before the barista handed over the coffee and knocked over the syphon (glass coffee maker contraption on the left) on her side of the bar.  I felt so bad of her.  Thankfully no one was hurt.

The Hardware Societe

118-120 Hardware St.

Melbourne, VIC 3000

03 9078 5992

 A colleague and I were way ove due for a catch up.  Seeing how I had to head to Uni straight after, we decided on a cafe along the way.  The Breakfast Club came to my mind and we were pretty satisfied with our brunch.

 Great coffee!

 Smashing Peas on the specials menu

 Ploughman's pickle also on the specials menu.  I sat and stared at this for a few minutes and wondered how to approach this dish.  Crack the egg, mash and spread on toast as with the other condiments or bite into my plain toast then munch on the rest???  Enjoyed it regardless haha.  Took me a while to finish but I was happy full not sleepy regretful full.

How do you or would you eat a Ploughman's Pickle?

We shared the chocolate fudge brownie.  The kitchen heated it up and it came with fudge oozing out, yum!

 Love the knitted stool cushions

The Breakfast Club

206 St Georges Rd

Northcote VIC 3070

0450126836

I'd drop by for a coffee again for sure.  Overall the food was great and prices are fair.  The menu is simple as you can more or less gather from the specials menu alone.  There's lots of vegie options and I remember seeing vegan friendly dishes too.

Yes, a lot of what I do revolves around food haha!

Have a great weekend friends,

K xx