Grain Store – Melbourne, City – Sunday 7 June 2015 – Breakfast

Polenta corn fritter, avocado, and smashed greens, poached eggs, tomato chilli jam salsa, sweet potato crisps

Spoilt is an understatement when it comes to the excesses of brilliant cafes in Melbourne. After many years of trying I have learned to relax, take my time, and not attempt to try each and every one of them!

“Crossing off” cafes from my list has slowed as certain favourites have required more frequent visits, and I equally discover each new big thing might not always be my next big thing. However, we will always try a breakfast that offers something potentially exceptional and diverse. According to one of Catherine’s colleagues, the Grain Store offers this promise.

As I searched for somewhere to park while Catherine put our name down I regretted not getting the train into the city but there was some serious shopping to be done following breakfast. We take sustenance seriously, especially on Sunday morning, and by the time our 20 minute wait was over we were primed for the meal ahead. The entire menu appeals making it difficult to narrow down to one selection.

Portobello mushrooms and Gruyere potato rosti, poached eggs, hazelnut hollandaise, root chips

After reasonable deliberations I decided on the portobello mushrooms and Gruyere potato rosti not quite realising that the mushrooms were separate to the rosti. What was served up was a divine breakfast, simple in its nature, but breaking through the usual taste barriers impressively. The hazelnut hollandaise was particularly good at bringing the rich Gruyere rosti together with the rest of the dish.

Catherine was equally impressed. Her polenta corn fritter again taking something regular on breakfast menus, and bringing it to another level. The accompanying avocado, smashed greens, poached eggs, tomato chilli jam salsa, and sweet potato crisps, all adding balance of flavour and texture. A thoughtful dish.

The riches of Melbourne breakfast never cease to amaze. In this venue that reminds me of some of the elaborate, open spaced, cafes in the United States, there is a feeling of decadence. It seems there might be another cafe to add to the list of those I regularly need to attend.

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