Marmalade Cafe, Brighton

Long before Jack Johnson came out with the 3 Rs to educate our social conscious, this shy Brighton East café was taking at least 2 of the Rs to the extreme by reusing and recycling most of the fixtures and fittings. And with a bit of elbow grease to spruce up, there’s an airy, effortless country feel taking the best of a Caucasian granny flat with her 22 year old designer daughter’s sensibility.

So what happened to the third R? So while the menu is basically classics done extremely well, the dishes served up are far from reduced, as you’ll feed to make the most of puberty growth spurt. Hollandaise sauce has the texture of engine oil with just enough acidity that’s divine on perfectly poached eggs. A must, even as a side to dip with your gourmet sanger. Big brekky comes with sautéed mushrooms and quality baked beans along with the usual eggs, snags and bacon. Shepherds Pie will provide a complete meal of protein, carbs and veg as stewed down whole chunks of steak in a mildly peppery gravy served in a mini cauldron topped with a creamy mash, long beans and toasted soldiers for dipping. Delightfully regional.

A humble place that is what it is. Only thing missing is some banana pancakes.

4 / 5 yums!
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Where? 763 Hawthorn Road, Brighton East, VIC
What? Dishes $8 - $15

92 on Gavan, Bright

They say in the country (and by country I mean not in the city), things move a little bit slower. ANZ haven’t updated their logo that’s so early 2009. That’s not the country’s fault, that’s just head office fail. Just like the unchanged bank, opposite is 92 on Gavan, a humble corner restaurant that looks like it’s only just come to the 1980s party. A little bit church multipurpose room on the inside, and food that similarly sticks to the bible of tried and true. Beer battered flathead fillets, lasagne, crumbed calamari rings, grilled fish and a chicken burger amongst the tastebud friendly that will always be main stays on the menu. Come back in 2020 and expect the same. Being behind the times ain’t such a bad thing.


3 / 5 yums!
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Where? 92 Gavan Street, Bright, VIC
What? Lunch around $15, more for dinner.

Revisiting Sydney Favourites

Mamak: Still rulers of the roti, saints of the satay, kings of the kurry. A 40 minute wait just to get inside with no regrets. 4 / 5 yums



Ramen-Kan: The elevator still a death trap but running the risk doesn’t reap the rewards with this kaisen-don not of the same quality last sampled. Wet, stodgy rice, overcooked sashimi, sloppy presentation. 2.5 / 5 yums



Sydney Fish Markets: Mix and match fresh seafood from the fish mongers and cooked from the food court mongers for DIY smorgasbord fit for a meal amongst a colony of seagulls. 3.5 / 5 yums



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Where? Sydney, NSW
What? Depends