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