Top Paddock

Top Paddock is without a doubt our favourite cafe in Melbourne (What's yours?). We used to go to Hardware Société nearly every weekend but due to the unfortunate fire that forced it to close for a while, we split our loyalty between the two. Mind you, we still eat in quite a few cafes but the consistently good coffee and food offering makes this place our go to cafe. The broccolini and sugar snaps with poached eggs are a good vegetarian option and for those that prefer something sweet, the hotcakes are simply divine. This time we had:

Corn and manchego croquettes with poached eggs, jalapeño aioli served on charred sourdough - The specials change every week but no complaints every time we do choose something from the specials. The croquettes were nice and crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside with the aioli giving it a nice touch. One thing I have to say is the poached eggs are perfect every time.

White anchovies and Jamón serrrano with fried eggs, padron peppers and manchego on toast - Always good. The anchovies are deliciously briny and the peppers have the occasional kick complemented really well with the manchego and Jamón.

Service: :star :star :star :star :star
Quality of food: :star :star :star :star :star
Value for money: :star :star :star :star :star 

Type of venue: Breakfast,  Brunch,  Cafe,  Coffee

Worth a return visit? Yes. 

Address: 658 Church Street,  Richmond VIC 3121

Pillar of salt

It has been quite a while since our last visit. Decided to revisit and review it as part of our review of brunch spots in Melbourne.

Situated on Church Rd, this cafe is certainly one of the better ones with a large selection of drinks and menu options.

So, how was it?

Citrus fruit salad with blueberry and chia seed coyo yoghurt topped with millet and amarynth popcorn - Lots of citrus as its name suggests but the liquid content also made the yoghurt become more of a soup so not too appetising in the end.

Kimchi,  corn and sweet potato fritters with pink grapefruit cured kingfish,  sour cream, pineapple and wombok slaw, housemade sweet chilli sauce and poached egg - Quite tasty and compared to a few of the fritter options available in Melbourne, it is probably one of the best in terms of taste and presentation. Asian inspired, it would suit someone who is after a heavier option for breakfast.

Service: :star :star :star :star
Quality of food: :star :star :star ½
Value for money: :star :star :star :star :star

Type of venue: Cafe breakfast, Brunch,  Coffee

Worth a retune visit? Maybe.

Address: 541 Church Street, Richmond VIC 3121