• 2
• yet to impress

I had high hopes when this veg cafe opened just a few blocks from my house. Not that there's a shortage of veg food around but of course it's nice to support a meat free business, especially in your neighbourhood. On my first visit, I dropped in for a takeaway coffee while waiting for the train. It was a Monday morning and after their busy, opening weekend they'd run out of soy milk. They offered almond milk but instead of any of the delicious, locally made ones, they used Australia's Own. I find their "milks" taste a bit [censored]. So I went next door for my takeaway. I found it a bit surprising that they hadn't ordered enough soy, especially since they use Bonsoy which is long life so there's no excuse not to stockpile if you run any cafe in Brunswick, let alone a veg*n one. But I'll forgive them a few teething problems. Next time I popped in for a takeaway coffee and was tempted by their cabinet of sweet treats. They stock vegan slices from a local bakery called The Compassionate Kitchen which I'd never come across before so was eager to try. I was excited by the caramel pecan slice even though it looked a bit dry and crumbly. The coffee was pretty disappointing. It was weak and milky. And the slice was as dry and crumbly as it looked. The caramel topping was a nice, smooth consistency. There was only a smattering of pecans across the top. The biscuit base was pretty horrible though and made up more than 3/4 of the slice. It was soft, crumbly and pretty much entirely tasteless - like a stale, slightly soggy shortbread. I went in again for brunch with a friend on the weekend and am happy to report my experience was better this time. They do vegan milkshakes and the vanilla one with a shot of coffee my friend got hit the spot. My coffee was below average again - bitter, no oomph. The breakfast menu is limited and consists of the usual suspects - a big brekkie, a breakfast wrap (very similar to big brekkie but presented differently), a muesli or something (I dunno, I don't really care for sweet breakfasts so didn't really look). There's a bunch of standard offerings to be reheated in a refrigerated cabinet too - lasagna, frittata, panini. All pretty uninspiring. We both went for the big breakfast for $16 and it was big, as promised, and tasty. Seems like they replace eggs with scrambled tofu when they veganise a menu item which is a good sub, I reckon. There were potatoes, beans, mushies, grilled tomato, spinach, guac, salsa, and toast. All a bit salty and oily. Would really hit the spot as a hangover breakfast and takes you back to a time before brunch got fancy. Personally, I like fancy brunch and am a bit disappointed in Little River's uncreative offering. But it is what it is. I wonder how long it'll get away with it in Brunswick. I'd go back for a milkshake on a hot day but won't become a regular. If HC did half stars, I'd give it 2 1/2 coz 2 seems a bit mean when I did enjoy the breakfast but I can't really justify giving it 3.