When Alice tumbled down the rabbit hole, I think she may have landed here at Sotto on West. You'll see her inside on the Mad Hatter's tea party mural and if you get a chance, you'll find her hanging out in the backyard. The real evidence would be her teapot and teacups that hang upside down from the ceiling.

Large, hot coffee $4.00

Elbow Room Espresso provides a nice injection of the very much loved inner west brunch scene into Chatswood. Their selection of beans and the different coffee extraction tools that line the front bench indicates that you're in for a good coffee.

Nice cold brew $6.00

It's not just about the coffees here either with an all day breakfast menu that always leaves me so indecisive. Every time I can't decide between two different dishes but every time I'm not disappointed (except the first time when I got a solid poached egg, tsk tsk).

Hot dog de Elbow room $12

Starting with their signature dish, this Hot dog de Elbow room definitely boasts originality and screams eat me! The fried egg takes centre stage hiding a chorizo covered with chipotle mayo, english mustard and melted cheese. Full of flavour, the tomato salsa and extra gherkins on the side was nice to cut through the deliciously unhealthy goodness.

Eggs benedict on brioche with ham $16

The most popular dish is the eggs benedict, a picture of perfection. A layered stack of brioche, wilted spinach and ham topped off with two poached eggs, hollandaise sauce and pomegranate seeds - a fabulous idea to add that pop of sweetness.

Wild mushrooms $14

My favourite dish would be the wild mushrooms, deliciously satisfying. I have also noticed the last dishes on the menu changes which tend to be quite tasty too.

Grilled asparagus and prosciutto bruschetta $18.00

Over summer there was grilled asparagus and prosciutto. The flavours on this plate all worked well together with the soft mashed minted broad bean and peas adding some sweetness to the savoury prosciutto.

Baked beans with grilled haloumi $18.00

This winter there's the hearty baked beans warmer. Yes, the baked beans are house made not the out of a can variety and you just can't go wrong with grilled haloumi cheese.

Herbal "Heal" tea $4.00

I've realised I have just showcased savoury dishes but they do offer sweet and healthy dishes like french toast, bircher muesli and house made granola. There's also sweet baked goodies at the front counter.

Green power juice $4

Cold pressed juices by prodjuice are available here instead of freshly squeezed juices. Very on trend! I missed out on my visit but got to try the green power juice by Emma & Tom. Scary ingredients of kelp, spinach and alfalfa mixed with fruit juice was actually really nice and refreshing.

They have redeemed themselves with perfectly poached eggs

Nine months ago, I only gave Elbow Room Espresso one Brunch on Joy heart but it's time to be upgraded to ♥♥ with perfectly poached eggs and a much friendlier service. There is outdoor seating if you want to bring your dog although I'm not sure if it's child friendly (no high chair). Just remember to bring cash as they don't accept anything else.

Original post 19 November 2014 ♥, countless visits and photos in between
Re-review post 5 July 2015 ♥♥

In a nutshell Breakfast Coffee ●●● Food ●●● Service ●● Price $$($) Atmosphere

♥♥ All day breakfast until 2.30pm Houseblend, 5 senses, single origin Modern Australian Friendly, cash only Toast with condiments $5 Casual, relaxed, good vibes

Elbow Room Espresso - 6 Spring St, Chatswood
https://www.facebook.com/elbowroomespresso2013


BRUNCH♥NJOY instagram
BRUNCH♥NJOY facebook
BRUNCH♥NJOY email

It's all about the coffee, coffee, coffee...

Regular coffee $3.50

Now that Salvage has a competitor right next door it's about time I posted something about this little coffee shop. I frequent this place often enough that people would say it's my local. A small space "salvaged" by three hombres (Dan, Matt & Toby), it's a little rough around the edges but an absolute charmer once you give it go.

Cold brew $5 - perfect for the hot days

What keeps me coming back? There's just something about their coffee that I love. I think it has something to do with the level of acidity? Or maybe the skilled baristas? I'm no expert but whether it's a skim cap, piccolo or a cold drip I am always happy with how it tastes.

Croque madame $14 - weekends only

Their all day menu is scribbled on a black chalkboard which is extended on the weekends boasting some interesting dishes. As Toby puts it -  "Chef Dan works magic in the Salvage kitchen. Innovative, forward thinking and full of flavour". Kudos to the Chef who now runs pop up dinners there. 

Smashed avo $12 + poached egg $3

To name my favourite dish here is almost like telling people which one is your favourite child. I definitely can't go past their smashed avo with roasted pine nuts and lightly seasoned sliced tomatoes. I always get a poached egg to add that extra ooze factor.

Croque madame $14 - weekends only

I also can't go past the croque madame. The best thing you could eat to sort out that hangover or just to be naughty. It's an indulgent buttery toastie with gypsy ham, melted gruyere cheese, dijon and that bechamel sauce. You'll find a poached egg too - Hello waistline :)

Beetroot cured salmon $17 + poached egg $3

Other dishes show off Chef Dan's skills with some pretty neat plating and clever creations. The beetroot cured salmon is refreshing and perfect for summer (maybe minus the egg) and every now and then different versions of the eggs benedict make an appearance.

Southern benny special $20

Conveniently located near Artarmon station you can't miss the crowd here on a sunny day. I'm not sure what happens when it rains as it's mostly outdoor seating. The guys and gals are friendly and their love of coffee and good food shines through. I think I might resist from trying out next door just a little longer (promise the boys didn't pay me to write this!).

In a nutshell  Breakfast Coffee ●●● Food ●● Service ●●● Price $$($) Atmosphere

♥♥ Everyday until 2pm, Sundays midday  Regular $3.50, Artificer Coffee Modern Australian Friendly, fast Toastie $8 Good vibes, busy

Salvage Coffee - 5 Wilkes Ave, Artarmon
http://salvagecoffee.com/

BRUNCH♥NJOY instagram
BRUNCH♥NJOY facebook
BRUNCH♥NJOY email

As an introvert, I need my quiet time to get away from a world that just can't stop talking. My quiet time though does usually revolve around good coffee and food at a favourite spot. One of those favourite spots is here at Anvil Coffee Co in Kirribilli.  

Hidden away at Kirribilli wharf on the water, it was built by the owners out of second hand timber. The imperfections here make it perfect. Large rusting windows show off the million dollar Sydney water views and the old shanty feel makes it warm and welcoming.


They have a very short all day menu comprising of something sweet, something savoury, bircher muesli, smithie roll and buttered Arabian eggs. You think that would make your choice easy but then throw in the after 11am house cheeseburger and the antonio to the mix and I wouldn't be surprised if you want to order it all!

Something savoury $14 extra egg $3

Not much of a sweet tooth, I tried Something Savoury with an extra poached egg. The delicious smashed peas, broad beans and leek balances out the savoury chorizo hidden underneath a pile of watercress, fresh bitey parsley and pecorino cheese.

Buttered Arabian eggs $16

My favourite dish is this delicious buttery goodness. Everything tastes better with butter but mixing it with sweet onion jam, greek yogurt and runny yolk was a melt in the mouth experience and the chilli flakes gave it a nice little subtle hit. A must try!

Smithie Roll $14

The Smithie roll is a very modern intepretation of the the traditional bacon and egg roll.  Replacing the bacon you have fresh ham and the egg is poached for extra oozy factor.  A tangy coleslaw replaces the tomato/bbq sauce and a sweet onion jam replaces what ever it does. So good. So messy.

House cheeseburger $14

Cheeseburger for breakfast? If you've waited until 11am and starving, yes please! Melted cheddar cheese on a thick beef pattie, house relish, onion jam and American mustard. Hope this picture does it justice.

Skim Cappucino $3.50

Anvil Coffee Co knows how to pour a good cup of coffee using their own version of beans. It has a short sharp bitter edge that disappears as a thick creamy feel takes over. If you like tea, you won't get your normal tea here but a special selection of black, green and herbal from Tea Craft.

Masala Chai $6

This place is tiny so weekend queues are a guarantee. Luckily they do have an all day menu or you could try their second cafe in Artarmon with more food options minus the spectacular view. This place is more suited for singles, couples and small groups.


So this is where I hide, now you know where to find me (uh oh!).

In a nutshell Breakfast Coffee ●●●  Food ●● Service ●●  Price $$($) Atmosphere

♥♥ All day until 3pm $3.50 (regular), Fat Poppy Specialty Fresh modern Australian  Friendly, sometimes can be slow  Min. Bircher muesli $11 Casual, Ideal for singles and couples

Anvil Coffee Co, Kirribilli - Kirribilli Commuter Wharf Holbrook Ave, Kirribilli
http://www.anvilcc.com.au/

Tucked away from the busy centres of St Leonards and Crows Nest, get ready to be whisked away at the Wooden Whisk. One of my favourite brunch spots, I am never let down and the seasonal specials keeps things interesting.


On arrival, I am always greeted immediately and luckily haven't had to wait in a queue (yet?). Once seated, a menu and tap water is provided and my coffee order is taken. This is often now seen "as expected" at cafes but I am always still delighted when this happens.


The coffee is a Wooden Whisk blend by Single Origin Roasters and is very easy to drink. It is more on the sweet side without the bitterness.

Breakfast special stack $16.90 with side of bacon $3.00

The first time I was here, I ordered the breakfast special stack ($16.90). Stacked beautifully was grilled haloumi, roasted tomato and poached eggs on sour dough bread. It tasted as good as it looked but I was naughty adding bacon ($3.00) to a decent vegetarian meal.

The Crossfit $16.90

On another visit, I got the the Crossfit ($16.90) from the seasonal specials which was an enticing spread of avocado, haloumi, hash brown, crispy bacon, poached eggs and sauteed kale and cherry tomatoes.

Croque madame $14.50

From the regular breakfast menu, the classic croque madame ($14.50) is served up with a perfectly poached egg. The toasted sandwich contained double smoked ham, swiss cheese, french mustard and oozing béchamel sauce. Also available is the croque monsieur ($11.50).

Eggs benedict with bacon $15.50

My trusty benchmark, eggs benedict hits the mark here with a choice of bacon, ham, mushroom, spinach or smoked salmon. The classic is dressed in a rich and creamy housemade hollandaise and sits on a toasted muffin that is still soft on the inside but crispy on the edges.

Smoothie, fresh juices $6.20

There's a great selection of hot and cold drinks. For fresh juices there are four set combos which are very appealing - Beet Beauty? Vegie Patch? Kale Crave? The Detox?

Kale Crave $6.20

The Kale Crave ($6.20) is a refreshing mix of kale, apple and mint with cucumber to balance the sweetness. There is also the option of creating your own juices.


The Wooden Whisk is a place where you can easily sit back, relax and enjoy your brunch and even take advantage of their free wi-fi. The kitchen noises mixed with the many conversations creates an upbeat buzz and you will always see Sean (the owner) working hard on the floor and wiping down tables - now that's special service!

Original post 16 March 2014 ♥♥
Re-review post 8 February 2015 ♥♥♥

In a nutshell ♥♥♥
All day breakfast, Monday - Saturday
Coffee: ●●● Single Origin Roasters Wooden Whisk blend
Food: ●●● Delicious, fresh, good variety, organic and gluten free available
Service: ●●● Friendly, attentive, efficient
Price: $($)
Atmosphere: Relaxed, busy, homely. Suits singles, couples. groups, families, pets

The Wooden Whisk - 38 Albany St, St. Leonards
http://www.woodenwhisk.com.au/

It's when you least expect it something pleasantly surprises you - that's what I found when I followed this pretty bike into Jane Eyre in North Sydney.


Stepping into this quaint little cafe, there's a cabinet full of delicious cakes and baked goodies to entice and cosy nooks to hide away in. Maybe this is what Jane Eyre's home was like?

Chai latte & cappucino

Not sure what she would have fed you but the breakfast menu here has meaty and veggie options with a bit of Spanish and Italian influences. So what's on the menu?

Jane Eyre Big Breakfast $16.50

If you are up for a good feed, the Jane Eyre big breakfast is the way to go. It's simply a mountain of bacon, chorizo, tomato, mushrooms, eggs your own way and haloumi.

Eggs & bacon with turkish bread $5.50

If you are only after a light feed, there's the bacon and eggs option which is plated nicely with a salad on the side. There's also toast, organic muesli or fruit and yogurt. 

French toast $12.00

Something sweet and savoury? There's the french toast with bacon which is adorn with fresh fruit and comes with real maple syrup. Did I say bacon? Yes there's plenty of it!

Organic corn & broccoli fritters $16.50 additional egg $2.50

Something healthy? There's the fitness salad or the corn & broccolini fritters with either bacon or smoked salmon. They are crispy on the outside and pretty tasty when combined with what's on the plate.

Omelette $14.50

If you like omelettes, it is quite a generous serving with feta, tomato, mushroom, onion and your choice of prosciutto or salmon. Or there's scrambled egg or smoked salmon wrap options.

Eggs benedict with ham $14.50

If you are an eggs benny lover like me, there's eggs benedict with your choice of smoked salmon or double smoked ham. The hollandaise varies on different visits, definitely is a sign it is housemade.

Eggs benedict with smoked salmon $14.50

There is something about grilled haloumi cheese that just makes any dish better for me. So my eggs benedict with smoked salmon was the bomb :)

Smashed avo with bacon

I don't know who Jane is but this place has little details like the collection of souvenir spoons, mish mash of victorian plates, the vintage phone and mismatching chairs that makes this cafe unique and unpretentious. You could easily unwind inside on a cold day or enjoy the sunshine outside on a sunny day.


In a nutshell ♥
All day breakfast, Monday - Saturday
Coffee: ♪♪♪ Mecca beans
Food: ●● Modern Australian mixed spanish and italian
Service: ☺☺☺ Super friendly
Price: $($)
Atmosphere: Relaxed, charming, quaint. Suits all.

Jane Eyre - 80 Mount St, North Sydney
https://www.facebook.com/CafeJaneEyreNorthSydney



BRUNCH♥NJOY instagram
BRUNCH♥NJOY facebook
BRUNCH♥NJOY email