Palate
Greville St
Prahran, Melbourne
Date visited: 2010 - 7 - 10 - Brunch
Mr A Locust and I patronised this establishment, on a recommendation from yours truly who had been there last year. It had been fantastic, and sadly I had not been back since. I have to say, that was very, very stupid.
Palate is tucked away in a small street off Chapel St, near the clock tower. Disgusting everyone around us I'm sure, we indulged in that couple behaviour of ordering food to share. While we sipped at our quite tasty coffees (but to get a bad coffee in Melbourne is nothing short of a felony), we indulged in the cafe atmosphere - complete with lounge music.
When our breakfast burrito came out, it was quite large. The eggs were warm and scrambled deliciously, the bacon cooked to perfection - smoky but not too crispy- and the wrap fresh and soft. The guacamole and homemade baked beans on the side added to the flavours, and were each delicious in their own right.
The one disappointment was that the wait staff seemed to ignore us for the next half hour. But, when we reappeared from the service black hole we were in, we got some more lovely coffee and the most scrumptious pancake I have had in age.
Ricotta pancake with vanilla bean yoghurt, berry compote and maple syrup. The pancake was light as air, the mix of flavours a lovely fresh sensation. I cannot stress how wonderful this dish was. Even though I had an elegant sufficiency, I know both of us found it hard to share it.
All in all, the meal and coffee were delicious, and quite reasonable for around 40 dollars or so. Both Al and I are in agreement - this may become a regular brunch spot, and it is definitely worth a visit.
Check out their website at www.palate.com.au. It's not completely up to date, but the menu is very close. And very tasty.
