DiVi Cafe (Balmain Rd, Lilyfield) 4 June 2011

What an eclectic morning this was! Andrew recommended this cafe based on the knowledge that one of his students works here. Located in an odd mini-plaza in the unjustifiably pretentiously named 'Orange Grove' (read: Lilyfield), DiVi is rightfully renowned for its coffee. Diego (Andrew's friend who kindly waited on us - despite it being a self-order kind of place) told us that they source their own beans of which 20% come from his native Columbia. They have a limited brunch menu but the prices reflect this no nonsense kind of 'tude that prevailed in this social enclave.

The real highlights came from the passing circus rather than the food. While there we were visited by pigeons, feminists (the Feminist Bookshop is right next door), drunkards, try-hard rebels (who need to realise that a lack of underwear is not a sign of being hip), false eye-lashes [see photo] and child slave labour (the waiters who served us should be home studying for the Grade 5 NAPLAN tests!).

Anyway, we scored 12.5/15 for the Quiz (Distinction) and enjoyed the morning before heading off to the nearby markets.

RATINGS:

BRAD says: In context, I give it 4 golden eggs for what it was and where it is. Good Italian scrambled eggs (ironically recommended by our Columbian friend).

SAL says: 3.5 eggs but half an egg more for the hilarious riff-raff captured in my photos.

ANDREW says: 4.5 golden eggs to support my excellent student. Diego, your teacher is very proud of you and your very good customer service skills. Now I can understand why you were almost always late to class.

Solitary Restaurant (Cliff Dr, Leura Falls/Katoomba) 28 May, 2011

Well, we went posh and exotic this week. Due to a weekend escape up in the Blue Mountains we all met at Solitary Restaurant for a very late brunch (heathens would call it lunch). Magnificent views, great service and good food.

Quiz Result: 11/15 (Credit)

Brad: Bit of a welcome homecoming for me. We were well attended and I liked the tablecloths. Not sure why there was so much pork on the menu. I chose the Bangalo Pork 'Tonnato' Style and wasn't really happy with it. Far too much fat on each wafer thin slice of pork. The parmesan overpowered the sage and other flavours. I want to rate it higher but I should give it a 3 golden egg rating. View and service is important but, ultimately we're here for the food.

Blackwattle Cafe (Glebe) 14th May, 2011

I was driving over the Anzac Bridge when I spotted this place and thought wow - what a place for Brunch - and to my delight after driving around for a while at the end of Glebe Pt Road I found it. 

The original Blackwattle Cafe where I spent a number of Saturday mornings when I was a uni student was in an artists wharehouse that is now a modern block of apartments. So to find this spot was exciting. And whilst it is the name only that is the new Blackwattle Cafe it is a treat. 

The house has a wonderful outlook across the harbour to the Anzac Bridge - dog friendly, child friendly and a great menu for Breakfast and Lunch.  It is extremely popular is if you are planning brekkie - arrive early - we had a wait but it wasn't long and the view is beautiful.

The Rocks Cafe (cnr Kent St, Argyle Pl, The Rocks) 7th May, 2011

The Brunch Club kindly agreed to work around Brad this week who, due to commitments as a volunteer at the Sydney Writers' Festival, had to brunch early and somewhere near Walsh Bay, we found ourselves at the originally named, 'The Rocks' cafe.

Clearly a 'local place for local people' we had varying service depending on the 'chat' level. The food was ok and as expected, given its unpretentious and simple decor, ambience. The setting was great though and we had lots of fun with the passing locals and with each other. Highlight was Brad's initiative in acquiring a menu.

Ratings:

Sal: Oh, a fairly passive 2 eggs.

Andrew: Sure.

Brad: Sorry, Gotta go... famous authors await...

2042 Cafe Deli, King St ,Newtown 30/04/11

After a break for Easter, where one brunch clubber went home to Coonamble and the other two cavorted at the Randwick races, the Brunch Club resumed this wet end of April Saturday.
This morning we were at 2042 Cafe Deli recovering from the royal wedding (especially one of us and especially not another one of us).
Verdict? Trying to be uber-cool and it pretty much succeeds. Could be cavernous but it doesn't feel like that. Decently sized. Nice art on the walls. Slightly pretentious menu. What is Eggs Benedict if it doesn't have bacon, ham, hollandaise sauce and eggs? However, Eggs benedict and scrambled eggs with chorizo were cooked perfectly. High praise for the chef. Staff were all friendly with senses of humour, however the service has no loyalty to the wait staff meaning you don't just have the standard one waiter discouraging tips.
The deli is full of scrumptious things that you would want to buy; jams, vinegars, interesting looking lentils that we don't know how to cook, as well as pastas and cheese.
SAL SAYS; " Four golden eggs. Food was perfect in comfortable surrounds. Only criticism is the coffee, they haven't concentrated on having great coffee which is needed to make a special cafe. Nevertheless, high praise."
BRAD SAYS;"I'm giving it four eggs as well. Very comfortable. Slightly reminiscent of happy days at Richmond Hill Larder in Melbourne."
ANDREW SAYS; "Sorry to be a great big sheep, but I also give it four eggs. I agree with my esteemed brunchers but also praise the low genteel lighting which gives a perfect feel for my somewhat weary feeling this Saturday morning."
Til next week.
p.s quiz was an impressive 14/15. We answered 'Jonothan Davies not Alan Davies for the British actor and changed our intial answer of Khartoum for the capital of Africa's largest country. Sal was very impresssive though.'

Cafe Giulia (Abercrombie St, Chippendale) 16/04/11

Welcome to our new blog. A test. Here we go.

We are a Saturday Brunch club made up of a hilarious and close-knit trio who meet at 10am every Saturday morning at a different Sydney cafe each week. For each of us it is always the highlight of our week. Hearty, outrageous laughs flow. For the most part, scrumptious food and lovely coffee follow. Deep analysis of the week's latest events are covered. We also have a few little rituals. The Good Weekend's quiz punctuates our meals each week just as the food arrives.

More background to 'The Brunch Club' will follow.

This week we were at Cafe Giulia in Chippendale. Here are our ratings and comments. Please note we rate in golden eggs and the highest possible number of Golden Eggs is 5.
BRAD says; " I give it 3 and half golden eggs with half an egg deduction for the overdone beautiful people."
ANDREW says; "I concur with Brad of course. Lovely food from a mighty menu. Very witty staff who coped well with my bowel movements discussion. Out the back section excellent even in the pouring rain. Only detraction was the homogenous beauty of the customers. But maybe I'm just being picky. 4 golden eggs."
SAL says; "Comfort level and service could've been better, specifically the lining up business at the front. I would rather have table service. However the food was delicious and I loved looking at the beautiful people. 3 and a half golden eggs.

Also important to note that this week we scored 11.5 out of 15 on the Good Weekend Quiz. Strong on tennis, literature, politics but weak on popular culture cinema (usually we excel on film questions) and the racing question.
See you next week.
THE BRUNCH CLUB

Baker Street Cafe (Harris St, Ultimo) - 9th Apr 2011

Well, just to show that even our best laid plans can go awry...
After weeks of anticipation and promotion from one of our members (who prefers to remain unknown for reason which will become apparent later), we made our way to 'Le Depot' on Harris Street. Stakes were a little higher than usual too because we had a Brunch Club guest up from Canberra.

Having braved the traffic and horrid parking around here, we were not a little disappointed to discover that 'Le Depot' was 'Le No-go' on the weekends! Not a good start.

Luckily, a few doors up, we found a cute looking cafe in a converted Victorian terrace called 'Baker Street'. They served good coffee but a limited range of breakfast. Still, it was a case of beggars...

Quiz went well (with the interstate help) 13/15.

RATINGS:

BRAD: I hear the coffee was great but given my Lenten fasting I had tea and it was only a tea bag that you added yourself. A real sin! Scrambled eggs were really an omelette but the capsicum and mushrooms within were fine. Alas, though I can only give this a 2 1/2 Golden Eggs. Service very slow.
ANDREW: I hang my head in shame. Sorry!!!!