The Little Pantry – 8.6
James Street, New Farm
What is the deal with book shelves? Yes, I understand the concept of a multi levelled structure intended for the storage of hard copy literature, but it seems that the new vogue on the cafe scene is having a collection of second hand books on hand for the sole purpose of aesthetic impression. The Little Pantry is no different, with a small interior dining room with a full wall book shelf, but beyond this esoteric motif operates the latest hip, trendy New Farm eatery.
Early on a Thursday morning, the GZA and AMac bypass a table of young corporate types and two attractive young women in exercise attire and head straight to the counter to inspect the chalk board menu lining the entire back wall of the establishment. There are some very interesting options, but the two standouts have to be the salmon roulades with poached eggs; and the Pantry Eggs.
Long Mac
Taking a seat in an enormous couch, obviously intended for more than just two men in the pursuit of luxury, TCB take a second to scout our surroundings. Littered throughout the whole cafe, from on table tops to scattered amongst the book shelf, are oversized chess pieces. The internal space of the cafe is moderate, but there aren’t too many tables and chairs, which creates a very spacious atmosphere, but could be troublesome trying to get a space to call your own on a busy weekend.
Di Bella double flat
In quick time the TCB musing is brought to an end, as our coffees and meals arrive. Both the Di Bella double flat and long mac are pleasing, as Di Bella usually is.
The Pantry Eggs include a host of ingredients that feature heavily on the TCB approved breakfast favourite list, and with perfectly poached eggs, hordes of smoked salmon, zesty grilled haloumi and a spicy tomato relish with a bit of a kick, the correct execution of a great inventory of components makes it a great breakfast dish.
Pantry Eggs
The salmon roulades a series of cream cheese moulds, wrapped tightly in smoked salmon, with two perfectly poached eggs, topped with a mound of avocado and tomato salsa. As with the first dish, it had no problems living up to the expectation set by the $19.00 price tag.
Salmon Roulades
The food is excellent, the menu is interesting, the coffee is solid, the decor is cool, without looking ostentatious or pretentious.
The only things preventing The Little Pantry from entering the top tier of Brisbane breakfasts are the absence of table service, and the fact that the limited amount of table space would make a relaxing Sunday morning breakfast feel more like attempting to establish forward position on a battle field.
But in keeping with recent form, New Farm is proving that in a coalition of the willing with New Farm and Tenerife, it is still the territory to head to when you want a great breakfast.
Coffee: 8.5 Menu: 9.0 Food: 9.0 Service: 8.0 Ambience: 8.5
Reviewed by AMac & GZA
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