Cafe

by

The Stables of Como – South Yarra – Sunday 12 October 2014 – Lunch

IMG_2662Another weekend of incredible spring weather greeted us as we headed towards water to find a spot for lunch. We had been thinking of anywhere near the beach, outside, with fresh and light dishes available. As we turned off Grange Road a bright idea entered my head!

The Stables of Como appeared and the choice was clear on such a perfect day. Strolling around the grounds of Como House while waiting for a table, along with several other groups, was more than pleasant. Eventually the sun swayed us to sit down close by and wait. It was only about half an hour at the height of lunch service, and gave us a nice chance to wander around.

The Stables is a sibling of Friends of Mine and Porgie + Mrs Jones. It has its own personality and the vibe is similar to the surrounds of Como House with quite a well dressed and well-to-do crowd. As beautiful as the day was, direct sunlight was quite hot so a table inside was offered and we gladly accepted.

Roasted cauliflower salad

Roasted cauliflower salad

The menu is broad with good choices for both breakfast and lunch. Catching my eye immediately was the Lyonnaise Salad. My memories of salads in Lyon when travelling are still vivid ten years on and I was hoping for something traditional with a twist. I probably should have read the menu better because the twists were quite accentuated; not so much like a roller-coaster, more like a winding road in the Dandenongs.

It was still nice to eat and the smoked duck pancetta was one good reason to try it. Along with the duck were white anchovies, several leaves, broad beans, lardons, potato crisps for texture, and of course a poached egg as is required for a salade Lyonnaise. I would love for it to be served with the egg at the bottom of a bowl, rather than at the top of a plate, so the yolk could instantly mingle with the dressing, and for more lettuce to be used.

Salad Lyonnaise

Salad Lyonnaise

Catherine tried the “roasted cauliflower, chickpea, organic quinoa + feta, with nuts, seeds, and spices”. It was utterly delicious and when she failed to finish I took over! Both salads were very good servings. This one was really quite inspired and a dish I’ll be going back for again. Everything worked together and was in balance.

I’ve been to The Stables a few times and the classics for breakfast like smashed avocado are great. One dish that caught our eye was the tart with an heirloom tomato salad that was very popular and bursting with brightness on the plate. Definitely a go-to dish.

It’s a comfortable place to relax over a coffee or a wine, and the service is good. The Stables of Como is a fantastic cafe to check out, especially over the remainder of our spring and summer.

The Stables of Como on Urbanspoon

by

Friends of Mine – Richmond – Numerous Occasions – Breakfast and Lunch

Baguette - ham, brie and tomato

Baguette – ham, brie and tomato

Friends of Mine was the first sibling of Hawthorn’s Porgie + Mrs Jones. The formula at Porgie was so successful they needed to expand next door. And so it seemed the formula had been tested enough to expand to a reasonably quiet part of South-East Richmond.

At one stage, Catherine had been to Friends for both breakfast and lunch on the same day in the week we moved close by. It seems I had forgotten to organise the electricity in our new place, and equally the landlord had disconnected it the day prior to our moving in! Like all good locals we’ve seen the best and the worst of what Friends of Mine dishes up.

The best is excellent, and the worst is infrequent enough to overlook. Helpfully, it has been years since our group has been left to contemplate food for an hour while waiting. That may be because we don’t organise group visits on the weekend here anymore. Luckily we don’t have to because it is easy to have breakfast around the corner during the week and it also happens to be walking distance from my work.

The longer term staff are very good. They know the café inside out and seem to get to know the customers over time too. The simple stuff like not being left without water, explaining likely timing on busy days, and having tables cleared quickly, are all followed to the letter.

In the beginning, even following the formula of Porgie, Friends’ food had a contemporary edge and set the scene. These days the experimentation has stalled but the formula still works. Breakfast classics are all done well and often with some pizzazz. The mushrooms in particular are memorable, and the avocados seem to be fresh and high quality through the year. The ham and cheese croissant is delicious and a breakfast I keep going back for.
IMG_2635
Lunch consists of piadinas, baguettes, po boys, salads and some more hearty options. Everything is good or better. The po boys (you need two) is probably the tastiest, but most indulgent option. The salads are sizeable and use quality ingredients. Keeping with the theme, the baguettes are large and use more interesting fillings than the usual, but as a result are more expensive than many in the area.

One particular advantage over other cafes, especially on the weekend and for Friday lunch is the ability to order from a good selection of wines by the glass, or have a beer. Non-alcoholic options include freshly squeezed juices and good coffee. My only personal critique of the coffee is my long black is often too full and therefore too hot. I normally ask for only the extraction and not too much hot water.

Finally, the sweet pastry options, and macarons by Josephine, are forever tempting after lunch or for afternoon tea. I haven’t been yet, but high tea is offered on Sunday afternoons.

Friends of Mine has been a popular café from day one. It pulls in a crowd from well beyond the local area and uses a tried and tested formula. In an area that is only becoming busier, its success is assured for a long time to come.

Friends of Mine on Urbanspoon