Eggs Florentine with a side of Hash Browns

Spoilt for choice in Richmond, I cannot help the small pang of jealousy that Pascoe Vale has Ferrovia Deli & Fine Foods. Here is a cute neighbourhood café that is comparatively small both inside and out, with a feel of the suburbs.

There is no line, but there is a sizeable enough crowd to deliver a nice atmosphere. The service is relaxed and friendly, but still well tuned. All aspects feel comfortable and homely.

I came across Ferrovia about six months ago when looking for a coffee in what is a random area for me having led an existence around the inner city for all the years I’ve lived in Melbourne. Back in Perth I grew up in the suburbs, but there were no quality cafes within cooee. At that first time the coffee was great, and I instantly vowed to return for breakfast.

The interior is rustic, with dark tones; the focus being on the display window, tables and chairs scattered around where they can fit. Looking at the menu there are plenty of good looking options. A traditional dish, but one I’m not familiar with, the Eggs in Purgatory jumps out to Catherine. I decide to try an old classic that I haven’t eaten in a long time.

Eggs in Purgatory with a side of bacon

Catherine’s eggs in waiting for heaven is basically poached eggs in a Napoli sauce topped with with pesto and pecorino cheese. This dish is made by the rich Napoli sauce which is oozing flavour, freshened by the pesto. Obviously all of the ingredients are on the heavier side, but Catherine loves the combination.

My eggs Florentine also has perfectly poached eggs, the yolk running over just-steamed spinach. The hollandaise is terrific, and this classic combination is executed much better than average. The whole dish makes me regret not having ordered it for years. Our sides of bacon and crunchy hash browns, in particular, are excellent too.

Ferrovia’s coffee is fantastic. Using only a blend, the three I try are consistent, my long black each time is well made. Catherine’s orange juice is freshly squeezed; nice and sweet.

Out in the suburbs, Ferrovia is serving up food and coffee that stands up to the better cafes in inner city Melbourne. It goes to show that driving that extra bit doesn’t necessarily reduce the quality, but you certainly won’t have to wait in line as the weekend goes by.