Good Coffee

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Pillar Of Salt – Richmond – Sunday 14 March 2016 – Breakfast

Chilli scrambled eggs

Chilli scrambled eggs

There is a secret behind some places that I have no idea how to work out. They somehow have an excessively better looking crowd than the rest. Normally there is some exclusion policy for people looking like me, but not here!

While there’s no exclusion policy at Pillar Of Salt, there is a sense sometimes that you have snuck into somewhere you shouldn’t be. Sure, there are tables of normal people, but there is always more than a few tables of really really good looking people too. Maybe that is why after a few tries I haven’t been back in years.

Some plastic surgery and other cosmetic assistance later and I’ve accidentally entered the premises with a mate the morning after a huge night out. I never planned to, but now Pillar Of Salt is just down the road, and we really didn’t have the strength to walk any further than we needed to. Of course, once we are seated, we are right next to two people that are going to a Zoolander premiere after breakfast (though it is now midday).

I need coffee quick, and some good food to follow. The Columbian single origin does the job right to begin with. Next comes the red chilli scrambled eggs with julienne bacon, spring onion, and grana padano. While it is well presented, the most obvious observation is that it is a huge serving. The classic combination is well seasoned and has the right hit from the chilli. According to Guy, his eggs benedict with jamon is a good choice too.

It’s apparent that there are not only large serves, but the prices are extremely reasonable too. Service is relaxed but available, and the food comes out quickly. Pillar Of Salt is now a long standing Richmond cafe and there is good reason why the lines have never eased up.

Pillar of Salt Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

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Rustica Canteen – Richmond – Numerous Occasions

Espresso tart

Espresso tart

This is going to sound disrespectful to a bunch of cheap bakeries in Richmond but rejoice because finally there is one really worth venturing to. The Swan Street branch of Rustica Canteen is a shiny beacon in a sea of options that have stood the test of time, but have not overtly improved or raised the bar in recent years.

It is incredible what a clean and slightly fancy fitout can do to a space. Here the designers, whilst sticking closely to the latest script in design101, have done a nice job nonetheless. With the display at the front window and then pushing into the bakery, you quickly get a sense of some of the offerings. These include pastries both savoury and sweet, but flow into serious sandwiches, breakfasts and burgers, all built around the baking.

Brisket sandwich

Brisket sandwich

My first visit was to check out the coffee, and my double espresso was well made on a La Marzocco machine by experienced baristas using Rumble coffee. Another visit was for the hot cross bun, which while tasty, had been squashed by the toasting press, so the takeaway option might be the go.

The peppered brisket sandwich completely blew me away with the quality of the brisket, and the combination was full of flavour, making the relatively pricey $14 seem more than reasonable. From the Gruyere cheese to the house pickles, and the delicious fresh bread (light rye) either side, you have a terrific lunch. That was reason enough to buy a loaf of the house sourdough which was excellent fresh, and just as good for bread and butter pudding the next day.

Rustica coffee

Rustica coffee by Rumble

It seems the presentation of the pastries and sweets is matched by the taste. The espresso tart I’ve tried was beautiful too. Rich espresso ganache housed in a crisp thin pastry with cacao nib crisp and vanilla marscapone, is precisely made and absolutely delicious.

The choice of location for the latest branch would only work if it continues to execute this well. In a small amount of space you have Messina right next door, Grill’d and Hunky Dory immediately opposite, and several other reasonably priced quality options within a stone’s throw. That puts pressure on, but to date, Rustica is standing up to the challenge and Swan Street is richer for it.

Rustica Canteen Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato