QEleven
OK – so you head down one drizzly morning to South Melbourne Market to pick out some clothes, maybe buy some fresh mint and then what do you do? Well, if you’re any kind of real Melburnian, you stop off for brunch, of course. But down Coventry Street there are so many choices – this quandary confronted me just last week. Nonetheless, as luck or maybe divine intervention would have it, Qeleven entered my field of vision, and the rest as they say, is history.
A small intimate cafe greets you and nestled near the window, you are warmed by the other patrons in close proximity. An olive tapenade wall adorned by Phoenix organic drink bottles and confits of fancy jam is flanked by the open kitchen so you can see how the masters do their thing.
As I pan around the framed posters of musical and theatrical events, I can hear some mandolin music playing, giving a cue to the influence that strikes the menu. There is a European feel to the surroundings reflected in the dishes but just to surprise, a Mexicana twist is thrown in.
Breakfast dishes are exquisitely presented (without the exquisite price tag). Vertically layered like a Jenga set, each food item is a symphony of flavours. The corn fritters with roasted tomatoes, avocado mash, sour cream, poached egg are wildly popular, according to the owner Barry. You could try the soft tortilla and scrambled eggs, “Pico de Gallo” (jalapeno, lime tomato, spanish onion, rocket). But their speciality is the “Mexican Extravaganza” – two fried eggs on chipotlee mayo, a pumpkin and coriander roesti, mushroom and cheese quesadilla with a roasted corn, black bean and tomato salsa. And if that doesn’t suit, the usual breakfast fare is also served up.
Coffee is superb, the latte and macchiato are excellent with two single origin beans and a unique house blend that was developed for 2010 Australian Barista Championships. One of the best I have had.
You know a place is good when you look at fellow diners and they have that expression of excitement when they see their dish presented to them. And all the diners had that same face. Nine years have passed since Qeleven first opened its doors. In that time, they have crafted a cafe that is as welcoming and high quality as the food and coffee it serves. It’s so good, in fact, I am heading back this week…just don’t tell anyone.