24 Sep Au79, Abbotsford
Au79 is an impressive café. The huge flagship of the CCC Group is not just architecturally beautiful, but also boasts a menu full of interesting Asian-influenced dishes. Au79 also serves as a coffee roaster, patisserie and bakery, selling their products to both the public and other venues around Melbourne.
The large warehouse space is separated into 3 general sections; it doesn’t feel too vast and impersonal despite the building’s footprint. There are plenty of plants around, and it almost feels like we’re dining in a greenhouse.
Despite the prevalence of matcha lattes nowadays, it’s hard to find a good one. Luckily the Matcha Latte here is delicious – smooth and full of matcha flavour.
The Korean Veggie Benedict has house-made kimchi, roast field mushrooms, gochujang hollandaise, toasted sesame seeds, herb salad and poached eggs. There’s plenty of punch and spice, making it one of the highlights of our visit.
Their Okonomiyaki uses roasted sweet potato, which creates a smoother texture. Topped with yuzu mayo, herbed daikon salad and sweet potato crisps together with the mayo, it nails it in the flavour department. With its grilled gruyere and fried egg, the Truffled Croque Madame is one big meal, especially with the optional bacon steak.
Safer options on the menu include Granola, and the Cinnamon & Nutmeg Porridge with its comforting wintery spices.
The Hazelnut Belgium Waffle is one of the most elaborate café dishes I’ve seen yet. The Machado chocolate egg is cracked open and filled with milk chocolate and hazelnut mousse. Arranged around it are hazelnut praline, banana compote, citrus gel, raspberries and fresh oranges. The waffle is crisp and fluffy, and there’s enough freshness from the citrus and berry gel to offset sweetness of the other elements.
I’m kicking myself for not visit Au79 earlier. Hopefully it won’t be too long before I return.
Disclaimer: I was invited to Au79 as a guest, however, opinions expressed here are purely my own, and are based on my experience at the time
Au79
27-29 Nicholson St
Abbotsford, VIC, 3067
(03) 9429 0138
au79cafe.com.au
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