Tinker, Northcote

13 Jan Tinker, Northcote

Posted at 12:55h in Cafe, Food, Northcote, Tinker by A Chronicle of Gastronomy 0 Comments

Excitement is stirring as the minds behind Penta, Temperance Society and MOB Espresso head northside, with the Tinker joining the ranks of their successful portfolio of cafes. As with their other venues, Tinker has a health-conscious menu that still acknowledges those that just want to indulge in the morning.

I haven’t been to My Other Brother, but similarities can be seen between Penta and Tinker, the smoothies being the most obvious one, but other touches in the menu, such as the recently introduced baked salmon with zoodles, brings popular dishes closer to home for some.

Tinker - Peanut butter and raspberry smoothie - Banana, raspberries, peanut butter, honey, almond milk ($9) — Peanut butter and raspberry smoothie - Banana, raspberries, peanut butter, honey, almond milk ($9)

Though presented in a way akin to the smoothies at Penta, the recipes are a point of difference. Here, the peanut butter and raspberry smoothie is an unusual combination of banana, raspberries, peanut butter, honey, and almond milk. It’s refreshing, and naturally, has a slightly nutty flavour, but despite its heavy-sounding ingredients it’s less filling than expected.

Tinker - Chilli scrambled eggs w coriander, bacon, cherry tomatoes, Vietnamese mint, fried shallots, parmesan on sourdough + rosti ($19.50 + 3.50)

Their chilli scrambled eggs have an Asian spin. Golden folds of moist egg envelop a generous amount of bacon, cherry tomatoes, shaved Parmesan and Vietnamese mint. We get some crunch from the fried shallots, and the extra order of a punchy, cheesy rosti. Whilst it’s refreshing to see a large amount of ingredients included in the dish, overall it was a little salty from all the bacon. Despite that, it’s still one of the best scrambled eggs I’ve had in a while.

Tinker - Breakfast Bowl w cashew pesto quinoa, avocado, kale, cherry tomatoes, halloumi, yoghurt, poached egg, pita chips + salmon ($18.50 + 4)

Also on the cards is the Breakfast Bowl with cashew pesto, quinoa, avocado, kale, cherry tomatoes, halloumi, yoghurt, poached egg, pita chips and salmon. You’ll definitely get an injection of nutrients here, and the tasty cashew pesto really made the flavours of the bowl come together.

Tinker - Mango and saffron panna cotta w vanilla, almond and cranberry granola with strawberries, passionfruit, raspberry and coconut ($16.50) — Mango and saffron panna cotta w vanilla, almond and cranberry granola with strawberries, passionfruit, raspberry and coconut ($16.50)

The visually pleasing Mango and Saffron Panna Cotta comes with a vanilla, almond and cranberry granola for texture, as well as fresh fruit and shavings of dehydrated coconut. The smooth and wobbly panna cotta has a strong and pleasing mango flavour, and the smear of raspberry jam adds a bit of tartness to counter the sweet.

Tinker brings with it the promise of more quality cafe options in the north. It’s one worth checking out.