Uncle Drew, Clifton Hill

18 Sep Uncle Drew, Clifton Hill

Posted at 12:36h in Cafe, Clifton Hill, Food, Uncle Drew Cafe by A Chronicle of Gastronomy 0 Comments

Uncle Drew is Clifton Hill’s new-ish six-month old local, replacing Squirrel Cafe that used to occupy this corner site. Its bright red door is striking and alluring, and it’s buzzing on this Sunday morning.

Acting somewhat like a pantry, Uncle Drew also sells tea and coffee-related items, as well as locally manufactured products, such as breakfast condiments and honey.

Uncle Drew - Canteloupe, coconut yoghurt, fresh lemon, sungold milk smoothie ($5.50) — Canteloupe, coconut yoghurt, fresh lemon, sungold milk smoothie ($5.50)

Uncle Drew - Mega Hot Chocolate - Belgian white and dark chocolate blended together with Mass Organic chocolate powder, topped w whipped cream, homemade triple chocolate brownie and marshmallows ($10) — Mega Hot Chocolate - Belgian white and dark chocolate blended together with Mass Organic chocolate powder, topped w whipped cream, homemade triple chocolate brownie and marshmallows ($10)

Uncle Drew - Homemade triple chocolate brownie — Homemade triple chocolate brownie

Eager for warmer weather, mum tries a smoothie of cantaloupe, coconut yoghurt, fresh lemon and milk. I go for something from the opposite side of the spectrum, a more wintry drink going by the name of Mega Hot Chocolate. Both Belgian white and dark chocolate is blended together with Mass Organic chocolate powder, then topped with whipped cream and a homemade triple chocolate brownie and toasted marshmallows. Move over freakshakes. The brownie contains hazelnuts and is moist and decadent, and as expected, the drink is chock-full of chocolately goodness.

Uncle Drew - New York-style bagel with Istra bacon, oven-baked mushrooms, halloumi and thyme, poached eggs, truffled hollandaise ($21), yuzu and miso cured salmon ($6) — New York-style bagel with Istra bacon, oven-baked mushrooms, halloumi and thyme, poached eggs, truffled hollandaise ($21), yuzu and miso cured salmon ($6)

Time for some yolk porn. Bagels sourced from NY Bagels come topped with Istra bacon, oven-baked mushrooms, halloumi and thyme. The poached eggs are blanketed by a fragrant truffled hollandaise. We finish the dish with happy stomachs in tow.

Uncle Drew - Omelette with sichuan pepper and cider braised pork hock, kipfler potatoes, manchego, coriander, sambal oelek and sourdough toast ($17) — Omelette with sichuan pepper and cider braised pork hock, kipfler potatoes, manchego, coriander, sambal oelek and sourdough toast ($17)

For a more in-your-face brekkie, try the omelette with Sichuan pepper and cider-braised pork hock. The Sichuan pepper definitely gives a spicy kick, but thankfully there’s also potato and cheese to help soothe the tongue. Sambal oelek probably doesn’t assist on the chilli front, but for those that like things hot, it’s a welcome addition in terms of complexity.

Uncle Drew - Brioche french toast, coffee mascarpone, orange blossom poached honeydew and walnut crumbs ($17) — Brioche french toast, coffee mascarpone, orange blossom poached honeydew and walnut crumbs ($17)

For something sweet, there’s always the brioche french toast. The coffee mascarpone is nice and creamy, and the scatterings of orange blossom-poached honeydew and berries is refreshing. A delicious end to brunch.

I’m not too familiar with Clifton Hill and what its cafe scene has to offer, but Uncle Drew is certainly one that locals can rejoice about.