Au79, Abbotsford

Au79 - Okonomiyaki - Japanese pancake with roasted sweet potato, yuzu mayo, herbed daikon salad and sweet potato crisps ($18)

24 Sep Au79, Abbotsford

Posted at 12:15h in Abbotsford, Au79, Cafe, Food by A Chronicle of Gastronomy 0 Comments

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.

Au79 - Matcha Latte ($4.50) — Matcha Latte ($4.50)

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.

Au79 - 24 Hour Braised Lamb Croquettes with pickled kohlrabi, roasted root vegetables, pickled shallots, carrot and orange puree, shaved heirloom carrots and house jus ($21) — 24 Hour Braised Lamb Croquettes with pickled kohlrabi, roasted root vegetables, pickled shallots, carrot and orange puree, shaved heirloom carrots and house jus ($21)

Au79 - Korean Veggie Benedict with house made kimchi, roast field mushrooms, gochujang hollandaise, toasted sesame seeds, herb salad and poached eggs + cured salmon ($18) — Korean Veggie Benedict with house made kimchi, roast field mushrooms, gochujang hollandaise, toasted sesame seeds, herb salad and poached eggs + cured salmon ($18)

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.

Au79 - Cinnamon & Nutmeg Porridge - With macerated currants, candied walnuts, fresh berries, lemon balm, pomegranate and vanilla honey yogurt ($16) — Cinnamon & Nutmeg Porridge - With macerated currants, candied walnuts, fresh berries, lemon balm, pomegranate and vanilla honey yogurt ($16)

Au79 - Granola - House-made granola with banana custard, seasonal fruit and acGranola - House-made granola with banana custard, seasonal fruit and acai sorbet ($15)ai sorbet ($15) — Granola - House-made granola with banana custard, seasonal fruit and acai sorbet ($15)

Safer options on the menu include Granola, and the Cinnamon & Nutmeg Porridge with its comforting wintery spices.

Au79 - Hazelnut Belgium Waffle with milk chocolate and hazelnut mousse, Machado chocolate egg, hazelnut praline, banana compote, citrus gel, raspberries and fresh oranges ($19) — Hazelnut Belgium Waffle with milk chocolate and hazelnut mousse, Machado chocolate egg, hazelnut praline, banana compote, citrus gel, raspberries and fresh oranges ($19)

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.