El Mirage, Brunswick East

El Mirage - Avocado Whip - Savory wholemeal waffles w poached eggs, goats cheese croquette, pickled shallot and sorrel leaf salad ($17.50)

26 May El Mirage, Brunswick East

Posted at 12:05h in Brunswick East, Cafe, El Mirage, Food by A Chronicle of Gastronomy 0 Comments

No, you’re not imaging things. There is a cafe here. El Mirage is a little hidden away, being set back a far distance from the street. After walking past the small outdoor seating area, you’re greeted by a quaint interior with a curved wooden ceiling, school chairs and a banquette that spans the length of the cafe.

El Mirage - Latte ($3.50) — Latte ($3.50)

El Mirage - Apple juice ($4.20) — Apple juice ($4.20)

El Mirage - Pan-roasted Salmon w pickled beetroot, smoked beetroot sorbet, shaved fennel, orange, sorrel, chard and pearl cous cous dressed w red wine vinaigrette ($19.50) — Pan-roasted Salmon w pickled beetroot, smoked beetroot sorbet, shaved fennel, orange, sorrel, chard and pearl cous cous dressed w red wine vinaigrette ($19.50)

El Mirage - Grain Salad w spinach, corn, coriander, avocado, pickled shallots, poached egg, lime, South American inspired dressing ($18) — Grain Salad w spinach, corn, coriander, avocado, pickled shallots, poached egg, lime, South American inspired dressing ($18)

The cafe has been here for 10 years, and current owner Wasim has owned it for 6. The menu has a range of dishes, including sandwiches, and sweets are supplied by Little Bertha. There’s a spicy and flavoursome Grain Salad of spinach, corn, coriander, avocado, pickled shallots, poached egg, and lime, with a South American inspired dressing. Pan-roasted Salmon comes with pickled beetroot, shaved fennel, orange, sorrel, chard and pearl cous cous dressed with red wine vinaigrette. The beetroot sorbet, full of smokiness, is a highlight, and as a whole, the dish has plenty of bright flavours to enjoy.

El Mirage - Smashed Peas on seeded grain toast w hot smoked salmon, poached eggs and apple and fennel salad ($18.50) — Smashed Peas on seeded grain toast w hot smoked salmon, poached eggs and apple and fennel salad ($18.50)

Smashed Peas are piled on top of chunky seeded grain toast, with hot smoked salmon, poached eggs and an apple and fennel salad. Propped-up, crispy shards of seaweed are visually striking, and there’s a generous amount of salmon to tuck into.

Savoury waffles always get me excited. At El Mirage they feature in the Avocado Whip. The wholemeal waffles are a tad dry, but there are seeds in the batter, giving them a interesting texture. They come with goats cheese croquettes, which have a thin crispy coating, and light and airy insides that aren’t too strong on the usual potent goats cheese flavour. Blobs of smooth and citrusy avocado puree are dotted around the plate, introducing fresh flavours alongside the pickled shallots and sorrel leaf salad.

El Mirage serves some pretty creative dishes in a space that exudes an old-school charm.