15 May Seven:am, Port Melbourne

Starting a new business in the midst of a global financial crisis does not seem like the wisest of ideas, but this is where Seven:am had its beginnings. The journey of cafe ownership has not been a smooth one for Jason Belcourt, with almost-inevitable mixed reviews at some stage of its life, to cafe break-ins and equipment breakdowns. Hanging in for the long haul has meant Seven:am has had the opportunity to learn and evolve with the needs and wants of both new and loyal customers, and it has now established itself as a Port Melbourne favourite. What better year for Seven:am to celebrate a milestone than its seventh year in operation?

Seven:am now sports a refreshed interior, and renewed coffee and food menus from a new head chef. Coffee Supreme has been a supplier right from the beginning, but with the new changes comes the introduction of single origin coffees from Seven Seeds, served espresso style. Single origin coffee from Coffee Supreme is available as filter coffee.

Smoothie – Matcha, banana, apple, honey, soy milk ($8)

Debello Ethiopia – Coffee Supreme Filter Coffee – Chocolate Cake, Orange, Blackberry ($4.40)

Latte ($4)

I try a filter coffee from Coffee Supreme, this one the Debello Ethiopia with notes of chocolate cake, orange and blackberry. Mum orders a latte, which she claims is one of the best lattes she’s hever had. Though their coffee is excellent, they do of course offer other drinks. We indulge in a matcha smoothie with banana, apple, honey and soy milk. Its solid matcha flavour is complemented by refreshing notes from the apples.

Pork belly BLT – Slow cooked pork belly, pear & raisin chutney, cos lettuce & parmesan aioli ($17)

Seven:am jazzes up the humble BLT by using pork belly in place of bacon, and layers a pear and raisin chutney and parmesan aioli to inject flavour. Everything is served in a brioche bun vehicle, and it’s a pleasant balance of sweet and salty.

Emperor – Poached eggs, spinach, orange and beetroot relish & hollandaise on English muffins with smoked salmon ($18)

The Emperor is their version of Eggs Florentine, coming with a choice of either bacon or smoked salmon. We choose the seafood option, and the perfectly poached eggs are accompanied by the usual spinach, hollandaise and English muffins. Their point of difference is the orange and beetroot relish, which creates touches of sweetness to contrast with the tangy hollandaise.

Schrooms – Soft polenta, sauteed wild mushrooms, garlic chips, popped wild rice & chilli oil ($15)

One of the heart-warming options on the Autumn menu are the Schrooms. Its creamy polenta base is topped by sauteed wild mushrooms and garlic chips. Bursts of texture come from the popped wild rice, and everything is soaked in a delicious chilli oil that provides some lift.

With excellent food and coffee and friendly vibes, it’s no wonder Seven:am is a stayer. Here’s to the next seven years.

Disclaimer: I was invited as a guest to Seven:am, however, opinions expressed here are purely my own and not influenced by them in any way

Seven:am
155 Bay St
Port Melbourne, VIC, 3207
(03) 9078 5776
sevenam.com.au/