17 Sep Uncle & Jak, Fitzroy

The Nicholson end of Johnston St is where Jackson Finlay and Diana Martinez have decided set up Fitzroy’s newest cafe, Uncle & Jak. Opened just 2 months ago, much of the fit out was designed by themselves. Following a minimalistic theme, the space features warm lighting, bare timbers and white painted brick.

The menu was put together by head chef Maninder Singh Rajput (ex-Richmond Hill Cafe & Larder), who has injected a decent dose of healthiness. The all-day breakfast makes up the bulk of the menu, whilst the smaller lunch menu includes salads, such as the cauliflower based ‘The Egyptian’, and the BBQ pulled pork burger. For those on the run, there are ‘grab and go’ items like breakfast burritos, HCT croissants, burgers, and a small selection of house-made sweets displayed at the counter.

Melba Coffee is used, and the flat white and decaf cappuccino, yes, even the decaf, were pretty good.

S’s Uncle’s benedict was one of the recommended breakfast items. Organic multigrain toast was adorned with pulled ham hock and baby spinach, with a cascade of apple cider hollandaise topping the poached eggs. It was a tasty and filling lunch.

The kale and eggs piqued my interest as soon as I sighted it on the menu. Sautéed kale came alongside smoked salmon, salsa fresca, horseradish crème fraiche and perfectly oozy dukkah crusted eggs. I appreciated how the saltier kale and smoked salmon was lifted by the refreshing salsa fresca and crème fraiche, making it an easy eat. It was a good medium-sized dish that left me satisfied, rather than overly full.

There’s a variety of seating options for different needs, including a communal table and a small outdoor area. Though new, the food and coffee at Uncle & Jak are already impressive and it will be interesting to see how it grows from here on out.

Disclaimer: I was invited to dine at Uncle & Jak as a guest, however, opinions expressed here are purely my own and not influenced by them in any way

Uncle & Jak
30 Johnston St
Fitzroy, VIC, 3065
(03) 9041 1295
www.uncleandjak.com/