Cavallero
| Where | 300 Smith Street, Collingwood, 3066—View map |
Contact | 03 9417 1377 |
Website | www.cavallero.com.au |
Open | Monday to Friday Breakfast 8.00am to 12.00pm |
Payment | — |
Diet | Check with venue |
Seating | Inside and outside |
Kids | Welcome |
Pets | Welcome |
Cool, calm and collected
Ellie Parker 2 May 2008
The high ceiling, the white walls, and the long handsome bar all contribute to make a beautifully light, spacious environment. A big, tall man could stretch his legs and swing a cat in this place. And to that end, it is a nice change from the groovy but cramped hole-in-the-wall joints we know and love.
The breakfast at Cavallero is probably some of the best you will find in the Fitzroy district. The food has flavour that packs a punch. This is partly due to the menu's Spanish influence that provides a nice change from the usual eggs n' bacon offerings. The servings are also incredibly generous.
Scrambled eggs with pecorino tomatoes, potato and jamon croquettes, and thyme infused mushrooms is a dish that makes you want to sing and clap. I am convinced the scrambled eggs have cocaine in them, that's how yummy they are.
The croquettes are posh little hash browns. Cooked to order, they make you feel devilish for their complete lack of nutritional value and their complete ability to win you over.
The silky mushrooms are a meal in themselves-thick garlicky, mushroom juices ooze as you cut into them. Perfectly seasoned, they are exquisite.
The organic almond and sunflower seed Bircher muesli with Gala apples is another dish that should have its praises sung. It is homemade and creamy, and the crunchy sunflower seeds are a lovely touch.
For people who feel like a healthy breakfast but are actually craving a croissant or pastry, the stewed fruits on brioche is a great compromise.
The three-egg omelette is exceptionally light and fluffy. Eggy heaven, it is best ordered with some of Cavallero's delicious side dishes such as chorizo, tomato relish, and baked beans cooked with ham hock.
Jazz plays softly in the background. Laptop writers sit solo on the communal table at the back. Friends cluster in the large booths. Designers perch on stools at the front window. Supreme coffee is dolled out to everybody with swift efficiency.
Cavallero's is a great place for breakfast and it will probably have you coming back for tapas later that night.