Le Chien
| Where | 3-5 Gamon Street, Seddon, 3011—View map |
Contact | 03 93627333 |
Website | — |
Open | Breakfast Monday to Sunday 7:00 am to 3:00 pm |
Payment | Cash |
Diet | Vegan, Soy, Gluten free |
Seating | Inside and outside |
Kids | Welcome |
Pets | Welcome |
Best dog in show
Ellie Parker 23 January 2009
So I'm sitting here eating scrambled eggs with fresh chili, thinking life couldn't get any better. It's one of those sublime moments that give cafes a good name. The type of food that is inspired, comforting, yet somehow food you wouldn't cook at home for yourself. The chili is genuinely hot, something so rare these days. The burn makes me devour the eggs more quickly, like an addict who needs another fix to hold off the side effects. And then there is my latte, which is so good I want to swear. Instead, I order another one. It is Supreme coffee and it is also supreme coffee, if you get my gist.
I gaze at the mural on the wall. I like imagining different scenarios, different narratives every time I look at it. The woman is on her hands and knees. She is une femme, posing as un chien. There is a barren urban landscape and an old car in the background. It's anyone's guess what all of this means and I like it.
Le Chien has great statement dishes, in addition to the norms. There is Welsh Rarebit. There is Promite toast with poached egg, tomato and avocado. There are also wonderful sides like Cumberland sausage, black pudding and smoked bacon. Somehow it all tastes a little different, a little more yummy than most other places. Attention to detail and quality ingredients are the likely culprits.
The BLT with honey mustard mayo and rocket is superlative according to one local. His wife is equally smitten by the simple ensemble of sourdough toast, roasted tomatoes, avocado and sheep's feta. The wife and I are both fans of the Bircher muesli with rhubarb, plum and pear compote, so much so that we have had several "Bircher and coffee dates" recently.
The music is an eclectic mix of reggae and mod tunes that creates background buzz whilst you chomp on your toast and natter to your friend. Most of the staff have been there long-term, so they run a slick operation and greet locals and regulars warmly.
Le Chien is a beacon for passing ships in the West. Its light shines so bright, Saturdays are near impossible to find a berth. If you can, try and duck in at an off-peak time so that you can take your time with the menu and work out what's going on in that mural.