The Green Grocer
| Where | 217 St Georges Road Fitzroy North—View map |
Contact | 03 9489 1747 info@thegreengrocer.com.au |
Website | www.thegreengrocer.com.au |
Open | Monday to Friday 09.00am to 05.00pm Breakfast until 03.00pm |
Payment | — |
Diet | Check with venue |
Seating | Inside and outside |
Kids | Welcome |
Pets | Welcome |
Organic family favourite
Claire Wiltshire 12 October 2007
North Fitzroy is one of Melbourne's breakfast hot-spots. On a sunny Sunday morning, the Scotchmer Street footpaths come alive with well-dressed locals and bohemian types (who can no longer afford the rent) bustling for an outdoor seat to park a pram or dog. Round the corner on St. George's Road, The Green Grocer has been a favourite for many years for the more discerning family foodies.
The Green Grocer uses strictly organic produce, so whether it's the French toast with seasonal poached fruit, or the eggs on sourdough (with your choice of tasty add-ons), you can be sure it'll be jam-packed with flavour. I decided to go sans eggs for a change and ordered the Boston baked beans, which tasted pretty much as described on the menu. Some hearty, tasty, freshly-soaked beans in a rich pasty sauce, sprinkled with feta, while enjoyable, is perhaps one of the tamer choices available.
The stand out dish is the creamy polenta topped with red-wine mushrooms. Classed as a brunch rather than a strict breakfast option, the polenta bursts with flavour, has a lush texture, and, if you're a mushroom freak, these big juicy ones will make your toes tingle. For the continental connoisseur, there's granola and lemon polenta porridge served with yoghurt and a syrupy fruit compote.
Despite this café's earthy leanings, there is no chai on the menu. If requested, the waiter may suggest a similarly floral black tea blend that doesn't quite meet the mark if you're a connoisseur. However, my favourite caffeine-free treat, the dandelion latte was on offer and made with soy and honey-yum.
The Green Grocer's specialty dish is a herb and feta pancake loaded with all your favourite morning (or early afternoon) standards. Go on, stack on the hash brown, eggs and extra bacon. It's organic, so it has to be good for you!