Von Haus
| Where | 1A Crossley Street, Melbourne, 3000—View map |
Contact | 03 9662 2756 |
Website | — |
Open | Monday to Friday 8.00 am till it's wine time |
Payment | Cash |
Diet | Soy |
Seating | Inside |
Kids | Get a baby sitter |
Pets | Unwelcome |
Little laneway haven
Ellie Parker 20 October 2008
The fish pie caught my eye. I don't normally crave fish pie in the morning, but on this particular day I stopped and stared at the little blackboard in the laneway.
The ‘fish pie tonight' sign was noteworthy for a couple of reasons. It meant that an eatery now existed where before there was none. Crossley Lane had, in my mind, confirmed itself as Melbourne's ‘Diagon Ally'-weird,wondrous and full of exciting discoveries. The chalked sign also meant a simple, seasonal approach to this little establishment's menu; the fish was good,therefore there was pie. I liked it immediately.
Von Haus has a beautifully pared back approach to breakfast. Chef Jess Hutchinson has restricted her menu to simple pleasures: toast comes with a collection of toppings ranging from homemade preserves, to tahini, ricotta, avocado, tomato or Sirena tuna. On the day that I visited the specials included an asparagus, melted cheese croissant. It put a smile on my Monday-morning-dial. Then there are the scrambled egg, chive and crispy bacon sandwiches that sit on the front counter waiting to be whisked away by suits who need ready-to-go breakfast parcels.
Hutchinson's pride and joy is her ‘Amazing Breakfast Salad' of beetroot, grapefruit and raisins, macerated overnight in the fridge. Served with yoghurt and black pepper, it's a ‘bright, cleansing way to start the day' according to the chef. Despite the out there factor, this dish is gaining so much momentum with regulars that it will soon feature on the menu-as a regular.
A quality fairtrade coffee blend is sourced from St Ali, South Melbourne.The pile of fresh bread (white sourdough, rye and fruit) comes from the Commercial Bakery down the road. The communal table has the morning's papers ready and waiting. Coffee is served in assorted antique cups with saucers and novelty spoons.
It's a wonderful little breakfast set up, brought to you by the people who advertise ‘Fish Pie Tonight'.