I know a few people who were shocked, and frankly, gutted, when Soto Espresso closed its doors late last year. But I think they’ll be more than pleased to find that the coffee and breakfast gods have smiled, replacing it with bakery/cafe du jour, Mary Street Bakery.
J and I dropped in on Saturday for a fleeting visit between home and a date with a motion analysis lab. Really. Long story. But if you’re interested, you can ask him.
The boiled eggs with toast soldiers and tomato chutney had my name all over them. They come with a sweet and sour tomato chutney that’s delicately spiced and slightly chunky. Truth be told, though I enjoyed it when I tried it, the eggs on their own (cooked perfectly, I’ll add) with a sprinkle of sea salt and toast to dunk with was just perfect. Except for the fact that the soldiers were served sans butter. Toast without butter just ain’t right.
The coffee served here is locally roasted in O’Connor, by Pound Coffee Roastery. It was a decent cup, which kept my coffee snob – I mean, husband – satisfied to the last drop.
The star of our breakfast visit was definitely this pretty dish – homestyle baked beans with an apple slaw and a thick slice of crusty golden pork belly.
It was beautifully fresh, with the crisp slivers of apple contrasting well with the richness of the fatty pork belly and the hearty beans.
I was surprised by the Asian flavour profile used here – the mound of fresh coriander was a big hint, along with the hints of chili and sweet soy (kecap manis) I think I detected.
At 9.00am, things were busy, with just the tables on the street left by the time we sat down. It’s worth checking out, but if you’re after a warm table inside, I’d definitely recommend stopping in early.
Open Monday to Sunday
7.00am to 4.00pm
