As I strolled through the back streets of the city this morning, breathing in the cool frosty air and watching the new buds on trees bloom, I found myself once again gravitating towards my favourite haunt- Brunswick St.
After noticing I had been walking for a while, I also realised that I was starving, and as I’m always on the hunt for something new, I remembered a friend’s recommendation of a place that had recently opened up at the city end of Brunswick Street, away from the hustle and bustle that I am used to.
So wanting a bit of a change, I set off in search of Slowpoke.
As I entered, I was greeted with a warm and friendly smile, which made me feel like I was a regular, I felt right at home.
As I glanced at the breakfast/brunch menu written up on a chalk board, I became a little worried, although everything looked delicious, it was heavily laden with bakery treats. There I stood, a gluten intolerant member of society, so eager to participate in this cozy cafe. Could a place that looks so organic friendly forget about people like me?
With an unsure smile I asked, “Do you have anything gluten free?” to which the barista replied- “Of course, we can do pretty much everything on the menu gluten free!”
HOORAH!! relief-
Like Willy Wonka opening the doors to the “Chocolate room” a whole new delectable world had opened up to me!
What shall I have? I pondered. The olive toast with roasted cherry tomatoes, ricotta and herbs? Fruit toast with jam/honey and ricotta? Grilled cheese, cream corn and smoked paprika on toast? Or how about a googie egg with soldier fingers?
After much deliberation, I decided to try their avocado and fetta mash on gluten free walnut toast with herbs and chilli for only $10! As it was such a bargain, I decided to add a soft boiled egg for $2.50 and an organic ginger beer.
Talk about cheap eats and deliciousness!?! It was actually amazing- perfectly seasoned and a slice of lemon to zest it up!
I sat at the breakfast bar in the window, watching Brunswick St pass by, enjoying my gluten free, organic goodies and sighed a happy sigh of content.
Slowpoke uses organic and locally sourced produce as much as possible. Their meat and eggs are organic, biodynamic or free range.
This new business shines with its fantastic service, immaculate presentation (the espresso cups for salt and pepper are especially cute) and accommodating staff.
Slowpoke Cafe, my friends, is a winner-with a fresh white coat of paint, light and dark contrasting wooden panels- long shared dining tables as well as intimate separate tables, a courtyard and gorgeous country feel and it’s extensive breakfast and brunch menu any diner will have a fabulous experience.
Do yourself a favour and experience a “Slowpoke” today!
*Slowpoke is open every day except Mondays from 7am-3:30pm with a liquor licence pending- which will hopefully mean longer hours!
Tags: avocado, breakfast, brunch, Brunswick St, Cafe, City, Coffee, Courtyard, eggs, Espresso, Fitzroy, Gluten Free, Melbourne, menu, Poke, Slow, Slowpoke, Soy
