Along the main road of Auburn, the Foodstore café discretely serves up hearty breakfasts, lunches and coffee. The typical local drives past without noticing the inconspicuous white and natural wood tables. If you do enter, the men at the counter will smile and oblige any fussy coffee request. A full menu, open space inside and out, friendly staff and a relaxed vibe, makes this neighbourhood café one of community.
The coffee held an organic taste which took a few sips before it grew on me. With a pretty leaf design, rich crema but a dirty saucer, I was both wary and delighted at this strangely flavoursome cup. The blend here is by Richmond brand Veneziano.
There are many vego options on the menu. I opted for the corn and pumpkin fritters.
It was a sunny day, but even so I was slightly disappointed that the grated fennel and rocket salad was wilted as it sat atop the warm spiced fritters. The salad was refreshing with the fennel, crunch and tangy dressing, but would have been even more enjoyable served cold. An earthy beetroot puree swirl and another of a sweet citrus tahini yoghurt beautified the plate. The fritters were made with grated pumpkin, corn kernels and cumin. They could have been crispier but the flavours were pleasant and the density made them a filling treat. I also ordered hash browns as extra and these were crispy, oil and hot – the perfect comfort side. Overall the dish was fun with many different flavours, colours, textures and food groups.
Next time I will be trying the mushroom toast, or the shakshuka if the cold weather suddenly returns (which us Melbournians all know it suddenly will). There are also a range of daily fresh smoothies, salads and sweets. For early rises, it is open from 6am weekdays.
The Foodstore Cafe
464 Auburn Road
Hawthorn 3122
03 9819 3835
Website
Opening hours:
Weekdays 6:00am to 3:00pm
Saturday 7:00am to 2:00pm
The coffee held an organic taste which took a few sips before it grew on me. With a pretty leaf design, rich crema but a dirty saucer, I was both wary and delighted at this strangely flavoursome cup. The blend here is by Richmond brand Veneziano.
There are many vego options on the menu. I opted for the corn and pumpkin fritters.
It was a sunny day, but even so I was slightly disappointed that the grated fennel and rocket salad was wilted as it sat atop the warm spiced fritters. The salad was refreshing with the fennel, crunch and tangy dressing, but would have been even more enjoyable served cold. An earthy beetroot puree swirl and another of a sweet citrus tahini yoghurt beautified the plate. The fritters were made with grated pumpkin, corn kernels and cumin. They could have been crispier but the flavours were pleasant and the density made them a filling treat. I also ordered hash browns as extra and these were crispy, oil and hot – the perfect comfort side. Overall the dish was fun with many different flavours, colours, textures and food groups.
Next time I will be trying the mushroom toast, or the shakshuka if the cold weather suddenly returns (which us Melbournians all know it suddenly will). There are also a range of daily fresh smoothies, salads and sweets. For early rises, it is open from 6am weekdays.
The Foodstore Cafe
464 Auburn Road
Hawthorn 3122
03 9819 3835
Website
Opening hours:
Weekdays 6:00am to 3:00pm
Saturday 7:00am to 2:00pm