Monday 4 June 2012

Seven Seeds

114 Berkeley St
Carlton, VIC 3053




Seven Seeds provides a spot of excellent brunch where you would least expect it. Located in a laneway just off Elizabeth Street, it’s in that food-barren stretch of land that’s just out of the CBD, but not quite Coburg. I’d imagine its close proximity to Melbourne Uni would make it a popular destination for students, teachers and hipsters alike.


Coffee Display

They’re very serious about their coffee here (but who am I kidding, the whole of Melbourne is), roasting and selling a large assortment of beans on site. The space buzzes at peak hour, but most of the crowd is just here for a take-away coffee before their 10:30 lecture. The large communal tables and small light-abundant nooks are filled and vacated equally as quickly.

Small Skinny Flat White ($3.8)

I started off with my standard order of a Small Skinny Flat White ($3.8). It’s a rich and heavy brew, but a bit one dimensional and not as good as the coffees I’ve had from their sister cafe, Brother Baba Budan.

Brioche French Toast with Spiced Baked Pears, Mascarpone and Toasted Pecans ($13.5)

Contrary to the photos I’ve seen, the Brioche French Toast with Spiced Baked Pears, Mascarpone and Toasted Pecans ($13.5) is a neatly and carefully plated morning sugar rush. The thick dominoes of brioche could’ve done with a bit more time in the pan, as the texture reminded me of chewing on a sponge, but the flavours of the dish were great. The French toast wasn’t too cloying, the pale wedges of soft pear are subtly spiced, and the cool mascarpone practically steals my breath away. The toasted pecans only add to the fun.

Seven Seeds Beetroot-Cured Salmon on Potato Rosti with Avocado Salad and Wasabi Mayonnaise ($15.5)

The simple sounding Seven Seeds Beetroot-Cured Salmon on Potato Rosti with Avocado Salad and Wasabi Mayonnaise ($15.5) was so elegant, and so, so beautiful. The fresh slices of salmon were cured into a vibrant ruby, contrasting magnificently with the spring greenery of the peas. The crispy rosti pulled away in webs of potato, and the generous avocado salad piled haphazardly on top was creamy with just a squeeze of lemon, and a hint of spice from the wasabi. A scattering of black sesame provides a faint whiff of nuttiness. This was an amazing dish, but so rich that I couldn’t finish the last two bites – a first for me. 

I wonder how Seven Seeds fell off my radar for so long. It ticks all the boxes – good brunch, good coffee, nice space and nice people. It even ticks the extra boxes of being super duper cheap (well, for brunch) AND of being easy to get to. I’m so sorry Seven Seeds, accept my apology?

Rating: 15.5/20 – not seedy at all.


Seven Seeds on Urbanspoon

2 comments:

  1. The Seven Seeds dish looks absolutely beautiful, and the prices look quite affordable! I'm hardly ever in the city, but this place looks like a great place to try. Excellent photos, Ming!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks! The food is quite lovely and there's a lot of space inside, it's definitely a good affordable brunch option for the city kids :)

    ReplyDelete