Breakfast at Anouk

For my money, Anouk in Paddo do the best breakfasts in town. I don't do breakfasts out on weekends anymore. Breakfasts on Saturdays and Sundays should be taken in pajamas. (I reckon there's a niche in high quality delivery breakfasts someone should exploit) plus I absolutely HATE having to line up. It takes away from the whole leisurely breakfast experience for me and by the time I'm seated I'm inevitably cranky. Justifably popular, Anouk always has a healthy weekend line up, which is why I take the opportunity to go on the occasional weekday morning.

Today, was the (now) nine year old baby boy's birthday, so we went out for breakfast on the way to school. What I like about Anouk is its imaginative menu. You won't find eggs benedict or any of those Coffee Club breakfast staples here, and there are always different specials. The birthday boy decided on a cinnamon brioche with a roasted apple, and lemon mascarpone, the other nine year old had rhubarb 'crumble' with yoghurt and the Godmother had chili corn hash while I had huevos rancheros, eggs cooked in a kind of salsa with black beans and coriander. It was delicious, although not as spicy as the versions I've had in Mexico (one country where I'd happily eat breakfast three times a day). The corn hash though, was so oversalted it was inedible.

The kids enjoyed their dishes, but the whole thing took 45 minutes to arrive and we had to stuff it down to try to get the kids to school on time. When I was paying, I hesitated when I was asked if we'd enjoyed it, but I always think that it's better than places get real customer feedback (but I'd love to hear from cafe/restaurant owners as to whether I'm deluded on this point?). So I told the truth and the person who took my order went and spoke with the owner, Justine Whelan (ex Gunshop owner) who came over and apologised and offered the meal on the house. (and no I wasn't reviewing and she wouldn't know me from a bar of soap) I really appreciate when cafe and restaurant owners admit their occasional fallibility and that the customer can be right sometime. It was a nice move on her behalf because I'll go there again- only ever on a weekday still though. Unless, of course it suddenly becomes acceptable to wear your pajamas out in public.