We all take it for granted…that perfect slice of toast that can accompany anything. Whether you like sourdough, ciabatta or Turkish, there is nothing like toasty bread to finish a great brunch.
Toast’s actual history is unclear, but some food historians believe that in 3000 BC Egyptians dried their bread in front of open fires to keep it mould-free longer.
According to English writer Nick Parker, author of ‘Toast: Homage to a Superfood’, a single slice of plain toast is tastier than a single slice of plain bread because at 154 C, the sugars and starches in bread start to caramelise, intensifying the flavour.
Whatever the reason, we all love a slice of toast with our brunch favourites – here are six venues to discover all things toast:
Try the Signature French Toast
Embark on a culinary journey at Tomo's Little Collins, nestled in Melbourne's vibrant city heart. Experience an inviting ambience, alfresco dining and cosy interiors exuding warmth; renowned for exceptional coffees, indulge in all-day breakfast delights like the pantry breakfast with triple-herbed mushrooms or the popular signature French toast topped with fresh seasonal berries and Cointreau cream.
Perhaps sunshine smashed avo toast hits the mark, with sunflower seeds, poached eggs and citrus, on sourdough; sweet tooths opt for strawberry honey toast and matcha ice cream, on brioche with adzuki beans and a drizzle of honey.
Creative Brunch Dishes
Coffee and café fare to entice all taste buds is what Brighton diners find at Olie & Ari on Were Street. An industrial-style fit-out with exposed brick walls, caged pendent lighting and a cosy courtyard combine to have locals coming back time and again for creative brunch and lunch dishes.
Stop in early for a brew of choice paired with breaky plates like scrambled eggs with grilled halloumi and chorizo, served on toast with roasted tomato; or brioche French toast with maple syrup and vanilla ice cream.
Charming, Homely Vibe
A charming café with a homely vibe awaits Fairfield foodies seeking to refuel and recharge at Fifteen Pounds on Railway Place. Located in an unassuming street right by the train station, this Melbourne café is the ideal spot to catch up for a before-work coffee or linger over lunch as you check out the daily blackboard specials sure to tempt.
A rustic vibe of green subway tiles, polished concrete floors and blond wood table settings are full from early morning as guests devour whipped ricotta and feta on multigrain toast with figs, mint and honey, or spiced fruit loaf toast with butter and housemade berry jam.
Locally-loved Cafe
Those looking for a cosy, family-friendly café to enjoy a brew and bite with friends, head along Brewer Road in Bentleigh to find District Brewer. A children’s play area and baby seating make this locally-loved café a popular choice for breakfast and lunch - the little ones are entertained as you sip a coffee and catch up on conversation in a light, bright vibe of polished concrete floors and potted greenery.
Drop by early for shakshuka with harissa-infused tomato, spinach, poached eggs, chilli oil and garlic-rubbed ciabatta toast; or apricot and fig fruit toast with housemade honeyed ricotta and accompanying spreads.
Cooking Up New Cravings
Cooking up your new cravings, Kyabram locals and visitors alike flock to Café Three620 on Allan Street to appease serious hunger. Polished wood floors, intimate tables and a calming colour palate of pale grey welcome guests as they catch up over coffee and brunch plates such as smashed avocado, feta and sun-dried tomatoes, on grilled ciabatta.
Photo credit: Rod Campbell.
Start your day the right way with smashed avocado, feta cheese and sun-dried tomato, on grilled ciabatta; or chow down on an open steak sandwich with bacon, onion, egg, lettuce, tomato, cheese and tomato relish on ciabatta.
Make Your Own Avo Toast
Fusion fare, all-day brunch, patisseries and specialty coffee have Camperdown foodies returning time and again to The Twelve Café on Barr Street. Take to the alfresco high recycled timber tables to people watch with a caffeine of choice as potted greenery creates a calming vibe; or linger over a meal indoors where cabinets are full of temptations and tantalising aromas waft in the air.
Perhaps devour Asian five-spice pulled pork on soft buttermilk toast with broccolini, Hollandaise sauce, salted duck eggs and herbs; or make your own avo toast with seasoned smashed avocado, olive oil and Quinoa sourdough.
