Thanks a Brunch – Try These 6 Venues to Appease Weekend Cravings

Brunch – that lazy weekend meal where catching up on the week’s news is obligatory along with delicious dishes and perhaps even a glass of bubbles.

Once a week we all scramble to find our brunch location, how many of us can make it and what time we are eating. As is the case with many culinary traditions, brunch’s origins are a bit hazy. 

Many consider it a byproduct of England’s hunt breakfasts where a smorgasbord of goodies was laid out for hungry huntsmen after the chase, while others consider it comes from the practice of Catholics to fast before mass and then sit down to a huge midday meal.

Here are six spots sure to appease brunch cravings this weekend:

 

Set amidst gorgeous gardens, The Other Bird on Margaret Street is the ideal place to unwind and relax in East Toowoomba. Nestled in the grounds of what used to be the iconic Weiss’ back door at the top of the range, step into a cool colour palette of light green walls, blond table settings and interesting artwork; or chill alfresco, where comfy chairs, market umbrellas and potted greenery await.

Start your day the right way with a brunch of confit garlic and thyme roasted mushrooms and grilled halloumi, on sourdough; or a breakfast burger with fried egg, bacon, hash brown, tomato, rocket and housemade tomato and onion relish, on a toasted bun.

 

Located in the beautiful historical town of Chiltern, Posh Plonk on Main features a cellar door, restaurant and function space showcasing the region’s finest produce. Rusticity abounds at this dining destination with well-worn brick and trailing greenery, or chill out on a velvet couch with a glass of wine in hand to peruse a menu boasting breaky, pizza, platters, plates and pours.

On balmy days, soak up rays alfresco and delve into eggs Benedict with smoked ham, spinach, poached eggs, fried capers and Hollandaise on a housemade muffin; or gingerbread pancakes, Biscoff ice cream, toasted pecans, fruit, chocolate mint and maple syrup.

 

Silvs on Kennedy is your new local Richmond café, dedicated to serving fresh food every day, fuelled-up coffee and healthy meals. Located on Khartoum Street, this bright and breezy diner boasts a modern vibe of pink and brown tiled floors, a pink coffee machine on a polished concrete counter and tempting cabinets full of grab-and-go options.

Pair your favourite cup of Joe with brunch choices like avocado smash on multigrain with beetroot hummus, cured salmon, dukkah sprinkle and micro herbs; while sweet tooths opt for brioche French toast, praline, caramelised banana, walnut mascarpone and a sprinkle of berry powder.

 

Nothing brings people together like the good food you’ll find at Flour Café on Normanby Street in Yeppoon. This artisan coffee shop entrances diners with the sweet aroma of espresso and freshly baked cakes wafting in the air, whether dining alfresco on balmy NQ days or indoors where cabinets overflow with all manner of grab-and-go options.

An oven-to-table approach offers up an extensive menu to suit all tastes – think brunch plates of smoked salmon with lemon and dill crème fraiche on herb-crusted scrambled egg, or grilled halloumi, greens, beetroot relish, roasted peppers and tomato, with balsamic drizzle.

 

Discerning Brisbane foodies head to William Shakespeare-inspired café To Be or Not To Be on Westlake Drive in Westlake for brunch fare with an Asian twist. Named after the iconic line from Hamlet’s soliloquy and sibling to Method to the Madness café, this fun and funky café rocks clean lines, polished concrete, arched windows and plenty of cosy nooks for coffee catch-ups.

Brunch your way into the day with smashed avo on seeded sourdough, chilli olive tapenade, mountain pepper feta cream, house pickles, pepitas and poached eggs; or Indian-spiced potato stuffed flatbread, with turmeric coriander yoghurt, pulled lamb, pickles and micro herbs.

 

Well-loved local hangout Split Bean Café on Mernda Village Drive is the place to head for an aromatic brew and café fare with flair when in Mernda. This Melbourne eatery is abuzz from breakfast to lunch as friends gather in bright and breezy surroundings, where a full glass frontage makes for an abundance of natural light and cabinets overflow with sweet treats.

Stop in for brunch and devour shakshuka baked eggs, tomato, eggplant, chorizo, Persian feta, green chilli sauce and spiced flatbread; or scrambled eggs, folded with tomato and chilli sauce, bacon and Parmesan, served on organic sourdough with lemon.