Week. Brunch. Repeat - 6 Spots for Weekend Brunch

Brunch – that lazy weekend meal where catching up over 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:

Inspired by age-old artisan trades, Butcher Baker on Byron Street brings honest food and good times to Bangalow. Located in a heritage-style building on the main street, this trendy café boasts an in-house bakery, with the aroma of sourdough and sweet treats enticing guests through the doors.

 

Settle in on a comfy couch and chill out under an embossed plaster ceiling and warm glow of festoon lights, while checking out a brunch menu boasting plates like eggs Benny with smoked salmon, poached eggs, Hollandaise sauce, avocado and hash brown; perhaps avocado, sheep’s feta and chilli jam on fried polenta corn and zucchini fritters hits the mark, 

Nestled in the leafy suburb of Hurstville Grove, find fresh, bright and modern café restaurant Gabriella’s at the Grove on Seymour Street. Expect a relaxed ambience to socialise, chill out or work while sipping your barista-made Toby’s Estate Coffee or Byron Bay Tea House gourmet tea, while perusing mouth-watering breakfast and lunch menu selections.

 

Join the brunch bunch for a breakfast burrito on a toasted tortilla with bacon, fried egg, signature house beans, spinach, hash browns, cheese and aioli; or devour corn and zucchini fritters with sweet potato purée, avocado, fried shimeji mushrooms and feta. Sweet tooths are in heaven over a tropical pancake stack with mango, passionfruit maple syrup, crushed meringue, mango sorbet, berry dust, berries and Chantilly cream.

International fusion cuisine is on the menu at Café Chez Joe on Metung Road in the heart of Metung. Set sail on a culinary adventure in surrounds of banquette seating strewn with pops of colour from aqua cushions, a shiny black counter and an eclectic mix of artwork on the walls; while sunny days call for chilling out front to watch the world pass by.

 

Stop in for a brunch of chilli prawn scrambled eggs on sourdough or a croissant, wrap your hands around a freshly baked mini baguette filled with prosciutto, Swiss cheese and semi-dried tomatoes; or perhaps a classic French Croque Monsieur entices with ham, cheese and sun-dried tomato, washed down with a lychee and apple smoothie.

From fine dining to casual bites, expect an Italian culinary experience catering to all tastes at Cucina by Liquid on Grange Road in Findon. This Adelaide restaurant delivers an eclectic vibe with different-shaped lights hanging from the ceiling, black filigree screens and potted greenery setting a relaxing scene for enjoying catch-ups with family and friends over classic pasta dishes and Greek favourites.

Brunch-goers opt for holy guacamole – smashed avocado, wilted spinach, grilled tomato and a poached egg on sourdough – or French toast, drenched in maple syrup, topped with fresh berries and whipped cream; vegetarians opt for grilled halloumi, mushrooms, wilted spinach, poached egg and balsamic glaze on toasted sourdough.

Situated in picturesque Battery Point, Rendezvous Café offers bistro-style dining in the heart of Hobart’s Salamanca Square precinct. The ideal place to meet family and friends for breakfast, lunch, or a cup of coffee and cake, with both indoor and outdoor dining areas, while the Square offers the perfect spot for kids to stretch their legs as parents enjoy their meals and a second cup.

Expect an extensive menu of good value, wholesome food featuring a number of Tasmanian specialties; think brunch plates of savoury mince with sourdough toast, a poached egg, spinach and sour cream, along with avocado salsa fritters with roasted pumpkin, spinach and feta, served on rocket with yoghurt and sour cream dressing.

With a focus on fresh food and great coffee, locals or those passing through stop by Rubony’s Café on Prince Street in Grafton to refuel and recharge. Step into a homely vibe of polished concrete floors, bright green walls and recycled timber tables and chairs to discover cabinets overflowing with all manner of temptations and selected local handcrafts to admire from animal skins to scarves and jewellery.

 

Appease early hunger with brunch plates of a smoked salmon bagel with cream cheese, avocado, lettuce and tomato, or devour spinach, carrot and corn fritters with tzatziki and pesto; those with more ravenous appetites, opt for the big breaky with fried eggs, bacon, mushrooms, tomato, spinach, sausage and housemade baked beans.