The very first blog I ever posted was about Cumulus Inc, and their crunchy Silk Purse for a Sow’s Ear dish. I wrote about it because I loved the meal and had recently discovered the ‘solo dining theory’. In honour of my 100th post, I am writing again about Cumulus Inc. I revisited Melbourne for the second time since I came back from overseas and although I was only there for one night, managed to squeeze in dinner at Golden Fields and breakfast at Cumulus Inc. Andrew McConnell got his money’s worth out of me in that 24hrs.
There’s no booking at Cumulus Inc. Although I’m no morning person, a lifetime of living in Brisbane where, at the height of Summer the sun is peeping through the curtains at 4.30am means that, even in Winter, I am generally up before most of Melbourne on a weekday morning. I got in just before the rush and jagged a table to myself. Service was once again attentive and it’s clear to me that good service is high on the list of ‘things that make a quality restaurants’ pinned to Andrew’s noteboard in his kitchen. The water glass was filled immediately, newspaper proffered and a coffee order taken whilst I perused the menu.
There’s plenty on offer including Bircher Muesli, Cooked Breakfast, Toast and Preserves as well as more exotic options such as House Smoked Sardines with Slow Cooked Egg. Price wise, these options were all a few dollars less than what I have been paying for at the ‘Festival of Birthday Brunches’ in recent weeks. For me though, I only had eyes for the Shakshouka – Baked Eggs with Roasted Peppers & Marinated Feta. When it arrived, it was a delight to the senses, sizzling in its little cast iron frying pan with flecks of bright green parsley scattered over the tangy feta. I had asked for my eggs to be cooked firm (not runny, not rock hard, just firm). I ask this at every breakfast and whilst it’s written down on the notepad, the message rarely gets through to the kitchen. This time the eggs were delivered with the words ‘Shakshouka cooked just a little longer so the eggs are firm’ and indeed they were. It was a great combination and an enormous serve that set me up for the rest of the day.
Thank you to everyone who has read my blog, subscribed or visited on a regular basis. I enjoy your comments and am glad you enjoy my posts. Make sure you tell a friend! Special thanks to Tanya S who suggested the idea of blogging and got the ball rolling.
Visited: Tuesday 24th May 11 – Breakfast Service
I will put this on the list! Reminds me of my new fave brekkie – baked eggs, chorizo, slow cooked tomato, Yarra Valley Persian fetta, sourdough $17 at Hamptons Home Living in Paddington.
Congratulations on turning 100. Does this mean you'll be getting a telegram from Maggie Beer?
Tony O.