Sassafras - Paddington

Indubitably, the best way to start off a weekend is with a wholesome hearty brunch. Always keen to try out new things, we were pleased to receive an invite to try out Sassafras of Paddington, which has recently changed management and been bought out by head chef Chris Zirbel. Named after a leafy aromatic plant abundant in both North America and East Asia, it had my interest piqued, having read Joe's glowing review, I was definitely excited.

Situated along LaTrobe Terrace in what appears to be a refurbished residential house, the main counter and kitchen were indoors. There were also a few seats indoors, but the majority of seating was definitely out the back.

It was absolutely packed at 9am, almost all of Paddington was there, and there were SO many cute puppies, almost at every single table. Having rained the night before though, sitting under the tarps were a bit of a hazard, with a lady in the table next to us being accidentally surprised with residual rain water pouring over her from the retained build up of last night.

  

With a specials menu and a classic brunch menu, it contained everything we would have wanted and as always, the ability to customise is a winner in my books.

 

Kicking off with some juices, as I'm going on a caffeine free weekend to detox from abusing coffee too much during the week, I had the watermelon, pineapple, orange and passion fruit juice. So cleansing and refreshing with just the right amount of sweetness, it fixed me right up. Trying a second juice, I had the strawberry, pineapple and mint, it was also refreshing but with a twist of sourness from the strawberry and coolness of mint. I liked the watermelon one the best.

Not having abused caffeine as much as I had, Adam stuck with his cold brew. Generous in portion and served with coffee ice cubes so as not to dilute the concoction, he loved it.

Our first companion had the Spiced Pumpkin Brekky from the specials menu. Consisting of roasted and smashed pumpkin, bacon, poached eggs, rocket and zatar spices on sourdough, the portion was epic, but one of the eggs had come out already popped.

Our other companion had the House Made Crumpets from the specials menu. Served with peach compote, passionfruit coulis and mango gelato. Again the portions were very generous, with an enjoyable fruity tang.

As he's been having a lot of hotcakes lately, Adam went for the French Toast. Drenched brioche, fresh blueberries, macerated strawberries, citrus curd, pistachio crumb and double cream. Trying a bite myself the brioche was wonderfully fluffy with a crisp egg battered exterior, I actually really enjoyed the sweet cream, and Adam polished off the dish without blinking.

Never deviating too far from my usual, I had their classic Eggs on Toast, which came with two poached eggs, tomato and buttered rye sourdough. Going hard on the extras, I added avocado, house cured salmon, bacon as well as a hash brown. The food was amazing. The hash was home made and crisp beyond measure packed with potato-y goodness. House cured salmon was flavoursome and refreshing, portion sizes were also very generous. Bacon was sliced to just the right thickness, not overly fatty, not overly burnt but with a delectable smokey aroma. Eggs and avocado were both on point. Served with house relish, this definitely makes for one of the best breakfasts I've had of late.

Espresso and Matcha were invited guests of Sassafras, but as always our opinions are solely our own.

Price Range: $20 - $30pp

Taste: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Service: 9/10
Environment: 7/10