Sassafras Paddington

The biting chill had returned to Brisbane for one last go (please let it be the last go) at us last Thursday morning when I made my way to Sassafras Paddington for an early (7.30am) breakfast. It was my first visit to this Brisbane institution.

I've been hearing about it from friends for years but never actually ventured. I lie, Will and I did attempt to go there once. It was a bit late for lunch ie we were both getting a bit hangry and when we walked in the door and saw it was busy we didn't want to wait.

Little did we know that the front room of the old cottage is just a tiny part of the expansive cafe that stretches all the way back to a huge open courtyard that's like sitting in someone's lush, tropical backyard. On this chilly winter morning we're seated outside but not to worry, their fiery heaters kept us all toasty warm.

You know what would have kept me even warmer? This deliciously rich-looking hot chocolate. I would have ordered one myself but I thought that would have been a bit miss piggy seeing as I'd already placed my rather large order.

Sassafras serves Single Origin Roasters coffee from Sydney. Single Origin Roasters, as much as possible, source ethically and environmentally sound beans, products and produce and roast on solar power. Even better, they had a part in creating the world's first milk on tap system for cafes where instead of the milk coming in a lot of plastic bottles it comes in giant, reusable bottles and is hooked up to a tap, sort of like a beer keg.

Call me crazy but I ordered a smoothie in the freezing weather. It was well worth the chill though. I could almost say it was better than my homemade version that I make every morning. It was just the right thickness, sweetness and creaminess.

Before we placed our orders, head chef Chris came out to tell us a little bit about the Sassafras menu and what their food is all about. In a few words I'll sum it up as fresh, homey, unpretentious and local. After the meals I'll also add generous.

Everything is made from scratch on site except for the bread which they get from Sol Breads. It's something I haven't ever really thought of before but apart from the fact that homemade is so much better than bought, imagine how much waste they must save not buying anything packaged.

After Chris's introduction Peter, the owner, came out to tell us more about Sassafras. I couldn't believe it had been open for 16 years and I'd never visited. Peter told us more about the home-style, welcoming theme behind the cafe. Everyone loves their rustic chairs and tables. Peter's secret? He bought them back when he couldn't afford fancy chairs but now their all the rage.

Sassafras also hosts all sorts of functions and their courtyard would be absolutely perfect. They have a bar set up out the back and you can supply your own alcohol for a party so I can see it being great for anything from a 21st to an engagement party.

Now onto the food! See what I mean about the portions? Apparently the Sassa Big Breakfast is one of the most popular items. Peter said it's 'like a regular big breakfast but bigger and better.'

Apparently the most popular item is the Sassa eggs benedict with spinach, poached eggs & house hollandaise on Turkish and your choice of  ham-off-the-bone, avocado, smoked salmon or bacon. I'll be bringing Will back for this one.

How good do these look? Not your regular flattened out dry rosti, Sassafras potato, fetta & mint rostis were mouthwatering served with mushroom, semi dried tomato and rocket salad, soft poached egg, onion relish and mint riata. An side of haloumi was added to this order because really, what can't be improved with halloumi?

They're doing a bit of experimenting with waffles at the moment (seriously are all signs pointing to me needing to buy an iron?) and one of the specials of the day was the Canadian waffles - thick waffles served with grilled banana and maple bacon. It looked like the perfect winter breakfast and the only complaint was that there wasn't enough maple syrup. Not to worry, a little jug of it appeared moments later.

I was pretty jealous of the other special waffles with fresh local (picked the day before) strawberries and Barambah yoghurt. This looked like the perfect balance between healthy and naughty and we all commented that it was nice to see it with yoghurt instead of ice-cream which can be quite heavy for breakfast.

Would you believe I made the biggest food blogger's rookie error? After passing my plate around the table for everyone to photograph, I was so eager to dig in that I forgot to take a photo myself! I did managed to snap this pic of Jessalyn photographing my meal so you can have a peek.

I ordered Peter's favourite - the avocado on sourdough... w pink salt & lemon oil and added a potato and feta rosti and sautéed mushrooms. My only issue was that it was a bit tricky to eat with the bread piled up and no room for slicing into it. You know I managed well and got through the whole plate. I would have liked more of an avo chunky mash with the salt and oil mixed through but this was still a great breakfast and very generous size.

How cute is the honey presentation? It came in a little pot with a honey stick (do they have a name?) to serve it. I must admit, when I saw toasted fig and hazelnut bread I thought it would be a little like banana bread. To me it should have read fig and hazelnut toast. I actually got over my dried fruit fear and ate quite a bit of this and it was lovely.

On the way out we took a peek at their freshly-baked goodies. If I had a skerrick of room left in my stomach I would have grabbed a muffin to go.

We were given a goodie bag with a little pot of tiramisu inside so really I didn't need a muffin. Oh how I love a goodie bag. I'm looking forward to returning to Sassafras very soon to sample some more of their menu and baked goodies.

Sassafras Paddington is located at 88 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington. They are open 7 days from 7am til 3pm.

View Larger Map

Claire K Creations dined as a guest of Sassafras.