Cumulus Inc

Order1: Cumulus Inc Breakfast- boiled egg, toast, preserves, yoghurt, and organic orange juice

Order2: Shakshouka- baked eggs with roasted peppers and marinated Persian feta

Order3: Madeline's filled with lemon curd

Three words to describe: Surprised, Delectable, Refined

Let me explain:

• Surprised- Not a local to Melbourne at all I weaved my way through the alley ways I was surprised to find the restaurant on a quiet deserted street. But like a cumulus cloud (which i assume it's named after) I entered the perfect shaped building, on the perfectly quiet street, and into the eye of the storm. You immediately get hit by the noise of busy brunchers,  barristers behind the bar, and the sound of orders being translated in the open kitchen. Lucky enough to be seated at the bar, we watched the chefs at play.
• Delectable- Fresh out of oven, a cheeky little breakfast dessert, the Madeline's sweet citrus curd made my mouth water with delight.
• Refined but a little underwhelmed- Presentation was perfect, flavors were precise, but did not evoke anything exciting particularly the Shakshouka.

Meal highs:

• Madelines- Amazing.
• Preserved jam- So sweet and fresh.
• Persian Feta- A fan of cheese, this was melt in your mouth perfection.
• Fresh bread

Meal lows:

• The taste was a little underwhelming- I was expecting more flavors particularly in the Shakshouka. Originating from  Algeria, Morocco, Egypt (and associated regions), I imagined the dish would be very exotic and a cumin taste would take over me. Similarly with the Cumulus Inc Breakfast, the flavors were average, there was nothing fancy with the yoghurt and the egg was simply hard boiled. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed the Cumulus Inc Breakfast, but I was looking to be blown away by flavor, I think this breakfast choice would have been better suited for business man/woman looking for a simple, well rounded, yet refined breakfast before a big day of meetings (which is perfect for it's location).
• Be prepared to wait for a table.

Service: As you would expect, very busy on a Saturday morning. Order a coffee(s) and relax to the sounds of the kitchen and the many conversations that surround you.

Value for money: It is a little expensive side but comparable to neighboring breakfast menus. 

Would I return: Yes, most definitely for the Madelines. I would give it another go, perhaps try something different. I have my eye on the watermelon salad with strawberry, vanilla yoghurt and mint and the candied orange and raisin toast!! Sounds delicious!

OVERALL SCORE: 7/10

El Loco

 

Address: 64 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills, Sydney

Translations: El Loco = The Madman or Loco = Crazy!

However you want to translate it the word CRAZY is definitely what i felt when I first entered  El loco. 

Having only heard about this place online through blogs and vegetarian sites, I thought I was going to a restaurant.. or a burrito bar. I had no idea the main entrance was via the corner pub, and that I would have to elbow my way through one pub to reach the Mexican cantina. But, it was well worth it.


Order: Queso de Soya- Chilli marinated tofu, pico de calo
            Corn chips with guacamole and salsa
Drink: Corona

 

Three words to describe: Spicy, cheap, Japanese-Mexican fusion. A little more than three words, but they're what popped into my head. 
Let me explain:

• Spicy- found both the salsa dip and  taco, the spice has a little more heat than your usual Mexican meal. I'm not exactly sure what the ingredients are, but it looks and tastes a little like shichimi, a japanese chilli. So beware of the bite!
• Japanese-Mexican fusion- Not only does the food have an asian influence, the layout of the restaurant/bar is like an izakaya. A Japanese bar that serve tiny/handheld snacks.
• Cheap- each dish was $5.

Meal highs:

• Tofu was soft and soaked up the salsa chilli.
• Fresh food made to order.
• Atmosphere- try and find the DJ spinning tracks. 

 Meal lows:

• Three bites and you're out. Servings are small, don't go on an empty stomach.
• Only one taco option for vegetarians, an extra for pescetarians.

Service: Order at the bar, collect your cactus, and wait for the fast delivery.

Value for money: Although everything is $5, keep in mind that tacos are snack size. Two taco's won't quiet equal a burrito or kebab in fullness.  So again don't visit on an empty stomach otherwise or your taco total could be costly.

Would i return: Yes,the meal and atmosphere were ideal for a night out with friends. The one taco option is very limiting and is the real reason for the score below. Perhaps with a few more choices it would have pushed it up much higher.

OVERALL SCORE 6/10