• The Kettle Black (South Melbourne)

Rivalling my favourite brunch spot, Top Paddock, The Kettle Black is brought to Melbourne by the same team, with a few extra touches.  The outdoor seating and relaxed vibe bring a coolness to the sophistication of the food.

On a sunny but cold weekday, we were greeted with a short wait for a table and found ourselves chilling as the sun hid behind the building next door.  The menu is different to Top Paddock but with similar themes.  I opted for the mixed mushrooms with a poached eggs and goats’ curd on toast.

The mushrooms were indeed a mix with some raw and others barbecued.  Mushroom dust heightened the elegance of the dish and this began blowing away in the wind from our outdoor table.  The bread was toasted and slightly oiled.  The goats’ curd was delectably soft, light and creamy.  I stole a taste of hollandaise too.  It was fluffy as if it had been whipped with the expected tang of flavour.  The poached egg was perfect.



Choosing dessert, the passionfruit chocolate tart was a standout in the cabinet amongst the other cakes and doughnuts.  It was made with chocolate ganache and intense passionfruit jam.  The pastry was soft but buttery, and perhaps slightly under-cooked for my liking. A mini meringue decorated the top.



Whilst I love the vibrancy of Top Paddock, the quality of its food and people watching the trendy crowd who flock their often, The Kettle Black was impressive for a weekday brunch.  The forte is in taking a simple brunch and adding flair to make it special.  Service, ambiance, coffee and food maintain high standards matched with a relaxed ambiance.

The Kettle Black
50 Albert Road
South Melbourne 3205
03 9088 0721
The Kettle Black on Urbanspoon