Breakfast at Paddington

When I was only a week old in Brisbane, my aunt and uncle took me for an exquisite Sunday breakfast to a lovely little cafe in Paddington – aptly named “Anouk”. As we sat in a bustling corner near the display of chocolate caked and muffins, watching delectably garnished plates of eggs and bacon fly past us, I could not help but wish that I could share this discovery with a like minded soul.

Three months and some days later…I mentioned this cafe to my house-mate Saee (aka Cruella…but that story makes for another post!) She was instantly enthusiastic to try me on my claim for knowing where the world’s best french toast was made. So one Sunday, I grudgingly agreed to take her to Paddington (I’m VERY lazy you know – it takes a lot to push me out of my reverie!)

As we neared the bustling cafe…we were greeted by the aromas of freshly ground coffee, eggs cooking in the skillet, bacon curling as it browned on the edges and fresh muffins. We also saw a bit of a line of waiting clientele snake around the pavement – all of which only served to whet the appetite and take the expectations one notch higher!

Finally, we were ushered to a little table, not too far from where we sat the last time I was here. We ordered our cups of earl grey and cappuccino and settled in to look at the delectable menu. Placing our orders, we started to chat and reminisce about our lives in India, our dreams and our ambitions.

The plates arrived – looking like a dream come true! Two identical wedges of brioche french toast – topped with whipped cream and syrupy raspberries, complimented perfectly with slices of honey dew melon and garnished with maple syrup, mint sprigs and sprinkled sugar. Poetry on a plate – for sure!

As we each took little melt-in-the-mouth bites of our sumptuous orders – Saee started to relate engrossing memories of her childhood. I was completely wrapped up in her tales – sometimes amused and sometimes sympathetic. We washed down our stories with some more tea and coffee – as we sat there by the window…sunlight streaming in and warming our heads.

We settled the check and strolled out – deciding to give the bus a miss, and walk back home instead. The talking and bonding made me realise that she was exactly the kind of person I wanted to share Anouk with. For with Saee, while the food was appreciated to the perfect degree – it was not permitted to take centre stage. Instead it was allowed to form the back drop to a wonderful session of chatter, memories and laughter – all the elements of the perfect Sunday morning brunch!