Bianca: So, a certain FFS member flew the coop and has settled in Melbourne. It’s practically our second home, so despite the fact we’re missing third member Alex… we now relish that we have some free accommodation when we visit… Our first stop on our recent trip was Pinkie Ivanhoe.
It does kill me to admit but Melbournes brunch game is very very strong, Sydney, you’re a super close second. But Melbs is on a whole other level, my focus was rather singular. Pancakes, pancakes and pancakes! It was our first time visiting Ivanhoe and there was quite the village(y) feel, mostly suburban streets with a main shopping drag.
With blocks of pink and dark greys and floor to ceiling windows, makes for an inviting space. Also good to mention, very baby friendly, with a whole section dedicated to the wonderful tiny humans in your life! But I will make note, tables are very very ‘toight’ inside, so much so, I heard ALL about my table neighbours delightful new piercing, in GREAT detail…
We started with coffees. My Soy Capp $4.20 hitting the spot after our early morning bumpy flight from Syd. The Bananarama -w/ banana, honey, yoghurt, cinnamon & milk $7.5 great for those after something a little more substantial. We did wish this was a touch sweeter.
Mother ever the Acai fiend opted for the Acai Bowl -w/ organic crumble, banana, peanut butter & seasonal fruit $16. Good feedback from mum and Ness, great consistency to the acai puree, not overly runny or too thick. The toasted coconut & peanut butter giving some points of difference to your typical Acai’s.
We noticed a bit of a trend during our recent Melbourne cafe explorations, Chilli Scrambled Eggs were everywhere!! Here they’re done with goats cheese, chorizo, chilli, spring onion, chives & flatbread $18.50. Nice kick of chilli, velvety well seasoned scrambled eggs and a concentrated saltiness from the chorizo. The naan-like flatbread a fantastic alternative to the run of the mill bread typically served.
Our little short stack Vinny, going for the Avocado & Vegemite soldiers $5. He seemed to enjoy whatever didn’t end up on the floor…
Sweet Potato Fries -w/ mayo $8 were purely for the indulgence factor. Crispy and fluffy, the ultimate combo.
And lastly, the real reason for our visit. Sweet N’ Salty Pancakes -w/ Whipped honey ricotta, salty dulce de leche, banana, raspberry & white chocolate crumbs $18. A cleverly concocted pancake dish, ticking almost every box. As advertised, sweet and salty elements keeping the interest high with each and every bite. I do add bacon to my pancake orders for this very reason, you just need the salty factor to cut through the sweetness. The pancakes were wonderfully airy and light. We loved the chocolate crumbs adding some texture. We did end up asking for some maple syrup mid-way as it was on the dry side, perhaps something they should serve on the side.
All in all, a great little cafe to add to the list next time you’re in Melbourne.
Bianca
Hehe how funny! I saw Alex in Sydney on the weekend and I was surprised to see him because I had expected him to be in Melbourne! And I wish chilli scrambled eggs were a thing everywhere 😀 Vinny is a cutie-I love that you call him a short stack!
The chilli scrambled eggs looks fo flufeeeehhh! Those pancakes OMG