Green Refectory
Green Refectory
115 Sydney Rd
Brunswick
93871150
Public transport: Catch the No. 19 tram!
Cakes so fresh they slump.
I had to start with that line. Even though this time I didn’t have a cake. But from my position, at the large shared table, I had a direct view. The slump I refer is to that of the Vanilla Slices topped with passion-fruit icing. The custard looked so fresh there was no hope of these slices holding a starch straight position. And yes, next time I’ll have one and tell you about it, but I think there’s a chance, if you’re a cake enjoyer, you’ll beat me to it. As well there were two large cakes, one a four-story black forrest – the price for a slice? Just $4.50.
The refectory has a moderate sized front room where you order. There’s a lot on offer. And fresh seems to be the word. A couple of meters of blackboard with cursive hand-writing in different colours lays out your options. That and the counter area laiden with food. The front room is well broken up with seating options and filled with natural light. A big table, shared. A couple of small for-two tables, and a couple of window seats. Then there’s the next room in, lots of two, three, and four-people tables. Here it takes on a very house type look – as if somebody’s converted their terrace house into a cafe (maybe somebody did). Then another room, past the stairs. Again, a room of a house, tables all about. And you can even walk out a side door to find tables along the side path against the tin fence. And happy cafes goers in all these places.
I order a long black and scrambled eggs. Previously, a friend who really likes a good long black had to order one with a double-shot to get the strength they require, and this cost more. However today I didn’t order mine this way, (just ordered a long black) and it came as a 1/2 to 3/4 cup full, good crema and flavour. I think their coffee’s been given a lift. Good stuff. The scrambles eggs were light and fluffy and a couple of slabs of white bread. No complaints here.
At about 11.45 Refectory was full. I’d squeezed onto the large table, having to ask someone who was sitting at an end to get up and let me in. 20 minutes later there were gaps here and there and it was generally more relaxing. Refectory has been accepted by the locals as a fine place to come. Music: Tracy Chapman. Crowd, 20s, 30s, 50s, I’d say majority late twenties to thirties. Conversation? Next to me a woman was reading out a stern text message received from her daughter to her companion cafe goer. They were laughing.
16/20
Nov 21, 07:43 AM by Lawrence Martin