Updated: 11/08/2017
This review covers the two visits at Street Talk Espresso, once as a guest of Street Talk Espresso and a second visit at our own expense. Glad to say the rating went up!
Street Talk Espresso has been on my list to visit for awhile now and after the first visit, I wonder to myself why it has taken me so long to check out the cafe! I have not met anyone so passionate about food and committed to ensure consistency with their food for their customers like Dean and his team are.
Located on High Street, Armadale, being on the street brought back memories of wedding dress hunting. Parking is available off the side streets of High Street with the cafe itself located a short walk from Toorak train station. Both visits was on a Saturday (note they don't open on Sundays), 12:00pm and second was 10:30am where we managed to get seats quite easily albiet both times was in the courtyard at the back as all the indoor seating was taken.
>> Interior
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The cafe itself has a small indoor seating area at the front of the cafe with a undercover courtyard at the back where an amazing piece of art is painted on one of the walls. In the courtyard is a range of table settings to suit the different groups of people dining; from smaller tables to large tables to bar tables.
>> Service
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Service was friendly, efficient and fast.
>> Food/Drinks
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Food wise, if you have scrolled through Instagram then I'm sure you would have seen the beautiful photos of their version of the French toast, 'the boss of all challah' (the best I have ever had!) and previously their 'lock stock and two smoking salmon' (if you like thick creamy cream cheese then you'll enjoy this!).
On our first visit, we had 'the boss of all challah' and of course the 'lock stock and two smoking salmon'. Both displaying the amazing techniques, colour, plating, creativity and innovation by the team at Street Talk Espresso. All elements on the plate were used to their fullest potential, for their physical attributes in plating and their intense flavour (beetroot hummus on the 'when in doubt just "wing it", I'm looking at you) when digging into the dish.
On our second visit, we had the 'donald trumpkin', 'swordy shore tacos', 'iron man' and of course 'the boss of all challah'. Every single one hit the mark. Not only with their witty names but plating, execution and flavour.
The cafe is innovative with their dishes, creating dishes that are not seen at other cafes. The team create dishes that are colourful for the eyes to feast on but also delicious for the tummy. Can't wait to see more from the cafe.
>> Dishes that make up this review
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Caramel milkshake ($6)
The boss of all challah; challah French toast squares, charred apple, seasonal fruits, mascarpone, nutella snow and espresso caviar ($18)
When in doubt just "WING IT"; twice cooked crispy chicken wings, cauliflower puree, beetroot hummus, pickled artichoke, almond and rosemary smoked salt ($18)
Lock stock and two smoking salmon; roast bagel crumb, dill and orange cream cheese, beetroot gel, nordic salmon, candied stone fruit, tomato, caper concasse and avocado mousse ($24)
(Tip: get there early; like before 10am early, if you want to try the 'lock stock and two smoking salmon' dish as there is a limited amount created per day!)
Donald "Trumpkin"; roasted field mushroom, smashed pumpkin, haloumi, poached egg, paprika roasted pepitas, coriander shoots and herbed buerre noisette powder ($18) + middle eastern charred cauliflower (+$5)
The swordy shore; 3 soft corn tortillas, pan seared swordfish, crunchy slaw, coriander, slow roasted tomato dill and chilli salsa, haloumi chips + aioli ($21)
I am IRON MAN; pan seared salmon fillet, sauteed cauliflower florets, green peas, fresh chill, lentil puree, almond flakes, beetroot, lemon + paprika foam ($20)
The boss of all challah; challah French toast squares, charred apple, seasonal fruits, berry mascarpone, tim tam sand, white choc shards ($19)
Follow me on Instagram for more photos: @fo0die (with a zero)
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