the Morning after: the best places to take her

REVIEW

By Alexander Logan

10/06/2014

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After spending the night with someone, it’s important to make another worthy impression in the morning. The right café can help you fight off a hangover, share some privacy, or show off your cultural versatility.

 

 

Alexander Logan searched for these characteristics when he endeavored on three separate breakfast dates.

 

 

Kafiene

 

Kafiene sits along the highly contested Darling Street of Balmain. The venue sets itself apart with a diverse mix of wooden tables, metal chairs, tall stools, and exposed brick walls. A great place to show you’ve got a twist of sophistication and culture.

Beverages are just about their specialty. A double shot of their Campos coffee is the perfect pick me up after a night on the town ($3.50 DS $4.00). But if you or your partner are looking to close out the night before, try the Hangover Recovery - beetroot, carrot, watermelon, apple and orange ($6.00).

 

Following the trend of cleansing, they’ve incorporated a lot of quinoa granola and kale for irresistible health kicks. Their muesli dish is presented in a stunning small wooden crate ($14.90). I wish I could comment on the taste, but I could only lay eyes on it from across the room. If she asks you to order, this will be sure to impress her.

 

For hot breakfasts you can’t go past the eggs benedict served on potato hash or corn fritters with quinoa, avocado salsa, bacon and relish (15.90). A mix of flavor and textures will make sure you’re craving more after the plate is clean.

 

One downside is its location on one of the busier sections of Darling Street. You’ll have to have the godson your side to get a park anywhere near the entrance. There  are also crowds of people pouring in and out constantly. So, if you’re looking to keep your relationship on the down low, this might not be the place for you. The environment is very social making it hard to hide.

 

260 Darling Street, Balmain, NSW

Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 6:30 am-4:00 pm Sat-Sun: 7:00 am-5:00 pm

Bookings: 02 9555 1140

Food: 4/5       Coffee: 4/5    Service: 3/5   Privacy: 2/5

 

 

Copo

 

So you’re looking for a good hideaway to take her after you've spent the night with each other?

 

Look no further than Copo, Drummoyne. It’s a two-storey café behind Victoria Road. It’s the perfect place to keep your rendezvous low key, with Copo hiding around the back in Formosa Street. There’s an intimate rooftop level within the privacy of garden surroundings. However, the views are nothing to write home about. The lower level is a little disappointing, feeling a bit like a supermarket with metal shelves along the wall for storage.

 

On the upper level the décor boasts an intelligent design without milk crate tables or wobbly dwarf stools. Comfortable seating supports the tired bodies aching after a long night out on the town. Don’t forget your sunnies, as you will get the full brunt of the rising sun.

There’s a lot to like about the hotcakes with fresh banana and hazelnut, topped off with maple syrup ($16.00). If you’re looking for a little more of a mouthful, the Spanish baked eggs with chorizo is presented beautifully in a large stone pot ($19.00). With a Spanish twist to most dishes, you’d better hope your night out has settled in the stomach.

 

If the meal doesn’t rub off the effects from a night out, you can grab some fresh air with a stroll around the Bay Run (approx. 500m from Copo).

 

135 Victoria Rd, Drummoyne, NSW (On Formosa St)

Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 7:00am-4:00pm, Sat-Sun 8:00am-3:00pm

Bookings: +61 2 9719 9057

Food: 3/5       Coffee: 5/5    Service: 2/5   Privacy: 5/5

 

 

Astor

 

Astor Espresso wraps up the cafes on my list, also completing the triple threat serving of Campos Coffee ($3.50). Revealing an underlying crush for the Newtown established brand.

 

Astor is a Café located along Glebe Point Rd,  much towards the end dominated by locals. With a quiet backdrop, this smaller café has great staff which will leave you to enjoy one another’s company.

 

Their signature dish, the Haloumi Stack with poached eggs, roast tomato, pesto and organic sourdough will not disappoint ($13.90). It gets a little messy, but after one bite you’ll be hooked. If you’re looking to soak up the alcohol, try the Bircher muesli, with some sheep’s milk yoghurt ($9.00).

 

Once you’ve enjoyed your meal, you can grab your second coffee for the day and stroll through the streets of Glebe, soaking up the atmosphere created by a collection of townhouses.

 

166 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe, NSW

Opening hours: Daily, 5:30am-3:30pm

Bookings: 02 8065 4414

Food: 4/5       Coffee: 4/5    Service: 3/5   Privacy: 3/5