Finally, I make a trip to The Grounds of Alexandria, something I’ve been wanting to do for months now! I don’t often get the chance to drive up to these Eastern suburbs as it is quite a trek for me but I was so excited for this to happen and of course I was going to make the most of it.
I organise a brunch date with a dear uni friend who I don’t get to see very often but always make an effort to catch up with. Luckily for her, she doesn’t live too far. With the windows down and sun shining in our face, we casually make the drive.
We feel as if we are driving through some industrial area (which I’m sure it is, well at least with plenty of warehouses around) and score parking right across the street. I am suprised at how huge the place is, but I know already that I’ve fallen in love with the location and setting of The Grounds.
This letter box is just gorgeous. It made me feel as if I was being welcomed into somebody’s humble abode.
A table for two calls for about a half hour wait. We don’t mind because we get some coffee to go and wander around the beautiful gardens.
Blessed with a gorgeous day, we are more than happy to spend some time in the oh so pretty gardens. It’s such a relaxing feel and my girlfriend and I speak of such potential events that could occur with such a beautiful surround – imagine the tea parties, garden parties or even such thing like an Mad Hatters/Alice in Wonderland afternoon tea.
Don’t know where to go? Perhaps this sign can help. The wait for the table doesn’t seem so bad when there are things to see in the garden, benches to sit and get a sun tan.
The open garden house is where we sit, figure out what we want to eat and drink our coffees. I was really looking forward to the rolled eggs with crispy quinoa which I had first seen here but sadly they weren’t on the menu today. The menu changes each season.
We get seated within the warehouse, borderline of being outdoors. I’m so glad it’s such an open space because we really did have the perfect weather for it. It definitely felt like Summer was upon us.
Lemon Myrtle Mushrooms $16.00
We share the shimeji, enoki, field, baby button and wooden mushrooms sauteed in The Grounds lemon myrtle butter with a fried egg on brioche. I loved the different varieties of mushrooms and the textures it gave. Anything on brioche is a win really, however, I’d have liked a stronger hit of the lemon myrtle flavour as it was very, very subtle.
Turkish Style Eggs $16.00
It’s still breakfast for us so we cannot go without some eggs. In this dish, the eggs are soft poached in a rich tomato sauce with cannellini beans, spinach, labneh yoghurt, pistachios and toast.
Yolk ooze, oh yes baby
These poached eggs were a delight to eat. It did feel like a modern day version of the typical breakfast of eggs, baked beans and toast. The yoghurt lightened the dish up and the pistachios gave the perfect crunch.
I also just had to share my favourite photo of the day. I love the wooden table and the rustic feel of the brown paper.
The food at The Grounds is made with wonderful produce. And you can see why it’s a boomer with both the locals and non locals hence the queues. I am looking forward to returning to see what else is on the menu during other seasons. I will be on the look out for those rolled eggs with cripsy quinoa (I really hope it makes it on the menu again, soon).
The Grounds of Alexandria
Building 7A, 2 Huntley Street
Alexandria, NSW 2015
Tel: +61 2 9699 2225
http://www.groundsroasters.com/
Moring Tina :) did you change your blog layout?!?! It’s red now and I miss the little cupcakes hehe even though change is good!
I have heard and seen so many Sydney bloggers talk about Grounds of Alexandria! It sure looks like the many cafes we have in Melbourne hehe and those eggs are PERFECTLY cooked total ‘EGG PORN’ :) I”m a sucker for ooey gooey eggs!
Will put on my list for next time…but ARGHHH the Sydney list keeps growing and growing and GROWING haha
Yes I did change the layout so thank you for noticing. I know, no more cupcakes but thought I wanted something simple. Hope you like it anyway!
The grounds isn’t too far away from the city so I think if you ever hired a car a trip should definitely be made here :) you may wait a little bit but if its a good day it’ll be well worth it :))
loving the egg porn! how good is the garden. did you see the chickens?
We did actually. They freaked me out because I thought I was staring into a herb garden of some sort then out came these chickens hahah
Mm gooey baked eggs for breakfast are always a winner! And the gardens look super cute (: Love the deco!
Definitely love the decor at this place. Sure aint nothing like it :)
Dear Tina,
I thought the menu had a good selection that was a little different from other cafes and I especially liked the spatchcock. Prices were quite reasonable but I definitely would not wait for an hour to get in again.
Yeah I don’t think I’d wait the hour also. I am interested to see the seasonal menu. I really want those rolled eggs!
Beautiful photos Tina :) I love that last photo and those mushrooms sound sooo yummy!
Thanks Christine. I wish the mushrooms has more lemon myrtle then I think it would have been amazing!
I just went here for the first time too. It was crazy crowded but I do like how they give you buzzers and let you roam around the grounds. I found my way into the deli-style shop next door, Salt Meats Cheese and ended up buying so many flavoured salts!
I like that concept too. We roamed around the gardens which was absolutely beautiful!!
It is a great idea isn’t it?. It is crazy busy as everyone says, but if yo go a little earlier or a little later then it seems to be more fun. I love the garden and the chickens. Altogether it’s a great place to take visitors
I can imagine how busy it gets during the breakfast hours and lunch. I think I did go inbetween
Sounds like you had a really lovely afternoon there! :D I haven’t eaten there, only had the coffee :)
I think you need to return back to have a meal there :)
I am a similar goo egg shot addict. It is one of the highlights of breakfast! I haven’t tried pistachios on baked eggs before but sounds like a good mix.
I noticed. I always love your yolk porn shots! You’re awesome at it :)
I have been avoiding it due to the long wait and my problem with impatience. Every post I read about it takes me a little closer to braving the queues.
I think if you go during the right times the wait isn’t so bad. Weekends is just manic, period
The Grounds really is a photographer’s dream! I love that last photo too, it oozes of rustic charm. I’m glad you were able to enjoy it on such a beautiful day.
It sure is. Have you been? I’d love to see the photos you take there ;)
Very close to eating there today, but opted for a neighbouring eatery. Will get there soon.
The lines can get a bit daunting but time your visit and you could be very lucky :)
ive been meaning to go back here, love the atmosphere!
It is great. I’ll return when another seasonal menu comes about :)
I just live about 5 minutes away and have always loved going there in the afternoons, enjoying the sunshine and working on my laptop. It’s a nice space to relax (especially when there’s not alot of people!)
Oh how you are so lucky. I’d be there quite often if I lived closer. Those gardens are just gorgeous!
Gorgeous photos Tina!! I went there to be met with a crazy long line and have been too scared to go back since lol. But I think I might need to do so and brave the wait because I’ve heard too many good things about it not to.
Thanks ming! Yeah it might be a while before I return but I won’t hesitate to go ;)
Those Turkish eggs look amazeballs :D
They were rich and moreish! Mmm