Having eaten such fantastic eggs yesterday at The Premises
in Kensington, I was inspired to explore the other side of town for decent
brunch spots. We decided to head down to Hawthorn after church.
Liar, Liar sits just off Glenferrie Road, a normally busy
area which I don’t frequently er...frequent. Luckily this Sunday it was quite
deserted – I guess most people are on holidays or enjoying the sunshine at the
parks nearby.
The small cafe was full when we arrived, so we added our
name to the waiting list and were seated after about 5 minutes. I was happy
that we got a seat outdoors – my Vitamin D definitely needed a top up!
The decor was more industrial modern and edgy – all dim and red
and contemporary, with full length glass windows and steel fittings, down
lights, dark wooden tables – less rustic and bohemian than the west side and
Fitzroy cafes that I’m used to. I
prefer places that are less minimalistic, with more character.
Their drinks menu is quite extensive – there were many
freshly made juices, shakes and smoothies that looked really appetizing! But I
hadn’t had my morning coffee that day yet...plus, this place was known for
their coffee, so I decided to stick to my usual.
Our drinks arrived looking absolutely
gorgeous – some of the nicer looking coffee art I’ve seen. Tasted quite
decent too; I was happy with my cappuccino.
Cappuccino
Magic mocha
I was glad they served all day breakfast – some cafes don’t,
and nothing is more frustrating than heading out, looking forward to eating
brunch food and hearing that only the lunch menu is available after 12pm...
Smashed avocado – feta
and avocado smash + 2 poached eggs + honey glazed bacon + dukkah on toast
Ricotta hotcakes,
served with berry coulis + almond cream + maple syrup
I thought Liar, Liar’s breakfast options were rather
uninspired. There were the usual fruit/muesli/granola, eggs and toast (with extras),
omelettes, eggs Florentine/Atlantic/Benedict, hotcakes, and their ‘Big Fat Liar’
and ‘Big Fat Vegie’ which looked like the standard big breakfasts that are served everywhere...
I was disappointed in the unexciting choices, because I guess I usually
like to try (not necessarily NEW, but more) different flavours. I get excited
by ingredients such as walnuts, spices, pumpkin, beetroot,
sardines, spiced beans, sumac yoghurt, tahini, saffron aioli, and interesting
cheeses like gruyere and haloumi, etc.
However, simple ingredients, if prepared well, can be made
heavenly...sadly this was not the case here today. Our meals were well presented,
and tasted fine, but they were nothing special or outstanding. It wasn’t bad, but definitely not memorable.
There was no wow-factor.
If this was my local cafe, I'd drop by for a coffee. But it's not a place I'd drive out of my way for.
Ratings (based on my own
experience, on this occasion):
Food – 5 / 10
Service – 6 ½ / 10
Value
for money
– 5 ½ / 10
OVERALL
CONSENSUS: 2 ½ bags (out of 5)
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