RED DOOR CORNER STORE

70 Mitchell Street, Northcote

Caught up with a friend this weekend for a long overdue birthday breakfast. I actually love late bday presents; they feel so much more spontaneous and allow you to continue to celebrate your day weeks after the actual day.

What I also enjoyed about this particular gift is that Red Door is literally an old-fashioned corner store in Northcote, that I would probably never 'discover' on my own. And as I love trying new places - specially weekend-brunch-type places), I couldn't have asked for a better gift!

Ordered my coffee while I was waiting for her to arrive and received this delicious, perfectly creamy soy latte. (sorry, no pictures here - I basically gulped it down)

My friend ordered something she had been recommended: a poached egg with cottage cheese, tomato, avocado and spinach served with wholegrain rye toast.

Poached egg with fresh cottage cheese, tomato, avocado and spinach served with wholegrain rye toast

The dish looked fantastic. She enjoyed her meal - specially the ricotta - but was underwhelmed by the overcooked egg. The yolk was almost hard.

I went for another egg dish somewhat similar, also served on home baked wholegrain bread, which was actually the highlight of our breakfast. Again, my meal was perfect except for the over cooked egg. My was actually just full on hard boiled, the yolks did not bulge as I slipped my fork through them.

Poached egg with over baked mushrooms, parmesan and spinach served with wholegrain rye toast

Hungry hubby went for his two dishes as usual. He started with a chicken breast sandwich topped with cheese, avocado and salad leaves. The chicken was mostly tender, but a bit burnt on the outside.

Chicken breast focaccia

His second option was a spinach and ricotta pastry served with tomato chutney. Not sure if the chutney was home made, but it was delicious. Citrus-y, balancing the right amount of acidity and sweetness.

Spinach and ricotta pastry

Overall, us girls would have thoroughly enjoyed our meals if it wasn't for the over cooked eggs. Hubby liked his dishes, but wasn't overwhelmed. He really enjoyed his double ristretto though.

I thought the ambiance was great; really laid back, relaxed atmosphere with the tables at their back garden are perfect for a warm summer day.

They also sell their bread and a huge number of pastries and cakes to take home. I am regretting not having bought one of their wholegrain loaves as I'm writing this; feel like having some more of their bread...