The husband and I ventured out of 3121 across the river on a rainy wintry Sunday morning to sample the wares of the new(ish) Hello Sailor on Auburn Road in Hawthorn.
The cafe, which opens at 8am on weekends was empty of any other customers when we arrived just before 9am. In fact, as we approached we started to wonder if they were even open, but the fresh baked bread in the window and the glowing of lights assured as it was. It's just that everyone was still snuggling in their warm toasty beds, instead of the warm toasty confines of Hello Sailor.
We sat wherever we chose given we had the place to ourselves and were brought water and menus and a coffee order was taken immediately. A chai tea for myself and a latte for the husband.
As soon as I looked at the menu I knew what we were both going to order: Porridge. It's our addiction at the best of times, but add in the wintry weather of that day and there was no other option. Here it is a vanilla oat porridge served with apple, cinnamon & hazelnuts.
The porridge came out beautifully warm and was a pretty big serve (I couldn't finish mine). We were offered a side of milk, but neither of us needed it. There were also some sultanas (or maybe raisins) in our bowls on that cold morning. The apple seemed to be dried apple, rather than freshly stewed, which I didn't mind, although was a little surprised by given we are in the midst of apple season. Either way, it was delicious and just what I wanted. Not tooooo sickly sweet, but it very well could be if any extra sweeteners were added.
The husband cleaned his up and loved it, but like some other peeps, wasn't a fan of the coffee (Seven Seeds) - too milky. But that isn't a death sentence for us returning (especially as I want to try more of the menu) - next time he said he will just ask for a strong latte to see if that makes a difference.
The husband also got a takeaway carrot cake cupcake for afternoon tea (which I think are made by Little Bertha). No verdict on it yet, as he has now saved it for dessert...
All in all, a lovely little cafe, with lovely service (even though it was quiet, they were good not to "hover" too much and just let us be on our Sunday morning). Will be back! read more