A friend and I headed to newly opened cafe, Stand By Me, at the Lyons shops for brunch last weekend. There are only a handful of tables inside and a back area with outdoor heaters to keep you warm. Arriving at around 10am, there were only a few stools left at the the small bar by the front windows. I was greeted warmly and with a big smile by one of the waiters who kindly showed me the back courtyard but I preferred to sit inside. The fit out is bright and urban with exposed brickwork and lots of bright popping colours dotted through out the cafe – like the brightly coloured mural on the back wall, coloured cushions and comfy bright orange stools.
The yellow daisies on each table also helps to brighten up the cafe.
There are books on the back shelves if you want something to read. There’s also an old school vinyl player and records but I’m not sure if it was working. We noticed some opera music playing at one stage. I thought the water tap installed into the shelf was a good idea to quickly fill up water jugs.
I ordered a soy mocha ($4.50) to start with before perusing the menu. Very creamy and not as chocolatey as I like, but still good to drink.
The one page breakfast menu lacks a form of a ‘Big Breakfast’ but bacon and other sides can be added to any dish (no sausages though). There were two breakfast specials that morning – a meatball sandwich and an omelette. The menu states that most dishes can be made gluten free as well.
I ordered the ricotta hot cakes ($13.50) with blueberry compote and maple and mint yoghurt. The hotcakes were light and sugary. Not as fluffy as I’d like but they still tasted great with the compote. A decent serving too so I wasn’t too stuffed afterwards.
My friend had the slow roasted tomatoes with home made pesto, poached eggs on toast ($13).
I’m really liking the small cafes found at most suburban shopping areas.
Stand By Me is open Monday to Friday for breakfast and lunch, and both Saturday and Sunday from 8-2 for all day breakfast.
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Foodgasm 7/10
