Some friends and I went for an early morning bike ride around the lake and decided to stop in for brunch in Yarralumla. I’d been to Beess & Co at the Yarralumla shops a few years ago and found it a charming spot, so I suggested trying it out again.
There are a few cakes displayed inside.
Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available and clearly marked on the weekend menu which includes items such as eggs benedict, spanish omelette, ricotta hot cakes and more. A specials menu written up on the blackboard gives you more options for breakfast and lunch. I noticed that frozen take away curries and soups are also available for purchase.
I ordered the fresh mango and yoghurt smoothie ($7.50) from the blackboard. I couldn’t taste much fresh mango – this was vanilla ice cream blended smooth with soy milk and a hint of mango. I didn’t care though, after the morning’s bike ride, that sugary goodness went down very quickly.
I ordered the potato rosti with poached eggs, prosciutto and chilli jam ($18.50). The eggs were slightly over cooked but not too bad.
The rosti had a nice crunchiness on the outside however I found they were a little bland. At least the chilli jam, prosciutto and balsamic vinegar glaze helped lift the flavour of the dish. I appreciated the fresh greens too.
D had the blackboard special French toast with bacon and maple syrup ($17.50) which looked fantastic.
V ordered the avocado and tomato with lemon and cracked pepper on mung bean toast ($15.50). The mung bean toast was interesting and tasted like normal bread even though it’s gluten free.
Service is okay – the drinks came out quickly and the food only took another 10 minutes after the drinks. There is a very casual vibe in the cafe attracting a variety of people whether it be someone enjoying coffee and cake, reading the paper over a cuppa, typing away on their lap top or a group of friends hungry after a bike ride. I know it’s a popular spot for the locals in summer with plenty of people sitting outside.
Beess and Co is no hipster cafe but it serves a decent brunch and is never empty.
Foodgasm 6.5/10
