After the recent launch of Joe’s Bar at the East Hotel in Kingston, Muse has opened up nearby. Part book store, part wine bar and part cafe, Muse offers a sleek new hangout all day and night. There was no signage out the front of the East Hotel (yet) so J and I walked in to the reception area for directions. Muse is literally next door to Joe’s Bar, and we entered via the book store.
With rugs covering the concrete floor, there is a minimal but comfortable feel to the place, and a range of new and second hand books.
Up on a mezzanine level, is the wine bar and cafe area. The piano in the corner will be used in the evenings when live music will be playing to entertain the crowd.
J and I were there for weekend brunch. With no booking made, we walked in around 9.30am, and were shown to a table. Tap water was immediately provided as well as the brunch menu. We were asked if we wanted to start off with coffees and I ordered my soy mocha ($4.80). This only took about 5 minutes to arrive to the table. Locally roasted Red Brick Espresso coffee is used and I really enjoyed the perfect balance of coffee and chocolate in my mocha.
It was hard to decide what to have for brunch. I was looking at the healthy breakfast brown rice, sprouts, avocado, crispy beef tapa, fried egg and chilli jam, but I was told the beef tapa was a Filipino beef jerky. I wasn’t in the mood for beef jerky that day. Instead, I went with the twice baked leg ham, cheddar and thyme soufflé with bay leaf cream ($16). I was informed that the soufflé would take 20 minutes but I was happy to wait and browse some books. I was getting stuck into The World Cheese book, when our meals arrived. I was told to be careful as the bowl was very hot. I have to say that my souffle looked fantastic! It was everything a cheese soufflé should be – soft, fluffy and a little bit gooey from the cheese. There were slivers of ham mixed throughout the soufflé to add some saltiness. This was cheese heaven and the bay leaf cream sitting around the soufflé helped to keep the souffle moist (not that it needed it). Just cheesy perfection. I was super happy with my choice.
J ordered the buckwheat and coconut waffle with banana, nut crumble and dulce de leche ($16). This was my second choice breakfast so I was keen to sample some of it. The waffle was warm with a crunchy nut crumble on top. The banana ice cream/semi freddo sandwiched between the two pieces of waffle was very fresh. The dulce de leche is brilliant. Smooth and thick, it is the ultimate sweet caramel-like sauce. Everything worked really well together and J was very happy with his choice. As was I.
We were both happy with our brunch experience at Muse. Dietary requirements are catered for and most dishes on the menu can be made gluten free. I’m told the lunch menu changes everyday where vegetables are a key focus. Lunch offers a choice of a main with either two ($24) or three ($28) sides or salads. Or for those with a smaller appetite, choose two ($16) or three ($20) sides or salads. The evening menu is different again with more of a elegant grazing and sharing style focus. Charcuterie, kingfish carpaccio, baked tofu, pork and duck rillettes and more ranging from $6-$18. A three cheese platter with condiments will set you back $28. A glass of wine starts from $9 while a bottle of wine starts from $40. The website also states that those with a sweet tooth are not forgotten with cakes, pastries and desserts available ALL DAY.
Looks like there is something to suit most people at all hours of the day. Prices are surprisingly reasonable given its location in the Kingston area. Service is professional and polite. Muse plan to hold book launches and talks with the authors, musicians, chefs etc in the near future.
Muse is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The exception is Sunday when it closes at 6pm.
Foodgasm 9/10
Value for money 8/10
Service 8/10
FPJ score 25/30
If you want more random photos and updates about food, I’m on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Facebook: /foodpornjournal
Twitter: @foodpornjournal
Instagram: /foodpornjournal