Breakfast degustation @ Pod Food

It had been years since I’d last tried Pod Food’s 4-course breakfast degustation – yes, you can get a breakfast degustation ($40) in Canberra! I had absolutely no plans one Sunday, and decided to treat myself. I made sure I arrived early (8.30am) as I didn’t have a reservation, and was the second diner there. The main indoor dining area was nicely heated, but as it was such a beautiful morning, I opted to sit outside on the deck that had been enclosed with clear blinds. I was asked whether I wanted a coffee or juice to begin with, and advised the waitress that I wanted to partake in the 4-course breakfast. This was not a problem and I was immediately asked whether I wanted soft or hard drink pairings with it. Soft – juices, tea etc, Hard – I’m assuming alcoholic ($20). I opted for the soft version and advised that I don’t drink alcohol. It wasn’t long until the first drink arrived – a shaken latte. This was served cold and was quite strong so I was glad that I hadn’t ordered another coffee beforehand. It was the size of a regular coffee too – not just a ‘tasting’ size.

Course 1 – cinnamon pancakes with banana, blueberries, white chocolate and earl grey ice cream. The three-tier pancake stack was beautifully soft and aerated making them so fluffy. I loved the caramelisation of the banana, the subtlety of the earl grey and the sweetness of the blueberries. A simple dish done well and a great start to the degustation.

Course 2 – a bright blue iron teapot came out filled with local tea by the Tea Garden Co. The flavour was Orange You Glad You Picked Me – a black tea with orange.

The tea came with a slice of 3 Mills sourdough topped with avocado mousse, cheese, smoked beef and beetroot jam. I really enjoyed the contrast between the smoky beef and sweet beetroot jam. The soft cheese and the avocado mousse had more mellow tones and worked well to tie the whole dish together.

Course 3 –  the third course started with a virgin bloody Mary filled with tomato juice, Tabasco and pepper. It really wasn’t my kind of drink so I could only handle a few sips of this.

The drink was paired with a salmon and dill rillette with a 65 degree egg, confit tomatoes, sour cream, caviar and wafers. A sophisticated dish though a part of me wanted a nice toasted bagel or something a bit more substantial than thin crackers to mop up the gooey egg and spread on that salmon goodness.

Course 4 – a virgin French martini arrived filled with pineapple juice, strawberry juice and mint. I liked that it was both sweet and sour, and that it had some froth on top. This came paired with a chia pudding topped with an oat, almond and honey crumble, fruit and a nut wafer. I loved that oat crumble which provided the necessary sweetness of honey and another layer of texture to the chia pudding. I was also impressed that the cherry had been cleverly pitted without splitting the entire cherry. Very satisfying.

I’m glad to find that the 4-course degustation is just as good as I previously remembered. The food never disappoints. Service is also very attentive and friendly. The courses came out in quick succession with 5-10 minutes in between. I was basically in and out of there in an hour (though I did start at 8.30am). It is a rather expensive breakfast where you’re looking at a $60 bill including matched drinks. I used my Entertainment Book to get 25% off the price. Although it’s pricey, it was worth it and I have no complaints. Fantastic food, service and atmosphere.

Pod Food
12 Beltana Road, Pialligo
Opening hours:
Wednesday: 12–2pm
Thursday-Friday:12–2pm, 6:30–10pm
Saturday-Sunday 8:30–10am, 12–2pm, 6:30–10pm

Foodgasm 9/10
Value for money 8/10
Service 9/10

FPJ score 26/30

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