Located at the Lyneham shops, The Front Gallery and Café is a spacious spot offering an all day menu. The art work in the gallery changes regularly, though it’s a bit hard to appreciate when other diners are in the way and stare back at you when you’re trying to glimpse at the art.
There have been three occasions where I’ve dined in. The first time, I ordered the ricotta pancakes with elderflower yoghurt, melon, pear, berries, apple gel and sorrel. It was a stack of two thick hot cakes, plenty of sauce and it looked so pretty. I loved the flavours. I think the hot cakes could have been a bit fluffier and lighter, but the yoghurt sauce helped to combat the dryness. I loved my soy mocha ($5) which was smooth and nicely balanced between coffee and chocolate.
On the second occasion, both my friend and I ordered the fritters stuffed with corn, potato and mozzarella, served with two poached eggs sprinkled with dukkah, and chipotle sauce ($19). The eggs were wonderfully silky and perfectly poached. The fritters generous and hearty, if a tad salty. A meal where I left feeling satisfied but not overly full.
On the third occasion, I ordered the waffles ($16) with whipped house ricotta, meringue, seasona fruit and maple syrup. I was expecting a soft warm and fluffy waffle, but my hopes were dashed with the flat and dense waffles that came out. I had high hopes but left half of this on the plate. At least the fruit was fresh so I could pick at that.
One of my friends loved the sweet potato rosti ($18) which came with perfectly poached eggs, house made kraut, rocket, and hollandaise topped with paprika.
Another friend ordered the B.E.S.T roll ($15) with bacon, egg, sausage and tomato chutney, cheddar and slaw which came served with a side salad. It looked big and was stacked high, however he wasn’t a fan of the dry bun.
The food at The Front is a little hit and miss for me. But I do love the mochas and the fact that the poached eggs are always perfectly oozy. The young staff appear friendly and there’s a lot of space inside.
The Front Gallery & Cafe
1 Wattle Pl, Lyneham ACT
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 7.00am – 4.00pm
Saturday to Sunday: 8.00am – 2.00pm
Foodgasm 5/10
Service 7.5/10
Value for money 6/10
FPJ score 18.5/30
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