Spout Cafe – Ripponlea

When a new cafe springs up in relatively uncharted territory, one word that comes to mind is ‘Respect’. Respect to the owners of the establishment that brave a new location and attempt to bring new-hip life to a new area. We all know starting  a business is a big risk which can be even greater if the location is yet to be deemed a destination. Glen Eira Road, Ripponlea, is slowly but surely becoming a destination with particular thanks to Spout.

Spout co-owners Dvash and Zul saw the opportunity here and took on the challenge with full force. I’m sure there were some initial concerns  whether Spout would be a hit or not in this low-density cafe part of Melbourne. But the fears were quickly alleviated. From opening day onwards the crowds have not stopped pouring in or out of this little gem. Visiting Spout for the first time a good two months in, it would appear that Spout is not a one off visit – it is already a beloved local hangout. Good on ya boys!

The inside dining space is cosy, intimate and warm. The staff greet you as you arrive in a very unpretentious manner, which unfortunately is so rare in new cafes in Melbourne these days. As best as they could, they helped fulfill our need for a rather large table, with ease on such a busy Sunday morning. After a surprisingly short wait, we were seated and gazed over the scrumptious sounding menu. A date porridge, chorizo sumac, and pan-fried challah were some of the breakfast options which we will be back for next time. On the lunch side, a schnitzel or corned beef  ’sanga’ or the smoked salmon pastrami took my eye and were noted for future choms.

From left we have a smooth cappuccino and a soy latte. Dvash takes charge of the coffee machine, pumping out consistently good Allpress Esspresso.  Complemented by my love affair with Bonsoy, Spout’s coffee are no frills. Just damn good caffeine hits.

Shakshuka with haloumi and Trukish Bread ($15.50). Wikipedia claims that this breakfast dish could originate in Algeria or Tunisia. While this may well be true, my fondest memories are eating this in Israel in the morning at most good cafes. Shakshuka – in English is usually eggs, cooked in a tomato stew made of tomatoes (obviously), peppers and onions. Zul has done an excellent job of replicating this dish and serving it in the Southern Hemisphere. A Chommery approved breakfast choice. Totally delicious.

Homemade baked beans tagine with persian feta and Turkish bread ($14.50). Almost a nostalgic feeling came over me when these beans were placed in front of me. I can remember so vividly, eating the Heinz baked beans on toast when I was a tot. These were significantly better than Heinz and I have only been in contact with feta in my more recent eating years. Neverthless, baked beans make for a wholesome, delicious feed. The pre-cut bread made for easy tearing and then dipping in the homemade tomato-based sauce. Love.

Spiced bircher muesli with yoghurt, strawberries and pistachio ($7.50). Great consistency with just enough spice to taste but not too overpowering. The pistachios make for a nice final touch on this light meal. Very reasonably priced breakfast option if I don’t say so myself.

Soft, creamy scrambled eggs ($9.00), cooked in the way we all know and love. Complemented by toasted Turkish bread, avocado mash ($3.00) and crispy bacon ($4.00). Need I go on any further? Excellent news for all the ‘don’t butter my bread’ folk, you will be relieved to know that it automatically comes on the side. You can spread or not spread as much you like.

Arranging a perfect adventure, one chommer would recommend a lovely outing down Ripponlea way consisting of the following activities. Head to Spout for a lovely breakfast/lunch and  coffee, pop into Firebrand Bakery and pick up a fresh loaf of sourdough, grab some Yumi’s dips capped off with a visit to the famous Attica and try your luck on getting a booking for dinner. Ripponlea is most certainly undergoing a change to become a very popular destination in Melbourne. Spout is one of the main driving forces – so get on board and join in the movement while you can.

The Important Details…

Cuisine: Cafe

Noise: Happening buzz

Suitable for: All folk

Dress: Casual

Price: $15-$20 per head

My View: Perfect spot for breakfast and lunch

Address: 48 Glen Eira Road, Ripponlea

Phone: (03) 9523 8155