Two Birds One Stone – South Yarra

It was difficult to contain my excitement for the much anticipated, and hyped up release of two epic sequels both hitting Melbourne in the same week. The third and final chapter of Christopher Nolan’s epic Batman trilogy, The Dark Knight Rises, and the opening of the latest project by the highly talented team who brought us Three Bags Full – Two Birds One Stone. I followed both of these projects closely as they moved through each stage of development, though in my mind only one met my high expectations.

The space is bright and comfortable and the heater is on high and works very well. The design is simple, clean and very effective. We perched our group inside one of the booths running along the side of the premises. These were sitting around round tables which encourage conversation and are still appropriate for private discussions. If you can brave the cold, seating is available on Claremont Street where you can get front row seats to the construction of upcoming residential spaces.

Coffees are a no-brainer here, with Five Senses in charge of the bean supply and highly skilled baristas manning the machine. You can take comfort you are in good hands. Flat white and regular coffee varieties are $3.80. The lactose intolerant option – add 20 cents.

The blonde omelette with hot smoked salmon, fennel, chili and coriander ($16.50). Everyone loves omelettes, even if this one wasn’t the smartest egg in the bunch. A fluffy choice, served with a spicy side salad and only one piece of toast. Damn! Different use of salmon being cooked in the egg rather than a side dropped on after cooking.

Good to know that the staple breakfast favourites are done well. Above is scrambled eggs ($9.50) with avocado ($4.00) and bacon ($4.00). The eggs are soft and buttery – just how I like em’. Meanwhile, half an avocado is generous and the rashers of pig are crispy and very chommable.

A monster breakfast for someone with a huge appetite. The two birds breakfast: eggs, bacon, pork chili and fennnel sausage, mushroom, spinach and tomato relish ($18.50). Somehow, I feel that two birds would struggle with this plate, but anyway. Eggs with a great range of companions to make for the signature option. The sausages are certainly the featured side, sitting so eloquentlly on the top. At $18.50, that is a very reasonable South Yarra price tag for a serving of this size.

When you’re offering the same dish that has become a staple on just about every Melbourne cafe menu, it better tick all of my boxes. Avocado and feta mash ($15.50) with a side of bacon ($4.00). I’m easily pleased – loads of avo, two pieces of toast will keep a smile on my face. The garnishes of tomato and capers provided that extra bit of jazz and flavour. And who can resist a side of crispy bacon? Is there anything it doesn’t go well with?

The fourth and final egg inspired choice for today’s post. Eggs benedict with house smoked ham hock and bearnaise sauce ($16.50). This was a very satisfying meal and one that I do not eat enough of. The eggs – poached, the sauce thick and rich making for a delicious experience. Extra marks for the chunks of hock being used instead of the cheaper, lamer shaved leg ham that usually accompanies this dish.

If fritters aren’t one of the most scrumptious breakfast options nowadays call me Miles Davis. The charred corn and zucchini fritter with guacamole, halumi and house smoked salmon ($16.00) were awesome. The pig in me wanted to see a third fritter lying with his two mates on their bed of avocado. Nevertheless, this was a solid portion size. The fritters were lightly fried complemented by the award winning match of fish and avo made for an eating delight.

Two Birds One Stone appears to be shaping up to be yet another success story by a team of experts that certainly have their magic formula down pat. A journey from APTE in Heidelberg, to Liar Liar in Hawthorn, Three Bags Full in Abbotsford, and now Birds in South Yarra. A rumoured two more projects are on the cards – it would appear the sky is the limit. For all the dedicated Bags lovers, I would describe the new Birds as a smaller, more relaxed space, maintaining a strong focus on good coffee and food. The ‘off the main drag’ location makes for a small getaway from the bustle on Toorak Road and one where you can sip your latte in some sort of peace. Time to flap those wings and fly to South Yarra to nest yourself at Two Birds One Stone.

The Important Details…

Cuisine: Cafe

Noise: Nice and relaxed

Suitable for: Humans

Dress: As you wish

Price: $15 – $25 per head

My View: One of the nicest thing to happen to South Yarra in a long time

Address: 12 Claremont Street, South Yarra

Phone: (03) 9827 1228

Website: http://www.twobirdsonestonecafe.com.au/