COCO BELLE in Mt Pleasant was humming and there was barely a table to spare as the D’Angers rocked up for Sunday breakfast: luckily we’d rugged up because outdoors was all that was available and we had to just about fight for the seat.
By the time we departed customers were queuing at the door and, having just chowed down on a very enjoyable breakfast, I could see why.
The decor is funky industrial, featuring raw brick and polished concrete, despite being on the ground floor of a fairly new apartment complex.
There are benches for those who like company, small tables for those who prefer their own space, and a comfy corner with sofas for those who like to lounge.
The upright D’Angers enjoyed a pleasant street view from the raised pavement, giving us plenty to see as people came and went, including many who drove up to grab a coffee and go on their merry way.
The breakfast menu offers the usual suspects, but with a few interesting takes, including a smashed potato and goats cheese cake, with poached egg, rocket pesto and roast tomatoes ($18).
Tempting as that sounded, the field mushrooms won me over ($15) and they were definitely superior to many others I’ve sampled: the rich-tasting mushies were drizzled with lemon, which added a nice lift, and the goats’ cheese was wonderfully sharp.
D’Angerous Dave broke with his usual smoked salmon and opted for the ricotta pancake stack ($15). The four huge cakes were light and fluffy and, unlike many, didn’t rely on additions for flavour, standing the taste test in their own right. But of course, lashings of spicy maple syrup, a thick devonshire-style cream and a sharp berry compote weren’t to be sneezed at either.
The father-in-law went for the all-in ($22), known elsewhere as the big brekky, with bacon, pork sausages, eggs, roasted tomatoes, pesto-filled mushrooms, smashed potato, and sourdough toast. It beat the poor old bugger — he regretfully left behind a sizable portion of scrambled eggs and sausages on the plate.
Not that he was complaining too much, sipping his english breakfast tea with the complete contentment of a full tummy.
I was similarly content, having snuck a pancake from the lovely hubby to enjoy with my very good long black.
by JENNY D’ANGER
Coco Belle Espresso Bar
21 Queens Road, Mt Pleasant
9316 0464
open 7 days 7am–4pm
