I don’t usually struggle to get a table in a cafe on a Monday lunchtime, but Little Hawk was so busy it proved a challenge.
Most diners were on the alfresco deck, where a jazz trio created a very Freo ambience.
It’s been a nudge over two years since Kenny Austin and Hana Jestribek opened their cafe in a semi-industrial zone in Beaconsfield.
Austin thought he’d be cooking for tradies, and wanted to give them something better than than the ubiquitous meat pie.
But word soon spread about the delicious food, and locals have been flocking there ever since.
Garden boxes, shade sails and faux grass help to soften the cafe exterior, while packing-crate tables and chairs hint at the industrial surrounds.
The menu does include that tradie staple, the bacon and egg roll ($8.50), but it’s a winner with everyone including my mate Mark.
“It’s the best in town and the coffee is great,” he said, when I raved about our lunch.
There’s plenty of meaty choices like in-house made chicken and beef pies, along with vegetarian and vegan options.
The D’Angers kicked off with a couple of vegetable samosas ($6).
Piping hot, they were perfectly crisp on the outside and packed with a delicious medley of vegetables.
The samosas were accompanied by a terrific, in-house made tomato sauce that had a tasty punch.
D’Angerous Dave went for the sardine bruschetta ($16) from the special’s board.
The chunky Fremantle sardines were perched on a bed of tomatoes and wonderfully oily, crisp toast.
“The best bruschetta ever,” he declared.
My spinach and ricotta crepe ($11.50) was equally awesome.
It came with a Napolitana sauce that added a sharp, tomato richness to the dish.
We were due back at the office, but Little Hawk was so good we decided to linger with some tea and cake (all in the name of work).
The selection of cakes was limited, but there was no complaint about the quality.
Our chocolate brownie was slightly warmed, with a crispy outer coating and a deliciously gooey centre, and the lemon tart was creamy with a pleasant lemon zing.
BY JENNY D’ANGER
Little Hawk
14 Strang Street, Beaconsfield
open Mon-Fri 6.30am-3pm, Sat 7am-12pm
0431 828 248