Late Breakfasts.The kind that you want on a typical Sunday. It was our first time to try Sassafras, a cafe located on Latrobe Terrace in trendy Paddington.
It looks deceptively small from the outside, but upon entering its actually very spacious. Looking beyond the crowd to the back, we could make out the patio, and the other dining space.
Inside, the decor is very familial, a comfortably warm colour scheme with wooden furniture, exuding a typical "Queenslander" charm.
It was very busy, and it was great that the waitress who greeted us, offered us a tip. That was, to go find a table first, before ordering. Looking around it did seem quite chaotic, with people lining up at the counter (which is near the entrance), and crowding, nay, encroaching on the diners already seated at the front of Sassafras. I found all of this to be awkward. Essentially, you order, get a number, and find yourself a seat somewhere (if you can).
As we walked through all the way to the back patio, I felt an immediate sense of dejavu. The patio area had a very minor resemblance to the back dining area of the Three Monkeys in West End.
We managed to find a table, enjoying the ray of sunshine, whilst looking at the menu. Prices seemed consistent with what you would expect from a cafe in Paddington, upwards to $21. They do have cheaper options from the counter too such as sausage rolls, pies, savoury tarts etc.
Whilst my other half minded the table, I went to the counter to order. Unfortunately, the chaos hadn't disappeared. People who had finished were lining up to pay, and the line was blocking the entrance so people trying to get in couldn't and those already dining near the front of the counter had to contend with patrons bumping into their seats. Thank god for the waitress who suggested we find a table first, because by this stage, I don't think anyone coming in would get one.
I initially ordered the Potato Fetta and Mint Rosti, but was advised that they had run out! The lady was really friendly and explained that Sundays were their busiest. That's fine, I understand that, but I always think that if you know you are always busy on a given day, and have been operating for a number of years, then surely you'd have an idea of which items are popular, which aren't, and thefore stock / prepare accordingly. Never mind though, there were plenty of other yummy options like the Pesto chicken burger and the Sassa Banana and Walnut bread.
Grabbed our number and headed back to the table to relax, and watch the people enjoying a typical Sunday breakfast. Whilst waiting though, we did observe, several times where the waitstaff appeared confused, looking for tables, who ordered what, customers who forgot to take their number. I can't imagine how many orders may have got mixed up. Its clear their system doesn't work, or maybe only on weekedays.
The pesto chicken burger was very filling, tasty enough, but perhaps a tad overpriced. What blew us away, was the Sassa Banana and Walnut Bread with the brown sugar butter. Let's just say, everytime we took a bite, we could hear Usher ringin in our ears "you make me want to say Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, Ohh myy god". So good I wanted to steal the recipe. Which one can too, because I saw the Sassafras cook book for sale near the front counter.
There is a lot to like about Sassafras. I like that their breakfasts last until 2pm. I like that their menu is flexible enough to cater for vegans, gluten free and dairy-free diners. I like the friendly staff, and the chilled out atmosphere despite the busy trade. I like the inviting and familial charm of the place. Perhaps its better to come here on a weekeday, or they really need to sort out the logistics of where customers order, and how they order. This would eliminate mix-ups, as well as enhance other diner's experience (those unfortunate souls sitting at the front dining area near the counter. We're glad that we sat out in the patio where there was plenty of room to stretch even though all tables were taken. read more