Albert & Moore - Freshwater

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Posted 2015-03-09 by Seafarrwide ⇒ follow

It was a lovely warm sunny day and it appeared that everyone had decided to eat out at their favourite cafe. I had recently been hearing about Albert & Moore opening at Freshwater Village in September last year. It's a family friendly restaurant that also caters for those who require gluten free and paleo diets. With its brightly painted facade, I could see plenty of happy patrons enjoying the laid back village atmosphere.

I had a quick glance inside and I could see they were busy, which was a great indicator that the food was good. The interior had a slight country dairy kitchen feel with communal style tables, white ceramic wall tiles and a travertine bar, warmed by timber flooring and joinery.

The corner banquette with their slogan of 'Loving Food That Loves You Back' splashed across the wall was a fitting tribute to their belief in the value of healthy food and what their menu encompassed.

A travertine tiled servery and coffee bar backdrops as a feature, with more seating under strategically hung amber bulbs creating a fit-out with a contemporary modern feel.

I was in no hurry so I waited to put my name down for a table. No being ignored here, I was seen within seconds. Brother and sister team Tina Caruso and Adam Foti run the show. I could see they were finely tuned into all the patrons' needs. Having run several cafes prior to opening Albert & Moore, their professional manner and prompt service was a strong indicator that they knew what they were doing.

There was a short wait of around ten minutes so I requested an outside table and left my mobile number for notification. I made my way up the road to check out a quirky gift and homeware shop. I didn't have to wait long, within 15 minutes I had a phone call to say my table was ready.

My table was ideally located in a well shaded area enabling me to enjoy the balmy sea breeze. Instantly a carafe of water and menu appeared. I could also see several dining patrons drinking colourful carafe jars of freshly squeezed juice. They also offered a great selection of healthy smoothies too. After a stressful working week indulging in unhealthy late take-ways, I chose 'The Detox with Greens Juice'.

The fresh ingredients of lime, ginger, kale, cucumber, spinach, green apple and celery (the power alkalinizing ingredient), as well as knowing they were freshly squeezed and cold pressed to retain the nutrients, made my inner soul rejoice. The taste was surprisingly not bitter but delicious with the slight sweetness of apple and lime.

Choosing my lunch was a little harder as the menu was making my tummy grumble in hunger.

The salads caught my eye especially the gluten free and paleo varieties. I liked that you could add either meat, chicken or fish or simply just order the salad on its own. Initially the two salads I requested were already sold out which was understandable as their description was tempting and it was after 2pm. The remaining paleo varieties were still tempting. After a short discussion I decided on a mix of two salads along with crispy skinned pan-fried Atlantic salmon.

I was not disappointed. The serving was large and could have easily satisfied two light eaters. After my first bite I was emitting several oohs and aahs of appreciation. The fusion of fresh salad ingredients and the perfectly cooked crispy skinned Atlantic salmon was a true testament to head chef Luca Amato skill.

I was thoroughly enjoying my lunch. The flavours were delicious and what you would hope for when eating a paleo inspired dish. I could clearly taste the distinctions between the fusion of flavours and textures. Minty cabbage was delightfully crunchy, containing shredded carrot, mint leaves, bean sprouts, snow peas, coriander, cashews and savoy cabbage, sweetened with sesame. This paired beautifully with the beetroot and feta salad containing sweet fresh beetroot, feta, crushed walnuts, lentils, and baby spinach, and spiked with balsamic vinaigrette. Of course the addition of the crispy skinned Atlantic salmon was sublime.

Please note that they do have a children's menu for your little ones and I also noticed outside seating was dog friendly. As long you keep your furry friend on a leash and they don't take up too much walking space I'm sure no-one would object.

I was full to the brim and wished I could have squeezed in a cake and a coffee made from 'Single Origin Roasters'.

There is more! You can come for dinner and enjoy a little piece of Italy with delicious Italian inspired dishes created by head chef Luca Amato. This peek of the main menu below already had my mouth watering.

I would definitely be revisiting this great new cafe in the near future and highly recommend it to anyone who loves healthy, wholesome and tasty food. Keep in mind that there is plenty of parking in the street or across the road at IGA. Check it out.

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