Holla Coffee Roasters

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Richmond's newest brunch hotspot caught my attention online with pictures of its quirky brunch menu, and when I finally got there, reality didn't disappoint.

Visit Number 1
On my first visit, I was extremely excited to try the crab crumpets. I mean, just look at them:



As a glutard, I couldn't actually have crumpets. I can only imagine how amazing the crab crumpets would be, because the crispy crab on plain old gluten free toast blew my mind. I love crispy soft shell crab, and this baby was one serious crab. It had the perfect contrast of crispy and juicy crab flesh. The crispy legs were delicious with the harissa mayo that liberally garnished the plate.

The combination of crab, eggs, toast and sauce was… ahhh, heaven. This dish is all about two things - the crab, obviously, but also the sauces. Their house made hollandaise sauce is ridiculously tasty, and pairs so nicely with the harissa. Here's another picture because one can't possibly do it justice.



But don't be concerned. If you don't like crab, you can still experience the hollandaise sauce on any number of the meals here. They obviously know it's a highlight, and they're not shy with their dollops.

My hubby had the pork benny, which is a bundle of porky fun. It includes 'beerios' - some variety of honey cheerios - along with bourbon cured pulled pork, bacon crumb, poached eggs and, importantly, hollandaise. He was one happy benny boy after this brunch.



Because this was my first time here, I had to try two coffees. I started with a latte - my go to coffee - and was immediately in my happy place. A good, strong, flavoursome latte. He ordered his usual hot chocolate.

To top off this delightful brunch, (and because I can't really enjoy my day without a second coffee) I enjoyed the house roasted batch filter coffee. It was strong, fruity, bright, and lightly bitter in a generous cup size.

He, not watching his figure like I am, opted for the snickers milkshake.



It is every bit as good as you imagine. It had peanut butter chunks, caramel syrup and (we suspect) chocolate ice cream. They use the same delicious chocolate mix in their hot chocolate. I didn't get a photo of the preceding hot chocolate because I blinked and it was gone. You have to be fast around this guy. I only got a picture of the milkshake because he was still enjoying his pork benny.

Visit Number 2
We enjoyed our Saturday brunch so much that we got up early on Monday to go for breakfast. I know, we felt so naughty and indulgent, and loved every second. It was fun to have the place to ourselves on a bitterly cold morning, compared to the bustling Saturday vibe.



This time I got the roasted wild mushrooms, which came recommended by the friendly waitress. Two words - truffle ricotta. My goodness, the flavours of this sauce were the cornerstone for this lovely dish. Cornerstone? I have no other words! I love mushrooms, and these people know their way around mushrooms. And garlic, and truffle.



He had the Saigon scrambled eggs with chicken paté and spiced pork. He reports that the flavours were great, with fresh mint and just a hint of chili through the dish. The pate added a depth of flavours, but don't be put off by it if you're not a pate fan (like myself), because it's not overwhelming. This dish wasn't as visually impressive as the other three we tried, but as he said, 'It's essentially an omelette, so it's all about flavour, and this has flavour.'



Holla also makes their own gluten-free bread in house, and it's the spitting image of the real thing. I don't remember what real bread tastes like (the glory days of eating gluten are but a distant memory now) but I think this one gets pretty close.

Lastly, on both visits we watched people enjoy the 'D.I.Y Avo', where you get a cup of avo and an impressively sized squashing implement. But there are so many other amazing things on this menu, I'm glad I chose what I did. When I go back, I'm really going to struggle not to order that crab again, even though I want to try everything else on the menu. Ahhh, the dilemmas of delicious food.



The atmosphere of Holla is classically - and wonderfully - Richmond. I love the open kitchen and the attention to greenery throughout. This is one brunch spot definitely worth trying out.

#breakfast
#brunch
#cafes
#coffee
#gluten_free
#inner_east
#richmond
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