Let Me Be Frank Cafe

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Let Me Be Frank (Frank) is a newly opened cafe at South Melbourne Commons . They're the little sister of Zappa's , also in South Melbourne.



The entire Commons is run based on an ethos of environmental sustainability and social justice, and Frank is a perfect example of this.

Their coffee is organic and Fairtrade, their food is fresh, and locally produced. In fact, some of it is harvested from The Commons community garden, just outside their doors.

Even their waste is managed environmentally, with much of it disposed of in a worm farm around the side of the building



Eddie Inoztroza, Frank's owner and barista, says that around 23% of their food is currently organic. He says that it's a slow process, but he hopes to be able to serve 100% organic food in the future.

The cafe is a light, airy space, with high ceilings and polished floor boards and the staff go out of their way to make you comfortable. There's a wall of books available for reading (and buying) for the coffee drinker who's alone. There's also a toy box for parents who need something to keep the kiddies entertained.



While we perused the specials board today, a waitress brought over chilled water and glasses. We weren't pressured to order quickly.

On Eddie's recommendation I ordered one of their specials: the vege mornay crepe with pumpkin veloute. Yeah. I was confused too.

Basically it was creamy vegetables parcelled within a delicate crepe, and coated in a sweet pureed pumpkin. This was set on a bed of salad; its tangy feta and sundried tomatoes providing lovely counter notes to the sweet-cream crepe.



A friend ordered the soup of the day. More subtly flavoured, the Chicken Malakoni was served with toasted wholegrain bread.



The food is good enough that customers are willing to travel to South Melbourne for it, but Eddie likes to encourage the locals. He'll discount your coffee from $3.50 to $3 (or $4.50 to $4 for a large) if you let him know you live nearby.

Despite Eddie's 10 years experience as a barista, I passed on coffee; their range of SerendipiTea which includes 'Strictly Strawberry' and 'Monks Mead' seduced me.

EFTPOS is available, and Let Me Be Frank is open from 7:30am - 4pm on weekdays and 8:30am - 4pm on weekends. Visit the cafe after a pilates class , during market day , or all on its own. It'll be worth the trip.

#lunch
#organic
#inner_south
#south_melbourne
#cafes
#breakfast
%wnmelbourne