Seared Salmon fillet (Image © Writer)
At the northernmost tip of Bondi beach stands a humble dot of a cafe, amongst the seaside food giants. The crisp blue sky and the shimmering Tasman waves adorn the forefront; the rest is comprised of a vivacious crowd of dinners and vividly coloured food. Outside, a string of patient customers hangs at the counter near the entrance. Chairs empty and fill in a blink. Activity inside the
Speedos Cafe seems to be in full swing. The wood-panelled warm interior has a soothing contrast to the cool blue seaside exterior.
Image © Writer
Image © Writer
We wait for a spot at the sea-facing window counter. And soon enough, our wait is well-rewarded. We are escorted to a freshly vacated space at our preferred location. The table is promptly wiped spotless, and the menu deftly served with water by our cheery waitress.
Image © Writer
Soft Shell Crab Burger (Image © Writer)
Whether you are gluten or lactose intolerant, or a devout vegan, the Speedos menu has got you covered. Confections grace the display cabinet at the counter. Everything on offer is a combination of classic and contemporary dishes coated in flavours specially customized by the Speedos team. Without much ado, we get our very first proof from the drinks.
Image © Writer
Detox Cleanse and Energizer - health drinks (Image © Writer)
The kiwi-topped, coconut water-based
Detox Cleanse is an absolute stunner! A blend of blueberries, banana, pomegranate and green tea, this one is an elixir for the liver and skin. The strawberry-hatted, bright and purplish
Energizer composed of melon, raspberry and banana gives the former a close chase. But my bets are permanently placed on
Detox!
Image © Writer
Seared Salmon fillet (Image © Writer)
Interestingly, before the drinks had been served we are approached by most other smile-wearing waitresses to check if our table has been attended to. And afterwards, upon finishing our lunch, without delay the plates would be as promptly and cheerfully removed. No customer went unnoticed by them and their good service didn't go unnoticed by us. A contented thumbs up to the extent of attention paid to diners.
Image © Writer
Image © Writer
In a short while following the drinks, when our food arrives we literally have twinkles in our eyes looking at the dishes. It is the rainbow served on a plate, not to be eaten but to paint our palates with. The
Seared Salmon fillet has almost every colour that could be conjured up in a kitchen. Thick smears of golden carrot puree and smashed black bean hold the gluten-free dish together. A vibrant mix of black rice, Asian greens, shallots, miso and pomegranate accompany the generous fillet. Needless to say, the dish was a perfect scorer earning grins.
Image © Writer
Image © Writer
As for the second dish - the burly
Soft Shell Crab Burger - it is a merry platter of comfort food. The burger has been fattened with a rich cabbage slaw, crisply fried crab, onions, leafy greens and harissa mayonnaise. The crunchy fat chips are a superb side snack. The stuffing combination, especially the well-prepped dressings and the crab make the burger a very fine and fulfilling stack. It was one of those refined and redefined favourites that I would love to return for at Speedos again and again.
For the sweet tooth (Image © Writer)
Image © Writer
Image © Writer
Image © Writer
Image © Writer
The cute little cafe stands like a sentry at one end of Bondi Beach guarding the 'great food' badge of the locale with its own consistent service. Good on you Speedos! Let all the bits in the bites go on to tell a very colourful tale.
Parking: 2hrs ticketed parking is available all along Bondi beach. Free parking could be a bit tricky but a couple of rounds along the lanes would find you a vacant spot )
