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My weekend favourite activity is going out for breakfast, brunch or lunch. Cafes these days aren't just a place to eat and slurp a good coffee. We want to be surprised, tantalised, tempted and discover new taste sensations. We want food that we can't cook at home or at least tastes better. Now cafe owners don't just have kitchenhand whacking premade toasties on the grill or churning out bacon and egg rolls. Any smart cafe owner sees the value in having a clever cook to create culinary delights that make you return again and again.
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located in the heart of Lane Cove Plaza has not only won the locals with exceptional coffee, they're also winning the hearts of foodies far and wide for their unique twist from your usual brunch menu.
Pritesh, the owner of The Junction Coffee Co, has ensured he offers his patrons only the best. Chef Daniel has over 10 years experience and has carefully crafted his menu from seasonal produce, drawing influence from a variety of countries around the world. Daniel gained his experience from travelling extensively after completing his culinary studies in India. He worked for Saudi Airlines in the catering sector for 3 years and in the hospitality tourism industry in resorts located in Seychelles, Kuwait, and New Zealand. Finally taking the plunge to journey to Australia, he then worked at the acclaimed Shangri-La Hotel in Sydney.
At The Junction Coffee Co, you can still order your traditional breakfast fare but there are plenty of options. Here, eggs become exotic and delicious. Imagine perfectly poached eggs surrounded by a blanket of whipped yoghurt topped with dollops of homemade harissa sauce sprinkled with oregano. Or slow roasted basil roma tomatoes, slices of double smoked ham, chunks of avocado, plump poached eggs sprinkled with dukkha and creamy feta cheese. The tantalising menu has also been tailored to cater to the cafe's vegetarian customers – offering an impressive range of vego-friendly dishes.
image - Junction Coffee Co Lane Cove
I visited on a busy Saturday morning and the plaza was bustling with people due to a live orchestra playing in the centre courtyard area. The almost deafening big band music didn't daunt the locals from getting their coffee fix and breakfast feast
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The interior of the cosy cafe has been designed as a social space, where you can chill out reading the papers or prop up your laptop.
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There is also a few outdoor tables that catch the sun and are ideal for people watching in the plaza.
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As it was already after 10.00am, I was ready for a feed. My eye caught the breakfast special – Sizzling Shakshuka.
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Shakshuka is a popular middle eastern dish. It is basically eggs poached in spiced tomato, green pepper, garlic, herbs and onions. It's a dish that is big on flavour. The spicy beef chorizo and feta cheese make the dish deliciously salty and spicy. The saltiness is balanced by the sweetness of the slow-cooked tomatoes and I could taste a hint of sweet paprika and cumin.
Image credit - Seafarrwide
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If you're a fan of poking your eggs and watching the golden yolk cascade down the sides of your breakfast stack, then you will be exceedingly pleased with The Junction Coffee Co. Here the eggs are poached to perfection. My partner chose the grilled portobello mushrooms, roasted spiced pumpkin, poached eggs, grilled asparagus spears and parmesan pesto.
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This was a hearty dish, generously served with slices of mushrooms, two fluffy poached eggs on a stack of spiced sweet roasted pumpkin and crunchy fresh asparagus spears.
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As I love pumpkin, I begged to share. A quickly scooped up a chunk and yes, it was delicious. The flavour brought me back to memories of the pumpkin pie filling my mother used to make. Again, poached eggs that were oozing with golden yolk goodness.
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Let's not forget the coffee.
Pablo and Rusty's beans are known for making a perfect brew and we had to agree. Delicious, velvety richness with no bitterness and hot without being overheated. I love my coffee, it can make or break my day. I had to give the beans and the barista the thumbs up.
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While there still are plenty of cafes that lack variety and imagination, The Junction Coffee Co is a delightful exception that is well worth a visit if venturing to Lane Cove or just if you want to discover their unique menu.
