Two Sparrows Coffee & Kitchen

by Dave Walsh (subscribe)

People in Adelaide are always on the lookout for a new cafe to do coffee or meet friends for brunch. Two Sparrows Coffee & Kitchen at Forestville has the advantage of being just outside the city, but is still in a busy commercial and residential precinct. This new cafe can be found on Leader Street, a busy throughway between Goodwood Road and Anzac Highway.

I have to admit to fairly unadventurous tastes in food that I eat for brunch or lunch, and cafes near where I live don't encourage me to stretch my limits. On hearing that the lunch menu at Two Sparrows Coffee & Kitchen specialises in plant-based and fermented foods, some doubts formed in my mind. Despite this, I set out with dogs in tow to experience the pleasures of Two Sparrows.



Fortunately, the cafe is dog-friendly with an alfresco area at the front, so the furballs were left to amuse themselves while I explored the interior. The modern decor is light, airy and uncluttered, yet welcoming. I was greeted with a smile and chatted briefly with owner/chef Marie about the cafe, but was shocked when she mentioned that finch was on the menu. Fortunately, it turned out that neither fried finch nor sauteed sparrow wings are available - I had mis-heard the word "spinach".

While pondering the menu a steady stream of local workers called in for takeaway food and drinks. There was a scrumptious assortment of savoury snacks and cheerful chocolate treats on display, but the brunch and lunch menus were calling. It was too easy to choose from the brunch menu with many familiar options, but the specials menu instantly caught my eye.



Zucchini fritters with beetroot labne, avo, and poached egg would be testing my boundaries. After growing zucchinis at home, I know that it can be a challenge to make them sparkle in a dish, and my childhood experience of canned beetroot has not caused me to look on it kindly. Marie explained that labne is strained yoghurt almost like a cheese, and convinced me to try this dish accompanied by a flat white coffee.

The server was kept busy fixing customers with takeaway orders, and it was clear that the innovative range of fruit juices are indeed freshly squeezed and prepared. Before I could regret my menu choices, brunch was served.



Presentation of the dish was faultless, the rich purple of the labne a stark contrast to the avocado, while the poached egg sat in splendour on its pedestal of golden zucchini. Looks inspire appetite, and this looked a winner. The zucchini fritter - crispy on the outside while retaining moisture within. The tangy smashed avocado contrasted and enhanced the fritter, before I hesitantly tasted the labne. The beetroot flavoured labne added a new dimension to this dish. A final flourish of flavour, an instant hit for me because it matched the other ingredients so well.

I'd been so concerned about the zucchini and labne that i had totally forgotten the poached egg. Normally the highlight of a meal for me, only then did I discover the golden runny heart that has conquered my taste buds for so long. This dish was superb, and I wondered why I have stayed so long with standard menu fare.



Of course, everyone has different tastes. Two Sparrows Coffee & Kitchen aspires to cater for those with an interest in their own health, and will appeal to anyone with an adventurous palate. At the same time your standard menu choices are readily availble too - it's the best of both worlds.

Next visit I'll ask Marie more about her thinking behind the menu. Perhaps venture to try something plant-based, or one of the selection of fermented condiments and pickled side dishes. She has certainly opened my mind to them, and other customers were asking about these too.



For now, I'm glad that I went to Two Sparrows Coffee & Kitchen. At my age, I need to appreciate all the new experiences I can get. You can find this new Forestville eatery on Facebook here, or just drop in when you visit the Adelaide Showgrounds Farmers' Market or Gilles at the Grounds Market.

If you're quick, you may find a car park outside the cafe or on Leader Street, otherwise you park on Maple Avenue around the corner where there's usually a free place.

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Why? Try the delicious and adventurous menu at this new cafe

Website: https://www.facebook.com/Two-Sparrows-Coffee-Kitchen-1346183075525164

Where: 64 Leader St, Forestville SA 5035

Cost: Average

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