Gauge - 77 Grey Street, South Brisbane QLD 4101

Gorge yourself on Gauge with its irresistible waffles and brunches.

So where is it? Without any signs, it might be a bit difficult to find.

Inside this cosy café is a large communal table with plenty of seats and several intimate window seats.

What caught my attention, however, was the honey comb right outside the open plan kitchen. At least you know the ingredients here are probably fresh :).

Though limited, Gauge offers exciting and innovative options, including Black Garlic Bread, Sourdough waffle with artichoke custard, Smoked Kingfish and spiced pearl barley, just to name a few.

There's also freshly baked pastries from Sprout Artisan Bakery for those who only want a light snack.

Apparently the coffee here is nothing less than superb - I don't drink coffee so I can't really comment. The barista seems to take his coffee-art very seriously though, because even my Hot Chocolate ($4.5) looked spectacular.

Hot Chocolate ($4.50)

For the main, we ordered Smoked Kingfish, Spiced Pearl Barley, Soft egg & Parsley ($18). The Kingfish was first smoked with natural firewood, poached with milk and then pan-fried with ras el hanout (a middle eastern spicemix), giving it a delightful smoky cumin-y aftertaste. Surrounded by firm al dente barley and soft, foamy egg, it felt like one creamy paradise. While deliciously irresistible, it felt more like an entrée than a main (portion-wise).

Smoked Kingfish and Soft Egg ($18)

The Sourdough Waffle ($16) however, was definitely the highlight of the day. Expect moist, fluffy waffles with a perfectly crispy exterior. Together with bee pollen, freeze-dried honey, rich creamy artichoke-infused custard and fresh almonds - it's a match made in heaven. Mmmmm :).....

Sourdough Waffle ($16)

Verdict:
Be amazed by the exotic options at Gauge. You certainly won't be able to find them anywhere else.

Shouk Cafe - 14 Collingwood Street, Paddington QLD 4064

Look for Shouk - one of Brisbane's most popular cafes.

With a range of Middle Eastern inspired dishes and exotic Israeli options including Shakshuka (Tunisian style eggs baked with spices) and Flatbread and Lamb, it's bound to tingle your senses!


Drinks

Lunch

Breakfast

We started off with a Chai Latte ($4) - I could really taste the aromatic spices in it.

Chai Latte ($4)

Craving for something different, I ordered the Latke Stack ($17). Layers of crispy potato pancakes with cream cheese, dill, delicious pickled red onions, dukkah (Egyptian spices with sesame, coriander, cumin, salt and pepper), poached eggs, and your choice of smoked salmon, bacon, avocado or grilled haloumi). Unlike store-bought smoked salmon, the salmon wasn't as salty which complemented the crispy rosti and tangy onions perfectly.

Latke Stack ($17)

Check out the perfectly poached eggs with its gooey runny yolk:

Not having ice-cream for breakfast is a thing of the past - the Challah French Toast ($17) is a must-try! Soft Jewish toast soaked in spiced egg mixture, served with candied walnuts, balsamic macerated berries and a delicious vanilla bean semifreddo! The tart berries cut through the rich vanilla flavours of the creamy ice-cream, which was dusted with fresh pistachio-meal.

Challah French Toast ($17)

Verdict
A delightful addition to the Paddington café scene. The only downside: it's always packed :( but to be expected of such a popular café.