A Local Favourite - Breakfast at my doorstep

Before moving to Australia breakfast was my least favourite meal of the day. It was simply a case of 'I must eat this bowl of oats now otherwise I will be starving hungry in about 2 hours time and eat an entire bag of jelly babies!'

Now, I long for the weekends when I can go out and eat breakfast like a king. Living in Carlton I am surrounded by cafes and restaurants all boasting breakfast menus that scream out to me. Aussies do breakfast much better than the English I am afraid to admit - there seems to be a lot more imagination.

Bircher muesli is a big YES for me. So far, of all the one's I have tried (and there have been a few!) Mister Close (target centre on Bourke St) top's my list. If you like creamy, rich, but not too sweet, this is the breakfast bowl for you! A generous dollop of seasonal poached fruits sits on top of a mountain of oats and yogurt. Raw apple slices and a side of  a honeyed nut mix complete this breakfast delight and for those that want to go all out you can even pour on some fresh orange juice to really live on the wild side!

Getting back to the focus of this post - Cafe Lua.

Unlike most of the restaurants on my doorstep Cafe Lua is not part of the Little Italy Group - and that's probably why it grabbed my eye!

Breakfast is by far the most appealing meal on the menu. With dishes ranging from quinoa porridge (which has the most delicious nutty taste due to its almond milk and pistachio flavouring) to pumpkin and chia seed pancakes (it may not sound breakfasty but if you are looking for a satisfying and savoury brunch type option this is it!) this cafe offers the perfect cure to whatever your weekend ailment may be!

If eggs are your chosen dish you will have a hard time deciding how you want them done! Traditionally - poached, scrambled or fried or perhaps a bit more exotically - scrambled with chipotle and feta?! The Huevos Rancheros dish is a personal favourite of mine - the spicy chorizo is a perfect combination with the salsa and rocket that accompanies this Spanish style egg breakfast.

The corn cake stake is a GREAT hangover cure! It isn't stodgy, but gives you enough of a full and satisfied feeling to truly kid yourself you have soaked up all the poisons you put in your body the night before!

This cafe is a definite must for all those that love to breakfast in a place that sings out songs of happiness. The staff are always smiling and eager to tell you the story behind their workplace and the artwork that features inside it. The decor is especially cute - when presented with the bill it came out on a tray with a tin duck that rolled along when you wound it up! There is nothing pretentious about this cafe - it is simply a gorgeous spot for locals or explorers - whether you come from around  the corner or the next suburb along you are made to feel at home.
http://www.cafelua.com/