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Ten Buck Alley

Editorial Review

Editorial Review

Home is where the heart is, and my heart has been firmly captured by this small corner cafe hidden at the end of Bourke Street. This homely Arthur Koutoulas designed cafe has an open kitchen - seriously open, with nothing separating you from the flash of the frying pan and the clutter of the kitchen. Rather than being overwhelming, the open design feels like dining in your friend's kitchen: active, cosy and very natural. The coffee machine sits at the front of the restaurant, a quick detour for passing workers, but the di Lorenzo coffee is so good you will want to order and linger.

 

 Co-owners James Atkins and David Harris greet most customers by name, while chef Dominic Smith handles the pans, turning out exquisite meals with a minimum of fuss or mess. Breakfast (available all day) includes French toast with banana and vanilla syrup or the incredibly popular mashed avocado, roasted tomato and olive puree on a slice of divine Sonoma soy and linseed toast. The neat blackboard menu has a great selection of lunch options, including a delicious variety of sandwiches and salads. Try the chorizo sausage sandwich with caramelised onion, roasted tomato and aioli served on a sourdough cantina roll. And then there's always room for one more coffee ...

 

Libby Travers, May 2006