Melbourne feasts: Mart130

Arriving late the previous night at Melbourne International Airport, I was surprised by the slight tinge of chilliness in the air outside. Did I hear the pilot rambling off about temperatures of sub 15 despite the soon approaching summer at the tail of November? How interesting. Fortunately, I came prepared for the head on collision with the change of seasons. Jackets in tow with a fair bit of summer frocks to follow en suite once the summer peeked out.



And given the current cold situation outdoors, what better way to soothe a rumbling tummy than a good cup of hot coffee and a fantastic breakfast to kick start off the official Melbourne feasts as promised by my older brother; fyi, for whom I was in Melbourne for in the first place. Graduations… So off we went to Mart130, a quaint little eatery housed in the tight quarters of an old train station. With the muted sunlight streaming into the outdoor patio, it was perfect for some weekend chilling. As evident from the throngs of people streaming into the café and not to mention the groups of people hogging the ‘hard-to-come-by’ seats.



Yes. Together, the three of us shared three brunch items. The house special prosciutto and goats cheese filled omelet with tomato and basil and uncle phil’s tomato relish with dench’s multi grain toast ($17.90), French Toast made with organic brioche with grilled bacon and pure maple syrup ($16.90) and the Oven roasted corn fritters with grilled bacon, tomato relish sour cream and coriander ( $17.90) .

The only sweet item on the table; the french toast was well received by all of us. The softness of the sweet brioche enhanced by the generous dousing of pure maple syrup (note the word pure in emphasis here). Did I mention that we almost suffered a bacon over dosage after the entire meal... and yes, the bacon was gorgeous. Irresistible. Stash your diets away please.



The omelet was a gorgeous sticky mess with melted goats cheese within the crevices of it's hot spots. Tantalized by the ooey gooey mess, I was less interested in the over toasted multi grain bread below and even less titillated by the provocative attack of the sour tomato relish on the side.



Last but not least, the most interesting selection we made from a staple breakfast menu; oven roasted corn fritters. This had a novelty factor for me given it's semi soft, and semi crunchy textures but at the end of the day, it won no favors from me apart from the nagging fact that I was actually consuming something leaning towards the healthy spectrum for breakfast for a change.



A hidden find that is not quite a secret anymore, judging from the throngs of people gathered outside the tram station.. Mart 130 proves to be a winner in terms of ambiance and food nonetheless. Grab a seat out on the back deck and soak up some sun whilst feasting on hearty and well executed brunch items.

Mart 130
107a Canterbury Rd, Middle Park