Second Home, Eltham

November 09, 2015

Second Home, Eltham

How often are you seated in a café in the suburbs when a libations trolley swings past offering you some cocktails? This is obviously why Melburnians are queuing up at the recently opened Second Home in Eltham. You may have had a steak and fries (or steak frites...) at Entrecôte by now... Well, serial restaurateur Jason M Jones is spinning his magic yet again with Second Home which is part cafe, part art gallery. When we were there they were showcasing some beautiful snow photography on the walls... The building was designed by architect, Alistair Knox, in the 70s. A central olive tree stands watch over the space which is bathed in natural light. White table cloths add a touch of luxury and couches around a fireplace will be cosy in the winter.

WHAT’S ON THE MENU?

· Dr Marty’s Toasted Crumpets with Rooftop honeyed ricotta, homemade honeycomb ($9.90)

· ‘Spag on Toast’ – homemade spaghetti, tomato sugo, prosciutto, pecorino, sourdough toast and a poached egg ($17.90)

· Our Spring ‘Tart’ – peas, zucchini, goats cheese, wild rocket, lemon dressing ($18.90)

· Venison Carpaccio with baby beet, 24 month grana padano, pickled shallot, carrot ($16.90)

WHAT WE ATE...

I had enjoyed a very long run that morning and wanted to continue with feeling virtuous... I chose the ‘Breakfast Super Salad – broccoli, peas, mint, kale, French radish, seeds, quinoa, avocado, smoked yoghurt and poached googies ($17.90)’. At first you think you are eating a lot of healthy raw vegetables, but then you uncover the mashed avocado... You mix this green goodness with the smoked yoghurt and you have this amazing creamy and zingy dressing which makes everything taste scrumptious! Yes, I did use the word scrumptious to describe a salad... Of course, the oozing egg yolks also add some extra lusciousness.

My dining companion opted for the ‘Prosciutto, roasted red peppers, Emmental cheese and aioli piadina with a little green salad ($15.90)’. It contained quality ingredients that melded together with the gooey cheese. The salad refreshed the palate. It was a lovely light lunch.

WHAT WE DRANK...

You can order some cocktails from the ‘Yum Cha’ Libations Trolley such as Breakfast Martini ($14.90) or a Mimosa ($11.90)... Second Home has their own house blend of coffee which is made at Rosso Roasting Co. My latte ($3.80) was so delightful that I could have swum around in it all day. Hang on, I can’t swim... Well, I would float around in it all day...