Brunch @ Operator 25, Melbourne

Hello again from Down Under! We're in Australia this week to spend time with family, particularly the sick and elderly. It's been a precious few days having the children make memories with their Perth grandparents and great-grandma. It's always good to see family. When we were in Melbourne over the last Christmas holidays, we caught up with one of my Melbournite cousins-in-law for brunch. (Coincidentally, this same cousin-in-law featured in my previous blog post.) Knowing that she eats healthy - relative to my cousin who is not shy about enjoying the more indulgent foods - I asked her to choose a healthy brunch place (in a small attempt to offset the unhealthy holiday eating). She recommended Operator 25, remarking that the menu is unique. And indeed, it was different to the usual brunch menu offerings. Operator 25 is very popular for breakfast and lunch, and it was full when we arrived on a weekday. It's not particularly pram-friendly, but there is a separate entrance for wheels. The atmosphere is the epitome of Melbourne chic cafe culture - a clean design with a well-organised space. Service was friendly and accommodating, and the food was delicious, good quality and presented nicely. All in all Operator 25 is a solid choice for brunch in the CBD.

My sister's Tea Tonic (AU$8) with rooibos red tea espresso, lime cordial, tonic water with lime wedgeS:

The 8-year-old's Scrambled Eggs on Dr. Marty Crumpets (AU$12):

My sister's Soft Shell Crab (AU$22) - tempura battered soft shell crab with enoki and soba salad, rice paper crisp,
laksa sauce:

Cousin's Corn Fritters (AU$18), with tomato and cucumber salsa, snow peas, tomato chutney, fior de latte,
sesame seeds and poached egg:

My Teriyaki Benedict (AU$19) was an interesting concept, with teriyaki pulled pork on toasted brioche with yuzu hollandaise, mizuna leaves and wontton crisps:

Operator 25
25 Wills St
Melbourne VIC 3000
Australia
Tel. +61 3 9670 3278