Overview
Fancy three-course meals and fine dining degustations are all good and well, but sometimes all you want is a nice cheesy, cheesy toastie — and that's where Toasta & Co. deliver. The operators behind two of our fave Melbourne food trucks — toastie vendors Toasta and schnitzel kings Von Crumb — have fired up the grill at their very first brick and mortar store. Follow the crumbs and listen for the sizzle of the sandwich press. Cheesy goodness awaits you.
Located at 181 Adderley Street, West Melbourne, Toasta & Co. was born out of demand. "The trucks focus mainly on private events now, which has made it really tricky for the public to come see us," says Toasta & Co. creator Rebecca Feingold. "So the drive behind the brick and mortar was really the demand of the customers, which has been great."
Our baby blue 😇 181 Adderley St, West Melbourne: 12-8pm.
A photo posted by TOASTA (@toastafoodtruck) on
Yes, you demanded it, and now here they are, with toasties ranging from the timeless cheese and bread combo to more extravagant sangas filled with tomato and kale cashew pesto, pastrami, dill pickle and sauerkraut, and pulled pork, caramelised onions, BBQ sauce and mac 'n' cheese. They also have a dessert option made with sweetened mascarpone and stewed rhubarb. Oh hell yes.
But while the humble toastie is obviously their signature dish, Toasta & Co. is more than just a one-trick pony. They also offer various Von Crumb schnitzels, along with pastries, soups, salads, baguettes and desserts, which includes bread and butter pudding. Their coffee, meanwhile, comes courtesy of Proud Mary, while their bar is stocked with a small selection of wines as well as beers by Hawker, Feral and Bridge Road Brewers. "We're a one-stop shop," says Feingold. "Coming into the warmer months we'll also be having Bloody Mary and toastie mornings on the weekend."
It's not the first dedicated toastie cafe to open in Melbourne either — a gourmet toastie drive-through, Cheese & Bread opened up in Preston back in May. When it comes to that simple combo though, the competition can never be too crowded.
Toasta & Co. are open this week Wednesday to Sunday from noon until 8pm. From next Wednesday, their operating hours will expand to 7am until 8pm. Keep your eyes on their website and Facebook for more information.