Overview
Here's some tasty news for anyone who's been mourning the loss of Pope Joan since the cafe shut its doors a little over six months ago: Matt Wilkinson's Brunswick East legend lives again, this time in the form of a two-month CBD pop-up.
The favourite neighbourhood eatery is setting up shop in the Collins Street space most recently home to The Mayfair, which suddenly closed its doors just last weekend, plating up its signature sandwiches and mod-Aus fare all day, every weekday, from February 4 through to April 18.
"Ever since we closed Pope Joan in Brunswick East, I've been missing cooking (and eating) the food," said Wilkinson, who also runs Brunswick East's Pie Shop, in a statement. "In my mind, it didn't feel like that chapter had fully closed."
So now, the Pope Joan story continues, with a showcase of old favourites and clever new dishes. A revamped breakfast offering sits classics, including the rice pudding and boiled eggs with soldiers, alongside newer plates like fried eggs teamed with hummus and pickled red kraut.
The beloved Pope Joan sandwich lineup returns in all its original glory, too, albeit with a couple of newcomers — expect to find the Cornish, the Cuban and the Reuben, as well as the debut Club Salad (with whipped cheese and optional mortadella) and the Turkish Delight, pairing harissa carrot, hummus and grains.
On the lunch and dinner menu, you'll spy star carryovers — including the sardines on toast and mussels in smoked tomato romesco — mingling with the likes of fish matched with spinach, capers and butter, and a hanger steak done with tomato and mustard. Four new salads are available to enjoy solo or as part of a combo plate, in iterations like miso pumpkin, wakame and golden sesame seeds, and burnt cabbage with rice vinegar, soy and parmesan.
Meanwhile, a new cake trolley is sure to prove a hit when those sweet tooth cravings strike, loaded with pastries and wedges of cake, though you can also opt for a hearty serve of ice cream from Pope Joan mates Sundae School.
Pope Joan will open 7am to 7pm Monday to Friday, from Monday, February 4 until Thursday, April 18. Find it at 45 Collins Street, Melbourne (in the Sofitel driveway).
Images: Annika Kafcaloudis. Exterior shot of the Mayfair: Kristoffer Paulsen.