Friends of Mine

Overview

On Swan Street in Richmond, surrounded by not much else, is the bright, yellow trimmed café, Friends of Mine. It's difficult to hold back a smile when you are here. Either outside next to the yellow sun covers or inside with the smiling staff, this place makes you feel good. Owner Jason Jones does Melbourne brunch spots well. He does them really well. If you haven't been to Friends of Mine it is likely you have tried Porgie and Mr Jones or Snow Pony.

Friends of Mine, accepts one and all. On a sunny weekend morning you'll be hard pressed to land a seat outside, but do your best. Inside there are two sections. The front section fashions your standard wooden tables with newspapers splashed around, while the back section feels more like a restaurant with white linen tables clothes and ornate decor. Most great brunch spots are full come Sunday 11am, but with three dining areas the wait shouldn't be too long at Friends of Mine.

For breakfast the Bircher muesli with rhubarb, vanilla compote and cleo's honeyed yoghurt ($10.90) is a satisfying, light option, while the toasted banana bread with maple syrup mascarpone, fresh banana, berry compote and crushed pistachio ($14.90) is a goer for the sweet tooths amongst us. The banana bread is light and fluffy and ridiculously good. Having said all of this it would be remiss to talk about Friends of Mine, Porgie and Mr Jones or Snow Pony without talking about the smashed avocado with thyme buttered mushrooms, marinated feta and torn basil on wholegrain toast ($17.90, or $19.90 with a poached egg). Two words. Do it.

When curing a hangover, it is advised to add bacon to this dish, or as Friends of Mine have hangovers covered order the “HUNG” Over which is herb and cheesy toast, poached eggs, bacon, and smashed avocado ($18.90). Speaking of hangovers Berocca ($3) is the first thing on the menu, followed shortly by the Bloody Mary ($13) and the Moet Chandon ($18 a glass). Hair of the dog, or straight recovery, you are well looked after what ever your state.

If delving into the lunch menu, a piadinis with roasted pumpkin, pesto, ricotta, roasted peppers and caramel onion ($12.9) is a solid option or try for something larger like the braised ox cheek with Pedro Ximenez, honey, cardamom carrots and cannellini bean puree ($23.90).

Lest we forget that on last Sunday of the month Friends of Mine gets a little bit fancy with their high tea. $45 will get you sweet savoury and sparking.