Superette, Freeman's Bay

By BRENDA WARD

She wants to go shopping. He wants to eat. Or vice-versa. Brainwave. Superette is the emporium/cafe in Freeman's Bay where you can do both, at the same time if you're clever.

The cafe is set into one corner of this vast clothing
warehouse, crammed with quirky and hip clothing.

A deep, high, white leather-style banquette sets the
coolest-of-the-cool tone of this converted garage. You can be swallowed whole by it, emerging to consume and imbibe, then retreating again to its voluminous bosom. Or risk the weather on the pavement tables.

But if it's a power breakfast you're after, a grease-laden cholesterol-fest, forget it.

On the breakfast menu, you'll find just four items: muesli, bagels (with jam and cream) or (with tomato and avocado), and toast with assorted spreads. Or pick from the vast patisserie selection and match it with divine coffee.

I had a hankering to see just how much muesli you could get for $8 and discovered ... quite a lot: in a vast bowl, it was packed with half-brazils, hazelnuts, peanuts and dried fruit, and topped with yoghurt and a chunky fruit compote with honey.
I found it delicious, but our 8-year-old companion viewed it all with great suspicion.

Bruce had the tomato and avocado bagel ($6.50) and found he was required to assemble it before he could eat it.

Maybe we'll try this place for lunch next time, instead. And plan for more time to browse the great
magazine selection, which only needs the addition of
GQ to be perfect.

Hours: Weekdays 8am-4pm, Saturdays 10am-4pm, closed
on Sundays.

Service: Efficient and appropriately distant.

Ambience: Seriously hip.

Parking: Virtually opposite Victoria Park Market carpark.

Licensed: Not yet.