Hot, quirky and sometimes sophisticated, Gertrude is a Fitzroy food hub attracting a lot of attention, writes Jesse Mulligan.
Gertrude St is no longer poor cousin to the adjoining Brunswick, that famous drawcard for visitors seeking good food just north of Melbourne city. In recent years, Gertrude has become a Fitzroy food destination in its own right, with a mix of big names and spunky newcomers opening up delicious and progressive new restaurants on the strip. Here are some great places to eat and drink on Gertrude.
BREAKFAST
Mighty Boy has been around a while, but the menu was transformed in May by the arrival of a soft-spoken Kiwi chef who apprenticed at The Commons in Takapuna. His breakfast menu is Asian-inspired and flavour punching, including the best scrambled eggs I've ever eaten, served up with dried, fresh and pickled chilli on a slice of ciabatta designed to soak up the spicy, eggy juices. For something lighter, try the grain-free, dairy-free granola with silken tofu in the place of yoghurt - it works! Remember to order a double shot with your coffee - despite the New Zealand influence it's still not standard in Melbourne cafes.
Birdman Eating is legendary in local circles for its eggs baked in a metal skillet, reputedly good enough to create weekend queues of hungover Melburnians desperate for a comfort brunch. The room is dark and simple, and the menu offers slightly quirky takes on the classic brunch line-up.
Archie's is warm and inviting, the perfect place for coffee on a cold Melbourne morning. The owner is a Kiwi and so is the chef, whose offbeat menu works well with the casually friendly service. There are all sorts of influences on the menu, but you're always safe in Melbourne opting for Middle Eastern - Za'atar eggs with chickpea chips, burnt eggplant, sumac yoghurt and pomegranate looks particularly good.