In Short: If there is only one reason to stop in Gladesville, Cav & Co. is that reason. Fantastic coffee and a menu filled with classics with a twist. Make sure you add the French Toast to the list. Raspberry caviar, anyone?
We all know those suburbs. You know, the drive through ones, the ones that unless you live there, there aren’t a whole lot of compelling reasons to stop. Gladesville has been one of those suburbs, the one you pass either on your way to Hunters Hill or through to Macquarie Park. But now, there is finally a reason to veer off Victoria Road, and down Pittwater Road to head to Cav & Co., the newest addition, and a breath of fresh air, to this surburban landscape.
And, what a breath of fresh air it is. With its funky, urban fit-out, which would easily be at home in the back streets of Surry Hills, and a menu that has classically named dishes, but all include a twist and flair that make each item unique, this newly opened cafe has the locals flocking here in droves. And, in the hands of the fantastic crew Amanda, Michael, Matt and barista James, who are no strangers to the area, you just know this is a winning combination.
We arrive mid-morning during the week after their opening weekend, and the buzz about the place that marked the weekend, hasn’t dissipated as the crew find us a table out front.
As always, it’s coffee first and in no time a cappuccino makes its way to our table while we make the difficult choice of what to have from the menu. The team here have chosen well, with the Carmelo Allpress blend a perfect match for the food. This is a medium roast coffee, with fantastic hints of caramel and cocoa. Expertly brewed and beautifully creamy, it was hard to stop at one!
And so it was that a piccolo also found a place at the table while we waited for our food. With the Carmelo blend this was a ‘bite size’ coffee bliss and still had those smooth notes and lively acidity that goes so well with frothy, creamy milk.
It wasn’t long before the main event of our breakfast sojourn arrived, and it was something to admire! I’ve often lamented with friends and family new to the food blogging world, that I’ve learnt a lot of patience around food while our master photographers capture the perfect shot. That patience is not an innate part of my personality, and even harder to maintain when there is such great looking food waiting to be devoured in front of me!
First, its one of my all time favourite additions to breakfast menus everywhere, the dairy free acai bowl. Beautifully presented with an array of fresh fruit, coconut flakes, roasted almonds, and the house-made granola, this dish was fresh and light, yet surprisingly filling; everything an acai bowl should be. In no time, it was polished off, despite the promise to fellow Coco and Viner Steve that he could try some! Oops…
But, I didn’t need to worry, as Steve was well into his French toast and there was barely a scrap left for me to have a taste! The colours and flavours of this dish play front and centre and lingers with every mouthful. Give me French toast any day when it’s topped with ingredients like vanilla mascarpone, raspberry caviar, pistachios, berry compote, and maple syrup. So decadent. So good. So need to repeat. Just don’t ever expect to share this one!
We were excited, and had eagerly anticipated the opening of Cav & Co., and they did not disappoint! The effort and care that has gone into every detail, the décor, food and coffee selection, and the atmosphere has made for a place that is currently unrivaled in Gladesville. Definitely make any excuse to stop in this drive-by town, and linger a little longer now with the help of this gem of a café. We will definitely be back to indulge in the rest of the menu!
Bianca@forfoodssake says
Ooooohhhh what a great find! We don’t too far away so we’ll have to check them out! I’m all about the sweets for breakfast these days 🙂 The French Toast looks great!!
Coco & Vine says
Hey! Yeah… Gladesville really needed a proper café!
Jason says
Awesome read and great photos. Will definitely drop by on the next day off!