Thanks – you’re the second person now to point me towards Bluebird, so it’s definitely on my list. From what I hear they sell vintage bikes too! Problem is that I’ll have to organise a coffee-drinking companion to come with me and taste test how the traditional coffee rates against the third wave coffee that’s taken Melbourne by storm. Not being a coffee drinker puts me at a disadvantage sometimes when it comes to writing food reviews! Someone mentioned Bluebird does great pides….

Jetsetting Joyce

“BLUEBIRD ESPRESSO is flying the flag for traditional coffee ,we dont have a clover or a synesso we have a gaggia its manual it takes strength and skill to use it an she makes dam fine coffee…”

I love coffee and wanky third wave coffee places, but I appreciate that someone is giving them the finger, too, because: Jeebus Christ, it IS wanky and it’s good to remember that Melbourne’s first-class coffee culture IS built on traditional Italian espresso. If I was still freelancing, I’d definitely write/pitch a story on it — the third-wave backlash/what the old school baristas think of the new kids/etc.
.-= Ruth´s last blog ..Who said all Americans were jerks? =-.

Yes I seem to be in the minority with Min Lokal, so maybe I will give then another try on a non-busy day. Though to be honest your description of baked eggs doesn’t really appeal to me – only because I have a personal dislike of runny/gooey eggs! Maybe I’ll try to take along a baked-egg eating friend to taste test.

Thanks for the tips on the other places too – I’ve only been to 1 of the 4 you mentioned so it’s good to have some options.

Jetsetting Joyce

However, I’ve never had anything but really good baked eggs at Min Lokal. Admittedly, I know how busy they get and restrict my visits to quieter times, so that’s probably part of it. Even then, there is generally a decent wait for the food.

I would encourage you to give it a second shot if you get a chance during a non-busy period, because they do make a seriously good breakfast.

Living near so many top cafes in the Collingwood/Fitzroy area is great, but the flip-side is that they’re often SO popular and busy, you never get to enjoy any of them. I’m still yet to give Proud Mary a second chance because I just haven’t been able to get in there when it’s no hideously packed.

A few more out of the way places in the area that tend to be less packed
on weekends are: Squirrel Cafe on Groom St in Collingwod/Clifton Hill, Bluebird Espresso on Johnston St in Collinwood, Bomb Cafe on Johnston St in Abbottsford and Cibi on Keele St in Collingwood.
.-= Ruth´s last blog ..Who said all Americans were jerks? =-.

Yes, they do seem amazing popular at the moment at most breakfast places. The first place I encountered baked eggs was at Globe Cafe in Prahran five years ago, but they’ve spread. Like you, I can’t get that excited by them, particularly in summer.

Jetsetting Joyce

but hey you got proud mary in your neighbour hood – jealous!
.-= penny aka jeroxie´s last blog ..Cookbook Challenge w15 (Muffins) – What muffin are you? =-.