As a gardener I like to spend my leisure days in my garden or in the plant nursery. There I made a wonderful discovery that many of them have enjoyable eateries, more than for just grabbing a coffee when you grab new plants.
From these cafes, the most delicious to be found is in the Flower Power nursery at Enfield. Even if you are not a gardener, this terrific venue with its outdoor setting under umbrellas overlooking the plants is worth a destination visit.
Over a number of visits we've enjoyed food that displays a real understanding of flavours, spices and seasoning. Luscious food that doesn't hold back even for all day breakfast.
From the French Toasts available for brunch in Sydney, arguably Garden House Cafe Enfield plates up the best example. Biscoff French Toast is luxuriously filled in the American style of French Toast with a Biscoff cream cheese, adorned vanilla ice cream and strawberries and crunchy biscuit and crumble. The French Toast is lovingly pan fried to perfection (more toasty than some suburban limp creations). The icing on the cake (pardon the pun) is the delightfully delicious and pretty pink rosewater syrup ready to pour at your whim. Even this is premium, not too sweet or sickly, but like Goldilocks choice right in the middle - just right.
Now, if you are more of a savoury brunch person like I am, particularly when I still haven't had my coffee, Garden House Cafe is still your prime destination. The chefs here really do understand flavour, how to prepare ingredients and how to combine them. It was my second attempt at beetroot hummus in one week. The first was insipid, the chickpea was dominant and the hummus pale pink, yet here beetroot radiates as the hero. Then take the corn, charred nicely bringing out both sweetness and crunch. Kale crisped while retaining its form. Fetta sprinkles crumpled to garnish size don't overpower but accentuate. I could go on... To this vegetarian dish, an optional poached egg added the flowing sauce. Although the dish stood well on its own without it.
Service is slick and yet warm and friendly although the cafe can get a little busy on a sunny Sydney day.
Even if you're not in the rea, this garden centre cafe is worth an outing.
www.flowerpower.com.au/storelocator/enfield-garden-centre-stores
