Why is it that the best places always have to begin with an eerie start? Maybe its because of the directions that they give on YarraTrams.com.au...anyway, I walked from Smith Street, Stop 20, left at Rose Street, then another left at George Street to Min Lokal. Creepy part was at Rose Street, it was sooo quiet and not a soul was in sight. It is a residential area on Fitzroy, though I have to admit that it's the most ideal location for Min Lokal.
When I arrived, the place wasn't full yet. There were a few people inside, all of which know the waiters and waitresses, exchanging pecks on the cheek, small talk and coffee. There are only two communal tables inside Min Lokal but is also quite spacious. Design is very minimal but quaintly country feel with small touches of vintage pots and containers in wooden boxes installed on the walls.
The menu is short but sweet. Every item is also unique for me, ranging from waffles to claypots to salads. I saw the kransky sausage item that I always read about but decided to skip it and opt for something lighter but still tasty. Coffee is good...very good. Haven't had one as good as this since Rom Caffe/GianCarlo.
So my breakfast of choice this morning is Pan-fried haloumi with chickpeas, parsley, witlof and chorizo with two thin and crunchy slices of sourdough bread. The idea of fried cheese for breakfast won't be in your typical menu for sure. I have tried haloumi cheese before, which I didn't particularly like because it just tsated dry and stale to me. This one, however, is a bit chewy, like a cross between feta and mozzarella.
The witlof leaves added crunch while the parsley leaves gave the freshness to the dish. The haloumi was slightly salty and the chorizo pieces contributed to the smoky, exotic flavor. Chickpeas would be your starch in the dish. It is quite harmonious and the elements of the dish, though simple, are elegantly and meticulously thought out. In every combined bite, you taste something different.
Min Lokal is a cafe that you will want to have around the corner from where you live, where you come in and feel welcomed by a familiar face, maybe a friend or a neighbor or meet someone knew. If you're not from the area, they will definitely know, but still, they will offer a curt smile with good service and food.
When I arrived, the place wasn't full yet. There were a few people inside, all of which know the waiters and waitresses, exchanging pecks on the cheek, small talk and coffee. There are only two communal tables inside Min Lokal but is also quite spacious. Design is very minimal but quaintly country feel with small touches of vintage pots and containers in wooden boxes installed on the walls. The menu is short but sweet. Every item is also unique for me, ranging from waffles to claypots to salads. I saw the kransky sausage item that I always read about but decided to skip it and opt for something lighter but still tasty. Coffee is good...very good. Haven't had one as good as this since Rom Caffe/GianCarlo.So my breakfast of choice this morning is Pan-fried haloumi with chickpeas, parsley, witlof and chorizo with two thin and crunchy slices of sourdough bread. The idea of fried cheese for breakfast won't be in your typical menu for sure. I have tried haloumi cheese before, which I didn't particularly like because it just tsated dry and stale to me. This one, however, is a bit chewy, like a cross between feta and mozzarella.
The witlof leaves added crunch while the parsley leaves gave the freshness to the dish. The haloumi was slightly salty and the chorizo pieces contributed to the smoky, exotic flavor. Chickpeas would be your starch in the dish. It is quite harmonious and the elements of the dish, though simple, are elegantly and meticulously thought out. In every combined bite, you taste something different. Min Lokal is a cafe that you will want to have around the corner from where you live, where you come in and feel welcomed by a familiar face, maybe a friend or a neighbor or meet someone knew. If you're not from the area, they will definitely know, but still, they will offer a curt smile with good service and food.
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