I had to take advantage of a short visit to Canberra to visit my old favourite cafe (http://eatlikeushi.posthaven.com/local-press-canberra-12-2015). It's a close call between Local Press and Cupping Room, but the convenient location of Local Press during the daytime makes it easier. The foreshore has opened up a whole new section but I doubt anywhere will be challenging for the brunch mantle in the area soon.
I wonder if the management has changed - I don't recognise any of the staff there currently. And the usual staple of the Green Breaky Plate no longer exists. Maybe just a sign of progression. What hasn't changed is the beautiful colours and presentation, not only of the food but the loosely nautical themed decor.
- LP's Fried Rice (with black & brown rice, brussel sprouts, cavolo nero, purple potato, avo, egg, cashew cream & pumpkin seeds) $22 - if Vegie Bar created a modern fried rice that had no ties to Asia, then this could be it. Although they probably wouldn't do it as well (and wouldn't charge as much). Overall it was a nice savoury flavour with firm rice and a multitude of textures and flavours, not the least some charred brussel sprouts;
- Wild Mushrooms (sauteed in garlic, thyme & sage oil with fried chestnuts, Meredith Chevre, seasonal greens & a poached egg on artisan sourdough) $19 - I happened to order this with kale & almonds (paying homage to the kale in the Green Breaky Plate for an extra $3.5 although they definitely forgot the almonds) and they also gave me feta (extra $2) which I didn't order. The feta in particular wasn't needed as the chevre smeared on the sourdough added a lovely rich tangy flavour, soaking in the oil and mushroom juices. The kale was also very nice and do think without it the dish would have been a bit plain. I'm not sure I found any fried chestnuts either...
The flavours and presentation are still great although there were a few possible mishaps in my mushroom dish. Nonetheless it is still an (expensive &) excellent place for breakfast topped off by soy chai in a large teapot with sweater or a vibrant mango & carrot smoothie.