It’s mine!
I found myself in a town an hour and a half North from home and I happened to be there around lunchtime. It was rainy and warm, and I had the dogs with me. What to do?
Find somewhere with outdoor seating and hope that the rain stayed away.
A quick search and look at the pictures showed me that at least one of the many cafes served the grub of choice.
Upon arrival I needed to ask access to the outdoor space which involved me poking my head through the door and asking for the gate to be unlocked. The seats and table where wet and the waitress retrieved a tea-towel to wipe them down so I could sit.
I tied the girls up and went to order. I ordered a small latte and an EB with bacon. This was a miracle because breakfast ceased to be served an hour and half before I got there. Because they weren’t busy, the order staff asked the chefs if it was possible, and they agreed they could. Yay!
I went back outside, poured some water for the girls, and then sat down.
The rain stayed away as my coffee arrived. It was served in ceramic mug that looked suspiciously like a take-away cup. the coffee was rich and hot. a good robust flavour that I needed to wait a few minutes to enjoy due to its heat. Once I was able drink it, I really enjoyed it, and realised I actually needed it after all the driving and site inspections I had been doing for work.
As I waited for the food to arrive I decided to have a look at the gallery and use the loo quickly. I was surprised by the cleanliness and provision of the toilet. The magnificent antique tap fitting, slimline sink, and a shelf for a handbag. This is such a rare commodity in a ladies loo.
Food arrived and having been delivered by I had been very thankful for the out of time Eggs Benedict.
I had selected the bacon option so when it arrived I was happy to see how all the layers clearly. The sauce wasn’t obliterating the whole thing.
The sauce had a rich yellow colour and I suspected it might be house-made, but the fact that they had made EB for me after typical service hours confused me and lead me to believe that it may be a packet sauce. The taste of the sauce had me further convinced of its authenticity, I was confused. I decided to ask after my meal and enjoy it for what it was, delicious.
The eggs where perfectly poached with an intense yellow/orange yolk which mingled perfectly with the sauce coating the bacon and fresh English spinach leaves. The lightly toasted muffin was soft and the cushion on which it all sat.
About half-way through the first muffin, I got a phone call, one I had been waiting for and decided to take it. The risk they may not attempt to return my call too great and I am, after all asking for their assistance. We chatted for about four minutes, after which I returned to my food. It was now cooler, but still good, and best of all, the second egg was still runny yolked telling me they had plunged it to prevent it cooking on the plate.
After the meal was done, I piled up the plates and drinking receptacles and took them inside. The rain had stayed away and i had been able to enjoy my meal in the comfortable warmth of the heavily overcast Spring day. The open view kitchen had a large shelf outside and I took my plates over. The chef who had delivered my food took them from me and told him how delicious it all was. I also asked;
‘Was the sauce homemade?’ I had to know.
“No, it’s Gourmet Chef brand” he replied.
I’ve been fooled. I wonder how many other times this sauce has been on my plate and I’ve decided it was a house made one? I hazard a guess, at a few. I shall be on my guard for future deceptions.
Would I go back. Yes I would. The food was delightful and the staff went above and beyond at every turn. This only reason I’m not exclaiming *best ever* is because of that charlatan of a sauce.
***
Location: Soul Food Depot and Gallery
Address: 1 Dandaloo Street, Narromine, NSW, 2821
Website: Soul Food Depot and Gallery
EB Price: $20 plus $5 for bacon or ham or $8 for smoked salmon
