Pleasantly surprised

I like setting myself up for failure sometimes. I think it does the soul good to know that it’s OK to get stuff wrong.

Having eggs in a place where you suspect it’ll be mediocre is absolutely no exception. Of course when your proven to be incorrect it’s surprising and smile worthy.

Under a massive chandelier in the heart of a shopping center is a Trady Tradie themed cafe. It sits out in the open with no doors surrounded by the most feminine of stores like Country Road, Witchery, and Laura Ashley.

I ordered and paid at the counter for Eggs with bacon and a regular latte with little expectation because ‘the kitchen’ didn’t seem to have any evidence of cooking equipment or ability. Also, my Muv always taught me ‘never trust a place that has pictures of its food on the menu’.

I sat down at table 20 and revelled in the branding opportunities. Burned into the table. A piece of ply wood cut into the shape of a hammer held the condiments and menu, the name sheared into the side.

When my coffee arrived 30 seconds after I sat down, the mug had the cafe name emblazoned across the side. Incidentally the coffee was burnt and I didn’t get more than one sip before pushing it aside.

When the eggs arrived they looked fair more appetising than I expected. Pert poached eggs topping crispy bacon, spinach and bread. A small amount of sauce, almost the garnish. Nothing elegant but reasonably good looking.

The sauce was tangy, hot but clearly from a packet. There’s zero chance it was made in the space masquerading as a kitchen.

Actually the whole thing was hot. Probably because it had all been nuked to within an inch of its life.

However, all that said, it was tasty and well balanced.

As I ate I watched a limp salad be pushed around a plate.

I heard an argument about masks erupt and complete.

I saw a homeless person pick though the bin for cans and bottles.

I eyed of a pair of black boots in David Jones.

I left feeling sated. I’d go back again, but I wouldn’t order a coffee

Location: The Shed
Address: Level 1 Westfield Woden
Website: www.theshedcafe.com.au

Price: $17.90