Birdman Eating
Taking its name partly from the ancient tale of Icarus (who flew too close to the sun), Birdman Eating’s tenet is “follow your dreams and to always have an open mind and a free spirit”.
Located on Gertrude Street, close to Smith Street in Fitzroy is therefore the perfect position for it, with this quirky space sandwiched between the famous Dr. Follicles barbershop and a record store, wafting its chill-out tunes.
Inside an interesting light sculpture made from globes and cooking whisks hangs from the ceiling next to a number of small wooden drawing figures, who ‘fly’ suspended by fishing wire from the ceiling, their arms removed, replaced by feathers.
Each time the front door opens, these ‘Birdmen’ come to life, swinging, twirling and floating in the breeze.
For seating, there’s a number of dark tables dotted around the room, highlighted with red and green chairs, there’s some stools facing the window or fight your neighbours for the comfortable bench seat that lines the right wall.
Wooden floorboards lead to the espresso machine, counter and kitchen at the back of the room.
Outside, long wooden benches double as a great vantage point to soak up the local atmosphere and watch people pass by, with everything from colourful Mohawks to Doc Martens on display to keep you occupied.
Inside, a different world awaits you.
The menu is modern and refreshing, with brunch available until 5pm, dinner from midday and no time constraints on when to enjoy dessert. Specials are listed on the blackboard and changed daily.
The comprehensive breakfast list includes offerings from toasted banana bread with Couverture chocolate, hazelnut and olive oil spread to black pudding with braised tomato, potato hash and fried eggs.
But for the ‘young at heart’, they also suggest the old favourites of Coco Pops or a boiled egg with soldiers.
Visiting after midday, we were able to order from either the breakfast and lunch menus.
The coconut quinoa porridge with banana and palm sugar was a huge temptation but we ended up trying the corn, broccoli and ricotta hotcakes served with creamy smoked trout, avocado and Spanish onion.
We also tried the roasted heirloom carrots with honey yoghurt and crispy bunderfleisch (dried, cured beef). saw the flavours and texture of the beetroot-coloured carrots combine perfectly with the crispy beef and the side salad, topped off with sweet yoghurt sauce.
As the carrots were a small portion, better suited to a starter or a tapas style lunch, they left room for the black rice dessert which had the amazing texture of fluffy cream and was served with coconut yoghurt and strawberries.
Tea was served in delicate, floral pots and the Genovese coffee was a hit. But the best part of the meal had to be the homemade honeycomb. Covered in dark chocolate, it has an airy, melt-in-the-mouth consistency.
I could actually feel the honey oozing out as it dissolved on my tongue.
Although overwhelmed by the assortment of delicious options available at Birdman, this problem can be easily solved by taking advantage of the chefs tasting special.
The Tweetie Menu costs $35 per head and the Big Bird Menu is $45 per head, including specials and dessert and is for a minimum of 2 people.
Birdman Eating shows their appreciation for the arts, in little endearing touches.
Food served in small bowls and glasses comes perched on squares of sheet music and Birdman also supports local artists by giving you a printed, one-off postcard with your bill.
I can’t wait for my next visit here with Birdman Eating, definitely something to tweet about.
Review and images by Sofia Levin.
Birdman Eating: 238 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy
Phone: (03) 9416 4747
Open: Mon – Fri, 7am – late, Sat & Sun, 8am – late (Kitchen closes at 10:30pm)
http://www.birdmaneating.com.au/main.html
http://www.theage.com.au/news/restaurant-reviews/birdman-eating/2007/06/25/1182623802550.html
http://www.deckofsecrets.com/TheVault/Bars/BrunchMelbourne/BirdmanEating.aspx
