Tucked away in Auchenflower, Sprout is a French cafe that has spread its wings a little to embrace breakfast, lunch and dinner six days a week.
They have also stepped outside the normal culinary square with some interesting options that should inspire foodie interest.
We tried the breakfast menu and were over joyed with the thick maple cured bacon that accompanied our perfectly poached eggs. Chef Oliver Boudon explained that he couldn't find bacon he liked so he decided to make his own. It's a good move because you'll come back for the thick, sweet bacon alone at Sprout.
I was tempted by trying a duck egg and the smooth, velvety texture did not disappoint. It was rich and Oliver is right, one egg is enough. I managed to fit a side of tender sliced mushrooms as well.
Number One son splurged with Sprout Eggs Benedict which saw him diving into oozing eggs on crisp potato rosti all dressed with a homemade Yuzu hollandaise sauce. The kicker was the spanner crab meat on the side. (Yuzu is a Japanese citrus fruit)
Interesting breakfast options include black pudding, cassoulet beans and french waffles. Their set price breakfast is good value at $25 for orange juice, coffee, fresh baguette with jam and two eggs with maple cured bacon. You won't be hungry after that!
There's also baskets full of fresh pastries so you can simply order a takeaway coffee and grab a pastry on the run. Great for busy morning starts.
The community bookshelf has been included to inspire book recycling. The idea is that you bring along a book you don't want any more and pop it onto the shelf. Browse the shelf and take home the want you want to read.
Sprout donates their walls to local artists and the exhibition covering their walls changes every six weeks. There's some interesting metal sculptures that I could see gracing my dining table there at the moment.
I'm planning a return visit to test drive the lunch menu which divides into French and Russian roots and a wide range of interesting light options. Think salade nicoise and croque-monsieur, borscht and pierogi ruskie, or brie and beetroot salad with warm quince dressing and potted lamb pie. Plenty to work your way through here.
We did try two sweet items - a tarte tatin with wonderfully caramelised apples that came with a creamy caramel vanilla ice cream and french toast highlighted with lemon zest and accompanied by raspberry ice cream with a touch of ginger.
There's a shortage of great BYO cafes in Brisbane so keep Sprout on your radar for a champagne breakfast or wine inspired dinner.
Bottom line: Great local cafe and BYO is a real bonus
Best tip: Plenty of parking here.
Sprout Cafe, 111Haig Road, Auchenflower
Kerry Heaney
Disclaimer: Ed+bK was a guest at Sprout for breakfast.