So, for my first restaurant/cafe review, I thought I would stick with my "local" and review good old Malt Cafe in the Concourse, Beaumaris.
It took me a while to discover this little gem but I really am so glad I found it. Look, I will be honest, the food isn't always perfect and the menu isn't extensive, but the friendly atmosphere, warm and homely decor and divine chai lattes more than make up for any of the short-comings.
As far as the food goes, I can highly recommend the steak sandwich - I have had it a few times and always enjoy it. The beetroot accompaniment is delicious and the fat chips are rustic and divine. I am not entirely sure about the wisdom of serving anything with beetroot in it on a flat bread board (my friend Samantha will vouch for this), but hey, it looks funky and, as long as you aren't wearing white, it isn't really too risky! The desserts are also yummy but they always seem to run out of the best things quickly so get in early! I have enjoyed a delicious cheesecake and chocolate mud cake there so far, and my 3 year old son adores the "frog in the pond" that is on offer every day. To top it all off, they serve breakfast through till 3pm for all the "brunchies" out there. I would actually like to see the menu extended a bit, but their core dishes are nice and they have great daily specials, so there is always something to choose from.
Malt is a family-friendly cafe - there is a basket of kids toys, crayons etc. for you to use and good options on the menu for all ages of kids. They also have high chairs and room for prams. The service is also good although the "no bill provided, pay at the register behind the cake display" arrangement is slightly odd. Prices are reasonable with several sandwich/pannini options in the $7-$12 bracket and most of the main courses falling between the $15 and $20 mark.
I confess I have had 1 dodgy meal there - the club sandwich was a bit soggy and the chips were soaked in oil but, overall, I have had many good experiences there so I will put this one down to chef having a bad day.
Now, I cannot finish this review without discussing the chai latte in some level of detail. It is absolutely divine. They don't use powder or tea leaves but, instead, they infuse the fresh spices into the honey and tea and create something like I have never tasted anywhere else. The chais are served in a huge cup and they are very rich and spicy so, if you are only moderately keen on chai, you might not like it but, if you love them as much as I do, you will be in chai latte heaven!!! I also love the Chai's at Ricketts Point Cafe so hard to pick a favourite between the 2 as they are both quite different.
Overall, Moo Moo Kane rates Malt Cafe a 7 out of 10 as far as cafes go - a pleasant experience and well worth a visit if you live close by.
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