ANOUK

It seems everyone in Brisbane knows about this insanely popular Paddington breakfast-lunch destination. On the weekend it’s common to encounter a line 10-20 deep and thus it took several months of drive-by reconnaissance to finally decide to just line up like the rest. But was Anouk worth it?

Service was friendly and efficient, complementing the vibe of the place. On a busy day, if seated inside, the chatter of patrons and the clanging of dining makes it challenging to speak across the table. If you wish to converse comfortably, sit outside, which says a lot considering you’re sitting less than a metre away from the main road.

Before I get to the food, their drinks menu deserves a special mention. On offer is an expansive list of fruit shakes, juices, muddles and smoothies – all created fresh and taste amazing. A personal favourite is the lychee, lime and mint fruit shake pictured above. Refreshingly sweet and full of bits and pieces, this taste and texture sensation is many cuts above your regular fruit beverage.

But to the food. Anouk’s breakfast menu is largely non-standard, vegetarian friendly, and allows for side customisations like all breakfast menus should. Ingredients are fresh and the portions are generous but overall taste seems to sit at the “subtle and consistent” end of the scale.

Cannellini beans with chorizo, speck and spinach, sage, tomato, fried eggs and bread. Delicious and little spicy but perhaps too much of a good thing. Like your standard Big Breakfast, at first it’s mighty tasty but by the end you almost regret it.

Grilled goat chevre, garlic buttered spinach, ciabatta and lemon. This instance was with a side of chorizo.  It was tasty but it’s exactly what it says it is.

Smoked trout in cream spinach, poached egg and ciabatta. A deceptively filling meal. Hints of smoked trout were the highlight but overall too subtle a taste that didn’t manage to last the distance. Perhaps my taste buds have TADD?

Sardines on toast, prosciutto pesto, roast vine tomato and lime beurre blanc. Everything about this dish was incredibly salty but I guess that’s what you would expect when you order sardines. Will require a palate accustomed to high salt content to discern its other tastes.

Brown butter brioche french toast with strawberries, mascapone and coulis. Now this is something special. Cushion soft and light inch thick french toast covered in what can only be described as sweetness and freshness. An almost daunting serving at first but delicious to the end. I would come back just for this.

Our first experience with Anouk was actually lunch and it contributed to us braving the queues for breakfast. Unfortunately as it was so long ago, I have pretty much forgotten what each dish entailed. What I do recall was that both dishes were simple yet pleasing to the senses. My suspicion is that lunch may provide a less subtle tasting experience and may be worth a second visit.

Anouk is a vibrant and unpretentious dining experience, serving up fantastic drinks and fresh, generously portioned dishes which sit at the subtle end of the taste scale. A worthwhile trip, but not the great Brisbane breakfast experience others make it out to be.

Then again we’ve been back a few times now. What does that say?

.

Anouk
212 Given Terrace
Paddington, Queensland, Australia

Prices: Breakfast $3.50 – $17, Lunch $15 – $28
Hours: Every Day, Coffee from 6.30am, Cooking until 2.30pm