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Eugene’s – Another World Of Yum

By Vicki Heath on August 5, 2012 in Food

Photo: Grant Brooks

Look out Eastern Suburbs, there’s a new Eugene in town, and he doesn’t snap amazing photos of our beaches a-la Aquabumps creator Eugene Tan.

The Eugene in question opened his eponymous Bronte café two months ago after spending his life cooking in Australia and Europe’s finest kitchens. His girlfriend Natalie is the consummate assistant and his best mate, conveniently a builder who lives across the road, helped to transform the former butchery that is now Eugene’s into a sophisticated art deco food space.

You’d be forgiven for thinking you were at a country retreat, sitting at a polished wooden table beneath eclectic lamps hanging from the original embossed ceiling, gazing at multi-coloured antique stained glass windows and historic mirrors that were found underneath the building during renovations.

The food at Eugene’s is a delight. It’s a modern take on old hearty favourites with a focus on the best fresh seasonal produce. This, my friends, is a quality establishment and you’ll want to keep up with the regular menu changes.

In the mornings you can wrap your mouth around fancy sounding yet reasonably priced breakfasts including organic raisin and almond sourdough toast, house-made granola with yoghurt and poached rhubarb, a and delightful Quinoa porridge, the product of Eugene’s experimenting (he laces the modern superfood with cardamom, raisins, pears and agave). But the hero of the breakfast menu is the buckwheat buttermilk pancakes, a drool-fest of cinnamon ricotta, strawberry compote, crushed pistachios and maple syrup (served on the side). They really are second to none.

Of course, all the usual egg combos (using free-range organic eggs) are there too, with traditional and gourmet sides like braised black-eyed peas.

Diners popping in a bit later in the day can delve into rustic soup with herb bread or load up on gluten free lasagne for lunch. There’s also a great selection of salads and toasted sandwiches, of which the ham off the bone, cheddar and tomato is an obvious stand out.

As a segue to dinner, Eugene’s has ready-to-heat takeaway meals for those who want to whip up something quick for the kids while their lamb shanks with lentilles du Puy warm in the oven.

The coffee at Eugene’s is no a qualms mix of intoxicating international blends and there’s a solid range of world-class teas from Larsen and Thompson. You can antioxidise with the Iron Goddess Oolong or postulate over a pot of Pu-erh (post fermented). Ornate chinaware and teacups add to the eclectic and homely mood, as do the souvenir spoons – a memento from Chinatown in New York is our waitress’s favourite.

When you’re done, lick your lips, step out onto Macpherson Street and you’re back to reality. Don’t worry though, you can always come back next week!

Eugene’s

Address: 69 Macpherson Street, Waverley
Phone: (02) 9369 1110
Open: Winter Hours: Tues to Fri 7am-4.30pm; Sat 8am-4.30pm; Sun 8am-3pm
Seats: 26 indoors. Outdoor seating coming soon.
Price: $3 – $20
Cards: Cash only
BYO: Licence in progress