Ambler Cafe & Bistro
A kid-friendly haven in Pt Chevalier
SET UP & SITE
I’d been walking past Ambler Cafe & Bistro in a voyeuristic kind of way for a while now. I thought I must be the only local who hadn’t been, so on a sweltering summer’s day in the school holidays, the type of day when it’s almost as hot inside as out, we ambled there for a family brunch. It’s on Pt Chevalier Rd, with plenty of street parking. I’ve seen numerous incarnations of this building over the past decade — from an organic foodstore to a women’s clothing outlet — but this seems a perfect fit. The interior is sleek, minimalist and sympathetic to the Art Deco architecture. There are elegant wooden chairs and at night, frosted glass pendants give the warm and inviting ambience of the local bistro it is.
SUSTENANCE & SWILL
The menu, like the staff, has a French influence including baked ham and cheese croissants, oeufs a la coque and croque monsieur/madames. From 11am, they have a kids’ brunch menu with mains, which was welcomed by the 8-year-old who would eat battered fish for breakfast, lunch and dinner if he could. The kids ordered fish and chips, $13 and French toast, $9, the latter being a little on the small side for the 11-year-old. Fortunately his brother couldn’t get through the generous serving of fish and chips and was happy to share. They followed up their meals with a scoop of icecream which at $2 was cheaper than the dairy on the way home. Rich had spicy fried eggs with potato croquettes, melted cheese, heirloom tomatoes, merguez sausages and chipotle mayo, $24. There was an abundance of croquettes and tomatoes under those eggs. It was spicy, but a perfect combination and a meal that will keep you going until dinner. I had the French toast with Valrhona creme anglaise, fruits and crushed hazelnuts, $18. The presentation was exceptional, scattered freeze-dried and fresh strawberries, hazelnuts and a smattering of almond paste, all
worked beautifully. I wasn’t convinced by the creme anglaise, served in a side jug, but it was delicious without, so it didn’t matter. Coffee is Supreme but the $5 latte and $4.50 cappuccino were only just hot enough.
SERVICE & OTHER STUFF
The staff were friendly and attentive and wait times were minimal. Ambler is a relaxed and sophisticated all-day eatery that welcomes kids — an enticing option for a neighbourhood laden with young families.