On the list of great things that happen to Sydney renters it generally goes:
1. Your rent doesn’t increase.
2. You’re allowed a dog.
3. A kickass café opens in an area previously deprived of a top shelf spot for weekend brunch.
And for the good people of Alexandria, specifically the part near Redfern around theAustralian Technology Park, your number three wish has been granted with the opening of Meet Gerard.
This totally boss spot for a haloumi and egg roll understands the importance of multiple condiments. Not only do you get a herby aioli with your fried egg and cheese, but also a sweet swipe of tomato relish to brighten the wilted greens.
Want something a bit more adventurous than a brekky roll? You’re in luck, because these guys are taking the café menu to great new heights with a French toast extravaganza that puts slices of firm baked Granny Smith apples, ricotta and crumble topping on your malty slice of fried bread and then douses the lot in a whey caramel, because dessert really can be an anytime food. The yoghurt panna cotta with berries is also worth a mention.
They spice up humble avo on toast with heat, salt and zest from pickled chilli, feta and lime, and they’re taking elements from the whole nutritional triangle with their scrambo on a slice of Sonoma miche that bulks out your plate with broccolini and goat’s curd, with a dusting of sumac for some citrus pucker power.
If you too are a sucker for banana bread (we all know it’s just breakfast cake) prepare to upgrade to the spiced ginger bread topped with yoghurt and rhubarb. It's a rich, moist and incredibly indulgent way to start your morning. Basically what we’re saying is that this is a spot you’re going to want to keep coming back to until you’ve tried everything and settled on a favourite.
As is always the case with any cracking breakfast spot, the queues are already making an early morning visit the strategic choice, and it’s also meant there’s not much room for decoration – it’s a pared back space with big windows, lots of white paint and blonde wood.
It's a good day when your suburb is blessed with a thoroughly realised café that is doing everything right. The coffee game here is strong, the house-made sweets at the counter will corrode an iron will faster than you can say “and I’ll have a tiny bundt cake for the road” and they’re bringing the joy of discovery back to breakfast. No wonder people who meet Gerard fall instantly in love.