I think I am becoming jaded by the Melbourne cafe scene. There are so many amazing places to eat in and around Melbourne city, and I’m spoilt to have quite a few within walking distance or a short tram ride away. But I’ve found recently I am unimpressed with the local offerings. Same same menus, same same people, same same same. It’s all gotten a bit boring.
This weekend my boyfriend and I took an impromptu trip down the coast to Phillip Island, where we are lucky enough to have a house owned by family we can escape to. I’ve spent my entire life holidaying at the Island and am very familiar with the local businesses – namely fish and chip shops. Cafe culture is not really what the Island is known for.
But all this is changing, because a new cafe has popped up in San Remo, the township at the gateway to the Island, and it’s something to write home about. In fact, I’d almost get up an hour early and drive the 90 minutes down the freeway on a Sunday morning just to eat here. I’ve found what Melbourne cafes are missing.
Porter Republic lies on the main shopping strip in San Remo, looking out across the bay to Phillip Island. They opened in June, but it’s easy to see why they are already successful. With the brilliant weather yesterday, the outlook was just delightful and the sun warm on the windows of the cafe.
The team at PR believe that coffee is king but that it should be enjoyed with your family (and that includes kids!) and friends. The cool hipster vibe of the space includes a spacious kids play area and a brilliant outdoor courtyard that will be fantastic this coming summer.
Image thanks to beanhunter.com
Don’t even get me started on the food. I had the breakfast burger – egg, bacon, cheese, a potato rosti, lettuce, tomato and onion – which was on (elective!) gluten free bread (GOOD gluten free bread!) while B had corn cakes with avocado, haloumi, bacon and tomato relish. Yeah, it sounds like Melbourne fare but it was all so much better. Maybe the beach makes everything better?
There is grass on the walls, heaps of reading material, quirky post it notes about the place and that laid back ‘we live by the ocean’ vibe. Plus heaps of smiles. I’m counting down the days until our next weekend away.
Imagine waking up to this everyday! Enjoy a sunrise with your coffee from Porter Republic.
PSST… these guys also have an ethical, earthy world view, and many of the books you’ll find here are about growing your own food and gardening. They are hosting Rohan Anderson, www.wholelarderlove.com at 7pm, Friday Nov 29 for a discussion on his philosophies on life: Grow. Gather. Hunt. Cook. Tickets are $25 and spots are limited. Hit up their facebook page for more info.
All images thanks to Porter Republic facebook page unless specified.
Porter Republic
117 Marine Parade
San Remo VIC 3925
Open 7 days from 7am