Brunch isn't exactly my thing...we've established that, right?
Well, it just became my thing....but only if we're going to Haven Specialty Coffee. No seriously, it's that good. I've eyeing off this place for weeks now since I'm able to catch a glimpse of it every morning when I get off the train and every night when I go home. It really is that convenient (located right outside of Central station Surry Hills side)
That's why when the Mrs and I went out for sunday brunch, although we didn't have a place in mind yet, I was already secretly leading her towards Haven. For a brunch place in Surry Hills, we were still able to find a table rather easily (by rather I mean immediately, they have a lot of tables so don't worry about waiting around). Another thing I love about Haven was the fact that they have a proper kitchen fitout which meant no excessive wait times for your food. The staff at Haven are also extremely friendly, attentive and seem to know a lot about their craft (one particular staff member the Mrs couldn't stop ogling cause "she's just so pretty")
As with all brunch places, you would tend to order coffee with your food (for some coffee is the star of the show, not the food). At Haven, ordering coffee is a MUST, mainly because one of their biggest selling points is how you can tailor your coffee to your specifications and tastes. What that means is that you can choose to have your coffee extra nutty, sweet, aromatic, acidic or an otherwise endless combination of specifications. I opted to go for my usual (a cappuccino...I know, boring) but the Mrs ordered the Mocha...I mean, how could she not? 73% Madagascan Dark chocolate in and around the whole thing...simply indulgence defined.
The food came shortly after which was great! (less time starving, more time enjoying). The Mrs ordered the G'morning Haven Big Breakfast which was made up of two poached eggs, avocado, balsamic roasted cherry tomatoes, broad bean pesto and crispy bacon on a piece of soy and linseed toast. Altogether it was a delightful package, particularly the broad bean pesto which was such a refreshing element with new flavour profiles I'd never tasted before.
Normally, I'm not braggy about my selection but this time I just had to gloat a little because my dish (the Pork Belly Kimcheese Burger) was that good. Haven's signature five spice pork belly (traditional taiwanese style I believe) on a soft burger bun with kale, apple slaw, sesame omelette, kimchi, boccocini cheese and shaved radish. This dish turned me into a fan, if all the brunch dishes I've previously had were this fulfilling, I would never have a problem going to brunch. The pork was ridiculously soft and tender, falling apart with every bite. Then add in the kick from the kimchi, the creamy mellow from the cheese and the crisp sweetness of the kale, apple and radishes....oh my gee, it was good.
Normally, we'd end the post right here but as we had enjoyed ourselves so much at Haven, we went out on a limb and did something we don't normally do: order dessert. For dessert, we chose to have the Masfogato which was a 73% madagascan brownie, frozen mascarpone, walnuts and a shot of their house espresso in a lovely cup. We demolished it...I mean it would have been lovely if the mascarpone was easier to dig at but I blame our espresso pouring skills for that. The combination of sweet and creamy mascarpone, fudgy brownie and nutty, smooth espresso made for a delectable party in your mouth.
I honestly cannot praise Haven enough for the wonderful time they showed us while we were there. The food was spectacular, service was top-notch and coffee really is taken care of to the finest detail. If Haven was able to convert a firm anti-bruncher like me, I'm positive that you'd have a great time as well.
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