Either Or

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Brunch is one of these meals where one eats with one's eyes as well as mouth. Some say all meals have some aspect of this, but I think brunch, out of all the meals we eat, is particularly suited to an aesthetic that's vibrant and colourful, as though one could eat oneself happy. 

Either Or is a place where great coffee, innovative dishes meet aesthetics. 

Take the affogato for example  - ice cream with coffee is enough to bring plenty of joy simply as a standalone concept, but when the espresso shot comes in a mini crystal skull and rose petals adorn the snow white vanilla ice-cream, the joy is amplified. The coffee at Either Or is very good: the espresso robust and deep, keeping its dark roasted bitterness even when mixed with ice cream. 

Affogato, $5

The most fascinating item on the menu is the congee. I am very familiar with this typical breakfast staple: it's like a savoury rice pudding. A well-known variety served at Chinese restaurants may include some pork pieces and the infamous thousant-year-eggs; but the version served at home is usually very plain, with some pickled vegetables or fermented bean curd as a comfort meal or to settle one's stomach when one has been unwell. The version served at Either Or is creative, surprising, and packed full of goodness. 

A vinegar and sesame oil based broth is drizzled on top of thick, gooey rice, and topped with mushrooms, shallots, seaweed, blanched spinach and a bright, runny egg yolk. A generous sprinkling of sesame sees add crunch and fragrance to this satisfying, comforting bowl of goodness. 

Congee, $22

The Morning Stack is certainly the big breakfast, amped up. There is a choice of having the goodness stacked on top of sourdough or sweet potato, and the impressive spread includes house-cured salmon, wilted spinach, a soft boiled egg with its yoke deliciously runny, pistachio crumble, zataar, avocado and feta smash, and fresh, beautiful micro-herbs. For purists, the flavours and busy-ness of the dish might be a tad too much, but for those who love experiencing different flavours and textures at the same time, this is a delightful, filling meal. 

Morning Stack on Sourdough, $24

Score: 5/5
Cost: approx $30pp 
Address: 512 King St, Newtown NSW 2042
Website: https://www.eitheror.com.au (oh - check out their instagram. It is truly beautiful). 


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