LBSS, Abbotsford and a 1st Birthday

Can you believe it? Exactly one year ago, I sat here in angst ready to lay my soul on the line and expose myself to the criticism of others. I must have read the piece a hundred times and then proceeded to make my boyfriend read it one hundred more. With heart racing and a lump in my throat, I clicked that little ‘post’ sign with the apprehension one makes the jump out of a moving plane. Amazingly, nothing happened. The world didn’t explode, I didn’t implode and LBSS Cafe didn’t come knocking on my door carrying pitchforks. Since then it’s been a wild ride of new people, travel, blogger ethics, social media and, of course, some incredible food. One year on and I feel I have grown and evolved and my own identity as a ‘blogger’ has changed many of my views. Little Big Sugar Salt
www.lbsscafe.com
385 Victoria St
Abbotsford
(03) 9427 8818

Interestingly, LBSS opened just over a year ago as well and I figured it may be an idea to revisit an old haunt: see how they’ve grown on a similar timeline to myself. Sometimes a year changes a lot and sometimes it changes nothing. You can read about my first experience here.

Like all good birthday breakfasts, I rocked up hungover. Now, there are two types of hungover. The ‘I ravaged my body last night so I need to make up for it now’ or the ‘inject grease, carbs and caffeine directly into my veins’. On this visit, we encompassed both: my being the former and the boy being the latter. Not to worry, LBSS had us both covered.

The little space hasn’t changed much since my last visit bar the addition of the #selfiestation mirror in the bathroom. The intimate, tiny cafe space ensures privacy however sectioned rooms and few staff can give some the impression of a lacking in service. This particular morning, jazzy Amy Winehouse tunes floated through the converted residential house. I still haven’t decided whether they helped or hindered the hangover.

The coffee beans haven’t changed either, being Peoples Coffee, maintaining their flavor and body. Jax Coco is a new addition, however, and I sipped the accompanying stripey straw with vehemence hoping that the coconut water rumours are true and the magic drink would rehydrate my throbbing head.

LBSS isn’t a magical random jumble of letters but rather stands for Little Big Sugar Salt: a reference to their approach to a breakfast menu. A big and little version of sugar or salt are presented on a page that would make any graphics designer drool. As a list that limits itself to less than ten options, it is updated quite of often and safe to say my visit a year ago yielded some very different results.

Not only does this keep a cafe interesting but also allows them to get with the times, enter acai bowl. Unless you’ve been living under a very large pile of raw cacao, you couldn’t miss the superfood craze of the moment. This acai bowl was thick and cold, with flavours of banana and other fruity goodness. This was enhanced by pretty pieces of fresh fruit (namely peach and pear) and a crisp toasted muesli. The bowl was the perfect mix of smooth, sweet, crunchy and, of course, healthy.

On the other side of the spectrum, you have you salt. Perhaps the opposite to an acai bowl, the Ron Swanson is dripping in lactose, gluten, meat and eggs. A triple decker Croque Monsieur with a rich bechamel oozing from all sides. Thick chunks of ham hock, sourced from Bertie’s Butchers, hide themselves away in the layers and a soft fried egg perched over the top rather mischievously.

It is true that the only thing constant in this world is change. As we develop and progress, so does everyone around us. I love LBSS for the atmosphere, the individuality and the sense of fun propagated over social media (and a rather cheeky menu: I highly recommend you read the fine print). An intimacy is imparted like nowhere else; perfect for the kind of catchup in which your deepest secrets are revealed. Congratulations on your first birthday and I only hope we can both further expand on our knowledge, skill and passion for what we love.

please note: LBSS did a sneaky on me and changed their menu two days after my visit. I thought I’d better warn you in case you were expecting to order the same dishes. What did I say? The only constant in life is change.