The Bell Jar
https://www.facebook.com/thebelljar10656 Smith St Clifton Hill
9482 7980
There’s something really special about getting up early on a weekday to go out for breakfast. It sure puts me in good stead for the rest of the day, upping my mood and nourishing my brain. Even the thought of waking up early is no longer so horrific as I look forward to good food, good coffee and good company.
This was the case one Friday morning and as I approached the quaint, rustic and tiny storefront that is The Bell Jar; the early timing ensured empty seats that convincingly enticed me inside. Being down the quiet end of Smith St, you are ensured intimacy and peace in the inviting, wooden themed interior. The coffee machine sits grandly in the window, and the pastel teal coffee cups accompany the whiff of ground beans.
The menu reflects the intimacy; a limited yet wholistic menu ensures enough (but not too much) choice. Being the shroom-fiend I am, I went for rosemary and thyme mushrooms. The pleasant surprise that greeted me was a combination of field and button marinated mushrooms, topped with a bed of rocket and smooth, salty goat’s cheese. The sourdough base was fresh, soft and covered with a thick layer of fragrant basil besto. Rich, filling and flavoursome; the dish made great use of minimal ingredients to be simple and effective.
However, if you prefer a few more different pieces on your plate, the grilled haloumi dish should satisfy you. Squeaky and marinated in honey, the cheese is only the side as a perfectly poached egg atops a layer of avocado on sourdough, covered in a layer of thick chipotle sauce. Be forewarned, the chipotle is sure worth its weight in heat but does well not to lose its incredible pepper flavour; contrasting the palate- cleansing avocado. Lunchy things come in the form of delicious sandwiches; roast pumpkin or pork belly are both features.
The house coffee is Five Senses but single origin was readily available upon request. Unfortunately my coffee tolerance has declined in recent times but I was greeted kindly by a selection of Larsen & Thompson teas.
The current owners only recently took over the joint but have grand plans for the great potential. A gorgeous menu is supplied by only the freshest quality ingredients and the promise of fresh juices sourced from the Vic Market in the future ensured a return visit from myself in the near future.
This little cafe may be out of the way of the hustle and bustle but that’s to its advantage. Intimate, cosy, quiet, friendly (and delicious) are feelings rarely evoked in a cafe these days so it’s refreshing to feel so relaxed and comfortable when eating my early morning weekday breakfast. I highly recommend it. It makes the day all that more bearable.
