armchair collective, Mona Vale – Rating: 21/25

After countless recommendations that I review armchair collective, the break in the rainy weather after Christmas was a sign that I should head up to the Northern beaches to see what the establishment had to offer.

The place was a hub of activity on arrival and this was a Thursday… I can only imagine the amount of people they must serve on a weekend!  Seating is plentiful.   Lounge on the deck chairs outside, sit at the long tables or nestle in amongst the comfortable designer interior.

Grab a menu and then order & pay at the counter.  Water is attained from the inverted-U shaped tap which can be used to fill one of the jugs.

I was impressed throughout our visit by how everything is kept so orderly despite the crowds.  The patrons themselves are quite a broad mix from local surfer couples to pensioners.  Everyone had a smile though, including the waitstaff.

Single Origin beans were skilfully transformed into outstanding cups of coffee (regular $3.80, large $4.50) at slightly higher than normal prices.  Hot chocolate, mocha, chai lattes ($4 each), ristretto ($3), double ristretto ($3.80), macchiato ($3.80), double macchiato ($4) and a variety of teas ($4) are also available to satisfy your hot drink desires.

A flurry of berry flavoured delights!  The fruit frappe ($8) was comprised of an assortment of fresh mixed berries and was a hit amongst all.  Smoothies ($8) are available with berry or banana.  Our berry variety was very sweet but outstanding.  The honey on the inside of the bottle was a nice flavoursome touch.  And the strawberry milkshake ($6.50) was also delicious although I have heard that the chocolate is the one to go for.  Next time…

We all shared the fruit salad ($12) which was served with yoghurt and honey on the side.  A generous combination of strawberries, blueberries, rockmelon, watermeleon and grapes which were all fresh and ripe.  We could only sit and admire the rustic, simple presentation… not for too long though as we couldn’t wait to dive in!

Switching the traditional lettuce for rocket, the BRT ($15) also throws in a chilli jam and aioli combination for a superb flavour.  There was more of the latter but either way, it tasted great.  The bacon in this dish (as well as in others) was absolutely outstanding – crispy and full of flavour.  The fresh roll only added to the quality.

If this photo doesn’t make you jump up from your seat and head straight to Mona Vale, I don’t know what will!  Now this is a bacon and egg roll ($9).  More of that gorgeous bacon with rocket and some creamy aioli, this dish was an absolute hit. Killer price too.

It’s obvious that the chefs here take pride in what they produce.  The wild mushroom bruschetta ($17) is no exception.  Served with a very generous portion of goats cheese and garnished with tomatoes, pinenuts & micro herbs, the entire dish was surrounded with a balsamic reduction.  The pesto was as good as any we have tasted.  Overall a very light dish except for the dense toast.

Despite photographing my poached eggs ($17) when it arrived, I just had to post the ‘post egg cutting’ photo.  Perfectly poached eggs!  They were served with plenty of crispy bacon, roasted tomatoes and thick slices of multigrain.  The toast itself was slightly on the too thick side for me.  It’s also very dense and filling but overall this was simply delicious.

The menu at armchair collective initially seemed quite small but it has all the bases covered from the sweet such as the oatmeal and buttermilk pancakes with caramelised banana and vanilla ricotta ($17) or the banana bread with blueberry ricotta ($10) to the savoury with the sesame bagel with smoked ocean trout, neufchatel cream cheese and baby capers ($16).

The thick cut chips with harissa mayonnaise ($8) and collective beef burger with beetroot marmalade, cheese, tomato, onion and pickled cucumbers with chips on the side ($19) also looked incredible.

The interior is comprised of tables & seating amongst homeware items for sale.  Kitchen and interior design aficionados best be careful when entering the store as they will most likely find something they want to purchase!  You’ll be sure to find a stylish gift for birthdays here.

The quality of the dishes served at armchair collective combined with the super-relaxed surroundings and faultless proximity to the beach have made this café an instant favourite of mine!