Salvage Specialist Coffee, Artarmon – Rating: 21.5/25

Salvage Specialist Coffee

For just over one year, Salvage Specialist Coffee has been spreading their passion for coffee. Thanks to a knowledge of blends, techniques and single origin flavours, it is pretty much guaranteed that your cup will hit the spot.

SSC is located in the pedestrian-only Wilkes Avenue and aside from a few counter spots, all of the seating is outside… which is perfect by the way because this is the perfect spot to soak up some sun and enjoy a laid back morning.

If there’s a wait, the staff will write your name and number of seats on a board. They’re friendly and quick about it. The staff were on the ball and very interactive. I enjoy service with a smile on my weekend exploits.

Flat white

Cappuccino

Mecca coffee to die for. As well as all of the regulars you’ll also find aeropress ($5), batch brew ($3), cold brew ($5) and single origins (this week from Ethiopia and Hinduras). Extras available include soy, extra shot, mocha, honey, vampire blood, unicorn tears or kisses from Zooey Deschanel ($0.50 each)!

Croque Madame

The SSC croque madame ($14) is decadence on a board with tremendous flavours coming from each ingredient. Generous amounts of stringy Gruyere cheese, Black Forest ham and Dijon mustard all stand out yet combine perfectly. One half of the sandwich is topped with a perfectly poached egg while the other benefits from a slathering of bechamel which was flavoursome without being too rich.

For those who don’t want to go all-out, try the toastie ($8) which offers Black Forest ham and Warrnambool cheddar.

Smoked ocean trout

Obvious pride and love go into the smoked ocean trout ($14) board. Everything was elegantly presented, the trout itself was topped with a healthy amount of sesame seeds which compliment very well. Also, yet another perfect free range egg, pickled fennel and creme fraiche. Tasting each ingredient, I was definitely impressed but put together I was in heaven.

Pulled pork roll

With a hunger for more and an interest to see their interpretation of pulled pork, I also ordered the pulled pork roll ($14). The pork was incredibly tender and juicy. I like my American barbecue flavours intense and very smokey. While it was seasoned well, I missed this from the pork but luckily the homemade barbecue sauce came to the rescue. There was enough of it to cover every bite. The softness of the brioche bun and pork was balanced by fresh crunchy apple and fennel, all topped off with rocket and a light coleslaw dressing. A North American classic done well.

Specialists in coffee indeed

I found virtually nothing to complain about thanks to delicious food and a strong team at Salvage Specialist Coffee. The locals know that this is the place to pass through for a hot brew and its good to find an establishment that is doing unique breakfast dishes on the north shore.

The menu at SSC changes often so keep an eye on the Facebook page (or the blackboard from Thursdays) but if you’re quick (ie today), you will grab the chance to try the wagyu and eggplant (Schultz smoked wagyu, eggplant cream, poached egg, pinenuts and sourdough, $16) or the affineur venison terrine (with mushrooms, hazelnut praline, pickled grapes and blueberries, $18). Items from the regular menu include fig and walnut granola with Meredith Dairy yoghurt and seasonal fruit, $11) and smashed avo with pinenuts, fresh herbs, tomato and seeded sourdough ($12).

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