The Boathouse, Palm Beach – Rating: 19/25

When some international guests of mine asked to visit Palm Beach, The Boathouse was an immediate choice.  I’ve reviewed it before and I can tell you that this is one polished café.  The staff are on the ball, the kitchen is quick and the interior is clean & organised;  it’s no surprise the model has been duplicated at its new Balmoral location as well.

While it is a victim of its own success (the long line to order at the counter and the hunt for a spare table), The Boathouse produces dishes, coffee and other beverages that I’d happily return for.

Sweet, creamy, large and cold.  The smoothies ($8) are available in an array of flavours and they are prepared with a mix of fresh fruit and flavouring for presentation.  Either way, my guests and I enjoyed ours.

Tea served how it should be.  You’re in control of the amount of leaves, milk, sugar and steeping time!

The coffee was outstanding with good quality beans and a strong flavour.  It’s also served looked extremely professional with perfect froth leaves on top and bright cups.

The Boathouse’s fruit salad ($14, add yoghurt $3, add coconut yoghurt $3, add muesli $4) represents a fantastic variety of well-prepared fruit including strawberries, orange, kiwi, grapes, passionfruit, watermelon and starfruit.  Nothing to fault here, really.

The Boathouse banana bread ($15) can also be served with honeycomb and whipped ricotta.  I’ve had my fair share of banana bread over the years to the point where it normally doesn’t excite me however Boathouse takes their recipe a step further with the addition of various seeds and nuts which add texture and some more variety.  The miniature loaf is also quite a decent size so it’s best shared.  This is definitely one of the more memorable banana breads I have sampled.

The croissant French toast ($19) is a sweet dish but not overly so.  The top is deliciously caramelised while the layers within are airy as should be expected from a quality croissant.  Combine it with fresh fruit and toasted nuts on the side and there’s some maple syrup to drizzle over it all.  An unusual dish that I haven’t tried before but exquisitely prepared and presented.

My two guests thoroughly enjoyed their very first bacon and egg roll ($13) ever!  I can also vouch for this version.  They are prepared and served cleanly with an overdose of crispy bacon and egg with a slightly runny yolk.  There is also a variety of sauces available including BBQ, tomato relish, cherry tomato chilli jam or aioli.

Other recommended dishes this time include avocado and tomato on charred toast with goats curd and basil ($18), mushroom and eggs with barley, kale and salsa ($17) and sausage and eggs with potato, avocado and chilli jam ($22).

It’s true that you get what you pay for and without doubt, you are guaranteed to be well fed and well taken care of at The Boathouse.  Utilising some of the freshest ingredients you’ll find, and with a menu that is always evolving, there is no reason to delay your visit!