Lemon Rind Café, Drummoyne – Rating: 18.5/25 (re-review)

This review is slightly unfair in that it was conducted during the Christmas to New Year week which is traditionally a shut-down period for a lot of cafés.  Over the last two years though, I’ve noticed that my belief that breakfast is truly one of Sydney’s favourite meals is well an truly in effect, as customers have flocked to their local or favourite spots on almost every day of the year!

Not all eateries have realised this though and Lemon Rind Café was definitely caught unawares on this morning and slightly short-staffed.  I’m a reasonable person though and based on previous performance, I’m happy to add an extra star to “Service” on top of what I would have scored them.  Our interactions with the staff were brief but they maintained their professionalism and humour despite the circumstances.

This is just a quick one so no external shot.  Sufficed to say though, that there is ample seating inside and out and you can see the previous review for a photo.

Flat white

Cappuccino

Coffee ($3.50) was on point and looked fantastic.  The barrista took his time to ensure that our cups presented beautifully which I and other customers were grateful for.  Coffee Alchemy is in the mix here and it’s darker notes are something that I return to if I’m in the area.

Crumpets

I was disappointed to find out that even at 9:30am, the lemon ricotta pancakes that I was actually returning for were sold out!  Obviously due to LR not expecting so many customers this morning, my guest instead decided to choose the crumpets ($15) which are house made and served with ricotta, berry compote and golden syrup.  They were short of these ingredients so instead the crumpets were served with banana and berries.  My guest still received the decent amount of ricotta that was promised which combined so well with the golden syrup which I actually prefer to maple (yes, I know, you prefer maple).  The crumpets are quite tall but not too dense and the dish was well presented.

Croque madame

 Croque madame ($15) again please!  It’s rich, it’s decadent, it’s filled with gruyere cheese and bechamel and topped with more grilled cheese and an egg… andI love it.  The leaves on the side break up the richness but I believe that they are partly just for presentation.  This is one evil and delicious grilled sandwich!

The menu hasn’t changed much but you’ll find Lemon Rind to be a cosy, pleasant and unpretentious place to relax and enjoy a well-made breakfast.

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