Ironwood Coffee Company, Woolwich – Rating: 20/25

Ironwood Coffee Company

Ironwood Coffee Company was opened in March this year by Tom Labrakis and Angelo Glinellis and it’s quickly making a name for itself on the breakfast, lunch and dinner scene. Tom has been in the chef and bakery game for years, gathering awards and being mentioned in many guides while Angelo owns the well established YCC Poultry. With Ironwood Coffee Company though, they wanted to start a brand new venture that would allow them to express their culinary expertise and passion. They combine this with a Greek/Mediterranean background and fresh ingredients to create a seasonally changing menu and daily specials.

Angelo and his family are Woolwich locals so it was apparent to them that the area was sorely in need of a quality café. He and Tom moved into the space that was previously inhabited by the Japanese restaurant, Koi. The timber fitout works well and was initially built by Ironwood Australia recyclers in Rozelle. The timber used comes from the original Hornibrook Bridge in Queensland and even comes with some of the original bolt holes. Tom and Angelo kept the theme throughout the interior and it also became the name of their coffee company!

We arrived early so had our pick of the tables in the spacious interior. At this point we were left to our own devices whereas it would have been preferable to have been been offered coffee while we perused the menu. After a few minutes, our drink and food orders were taken together. I would have appreciated slightly more attention being paid to our various stages of dining.

Cappuccino

Flat white

Our coffees ($3.50) really were a cut above. ICC roasts their beans in three micro roasters and all of their coffees “are genuine specialty grade, Grand Cru and organic”. Tom and Angelo are very proud of their coffee and change the beans that they import depending on the season and crop. At the moment it’s Costa Rica San Juanilo microlot, Ethiopia Lekempti Organic and Indonesia Sulawesi Toraja among others.

Their dedication shines through because I would most certainly return again even if it was just for the coffee.

Haloumi BLT

The grilled haloumi BLT ($15) provides the basic ingredients of this well known sandwich in a mouthwatering package. Served on Turkish bread, the bacon was particularly tasty. You’ll also find Roma tomato, mixed leaves and lemon zest aioli all complimenting the thick piece of haloumi cheese perfectly.

Eggs Benedict

The eggs Benedict ($18) was served with more of the delicious crispy bacon as opposed to ham which I certainly had no complaints about! The two poached eggs were cooked perfectly and served on top of thick and soft sourdough. This all sat on top of rocket for a fresh, sharp taste. I’m very critical of my hollandaise sauces but I have to say that this time it hit the mark with just the right consistency and flavour. Tomato and avocado were unusual but welcome sides.

The menu is quite large so you will probably have a hard time choosing! Other items that I liked the look of include fresh hot croissants, with jam and butter of cheese ($7 each), vegetarian breaky (field mushrooms, roasted tomato, sauteed baby spinach, avocado, 2 poached eggs and hollandaise sauce with sourdough, $18), Ironwood Grande (your style of eggs, bacon, sauteed mushrooms, spicy sausage, roasted tomato and has browns with sourdough, $18), French toast (brioch with maple syrup and mixed berry compote ($14), bircher muesli ($14) and a big variety of omelettes with or without egg whites ($16). Oh and pancakes or Belgian waffles ($14) with maple syrup and vanilla ice cream, Nutella and roasted nuts, mixed berry compote or fresh strawberries and chocolate fudge sauce!

Pastry

Blackberry cheesecake

Almond croissant and hazelnut log

ICC employs a full time pastry chef under the direction of Tom. Customers keep returning for the classics like crème brulee, lemon meringue tart, tiramisu or ricotta cheese cake and with such a large selection of inhouse desserts and pastries, there’s something to tickle everyone’s fancy.

Recent new desserts included Nutella and white chocolate mousse, mixed berry Swiss roll Pavlova, sticky dry fig pudding and red wine pear tart!

Ironwood Coffee Company is off to a flying start and with such passionate people running the show, I have high hopes. While the pastry selection certainly stands out, I would like to see some more unique savoury dishes at reasonably prices. They already make fantastic use of seasonal produce but much like the pizzas and chargrilled meats that I’ve heard so much about, some special items are required to bring the breakfast crowds. That said, I can only congratulate ICC on the high score and wish the team all the best for the future.

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