The Trail, Vaucluse – Rating: 22/25

The Trail

Right near the beginning of New South Head Road is a small, easily-missable café. It’s an unassuming establishment with a small number of tables but it’s clean and presentable. Service was spot-on throughout and this is probably one of the most relaxing spots you’ll find. It’s quiet and I found the other patrons to be friendly and open.

Flat white

Cappuccino

Coffee ($3.50) by Little Marionette and it’s delightfully full on rich and deep flavours. Cold drip coffee ($4) and tea ($4) by Tippity Tea is also on offer.

Angel hair pasta

Yes, there’s pasta on the breakfast menu… and it is fantastic! The angel hair pasta ($20) features a combination of truffled mushrooms and kale throughout and it’s topped with pecorino cheese, hazelnuts and lemon zest. The truffle oil was only a hint and that’s all it needed. Overall, flavours that can’t be beaten really.

Roasted pepper & Manchego omelette

One of the best omelettes you’ll ever taste. Yep, I said it! The roasted pepper & Manchego omelette ($16) once again shows that despite a reasonably concise menu, it’s still one that can shine. The omelette itself was seasoned well and featured plenty of roasted peppers. It was very moreish with quite a dense consistency and well cooked exterior. The jalapeno salsa really lifted this dish. It is cool in temperature and has a lifting flavour and kick. I would order this over and over again.

Smashed avo

This dish has become a Sydney classic. You can find a version of it at most cafés and The Trail’s smashed avo ($17) is up there with the best of them. I can fault nothing. The toast was thick but tasty and easy to cut through, the avocado and cherry tomatoes were fresh, the feta contributed its smooth texture and some saltiness while the soft eggs on top were covered with dukka seasoning. It was blissful. While there is no bacon available, I added a side of jamon for $5. The serving size was decent and it worked well with this dish. Other sides available are roast wild mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, avocado and Rosemary roast potatoes ($5 each).

Other dishes worth ordering include the house made granola & yoghurt bowl with berries & mango ($13), chia, oat & pepita bircher muesli with seasonal fruit ($14), braised beef brisket on a brioche bun with Jack cheese, celeriac & fennel remoulade, rosemary roast potatoes & chipotle aioli ($20).

What else do I need to say about the food? What we tasted were genius dishes, executed perfectly. Overall, one of my best eastern suburbs breakfast experiences in a while!

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