Acre at Camperdown Commons, Newtown – Rating: 21/25

Camperdown Commons

You’re like me. You endeavour to find new breakfast flavours and exciting morning locales to share with family and friends. For something special and a little bit different, may I present Acre at Camperdown Commons.

Somehow this establishment has secured the time and space to open a large, sustainable café, restaurant, coffee cart, and farmable fields in an inner city location. It’s something that needs to be seen to be believed. You’re greeted by rows of carefully planted and maintained vegetables upon entry which then opens to a multitude of seating areas including indoor, undercover or on the grass with rugs and umbrellas. Children will love the play area with a view of the rescued battery chickens who now enjoy a much larger space.

While Acre is open for other meals, as usual my visit was purely to concentrate on the breakfast. And concentrate we did as my guest and I inhaled item after item…

Flat white

Ordering is done at the counter but it’s table service from then on. I thought that the coffee was a definite win. Served elegantly and prepared professionally, it had the right kick and strength (ie it kicked hard)!

Acre garden bloody Mary

Orange juice

If you’re after something cool and refreshing, Acre also has you covered. Freshly squeezed orange juice ($6.50) comes in a reused jar. The more adventurous can opt for either the breakfast juice (blood orange, capsicum, ginger, tumeric, $7) or green (apple, cucumber, kale, mint, celery, $8).

The garden bloody Mary ($16) or virgin bloody Mary ($10) were as good as any that my guest or I have tasted. With crisp celery and a hit of Tabasco, the cool cocktail made for a delicious morning pick-me-up.

Acre yoghurt bowl

Whether you’re after something cool, light or in my case a sweet starter before your main breakfast dish, a muesli, yoghurt or fruit bowl is a great choice. The Acre yoghurt bowl ($14) offers a base of yoghurt, seasonal fruit and granola. In our case, the rhubarb yoghurt was a terrific start; not too sweet but plenty of flavour.. The crunchy granola clusters were a seamless match.

Smashed avocado

The fresh flavours abound on the plate of the smashed avocado ($16). Served on sourdough, there were copious amounts of everything promised. A chunky tomato salsa was drizzled with salty feta and a soft boiled egg. Once again with presentation on point, my guest and I felt special dining on an Acre dish.

Acre breakfast plate

My guest opted for the Acre breakfast plate ($17). It was a bit of a mishmash with presentation not as up to par as the other dishes (I can see the modern style that they were going for but I don’t think it works). That being said, the flavours complimented one another to the point where it didn’t matter what you picked up on the end of your fork. Super soft prosciutto, macadamia hummus, pickles, soft boiled egg or chutney. Every housemade ingredient shone.

Smoked beans sample

It’s always a gamble ordering beans from a breakfast menu. While regular canned bean might be what you’re after, sometimes you want some smokey, housemade goodness. The Acre pit smoked beans ($17) actually fulfilled our needs! Smokey indeed and a portion large enough to fill even the deepest pit of a stomach.

Expansive seating options

Fields

Other items on the menu that we didn’t get to try include charred cauliflower salad, grains, cranberries, ricotta, garden greens, boiled egg, $17), smoked free range pulled pork, brioche, garden slaw, $19) and the breakfast wrap (avocado, tomato, ricotta, boiled egg, $16). There’s plenty more including a children’s menu.

Undercover seating

No matter how you like to sit or what the weather decides to throw at you, Acre can cater to your needs. All of the staff were fantastic throughout our visit; helpful, friendly and informative regarding information on the Camperdown Commons. All in all it was a thrilling experience and thanks to the lack of huge crowds, somewhere that I’m looking forward to returning to.

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