Black Gold
285 Lennox Street, Richmond
03 9044 5110
Breakfast, Cafe, Coffee, Coffee and Tea, Healthy Food
$$
Food
- Choco Nutter Butter
- Golden Grind Turmeric Latte
- Egg Pizza
- Mushies on Cobb Lane Toast
- Acai Pancakes
The Good
It was off to a great start with the Choc Nutter Butter. The peanut butter flavour was pleasant without being overpowering, well balanced with the raw cacao that was used within. The use of almond milk also prevented the smoothie from being too heavy. Topped with coconut shavings and chia seeds, and with a whole banana blended within, this smoothie had it all. Not only did it have a good variation in textures, it was also healthy and tasty!
Black Gold’s take on the breakfast pizza was rather interesting we definitely weren’t disappointed. Essentially an open omelette, this Egg Pizza was loaded with four whole eggs providing plenty of protein and a generous amount of gooey and runny yolk goodness. The was complemented by thin slices of tender and flavoursome duck, providing a palatable savoury meaty flavour which was contrasted by the freshness of the spinach. Alongside were the lightly charred, incredibly juicy cherry tomatoes that were simply bursting with each bite, and the flavoursome goat’s cheese provided a nice creaminess to the dish.
We also enjoyed thoroughly enjoyed the Mushies on Cobb Lane Toast. Loaded with a generous amount of mushrooms, they were sauteed to absolute perfection. Lightly seasoned and finished with butter, each slice of mushroom provided a slight crunch before giving way to an exceptionally soft and juicy inner that literally burst with juices. With an undeniably fragrant sensation, and the creamy mushroom ketchup and the once again delectable goats cheese only created more appetising flavours. All served on a lightly toasted and aptly crunchy toast from Cobb Lane, this seemingly simple dish was so delicious and well executed, all except for the poached egg which could’ve been a tad more runny.
Acai Pancakes were something we’ve never come across before, and while the combination was seemingly odd, we were rather impressed. The house-made pancakes were unexpectedly thin, though still provided a pleasant soft and spongey sensation with each bite. Given that the pancake batter was mixed with acai, there was a slight hint of fruitiness within each bite, which was perfectly accompanied by an abundance of strawberries and kiwi slices scattering around the plate. The toasted coconut shavings provided great crispness and directly juxtaposed the dollop of smooth and creamy whipped ricotta topping the pancakes. While the dish was well balanced in textures, we felt that a drizzle of honey or maple syrup could’ve added greater sweetness to enhance the flavours of this dessert.
The Mediocre
We felt that the Golden Grind Turmeric Latte could’ve done with more spice. However, the honey served alongside was absolutely beautiful and aromatic, and perfectly accompanied the turmeric flavour.
The Bad
Nothing.
The Verdict
Having taken over from the old Barrio 3121, Black Gold inhibits the same venue, though thankfully offers a much more promising and delicious take on a modern breakfast fair.
With a creative menu that incorporates fresh, wholesome and healthy ingredients, coupled with an owner and head-chef that definitely knows his way around the kitchen, the results are undoubtedly spectacular and impressive.
Would Penguin Eat Again?
For sure. We very much look forward to return, and hopefully the famous Wagyu Benedict won’t have run out this time round!
Penguineats would like to thank owners Aishya and Azem for inviting us to Black Gold.