Tinker
235 High Street, Northcote
03 9482 5264
Breakfast, Cafe, Coffee, Coffee and Tea, Healthy Food
$$
Food
- Breakfast Bowl
- Sirarcha Baked Salmon
- Mango and Saffron Panna Cotta
- Turmeric Latte
- Peanut Butter and Raspberry Smoothie
The Good
It was a tasty start with the Breakfast Bowl. The warm cashew pesto quinoa was light and fluffy, which was accompanied by young kale leaves. Served on the side was the tender and exceptionally fresh smoked salmon, well complemented by the creaminess of the yoghurt and bits of avocado. With pita chips offering up a satisfying crunch, as well as the squeaky slices of grilled halloumi providing a savoury sensation, this dish satisfied all the senses, yet managed to be incredibly healthy and wholesome.
The Sirarcha Baked Salmon was no less spectacular. The exceptionally tender salmon and well-seasoned was lightly glazed with the bright orange spicy Sirarcha. The fish itself was amazingly tender without so much of a hint of fishyness, and with a crispy skin, the salmon was just cooked flawlessly. Underneath sat a bed of raw noodles, which turns out to be long strands of lightly seasoned and crunchy zucchini. The herb dressing was light yet fragrant, while the fried basil added a hint of crispness throughout.
We concluded our meal with the Mango and Saffron Panna Cotta. While the stunning and unique presentation definitely brought the wow-factor to the next level, the dish brought with it taste to match. Exceedingly smooth and creamy, the panna cotta passed the wobbly test with flying colours. The mango flavour throughout was pleasant without being overpowered by sweetness, which was well contrasted by the crunch of the toasted granola scattered throughout. Served alongside an abundance of fresh berries offering up a balancing tartness as well as wholesome passionfruit slices, with its seeds providing a juxtaposing crunch with each chomp down. This was probably one of the best Panna Cotta we’ve ever had – well balanced in every conceivable way.
The Mediocre
Nothing.
The Bad
Nothing.
The Verdict
Tinker has been on our radar for a long time coming, and this visit certainly didn’t disappoint one bit. These distinctly unique dishes that we sampled not only lived up to expectations in terms of presentation, but most importantly in taste. For a creative, healthy and satisfying brunch fare, Tinker is definitely hard to beat!
Would Penguin Eat Again?
For sure! We will be back for more of that Panna Cotta any day of the week!
Penguineats would like to thank Tinker for inviting us.