Zero Mode
G03/850, Whitehorse Road, Box Hill
03 9939 2873
Cafe
$$$
Food
- Wagyu Mode
- Happily Avo After
- I’m Makin’ Waffles
The Good
We were off to a tasty start to our meal with the Wagyu Mode. The gorgeous bowl was highlighted by the thinly sliced premium wagyu with 9+ marbling. Lightly seared and still red, the flavours were simply incredible and the protein was so tender it simply melted away in your mouth. The charring offered up an irresistible aroma, which was nicely accompanied by a perfectly cooked 63degree egg, juicy sauteed mushrooms, plenty of edamame, as well as pickled radish. All served on a bed of warm brown rice and held together by a tasty garlic soy sauce that beautifully complemented the umami of the beef, this was one bowl we just couldn’t get enough of!
As one of the signature dishes of the restaurant, Happily Avo After certainly did not disappoint either. The reconstructed “avocado” was filled with a heavenly light and creamy avocado mousse, its outer shell made with a crumbed parmesan cheese that had a light salty sensation. Alongside sat the incredibly smoky salmon tartare that featured generously sized chunks of salmon sashimi and avocado. All served on a slice of crunchy buttered sourdough, Zero Mode really took avo on toast to a whole new level.
We rounded off our meal with I’m Makin’ Waffles. It’s stunning presentation made way for a sinfully sweet dessert that just kept on giving. The Belgium waffle had great flavour, though was a tad too dense for our liking. With the scoop of ice cream slowly melting away on top onto the popcorn and cookie crumble, the sweetness was intense and beautifully contrasted by the strips of crispy maple bacon. Accompanied by softer, spongier bits like the bubble tea pearls and banana, this waffle had it all!
The Mediocre
Nothing.
The Bad
Nothing.
The Verdict
Taking over the former home of Whitehorse Chloe, Zero Mode is a brand new Asian-inspired cafe that pushes the boundaries of brunch. Their incredibly creative and superbly executed menu not only looks sensational, but delivered in taste and flavour too! For an unforgettable and extraordinary brunch fare, Zero Mode must not be missed.
Would Penguin Eat Again?
Most definitely.
Penguineats would like to thank Zero Mode for inviting us.