Features:
- pram access;
- high chairs;
- change facilities in disabled toilets;
- kids menu;
- standard menu suitable for kids;
- $1 babycinos with marshmallows; and
- toy box coming soon!
If someone were to ask me what life as a parent was like, I’d describe it as inspired moments of pure joy laced together by dull, tedious and necessary tasks. But it’s those golden moments that make being a parent worthwhile!
At Young Bloods Diner, I experienced an A+ parenting moment with Lady AB. It was the look of wonder on her face when she cracked the top of her first ever creme brulee to scoop out the delicious custard underneath. ‘Hmmm delicious mummy’ she said and her unalloyed delight absolutely made my day.
Young Bloods Diner has just opened on the site of the popular weekend Rose Street Artists Markets and given the paucity of truly child-friendly (as opposed to just child-tolerant) cafes in ever-gentrifying Fitzroy I think it’ll do really well.
I loved the jaunty yellow accents dotted throughout the space, from the awnings to the metal stools to the ubiquitous subway tile walls (though set at a slippery slide diagonal).
The main indoor area has a mix of small and communal tables, set low and high, and the space is flooded with a delicious sunlit warmth that it’s like sitting under one huge sun lamp. There’s a rooftop area and outdoor seats which will no doubt be popular in warmer weather.
The menu starts with breakfast sure-fire hits like porridge, granola and eggs (all under $10, a rarity in Fitzroy) before veering to an intriguing ‘breakfast salad’ of black pudding, tomato, potato croutons, egg and lettuce.
Lunch includes pre-made baguettes ($9), a seasonal soup ($10) and some creative salads with ingredients that sit at the opposite spectrum to iceberg lettuce – confit ocean trout, corned tongue and confit artichoke for example.
Out of the larger plates I chose the short rib gratin with greens and fried egg ($18) which turned out to be a large layered rectangle of thinly sliced potato and fall-apart beef balancing a gorgeously oozy fried egg on top and hiding some wilted bitter greens on the bottom. A hearty dish you won’t find on every cafe menu.
The kids menu takes a more familiar course through pasta, cheese, eggs, bread and chips but Lady AB and Baby 2.0 both tried my food (the gratin and a poached chicken baguette) without complaint and I’m all for introducing more interesting, adult tastes to my kids.
The crowning glory of our lunch was the gently vanilla pumpkin brulee with a slice of pain d’epice ($9). Lady AB loved this dessert and I could barely get a mouthful in as she demolished the brulee crust and dipped the pain d’epice in the custard. If only I could get her to eat plain pumpkin the rest of the time!
The folks behind Young Bloods Diner have thought of everything – numerous high chairs, babycinos, a kids menu, change table and I’m told a toy box is coming soon – without compromising on interesting, well-priced food. The brothers who own the place both have young children so they know what dining-out families are looking for. Our family for one are looking forward to being regulars!
Young Bloods Diner 60 Rose St, Fitzroy +61 3 9419 3864
Wednesday – Sunday • 7am – 5pm     Â
