Paul G.
Yelp
I've had my eye on Cafe Troppo since it was a construction site. I've always had a good feeling about the place, even if only because of the building it is a part of--one of the jewels in the Adelaide City Council's eco-crown. Having said all that, it's taken me until now to check it out--even though I peddle past it a few times a week. What gives, hey?
Popped in for breakfast on the weekend and give it a 17/20.
Service - A little slow with the coffees. But it was worth the wait. Didn't get my order quite right. 2.5/5.
Decor - What a cool, cool, cool place. The chairs are made from recycled hessian bags--well that's the illusion they cast--and man they're comfy. The rest of the place looks to have been partially fitted out with recycled materials--again, this could be an illusion. It has a really rockin' vibe. Very rustic; tremendously welcoming. The sort of place you want to kick back in and watch the afternoon pass you by.
That aside, the place lends to a perception of fullness. This is one of the reasons I hadn't stopped by sooner: it always looks busy and chockers. It is a small, busy place, so no doubt gets full quickly. However, I reckon it is worth the wait. We were lucky to get a table straight away. 4.5/5.
Coffee - The best in Adelaide? If not, it would have to be close. They use Australian's Own Organic soy milk which is a fine milk. I really like the buttery, slightly oily flavour it has. (Bad description? Trust me, it's good!) 5/5.
Food - As mentioned earlier, they didn't quite get my meal right. I asked for "something vegan; no avocado". It arrived with two wedges of avo on the side. Argh, I hate the stuff! No matter, I could brush it aside and devour the rest. And devour I did. A thick slice of sour dough lightly drizzled with a good olive oil. Topped with slices of sweet, summer tomato; sautéed mushrooms--which were seasoned impeccably;--bit o' spinach for greenery and a smear of pesto on the side--great for dipping and uniting everything.
I have yearned so long to have a hot breakfast like this at a cafe. Mostly, the meal is missing a touch of love. Just a little somethin' somethin' to turn toast, tomato, spinach and 'shrooms into something a little bit interesting. Troppo did it. I tilt my hat. 5/5.
**
An aside: the prices. I expected it to be a little on the pricey side. How wrong I was. Breakfasts float between $9-14. How's that?
++++ VEGAN FRIENDLINESS -- They know what "vegan" means and they know how to cater for 'em. I reckon vegans are in good hands, for breakfast, lunch and dinner here. (Still to try lunch 'n' dinner: I'll report back.) They use Australia's Own Organic soy milk which is a decent soy; sometimes better than Bonsoy if prepared skilfully.