Peter C.
Yelp
SIT IN ... a narrow alleyway of a cafe whose ceiling is probably higher than the restaurant is wide. The walls are a bit barren, and the mahogany stools too hard to be truly cafe-chic... though maybe I just have a bony ass :)
NIBBLE ON ... some flavorful, vibrant salads! The name of the game at Mad Spuds is "quality nutritious" potato dishes, though what they do best (fried potatoes) doesn't really play a strong hand in the healthful space unless you're deluding yourself (which, given the crowds here, seems to accurately describe the Surry Hill sider mindset!). So, I'll recommend a few of the salads instead, which I think are a bit more forgiving. The corn-crusted chicken salad ($15) packs a real flavor punch, with chicken breast that is first crusted with corn meal, then fried and sliced on top of a bed of spinach and rocket. Crunchy on the outside, perfectly moist and tender on the inside, which can be so difficult to achieve with white meat. It comes with a sweet potato puree that's spiced with lime and is deliriously amazing; a caramelized onion jam; a tangy beetroot relish; and even avocado and kipler potatoes with chili .... Lots going on in this salad, maybe too much. Ironically, the potatoes were the least flavorful component, but were still nicely roasted. Or try the lentil spud crunch ($15), with two massive lentil patties, made crunchy from a quick fry, coupled with pickled yellow cauliflower, ginger, vegan fig puree, almonds, and baby tomatoes. Organic green lentils are piled high on top of the patties, for good measure. Everything is made in-house, from the purees to the jams, and aims to be organic wherever possible, which is a big plus.
IMBIBE FROM ... coffee made from Double Roasters beans (of Marrickville origin), awarded two hats recently for a reason. Their coffee runs a bit strong, which is fantastic for a Sunday pick-me-up. I wish they were open for dinner too, but they shut down at 5 pm.
TALK TO ... the very friendly staff, who made the rounds, asking how people's meals were, despite the massive turnover of people on an early Sunday afternoon. I got takeaway from here once, and they were kind enough to advise if a 10 minute wait would be all right (it was fine with me, and in fact only took the prescribed amount of time!)