St Ali

St Ali _____________________________________________________________________
12- 18 Yarra Place. South Melbourne.
www.stali.com.au
Ph 03 9686 2990

While this is not something I would normally preach, exposure to UV rays does have some benefits- the key one being; it assists in the body’s absorption of Vitamin D. Vitamin D is found in a variety of animal derived products such as eggs. So as I awoke to a crisp sunlit morning I thought me ‘best get me Vitamin D conversion happening while the sun still shines’. Yeah Ha
St Ali has the perfect combination of eggs and sun. Tucked away in a South Melbourne side street it is an industrial looking building both inside and out; exposed brick, roller garage doors that act as faux walls and concrete flooring sets a tone that is raw, honest and earthy.
As you approach St Ali there is a harmony that surrounds it, maybe it’s the sun streaming in, the light aroma of freshly roasted coffee or the uncluttered easy feeling decor. Whatever it was I liked it. I choose to sit by the elevated garage doors (I was now perfectly aligned with the sun for my conversion to take place...). My order was promptly taken with the waitress offering recommendations on request.
With over ten blends of coffee to choose from the concise brunch menu was appreciated. Eggs were the order of the day done poached, poached or poached. There was the standard fruit toast and Bircher options, all of healthy sizing’s and the ‘tasting plate’ which is a touch of brilliance for those who can’t make decisions; fruit toast, home poached winter fruits and a selection of toasted nuts-yum.
The roast of the day coffee-(done latte) arrived first, hot and milky. Not as strong as I was expecting for an on-premises roaster; what I would call a non-offensive coffee. Remaining on the vitamin conversion quest I opted for poached eggs on toasted pide with onion relish, haloumi and baby spinach topped with a rustic dukka. It arrived in good time and was presented well. The eggs were poached to perfection, still a bit runny with stunning bright golden yokes. On the downside, the dish was a little light on the relish which would have provided the oomph that it lacked. Overall it was not too heavy or salty however if your after a taste explosion you’ll be disappointed.
In addition to the menu there is delectable’s in the counter display including cupcakes, brownie, fresh pastries and slices. They serve the full Phoenix Organic drinks range and I shouldn’t forget to mention you can buy their coffee in take-home packs starting at $10 for 250gm of the St Ali blend.
It seems that everyone is in for a little Vitamin D action from the young families to recreational cyclists to the urban cool. In a city that prides itself on its poky laneway cafes it is nice to finally find an oasis where sunshine and eggs become one, I’ll Yeah-Ha to that!

Open: daily for breakfast and lunch
Price: brunch $8 - $13, coffee $3
Kid Friendly: Yes