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Empire Café Gallery (VIC) |
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Wednesday, 23 July 2008 |
The Empire Café
Gallery on Sydney Road
in Brunswick combines four elements any vegan
needs to survive a Melbourne
winter: great food, organic fair trade coffee, free wireless internet and a
cosy open fireplace.
The all day breakfast is great, with options to please both vegetarians and vegans
alike. Vegans can opt for a huge vegie scramble comprising any combination of
spinach, avocado, pumpkin, tomato, tofu and mushrooms. Pancakes (not vegan),
toast, smoothies and juices are also tempting.
If breakfast isn’t your thing, a yummy range of toasted sandwiches, wedges,
chips and a vegie burger are on offer, but be sure to specify your dietary
requirements. Stuffed with lentils, potatoes, fresh vegies and a peanut sauce,
the burger is delicious. To drink, The Empire serves Jasper’s Fair Trade/Organic
coffee and a mountain of different teas. A soy ‘puppycino’ with carob is also
on offer for your pampered pooch.
One of the best aspects of The Empire is the seriously nice staff that are
willing to tweak the items on the menu if you want something extra or something
left out. With an atmosphere similar to that of a caffeine-loving friend’s
house on a Saturday afternoon, with an eye-catching array of visual art, The
Empire is a favourite with locals and worth the trip for those not in Brunswick.
Empire Café Gallery
295 Sydney Rd, Brunswick, Vic
WORDS: Melissa Reidy
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