Hawthorn 3122, VIC
Ph:98184448
Website: Replete Providore
I heard about Replete Providore from my work mate who raved about their Ricotta Hotcakes with Lemon Curd and fresh strawberries. I absolutely adore hotcakes so I had to go and give it a try. So one Saturday morning, Ling and I went there to sample the famous hotcakes that won The Age best breakfast dish a few years back.
While waiting to order, we looked around the store a bit. There were various food items that were on sale, some of them quite tempting like biscuits and slices. Replete are also a providore, but I'm not sure what that entails? I Googled providore and the dictionary definition is a purveyor, which means a person who sells food. In essence, doesn't every restaurant sell food, so are they all providores? It seems to be that providores sell speciality food products, which I guess Replete do, but not that many really.
To the meal itself, Ling got the Ricotta Hotcakes with Lemon Curd and fresh strawberries. It was indeed delicious, but I found it a bit sweet, especially the strawberry sauce. I was expecting the lemon curd to cut through that sweetness but it too was quite sweet. To be honest, I actually prefer Bill Granger's Ricotta Hotcakes with Honeycomb Butter. I've never tried the ones Bill serves at his restaurant, but the ones I make at home are amazingly. I improve, yes you heard right, improve Bill's hotcakes by serving it with caramelised bananas, walnuts and maple syrup. So imagine this ultra indulgent dish, fluffly ricotta hotcakes, topped with caramelised split bananas, roasted walnuts, a drizzle of maple syrup, and the super addictive honeycomb butter, mmmmmm.
For my meal, I ordered the Lamb Tagine. This was really good, and a huge serving. I could hardly finish half of it, with the soft lamb sitting above beans and vegetables. Two people would easily share that with some nice crispy bread. A beautifully presented coffee finished the meal for Ling while I had a nice refreshing juice.
Overall, it was a nice brunch and I would go back to try more items. I never quite understand brunches and don't do them often as I think the prices are very inflated usually. In the case of Replete, the prices aren't cheap, in the $15 range, but the food is good enough to justify that I think.
brunch is such an excuse for breakfast at any time of day, which is totally awesome.
ReplyDeleteHmm, that's a shame! You'd think the whole point of the lime curd would be to cut through the sweetness. It sounds good in theory, though!
ReplyDeletebreakfast and brunch menu prices are inflated but once in awhile, it's ok to indulge.
ReplyDeleteJust found your blog from heidi's =)
ReplyDeleteI've been to replete several times, the breakfast menu is pretty good, but the price is quite high, and it's almost always packed out!
Yummy nonetheless =)
So you would return? Sounds interesting... =)
ReplyDeleteI would like to try the "Ricotta Hotcakes with Lemon Curd and fresh strawberries".
ReplyDeleteThe picture looks delicious... ><
I love sweet stuff... :P
I really need to try Bill's hotcakes. Must make at home one day.
ReplyDeleteDon't worry, I don't understand brunches and how they think they can charge anything for them!
I like brunches! They are like breakfasts, but much more awesome and an excuse to eat way more than I should.
ReplyDeleteAllan, that is true, some places do serve brunch nearly all day.
ReplyDeleteHannah, I thought that was the theory too, but the execution wasn't so. It was still good, just a bit sweet.
Penny, I totally agree. Once in a while is ok.
Hi Petite, welcome to the blog. I've heard from my friend that Replete is always packed. I guess people like sitting around and enjoying their brunch. By the way, love the photos on your blog. I love the colour effects that you've applied to them. I must learn to use Photoshop and try some effects on my photos too.
I-Hua, I would return, just to try out a few more things.
RnR, definitely go and give it a try.
Michele, you must try Bill's hotcakes, with the added caramelized banana, roasted walnuts and maple syrup. That makes it even better. I'm glad I'm not the only one who doesn't fully understand brunch.
Celeste, haha, anytime is any excuse to eat too much. I guess there's people that brunch, and those that don't.
I adore brunches! I think it is that lingering and ordering multiple coffees is accepted, nay, expected! and without the judgement that may come if doing this at breakfast or lunch. that's my reasoning anyway :)
ReplyDeleteI love Replete. I must say I wasn't blown away by their hotcakes. I love Bill's hotcakes too. But honestly, like you, I'm pretty rapt with the pancakes I make at home, so it takes a lot to impress me :)
Replete do great coffee and eggs, with friendly and attentive service imo. Their brownie is also amazing.
Heidi xo
Heidi, the lingering is one aspect I like, that you can just sit there and chat. Maybe that's why they need to charge more as the turnover of tables is less.
ReplyDeleteHome cooking can sometimes be the greatest. And really, how hard is pancakes to make right?
I would go back to try their eggs next time, and maybe sneak in a brownie.
I'm headed here on the weekend. Hope the hotcakes aren't too sweet this time cos I really like the sound and look of them!
ReplyDeleteyou improve Bill Granger's recipe!? lol i'm still yet to try it but I've heard good things!
Michele, the hot cakes are quite sweet. Scrape off a bit of the sauce or ask them to serve separately so you can pour it yourself.
ReplyDeleteYep, I totally improved the recipe and make it as I described all the time. They are the best hotcakes.