Aura Cafe, Templestowe

When I started my bottle shop in the north, I was worried that I will no longer be able to eat brunch like I used to. For one, there’s no time (or more like I’m too lazy to get up early…). The more important part was there just doesn’t seem to be as many hip cafes out in the suburbs. I wasn’t about to give up though and so the hunt began.

I tried a few cafes near the shop and a couple were not bad, but I was quite taken by this little discovery called Aura in Templestowe for their beautifully prepared food and lovely service.

It was quite a memorable visit as well for it was wasp season and we were sitting outside, enjoying the sunshine. I’m sure you can imagine what happened…it just wouldn’t leave our table! The manager was very nice and had us moved inside. Even towards the end of the meal, it was still hovering around. Perhaps someone dropped a jar of honey on that table?

I really needed a good caffeine hit so got my usual latte. It was beautifully presented (you know I love my coffee art) but I did find it a little bit weak although still hit the good ol’ caffeine spot in my tummy.Perhaps I will ask for a strong next time.

Yuye got a cappucino (just because I asked him to for my photos). 😛

Aura has a good selection of breakfast and lunch items but since I was craving for some eggs, I just had to get the Poached Special (GF) for $13.90. It’s not everyday that I get gluten-free meals (meaning no bread!) but it was a great choice given the weather at the time. The dish was beautiful in all aspects. It was beautifully presented with vibrant colours from the tomato and avocado salsa. It was refreshing and healthy, complimented by the smoked salmon.

The best part though, it had 3 poached eggs! Okay, so it may have been a bit too many eggs for one day. But hey, I’ve been deprived of runny egg yolks for a while so it was fine.

We did get this dish with hollandaise sauce as an extra ($2) but it didn’t really need it.

Now for some egg porn. Mmmmm…

To make matters worse, Yuye ordered the Breaky Feast ($14.50) which came with a potato rosti, continental sausage, roast tomato, spinach and…2 more poached eggs!! Now 5 eggs between 2 people really was a little too much, although we loved it anyway.

I was pleasantly surprised at how good the potato rosti was, since I’ve had nothing but soggy and slightly burnt ones this year. Aura made a crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside rosti that wasn’t at all oily. Doesn’t the presentation make you want to dig right in?

Now for some more egg porn shots…I know you can’t get enough of it like me!

Although we didn’t have any, Aura also has a nice selection of sweet things as well but we were running late for work. Hope I won’t be in as much of a hurry next time I visit.

What I liked the most about Aura though was the service. We were greeted with a big smile and smiles were there throughout the meal and often that’s what makes the difference.

Aura

Phone: (03) 98504007
200 High Street, Templestowe VIC 3107
http://www.auracrb.com.au/