Jade Jagger once called herself “a pathetic aesthete.” She was using the term to apply to her policy of only hiring good looking sales staff and was famously quoted by London Express as saying “I just can’t really understand people who have ugly people working for them. I really can’t. Just call me a pathetic aesthete.”
*cough* Oh dear, although I suppose you can say those things when your dad is Mick Jagger and your mum is Bianca Jagger.
But when I look around at Three Blue Ducks, it seems like Ms Jagger has had a hand with their hiring. Of course I’m joking, the staff here just happen to be without exception extremely comely but one thing that Ms Jagger forgot to mention when hiring people is that it’s good to hire people that are friendly and it seems every staff member we encounter at Three Blue Ducks is friendly as well as being pretty.
I was recommended Three Blue Ducks by my wonderful hairdresser Elly at Stevie English Hair. She lives nearby and she reported that “there’s always a queue outside.” The cafe has become so popular that it has taken up the premises alongside the original cafe and laneway. Why the mass love? Well one the chefs there Mark was formerly of Tetsuya’s and he and his surfing pals (the other ducks Sam and Chris) bonded through their mutual love of surfing.
Why Three Blue Ducks as a name? The duck egg blue colour carries through to the colour of the menus and even the waitress (like Zooey Deschanel from New Girl) even exclaims “Oh look my nails are the same colour as the menu!” as she points at the menu. One of the waiters explains that the name Three Blue Ducks is a reference to Bronte Gully which is a picturesque spot “where grommets (young surfers) used to take the girls and…” he drifts off before admitting “It’s actually quite naughty.” 
We’re seated in the alleyway but not to worry if you do sit here, there is plenty of service and you’re not left in social Siberia trying to wave down a passing waiter. The breakfast menu is available until 11:30am but Elly’s advice to get there early (before 10:30am) pays off and we don’t have to wait for a table. The menu tells us that the tea, coffee and eggs are organic, the sourdough is from Iggy’s (a few door’s down), the seafood is handpicked from the markets at 8am, the beef is grass fed from Tasmania and even their cleaning products are non toxic and biodegradable.
Chai masala latte $4.50
With a S (or is that a Yin Yang, thanks Jaqi!) imprinted in cinnamon on top, there was a side serve of runny honey with the aromatic chai.
The 378 Juice $7
The pear, apple, pineapple and mint comes quickly, thick with foam and the predominant flavours are the pineapple and mint, the more strongly flavoured of the cast of fruit and herbs. It comes without ice but is chilled and smooth.
We had some trouble trying to decide what to order so we left it up to the waitress who told us that the three best sellers were the eggs: baked, scrambled and poached. Having heard that the baked eggs were amazing from Elly we ordered those and since I have a thing for black pudding, the scrambled eggs, with its motley crew of ingredients caught my eye.
Baked eggs with chorizo, capsicum salsa and cannellini beans $19
Mr NQN is making happy noises and making quick work with the baked eggs so I had to remind him that we were sharing The baked eggs had lovely runny yolks, chunks of garlicky chorizo and cannellini beans. They were packed full of flavour and spicy and came with half a grilled, herbed tomato and a fat slice of toasted Iggy’s sourdough bread.
Scrambled eggs with black sausage, dill cucumber yogurt salad and redcurrent jelly $19
The scrambled eggs however were my undoing. Black or blood sausage when done right is just so lovely and this is definitely in the like category with it’s rich, crumbly but soft and moist texture and hint of white pepper. Now I have to admit that a part of me was curious to see how it would go with the scrambled eggs, dill cucumber yogurt and redcurrant jelly but then when it is put down I see that there is also halved cherry tomatoes, half a grilled tomato and copious basil leaves to add to the melange. And somehow, defying logic, the elements combine beautifully and I find myself offering Mr NQN a quick swap back which he agrees to as he isn’t as much of a black pudding fan as I am. I’m keeping quiet as I think to myself “your loss, my gain honey!” while he was probably thinking the same thing.
I go to the front to check out the home baked sweets and it is packed with people milling about both waiting for take away coffees and tables. I slip in between a few people, take a quick look at the glass pastry cabinet and decide against it. There are muffins and tarts and another cake but I think I’d like to end on the last note: the unlikely combo of black sausage, dill yogurt, redcurrant jelly, tomato and basil.
So tell me Dear Reader, do you agree with Jade Jagger? And how often do you go out for breakfast?
Where it seems everyone and their dog lines up for bread! Iggy’s Sourdough, a few doors down.
Three Blue Ducks
143 Macpherson Street, Bronte, NSW 2024
Open breakfast & lunch, Tuesday to Sunday. Dinner Thursday to Saturday. Closed Mondays.
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51 Comments | Add your own
This looks like a lovely cafe to have breakfast ~ I miss going out on breakfast dates with Mr Bao. He’s gone back to Melbourne and I’m still here in HK
But back when were were in Melb we’d have breakfast dates two or three times a week hehe a little too much I’d say, but we were too lazy to cook ~
I don’t think I agree with Jade Jagger she’s too vain
the chai latte looks delicious. I love those!
Breakfast is usually my favourite meal to go out for most often on a lazy Sunday. This place looks relaxed and those baked eggs with the beans would be a nice brunch dish.
thos baked eggs look wonderful! My BBB and I try to go out for breakfast once a week!
So busy!! It must be good. I don’t agree with Jade but it’s interesting. We eat out for breakfast a fair bit but don’t venture over to the East as often as we used to. May have to give it a shot
Jade is just lucky she looks more like her mother than her father.
I often eat for breakfast, especially here in Bagni di Lucca. I just walk across the bridge for a perfect coffee and a pastry straight from the oven.
It doesn’t hurt to have some eye candy now and then but as long as they wear big smiles and bring my order out on time, I am cool with that! I definitley want to try this place. I looove the look of all those items especially the baked eggs!
I really like the looks of that black pudding–interesting condiments with it as well.
I love to eat breakfast out (Mexico has the BEST breakfast dishes…so many to choose from), but don’t really care what the staff looks like as long as they are clean and relatively competent! Mind you, a little “eye candy” goes a long way
Wow I had never heard that Jade Jagger quote – pathetic indeed! Although those baked eggs at Three Blue Ducks look rather lovely.
NO jade is an idiot. I just prefer friendly efficient service.
I love this place and I haven’t even been there! It looks and sounds fabulous. I do not agree with Jade Jagger (and I will wisely leave it at that). I like to go out to breakfast at least a couple of times a month, even for a coffee and a pastry.
oh man those baked eggs look goooood! We often go out for breakfast once a week. sometimes twice
I love it so much!
Heidi xo
It sounds like a hive of activity. Duck egg blue is one of my most favourite colours. While I do think people should be well groomed (says me in a track suit), I think the modeling industry is the only industry that has the right to be so harsh.
Yum! Looks amazing. Bronte is perfect for brekky! Must go
PS isn’t that a Yin Yang symbol on the Masala chai? 
x
I love the fact that this place is all about organic, natural, biodegradable… When I have option to choose from, places like Three blue ducks make a top of my list. No, we don’t go out for breakfast, unless we away from home. We love our slow breakfasts on weekends with a cup of fresh coffee… It doesn’t happened often, though…
I love going out for breakfast, everyday should start on a high note!
And gluten free bread available, yay! So many places just don’t bother at all
My breakfast quota in the last week is quite high with 2 out of 7 but I usually go out about once a month. Those scrambled eggs did look pretty mouth-watering.
Dear oh dear, poor shallow Jade might have looks, but seems to be lacking in character herself.
Sounds like another great spot for a feed, though!
ive bookmarked this place ive read about it on a few other blogs, the baked eggs looks really good!
Clearly beauty is in the eye of the beholder – It’s beauty that captures your attention; personality which captures your heart.
Mick Jagger and beauty – she must have an interesting mirror.
Breakfast out once per week – South Melbourne and Albert Park Cafes abound and Cafe Sweethearts wins for poached eggs all the time
What a nice place for breakfast. You’re description of the wait staff reminded me of the funny Seinfeld episode where Elaine thought the deli was only hiring endowed women. The baked eggs look wonderful.
It’s funny but there used to be this wonderful Italian cafe near my old office. My friends and I used to joke that the only way you could get hired there as a server is if you were a comely, slender European woman with an accent. LOL It’s true, though. The servers were all gorgeous and had either French or Italian accents — yes, this at a cafe near Stanford University. Go figure. But heck, it was always crowded, so they knew what they were doing.
I love that it’s based on “naughty” LOL
Isn’t it great when a place like this gets popular because the food is good, healthy and delicious and not because famous people go there.
Although you ARE famous.
Lovely food, I especially like the baked eggs.
As for Jade Jagger, maybe she’s got an ugly people hang-up, from having to look at her father’s face all her life.
Seriously though, how rude that she’d say such a horrid thing.
Ooh I remember reading about this place late last year! That juice sounds delicious. I just realised I’ve never had baked eggs… Must rectify that soon.
That Jade Jagger quote is awful. Ugh to shallow & superficial people!
There’s nothing like fantastic service though, by friendly staff who enjoy their job – makes such a huge difference
What a fun place in that beachside suburb! And if it truly was named in ‘rhyming slang’ – how can one forget its name after hearing the story
! Not that you would get me out for breakfast! Have preferred that in bed all my life 
! However, one of my favourite ways to entertain has been to invite the hordes for early Sunday brunch, say orange blossoms at about 9.30 – 10.00 am, turning to champagne about an hour later! Lots of breads, hardboiled eggs, smoked salmon, herring fillets, Italian hams . . . oops, am getting hungry! Much laughter till early afternoon!
Looks OK for breakfast but was disappointing by night. We arrived 6pm as booked to an empty place, yet then had to hassle for a table we preferred. Wine was poured without politely first offering us a taste. Food was interesting but portions are tiny. It’s suggested each diner has three or four dishes which = huge bill( without wine). A case of too much fame too soon?
Ooooh we are always looking for great breakfast places near the water and I think this one qualifies. I love my baked eggs too so we’re definitely going!
Totally agree with @rob. Went for dinner last week was underwhelmed considering the price.
Have been for breakie too, and was suitably impressed.
The barista is so hot he is on my Sister’s top five list, which in most peoples case is populated by celebs!
Jade Jagger sounds like a REAL Biatch!
Anyhow…the food looks incred. I love the looks of those eggs & the foamy coffee.
& I Loooove your added quotes & insight into your world, Lorraine! Xx
I have to admit that Three Blue Ducks gets extra visits from me due to the gorgeous barista. However, the good looks are backed up with great coffee and possibly the best lemon meringue tarts in Sydney…
It seems like it is open sat and sun.. breakfast and lunch? thanks lorraine!
(the late) Rambutan on Oxford st had absolute stunners (male & female alike) which just makes for an awkward “oh sorry I was just lost in your eyes” silence when ordering, which is no fun for anyone when you’re there as a couple.
Scrambled eggs with black sausage, dill cucumber yogurt salad and redcurrent jelly !!! wow. I m not even in australia and I want to lick that palte
Definitely not with Jade – different people and looks are what makes the world go around. But I do love an indulgent breakfast out.
What a great looking cafe
If I ever make it out to Bondi, I’ll give it a look-in.
I rarely ever go out for breakfast. I prefer my breakfasts to be fruit-dense, with lots of oats and yoghurt. However, I find most cafes do it all wrong. I also don’t like ‘hot’ breakfasts, which makes bacon and eggs quite unappealing. However, I have my exception in going to bills whenever I’m in Sydney – BEST. MUESLI. EVER. And the porridge. And the hot cakes. And the fruit salad and the toast and the juice and the coffee… He does no wrong.
I find the more attractive the staff in general, the worse the service. There is a particular restaurant in the Canberra City that has extremely attractive young male staff, but is appalling for service. I’d much rather be well-treated by an ugly staff member than ignored by a handsome one. All drool-worthiness is lost with ‘tude.
Baked eggs and chai latte will be my great breakfast! I used to go eat out breakfast but not any more. It’s a lot harder to go out with two kids unless there is no wait outside. Our favorite breakfast place is always too crowded and have to wait. For now I can enjoy your delicious pictures… until they are little bigger and behave.
As a person that lives in bronte I can’t stand this overpriced ordinary hole. the food is fine but $19 for breakfast, please. as a local (i live across the road) we would have loved some shops with reasonable prices to replace the shops they took over. iggy’s breads though, the best in sydney!
Wow. I really quite hate Jade Jagger right now, and I never even knew she existed before. Hah!
Love that mighty slab of black pudding. Iron, get in me!
I’d definitely rather have friendly, competent staff than attractive staff.
Ugh could not bring myself to eat black pudding! I think i’d try just about anything but!
The baked eggs look much yummier
I don’t get how anyone would hate black pudding!
oh i really do like three blue ducks and iggys bread – seriously awesome!!!!
I do not go out to breakfast as much as I would like, always ends up being lunch. I would hire somebody with a stunning personality over looks every time. Personality always shines through
Love your choice of the black pud, yum.
It’s Jade’s comment that’s pathetic.
Looks like a super restaurant, but I think I’ll pass on the black pudding.
that breakfast sounds amazing! I think the most important aspect is having wait staff who are friendly and knowledgeable – good looking / pretty only helps as you don’t really want to order food from an obese person – same thing as not wanting your hair cut from a hairdresser with greasy hair.
Sounds like a terrific place to get breakfast!
Where are the pink ducks?
I wish we had more breakfast places by me. The only one we have never seems to change its menu. I guess I need to be willing to drive more than 5 minutes to get breakfast.
Chai latte, baked eggs.. everything looks way too scrumptious
Oh this looks great – a little place in bronte to visit next time I’m in Syd.
I loved your shot out over the bay, just gorgeous, makes me miss the area
Love the look of the restaurant and the food, the Chai latte looked so delicious.
I am really not a fan of black pudding though so I think I would have been leaving you to that one
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