Awaba Cafe, Balmoral Beach

Awaba Cafe, Balmoral Beach

I won't often get up before 9am on a weekend except in exceptional circumstances. My friend M is one of them. She has two spirited sons that won't wait for a brunch and so I found myself setting the alarm for the ungodly hour of 7.30am one Saturday morning. I had all of the best intentions, to walk to Awaba Cafe. However I was confronted by two things: a bitterly cold 11 degree weather and what I refer to without any affection, the "Hill of Death": i.e. Awaba Street.

Awaba Cafe, Balmoral Beach

If you've ever tried walking all the way up Awaba Street from Balmoral Beach you'll know what I mean. And if you haven't and have simply driven up and down it, I have no doubt that you're having a chuckle at me because it doesn't seem very steep-but don't laugh until you've walked it. They even have an annual run called "The Balmoral Burn" which is simply running up Awaba Street. I've walked it myself, once and once only and that was enough for me. I knew it would be hard so I ditched the heels and wore ballet flats and even then I found myself going slowly and rather gingerly down the hill. I passed puffing, red faced and sweaty people all looking like they'd trade in their first born for a taxi ride up the hill. When I was nearing the bottom, there was a man, red and sweaty shirt off pushing a baby stroller up a hill. I didn't have the heart to tell him that it got worse.

Awaba Cafe, Balmoral Beach

I reach my destination and M and her kids are there waiting already. Awaba Cafe is a sleek all white building with open windows to make the most of the spectacular beach view. It hasn't aged a bit since I last came here years ago. It's about three quarters full, mostly full of families and young couples. The kids are of the well behaved variety and there's no tantrums to be had here today.

Awaba Cafe, Balmoral Beach

Awaba Cafe, Balmoral Beach
Cappucino $3.30

Although the staff are busy and bustling, the coffees take a while to arrive (mine isn't quite hot enough) and the boys are getting very hungry. Thankfully the food arrives after about 25 minutes.

Awaba Cafe, Balmoral Beach

_Scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, chives & toast $16.50

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My eggs are a generous serve, although mysteriously cold but given how long it took to arrive I am reluctant to send it back. I wonder how long they had been sitting on the countertop. The salmon rose is also generous but with a few too many grey bits tucked in under the bottom.

Awaba Cafe, Balmoral Beach
Buttermilk flapjacks with berry compote & maple syrup $14.00

Awaba Cafe, Balmoral Beach

_Scrambled eggs with grilled bacon & toast $14.50

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Awaba Cafe, Balmoral Beach

_French sourdough toast with triple berry jam $6.50

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M reports that her toast and her jam is pretty ordinary, just like what she would have at home. If only home included a view like this...

Awaba Cafe

67 The Esplanade Balmoral Beach, Sydney

Tel: +61 (02)9969 2104

Opening hours:

Breakfast 7.30am-11.15am 7 days

Lunch 12.00pm-3pm 7 days

Dinner 6pm-9.30pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday only

http://www.awabacafe.com.au

Vegetarian options: A few if you include the side salads

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