To my mum, walking into Shucked Newstead was like entering the house of her aunt in the 60s. To my grandma it was a bit of a hotchpotch but to me it was eclectic. Everything old is new again is a bit of a theme at the moment but I never really thought about how it must appear to people who were around when the type of decor was actually new.
They must think we’re all quite odd and nowhere near as creative as we think we are. I still love it though. I wouldn’t want my house to be quite as eclectic but for a breakfast spot, I love the cosiness and warmth and the fresh flowers on every table were beautiful.
Parking was a bit tricky the day we went (a Friday morning), which I imagine it probably is most days. It’s just one of a few cafes popping up (actually it has been there a while but lots are emerging) behind the car-yard strip in Newstead. Mum dropped my grandma and me at the door and we were the only ones there at that stage and weren’t exactly warmly welcomed.
The one waiter that we could see, barely acknowledged our arrival from behind the counter. The music was extremely loud, more like a trendy clothing store than a casual cafe but as soon as my sister arrived she asked them to turn it down which they did.
Mum was still trying to find a park 10 minutes later and seeing as no one had approached us to take a coffee order we went up to the counter ourselves. Apparently the soy late was the best my sister has ever had. We later asked the secret of the soy and the manager (she arrived later and was much more efficient and friendly than the coffee guy) admitted that they get it from Aldi. She sampled all different brands and found theirs the best.
My rose, white and jasmine tea was a delicate blend and not too strong. They willingly obliged when I asked for a re-fill of my pot too which I always like.
Middle Eastern fruit and nut toast with housemade jam $7.50
Onto the food. When mum finally arrived it was still just the one waiter behind the counter and he still hadn’t made any approach (other than to delivery our coffees) nor told us how to order so I went up and asked him what the go was. It was then that another very enthusiastic and friendly waiter appeared from out the back and brought us menus. I guess the coffee guy is good with the coffee machine but not so good on service. I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt and say maybe he was having a bad day or was distracted.
Mum’s fruit toast was nice and thick with a generous amount of fruit including juicy figs. Her only complaint, which is her usual complaint, was that there wasn’t enough butter.
Macadamia toasted muesli with yoghurt $12.50
The Birthday girl aka my sister ordered the muesli which came out beautifully presented. She requested some extra fruit on top but they only had oranges in the kitchen. I may have stolen a little spoonful of the stewed berries. A bowl full of them topped with a little yoghurt would have satisfied me.
FLIP SIDE – ricotta hotcakes with salted caramel, ice-cream, chocolate & berry garnish $18
I can’t wait to get a waffle maker and try making these myself. Isn’t it a clever way to make hotcakes? The narrow plate made eating them a little bit tricky but my grandma said they were pretty good (although not the best she’s had). Her mother made the world’s best butterscotch sauce so it’s hard to beat.
THE FUN GUY – baked field mushrooms with housemade lemon ricotta on organic sourdough with a side of avocado $18
I on the other hand thought my breakfast was perfect. The one on the left was how it came but with a little twist of the lemon I made it into a real ‘fun guy.’ I definitely have to give this one a go at home too. The housemade ricotta was nice and tart and the bread soft with a crunchy crust. The avocado was lightly flavoured and creamy and together with the big meaty mushroom it was the perfect breakfast. I think they should adjust the menu to include avo as standard.
If you Instagram Shucked while you’re there and tag them (hastag them? what’s the correct lingo?) you get 5% off the bill which was a nice treat.
On Sunday afternoons, Shucked plays host to Sunday Session with live, relaxed music in the casual atmosphere. I’ve heard that it’s a very popular spot for breakfast and lunch on the weekend. Shucked is open Tuesday to Friday 7.30am-2.30pm (kitchen closes 1.30pm), Saturday 7.30am-2pm and Sunday 7.30am – 4pm.
It is located at 9 Creswell Street, Newstead.
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