Forage Food Store, Boronia

When brunch was a thing in Melbourne (sigh... those days look so long ago!), we would go to Forage. They serve hip dishes like pulled pork, apple kimchi slaw, watercress. They're always busy but the waitpersons are friendly and the service is prompt. One thing though - if you're having a girly brunch, don't sit on the stools. They're not very comfortable. 

The last time we were here shortly before the lockdown, we ordered the Benny with Pulled Pork Shoulder ($18). This comes with poached eggs on potato rosti, pulled pork, kimchi slaw. I like the potato rosti and the eggs were poached perfectly. The hollandaise sauce was creamy and rich, to be cut with the acidity from the kimchi slaw. I would rather prefer the real kimchi though, as the kimchi slaw was a bit meek for my taste. 

Gaz being the big man ordered the Big Meat Breakfast ($21). It was laden with bacon, sausages, potato rosti, eggs sunny side up, mushrooms, grilled tomato and in case you didn't have enough carbs, toast as well. I love big breakfasts and this was no exception. I just love the meats and wished there was more kransky sausages but this is portion control by the restaurant and I am glad for that. Otherwise I will be eating far too much processed meats for my own good. 

Forage is currently open for takeaways only, which lessens the attractiveness of any dishes so it would be wonderful to be able to dine in once again. They have outdoor seating at the back as well as along the side of the shop so if you prefer to sit outside during warmer days or just to be socially distanced from others, that is a good option to keep in mind.