Hot Poppy, North Melbourne

For an inner city suburb, a critical mass of good cafes has been a long time coming to North Melbourne. Of course, I'm not counting the hidden Italian gambling dens where anyone game enough has been able to get excellent coffee for years. But judging by today's crowd at The Hot Poppy, 9 Errol Street, Tel +61 3 9326 9299, the tipping point isn't far away. North Melbourne, the new Fitzroy? Hmmm...



Apart from mooshy muffins, I was very happy with my order of "Eggs Cadillac". A mutation of the traditional Benedict, the poached eggs were served on a tasty grilled pancetta, and topped with orange hollandaise and fresh asparagas. It really was an excellent combination.

Like a true breakfast champion, Hot Poppy serves the best meal of the day, all day, till 6pm (on the weekend, at least). Options include BLT on bagel with house-made mayo (or BLAT with bonus avocado); free range eggs with the lot (meat-eater or vegetarian versions); and a potato pancake stack with smoked salmon, creme fraiche and salmon roe. Or go simple and have a croissant with Jam Lady jams, and a very good cappucino.

The venue is quaint, and just a little bit grotty, in keeping with Errol Street traditions. And although the service was a bit patchy, it was friendly enough.

14/20 "orange hollandaise"