Strozzi, Melbourne

Really good eggs, excellent hollandaise, decent ham, and semi-raw soggy muffins. This, despite my song and dance about how I like my muffins well-toasted, not soggy, yada yada yada. God gave us twice as many ears as mouths, and still people struggle with the listening thing. Maybe "I really hate soggy muffins" was too subtle for the waiter at Strozzi, 333 Collins Street, Melbourne. A very nice waiter, I hasten to add.



Despite my muffin moaning, I must admit that Strozzi is an excellent spot for a power breakfast. Spacious and dimly lit, it lurks quietly below the restored grandeur of 333 Collins.

They also have a pretty good breakfast menu for a city venue. Plenty of egg dishes (including the "Colazione Strozzi" fry-up), plus some tempting options like blueberry pancakes with vanilla marscapone; French toasted sourdough in cinnamon batter with bacon; and Phillipa's rosemary and raisin toast (a bargain at four bucks). You can also get muesli, fruit and porridge, if your Zegna suit's getting a bit tight.

14/20 "location, location"