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Top Paddock

Top Paddock? A new cafe in Richmond? Pfft, I'm not going there. Richmond doesn't have quality cafes that actually last. Plus, Richmond is a huuuuuge suburb. I'm a PT kind-of-a-gal. Tell me EXACTLY where it is, then maybe I'll check it out.

What? 658 Church Street, near the river? Just down the road from my work?! No WAYYYYYYY! Okay. I'll probably get there one day.

A venue for a belated birthday lunch, with my weekly lunch date? ...Why the hell not!?

Geez. That was easy to find. And this place is huge.



And schmick. I don't think I've ever seen so much cool designer lighting.



Are they recycled crystal vases with lightbulbs inside, casting different geometric patterns on the wall?



White coffee machine. White marble benchtop. Bar stools. Long communal table. Small private nooks. Clean. Airy.



You have HOW MANY different coffee blends?



I'm in love.



Okay. What are you having to eat?



One steak sandwich, please, and one kingfish thingy, with all the stuff. Yep: chilli, poached egg, avocado, tomato, et cetera. That's the one.



Wow. That looks deceptively simple, and yet is quite amazing. What did you say was in it again??


Classy choice. Good meat!




Pay over here? Sure, I don't mind waiting by the fire...



Upside-down teacups for lampshades? Cute!

And CHEESECAKE CHOCOLATE BROWNIES? ...Oh. Em. Gee. Takeaway birthday cake? Don't mind if I do.

Better come back next week.



Additional notes, 16 May 2013: 

Visit no. 2 proved just as satisfactory.

We had an excellent waitress - attentive, sharp and friendly. A dirty water glass was replaced quicksmart. Coffees were amazeballs. And these two lunch dishes were consumed with great enthusiasm:

Pulled pork on rye with prunes, leaves & goats curd

Soft-shell crab with fennel, dill, lime mayonnaise on a brioche bun

The only note of slight complaint: although delicious and beautifully presented, the crab brioche roll was not immensely filling. I wouldn't mind a few heavier options on the menu.



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