I’ve mentioned before how obsessed I am with Scotch Eggs. So I’m pleased to see them appearing on a handful of Melbourne cafe menus including new opening New School Canteen.
Let’s be clear though, New School Canteen is not really a cafe and it’s certainly not the sort of canteen I remember from school. It’s one of those all day places which serve up hotcakes and eggs from morning to afternoon and burgers, beer and wine in the evenings. It’s all smooth surfaces and polished concrete inside with a nod to the local hood in the form of large scale photographs of the surrounding laneways and graffiti.
I’ve been twice given New School Canteen’s close proximity to one of my favourite Summer haunts, the Fitzroy swimming pool. I’m happy to report the Scotch Egg ($21.50) is a doozy. The egg is just the right side of soft boiled and the sausage mixture surrounding it is nicely spiced with a crispy coating. The only fault is the crispy bacon which is on the oily side. I also like the unnecessary (but welcome) addition of a side of cheesy toast.
The corn fritters ($18) at New School Canteen are little deep fried balls of deliciousness. They won’t win any awards from the Heart Foundation but they are VERY snackable.
From the burger section of the menu, the Pig Boss ($16.50) (try ordering that without a smirk) is more Banh Mi than burger. It’s a sweet, long bun filled with shredded pork, carrot, toasted peanuts and topped with some crackling. It wasn’t quite what I anticipated but anything doused in Siracha mayo is good by me.
Save room for the shakes. The strawberry sundae ($8) is actually topped with a whole heap of different berries and broken biscuits. It errs on the freakshake side of being overly sweet but is a definite crowd (and kid) pleaser.
Coffee is by Seven Seeds and besides your standard flat whites and lattes they’ve got all the cold drip and pourover type of options you’d expect in this part of town.
Forget the soggy sausage rolls at your school canteen this is breakfast, lunch and dinner done the new school way.
Essentials
Details: New School Canteen, 379-381 George Street, Fitzroy (Ph 03 9417 1199)
Damage: Reasonable
Kids: Welcome. There are high chairs and some simple menu items that will appeal to kids.
7/10
