Brunch @ Las Chicas

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Las Chicas.

Las Chicas is the perfect embodiment of a thriving Melbourne café. It has rightfully earned its standing as a weekend brunch mecca, drawing in the crowds week in week out with its consistently excellent food, fantastic coffee and cheerful wait staff.

Las Chicas has succeeded in crafting a convivial atmosphere in which to enjoy a lazy weekend brunch. 

Left: Green goodness - Kale, spinach, spirulina, probiotic powder, cucumber, banana, dates, nuts & coconut water

Right: Nutrient enhancer - Kiwi, watermelon, agave & probiotics 

Field mushroom burger 

Yarra Valley feta, sundried tomato tapenade, kale, walnut pesto with taro chips

With a rich and succulent field mushroom, the burger had, sandwiched between two halves of a slightly sweet brioche bun, Yarra Valley feta, sundried tomato tapenade, kale, walnut pesto.  It was a modern yet classic veggie burger and was absolutely delicious.  The taro chips were crisp and perfectly seasoned. 

Sesame seared tuna 

Yellow fin tuna, purple carrots, cucumber ribbons, mint, coriander with a sweet mirin, ginger and soy caramel dressing 

This dish was well balanced, loaded with umami and complex. The ginger and soy caramel dressing cradled the fragrant mint and coriander and brought the whole dish together. The tuna itself was both beautiful and beautifully prepared.

The coffee at Las Chicas is excellent. The profound respect for the humble beverage is palpable.

Las Chicas uses AllPRESS Supremo – a sweet bold coffee with a taste of red berries and cocoa. The beans are sourced from Brazil, Colombia and Papua New Guinea and then prepared and served to patrons by adept baristas.

Melbourne has an ever growing brunch culture, making the café industry a particularly competitive and vibrant one. Las Chicas serves delicious, fresh and seasonal food, which makes it a cut above.  Given its popularity, we suggest that you visit, as we did, during the odd hours of the day to avoid excessive wait times during peak hours.

Location: 203 Carlisle Street, Balaclava
Phone: 03 9531 3699
Link: http://www.laschicas.com.au/
Cuisine: Mexican, International, Modern Australian, Coffee, Breakfast/Brunch

Frozen yogurt battle: Yo Chi vs Cacao Green

Location: 292 Carlisle Street, Balaclava
Phone: 03 9527 7001
Link: www.yochi.com.au
Cuisine: Frozen yogurt
Overall Impression: 6/10 

Yo-Chi is yet another yogurt outlet that now graces the Melbourne foodie scene. Frozen yogurt has become increasingly popular and it is no surprise why - 98% fat-free with active cultures and probiotics, what’s not to love? 

Yo-Chi is all about self-service. All you do is: 

1. Select the yogurt of your choice and help yourself to as much or as little as you like. 
2. Head towards the counter where you can top your yogurt with fruit and a variety of other delicious toppings. 
3. Your yogurt and toppings are weighed and you are charged by weight (it costs $2.80 per 100 grams, regardless of which yogurt or toppings you choose). 

You get to choose exactly what goes into your yogurt, which means you can choose your favourite things in the proportions you like – brilliant!

But how does it compare to Cacao Green? Put simply, the yogurt at Cacao Green tastes better. We found it creamier (despite containing less fat) and texturally superior to the yogurt at Yo-Chi, which displayed a hint of graininess. The yogurt at Cacao Green also has greater complexity with a more pronounced sour "twang" that is the hallmark of all good frozen yogurt. 

While the yogurt at Yo-Chi slightly pales in comparison, the concept is novel. There are more than 22 toppings to choose from, including gorgeous treats like halva, crumble and chocolate-covered goji berries. There is also the choice of a non-dairy yogurt which is great for those who are lactose-intolerant. 

All in all, Cacao Green takes first place in this comparison if judged purely on the quality of the yogurt itself. But Yo-Chi's generous variety of toppings and self-serve concept makes it a more interesting proposition overall.