Brunch in Notting Hill

This weekend Bo and I had the opportunity to spend a few hours discovering a new neighborhood, Notting Hill. Our friends Casey and Joel just moved to the neighborhood and insisted that we stay in their flat versus getting a hotel for the Thursday and Friday.

The area was just as charming as the movie Notting Hill made the world believe over ten years ago when Julie Roberts and Hugh Grant charmed its streets. Coffees in hand, we spent a few hours wandering through the famed Portobello Market on Portobello Road, tucking into antique shops and consignment shops in between exploring the market’s many food and antique stands.

I gave into the many trends, buying a black wide-brimmed, felt hat that will make me feel perfectly chic when Bo and I explore Florence in a few weeks. I fell in love with Jonathan Adler’s bright decor, trying to convince Bo that we needed everything in site, especially the vibrant cashmere throws. Bo and I both were in awe of the meat and produce selection at Daylesford Organic Market. We decided that a pheasant, four sweet potatoes, fresh bacon and some pumpkin needed to make its way back to Geneva, thanks to the friendly staff who helped vacuum seal it for the trip.

When we weren’t shopping and exploring, we were spending our time in a few of Casey & Joel’s favorite neighborhood restaurants and coffee shops.

Eat:

Granger & Co.

Walmer Castle

Mike’s Cafe

Sip:

Talkhouse Coffee

Each of these spots was delicious, though Granger & Co was the only one at which I remembered to take pictures to document the experience. I’ve become so accustomed to using my regular camera when we travel that these days I forget to take pictures altogether if I don’t have it with me.

Granger & Co.

Granger & Co was recommended to us by four different people who knew we were staying in the Notting Hill area this weekend. The Australian restaurant has a reputation for serving a mix of delicious, healthy dishes alongside Australian favorites. Upon walking through the doors at 9am on Saturday we encountered a restaurant whose warm, bright colors lit up the gloomy day and was popular enough to draw a crowd even on a rainy, early Saturday.  Bo nor I have ever been to Australia, so we didn’t know what type of food to expect for Saturday brunch. After being escorted to two seats at the bar, we realized that making just once choice would be difficult. Everything on their menu sounded delicious!

We decided to order a few different dishes to share so we could taste something for each part of the menu. We started with coffees and a Bills Beet to share. The juice’s combination of beets, carrots, fennel and apple was unique due to the fennel. Gone in seconds, we both loved the combination and vowed to add it to our home juice repertoire back in Geneva.

Neither of us could be decisive so instead we splurged with a combination of savory indulgence and healthy. After a week of travel I was craving lots of fruit, so the chopped fruit bowl was an easy decision. Loaded to the brim with fruit and finished off with a dollop of Greek yogurt, Bo and I decided to share this as an appetizer.

For our main brunch dishes, Bo ordered the Full Aussie while I chose avocado toast. The Full Aussie left us wanting more, bringing together traditional breakfast staples such as scrambled eggs, with Australian spices and techniques. The eggs were so fluffy they were served as a tower and the mushrooms and tomatoes both included hints of cumin and miso. Unfortunately, the avocado toast was a disappointing choice, lacking flavor and so crispy I could barely bite or cut into it. In addition, the avocado was not ripe so spreading the slices was virtually impossible.

While I wouldn’t order the avocado toast again, everything else at Granger & Co. was delicious. There were so many great options on their menu that the corn fritters and ricotta pancakes, just two of the dishes that caught my eye,  have us yearning to come back soon. Whether you’re looking for a quiet breakfast or a group brunch spot, Granger & Co is perfect for all ages and dietary needs. As the restaurant doesn’t accept reservations unless you’re a large group, going early is a great option. They’ll gladly serve you a juice or coffee from their bar while you wait!

Return or smile politely? When you order something that ends up being so bad you barely eat it, do you return it when the waiter or waitress questions you or smile politely, stating that you just aren’t hungry?