Rustica Sourdough - Sublime Artisan Bakers in Brunswick Street
Rustica Sourdough is a sublime artisan breadmaker and bakery recently opened on Brunswick Street that is surely a standout in Melbourne.
Come here for a superb cafe/restaurant experience as well as some of the best bread in Melbourne, as baked by Brenton Lang (ex Phillipa's) and his team. Rustica Sourdough serves up a cracker breakfast or lunch with a menu brimming with foodie options. I was invited here to sample some of the wares.
The breads at Rustica Sourdough are top class. I think I'll grab a Rustica loaf anytime I can get to Brunswick Street. I've savoured every bite of the Seedy Wholewheat Sourdough loaf I took home after my visit and absolutely loved it. I'm not easily impressed by breads - in fact I rarely like a bread from a supermarket and most bakers don't impress me. The bread was so good with excellent density, a sweetness of honey to balance the wholewheat flavour, an intensity and variety of seeds including sesame, linseed, sunflower and pumpkin - that I didn't need anything on it to enjoy it. Needless to say however I also added some Salmon steaks on top of the bread and it was a killer combination.
I'm used to many a wine tasting but it was new for me to sit down to a bread tasting. The traditional Organic White sourdough was surprisingly light and airy, with a delicate sourdough flavour. I have to admit my love for butter and enjoyed this superb sourdough with loads of butter. This bread is versatile and great for sandwiches.
The Roast Pumkin bread was sensational - the wonderful golden colour of the bread a result of the corn dough. Rustica use only fine ingredients including Japanese pumpkin for this soft and sweet bread.
The Olive with fresh Basil was also a highlight featuring quality Mount Zero olives and freshly picked basil.
My favourite was the Fig and Fennel - how good are those caramelised Turkish figs with aromatic fennel to create such a beautifully balanced bread.
Here is Brenton Lang - very cool artisan baker who is so passionate about breadmaking and food in general.
Rustica Sourdough also features sensational gourmet options such as these cakes and gourmet rolls, not to mention gourmet pies and salads... More substantial meals include the Open steak sandwich, Wild rice salad with lamb backstrap, Warm roast chicken salad and a superb Pasta salad. Or treat yourself to a sharing plate of Marinated Mt Zero olives and sourdough.
Breakfast options are exciting and include the Twice cooked pork belly, grilled bacon, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms and fried eggs served with a splash of salmoriglio on toasted corn sourdough. Or try the Corn fritters or 3 egg omelet or Smashed avocado dishes... Sublime.
OMG! Being a pork belly tragic I had to try this Twice Cooked Pork Belly roll with Vietnamese salad... So so good. I want me more... This is a brilliant version of the much loved Vietnamese rolls around Melbourne.
This Pumpkin, rocket, egg, mushrooom and gruyere cheese gourmet roll was also top notch...
Rustica Sourdough has a large back room operation with impressive state of the art equipment. Brenton is known for his wild yeast culture development and techniques and has over 10 years experience as an artisan baker.
Rustica Sourdough pours some great coffee from Roastcraft coffee... And the drinks list is extensive including beer and wine.
Some of the cakes being made...
Rustica Sourdough is a fabulous addition to Brunswick Street and is a serious gourmet destination... Highly recommended.