Touchwood Lighting Up Bridge Road
Touchwood is a brilliant cafe and a welcome addition to the Bridge Road scene (we've been to nearly all of them). It ticks all the boxes of alluring ambience, fab coffee and outstanding cuisine, which is no surprise as the owners Matt Vero and Steve Rowley are experienced and successful cafe people (Pillar of Salt, Coin Laundry, Tall Timber and other royalty). Walk in and notice the large windows, funky areas including the courtyard, plenty of space, smattering of plants, white room (always think of The Cream song) and a creative menu from Tristan White. It has the feeling of "people that know what they're doing."
The ambience is that of light and airy and a sense of "chilled". Kudos to the friendly staff who cope well under pressure as several groups arrive at once on a Saturday morning. We tried visiting on the first weekend but it was as if The Beatles had arrived - queues out the door and down the street and a long wait for food. Still packed out but things having settled down we returned.
Dishes show imagination. Brunch options resonate with substance - including this rustic hit, the Braised mixed spiced beans, lentils, cotechino sausage, basil, poached eggs, marinated feta, sourdough toast. A memorable dish with hearty beans and the indulgence of the sausage. Italian boiled pork baby!
Taking 15 minutes to decide what to order means either I'm indescisive or the menu is top notch! I'd like to think it's the latter. Notwithstanding I was tempted to order the Tequila and citrus cured salmon, poached eggs, smashed peas, dill, lemon crème fraiche, sautéed endive, sourdough toast. Next time.
The kids were happy with bacon and eggs on toast - but it's important cafes do these things well and Touchwood brings the love with quality and decent portions.
Quirky spaces and paper menu on the wall...
The coffee is excellent at Touchwood using Five Senses finest. Ethiopian single origin was a hit, as was the Brazilian Costa Rica mix. A grade coffee destination.
Super healthy breakfast special of gluten free muesli with blueberries, saffron yoghurt and chia seeds. Awesome for my marathon training wife. Could have been the equally inventiveMorning Grain Salad with quinoa, freekah, wild rice, rocket, toasted almonds, chai soaked raisins, cumin yoghurt and a poached egg. Health farm central.
Even hard for joggers to walk past...
Tasty treats beckon if you want something quick...
Check out these temptations in the cabinet...
Stools, concrete floor and attractive communal table by the window...
Touchwood has hit the ground running in Richmond... Highly recommended.
