My First Breakfast and Hopefully my Last

As the day of my return to Brisbane draws closer, I can't seem to take my mind off my old favourite breakfast hang out.  That is of course, The Gun Shop Cafe in West End.  For two reasons really.  One, Canadians just haven't mastered breakfast quiet like the Australians have (and I love a good breakfast) and Two, The Gun Shop is quite frankly the best you'll ever have!

Everything on their menu is delicious!  Although for my first breakfast back in Brisbane (it's been almost 12 months), I won't be passing up my all time favourite, the Toulouse Sausages.  Served with seriously moorish sweet potato hash, a poached egg and some very tasty bush tomato relish, it simply is to die for.  And you know what?  I'm probably going to be greedy and get a side of their amazing Potato Feta Hash Cakes as well.

The Merlo coffee here isn't that great.  I refuse to drink a less than great coffee, so I always ere on the side of caution and get the cloudy apple juice and then head on down to Cibo for a coffee afterwards.  On this particular occasion, I might do all of my favourites and head over to Campos in the Valley for a decent coffee fix.

This award winning cafe is a favourite amongst all who love a good breakfast and it is always busy.  To ensure everyone gets a little taste of Gun Shop on their weekend, these guys don't take reservations, it's a case of first in, first served.  So if you arrive around 10am, be prepared to wait.  Although in saying this, the most I've ever had to wait is about 30 minutes give or take.  And on the few occasions (and I mean few.  I could count them on one hand), service has been a little slow.  But believe me when I say, good things come to those who wait.

On a beautiful clear day I always opt to sit out the back in the quaint little courtyard amongst the veggie garden, it's so relaxing and much quieter than inside.  Although warm and inviting, with its exposed red brick walls and art deco accents, I find inside can get pretty crammed and very noisy.

When the Gun Shop opened in Brisbane it really raised the bar for other breakfast cafes in the area.  It filled a gap that the Brisbane dining scene was missing and word quickly spread.  I think it's a true testament to it's great food and quality surrounds that the Gun Shop is still rivaling the best of them.

Two people can usually sneak out for just under $50, provided your eyes aren't bigger than your belly (the sides I'm talking about, they are very tempting) and you limit yourself to one coffee each.  Slightly on the expensive side for a breakfast place, but with their locally sourced produce and fresh ingredients, you get what you pay for.

I'm counting down the days until I get to enjoy another great Gun Shop breakfast and linger in the warm sun again.  It's long overdue and you definitely don't get that sort of luxury in Vancouver.