Sandi Sieger chats to Anna and Robyn, the dynamic and witty founders of Judging Your Breakfast.
A website that does exactly what it claims, Judging Your Breakfast celebrates the best meal of the day and is fast becoming to go-to guide for honest reviews and write ups (not to mention drool inducing photographs).
At what point did enjoying going out for breakfast turn into ‘let’s create a website and publish reviews of our breakfasts’?
A: It was rather the other way around, actually. A love of creating websites turned into figuring out which part of my life could be good fodder for content. I sat down for breakfast one day – at Malt – and happened to have my laptop on me, so I bashed up a website while I ate.
R: It was actually Anna’s idea to take it one step further. I drag everyone I know out for breakfast as much as possible, and one day she called me and said, ‘I’ve got this idea – you want in?’ And of course I did.
Why do you like going out for breakfast?
A: I’m a morning person through and through. I’m up at 6 but in bed by 9. Going out for breakfast is a perfect way to spend that couple of hours in the morning when everything is clear and fresh. I take my work with me, get some sunshine on my face and eat some cracker food. It’s such a good way to start the day, it really sets the tone for the rest of it.
R: I’m an incredibly annoying morning person, and breakfast outings became a regular occurrence with me just because I was up and ready to go while everyone else I knew was still in bed. I now love how it gives me a unique opportunity to relax into the day, read the paper, think about everything from what kind of juice I want to try to the global financial situation, and try out new foods.
What (and from where) are the top three breakfasts you’ve had so far? Why?
A: I’ve been lucky enough to have dozens of really good breakfasts, but if you’re going to force me to choose, I can’t go past The Pour Kids in Armadale, The Parlor Milk Bar & Kitchen in Beaumaris or 8 Days Cafe in Armadale. Actually, just go to Armadale. You’ll be spoilt for choice.
R: Bluebird Espresso in Collingwood blew my mind when I ordered their French toast. They present it in such a way that makes you want to take photos and send to friends. Otherwise Third Wave in Port Melbourne have a beautifully European inspired breakfast menu while Trunk in the CBD is lots of fun.
Care to share the worst you’ve had?
A: I hope it was an off day – Brown Cow Cafe in Hampton was not what I had hoped for.
R: Zanetti in Ivanhoe was surprisingly off the mark. I ate there with my partner who ordered from the lunch menu while I ordered from the breakfast. Unfortunately they made his risotto with vinegar instead of stock. I still haven’t fully recovered from the shock of that meal!
What can we expect in future from Judging Your Breakfast?
A: Well now, that would be telling! We’re expanding our scope to include recipe judgements, our own recipes, breakfasty book reviews, DIYs and interviews. The rest will have to remain a secret!
R: We almost have too many ideas! In addition to what Anna said, I’m keen to take it out of Melbourne and provide some great breakfast options in all the other state capitals for people who travel for work like I do.
What do you love and loathe about Australian culture?
A: I love the way I’m able to make everyone look laid back by comparison to how tightly wound I am.
I really mostly love the “give it a go” attitude that Australians tend to have. It’s not quite the same as The Great American Dream – it’s more about there being so many great opportunities for everyone and a culture that embraces the underdog and giving people a fair go.
R: I love how laid back we are. You don’t really notice it until you travel overseas and see how full-on some cultures are. I also love how we love and encourage multiculturalism, especially in food. Ironically, the only thing I loathe is how quick we can be sometimes to isolate different groups in society. I am truly saddened every time I see a ‘piss off we’re full’ bumper sticker, and continue to be disappointed that we can’t seem to move towards marriage equality. I don’t know how much of a ‘culture’ thing that is, but it’s the only thing that I truly dislike about some Aussies.
Where are you favourite places to travel to and enjoy in Australia?
A: I love country Victoria, especially the Mornington Peninsula. The air is so clean and the lifestyle is so relaxed. And there’s lemon curd everywhere. Further afield I love Tassie, for the same reasons, especially the east coast, where the freshest seafood is. Adelaide is always my favourite place to visit, though I may be a little biased being a former Crow Eater. The beaches are fantastic, the people are wonderful and the food is incredible. Being in the Adelaide Hills, where I’m from, is like looking out at a beautiful picture book. Next on my list is King Island – I’m planning an overnight visit there and plenty of indulging in cheese.
R: I’m seriously addicted to travel, so it depends what I want to achieve from the trip which determines where I go. To relax and recharge I go anywhere with a beach or pool, lots of seafood and wine – usually Noosa or Cairns in Queensland. If I’m after a great girls weekend with mind-blowing food, wine and great people I head to Barossa Valley, SA. If I want to dance and get rowdy I’ll head straight for Sydney. And if I’m time poor and want a bit of everything I’ll head straight for the Great Ocean Road. I continue to be amazed at what that place has to offer – basically everything you could ever want in a holiday.