Abbotsford is quickly becoming one of the newest members to Melbourne’s arsenal of destination cafe suburbs. Its newest addition comes in the form of Kitty Burns. Hiding in the rear courtyard area of an apartment complex, this gem of a cafe is easily missed which at the same time adds an element of exclusivity with its existence being “need to know”.
The cafe is positioned in a courtyard amongst some other businesses and boasts river views from its outdoor seating. The interior follows the increasingly popular large open space style with a high ceiling that’s bordering two storeys, floor to ceiling windows around the periphery and an array of hanging lights. A timber structure resembling a small house frame is built around the centred bar and counter area to give the illusion of a building inside a building. The walls are mostly lightly stained timber with the upper half styled like the outline of a series of peaked roof buildings. Synthetic grass creatively fills the gaps between the peaks up to the ceiling. Ferns, creepers and basket plants are scattered throughout the venue to add a bit of green.
The food menu has a slight Japanese influence and as such is complex, but kept to the point with just over a dozen all day dining options. Highlights include the Kitty’s Greens (charred broccoli, asparagus, baby gem, avocado, spinach, mizuna, shredded kale, house grain and roasted almonds), the Eton Mess (coconut yoghurt, strawberry textures, spiced meringue, activated buckwheat clusters, wild orange and goji berries) and the Meet Mr. Burns (dry cured bacon slab, spiced bon bons, bacon jam, clonakitty black pudding, 63/63 eggs, mushroom, spinach, my gentleman’s relish and toast).
This visit consisted of the torched kingfish with kimchi mayonnaise, leek ash, sea succulents, roast sesame dressing, edamame beans, Japanese rice and a 63/63 egg. This dish was absolute perfection; tender kingfish combined with the creamy yet exciting mayo brought the bulk of the flavours and the sesame and rice providing some welcomed texture. Staff advised that the dish was a touch on the smaller size and so a macaroni and cheese croquette was added in the side for something extra, an interesting concept that actually complimented the mostly creamy main dish quite well.
Out of the ordinary, the drinks menu is larger than the food menu with no less than twelve smoothies and a range of herbal elixirs, juices and teas. Coffee is from All Press with espresso and cold brew options and Mork hot chocolate also makes an appearance. A brief moment of spontaneity lead to the “Schwarzenegger on Vay-Cay” smoothie being ordered. Containing banana, coconut water, pineapple, mango, raw fermented protein powder, dates, MCT oil and lucuma, it was nearly a whole meal on its own.
Service was fantastic and even though this visit was during a peak Saturday lunch period, the food and drinks were served surprisingly quick.
Kitty Burns brings something special to the growing Abbotsford neighbourhood and is definitely a must try.
Kitty Burns
24 Acacia Place, Abbotsford
03 9427 0164