it seems that i’m in the Adelaide Hills more and more these days. there’s a combination of reasons why I love it up here- the colour of the autumn leaves, the smell of burning wood fires and the fabulous range of cafes that are scattered all over and hidden amongst the trees.
one of those hidden gems is Patch Kitchen and Garden in Stirling.
I have seen many photos and reviews of this place so I was itching to get amongst it. And i’m so glad I did. On Mount Barker Road, hidden up a dirt path off the main drag, Patch draws you in with the brightest green door you could ever imagine. Just looking at it made me happy. and then I walked in the door. Moody copper lighting, huge roof to floor windows, cake cabinets brimming with home made sweets and a garden theme through out. Let’s just say you couldn’t wipe the stupid cheesy grin off my face.
We decided to sit outside, but as soon as the rain settled in we moved in a cosy spot next to the window where we browsed the menu to pick lunch. Not the easiest of tasks when the menu consists of fresh, local, seasonal produce and healthy options that don’t taste like rabbit food. this beautiful cafe also caters for the little ones (they even have a cubby and play area out the back & even offer rainbow yoga). With the kids menu looking just as good as the adults. I could pass as 12 right?
moving on. the other half decided on a burger and I decided to chose the salad with lamb and feta meatballs with beetroot, baby spinach and more feta.
lets start with the burger. my boyfriend was lucky that I only took one large bite. the bun was so light and the meat melted away in your mouth.
now the salad. and don’t turn your nose up at the world salad, because this is not your average one. the lamb and feta meatballs were moist and packed full of flavour. The baby spinach and beetroot pieces tasted were super fresh, like they came straight out of the veggie patch and the feta, well lets just say they don’t skimp on it. There was so much that I couldn’t eat it all- disgraceful I know!
This was all washed down with a giant latte and a green juice packed with apple, celery and ginseng. We were full, but we were drawn to the cake cabinet which kept calling my name. We got ourselves a mini chai, beetroot and cacao muffin, roasted almond meringue and a whole wheat coconut pistachio Indian sweet.
These babies may look small but they sure are flavoursome. The muffin tasted just like chocolate cake without the calories- winning! The almond meringue was coated with toasted almond goodness and the meringue was sticky and light. Lastly, the Indian sweet. It was savoury yet sweet and it reminded me of caramel, but with a crumbly texture. We also took home a puffed amaranth chocolate square which reminded me of a crunchy aero bar.
Patch Kitchen and Garden also offers lunch, dinner on selected nights and breakfast on the weekends. you can find Patch Kitchen and Garden at 143 Mt Barker Rd, Stirling.
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