PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIAThe name Lumiere is a well chosen one for this cafe and patisserie in the St Margaret's complex in Surry Hills. Lumiere is the French word for "light", which reflects upon not only the cafe's sleek and airy interior but the well constructed menu of light meals and breakfast choices. Opened in 2005, Lumiere has recently expanded to include a patisserie, of which the crowning glory is the gleaming display case laden with gorgeous little cakes, pastries and tarts. Ample seating both indoors and out ensures that Lumiere is always buzzing with folks enjoying an afternoon coffee, picking up lunch on the go or taking advantage of the all day breakfast menu.
The ricotta hotcakes with sour cherries, honeycomb and marscapone have earned a reputation that is giving a similar dish by a certain celebrity chef a run for his money. The French-style brioche with caramelised banana, maple syrup and yoghurt is another way to start your day on a sweet note, while the Lumiere breakfast with fried free range eggs, tomato, mushroom, bacon, beans and topped off with spinach will fuel you up for hours to come. The lunch menu has some good variation throughout; the beef rib eye baguette with tomato, wild rocket and mustard mayonnaise will no doubt hit the spot. If it is a salad you are after, try the poached chicken with macadamia nuts, fennel, beans and orange ginger vinaigrette. Lumiere can do catering too, so keep them in mind for your next function.
Amy Looker