Tongue and Groove

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
Funky and eclectic, Tongue and Groove has rough-and-tumble West End spirit and a good-natured vibe. During the day it’s a cosy suburban cafe and one of the most accommodating places you’ll find for a coffee and a bite to eat at this end of town. There is a scattering of alfresco tables, and inside, the airy, spacious dining room has an assortment of colourful tables and cushy purple couches for lounging in. The walls are crammed with brightly coloured paintings of flowers, beaches and girls. After sundown, legions of regulars descend to the basement bar, where local musicians perform nightly.

A large and diverse menu happily caters to the mixed clientele here. The freshly prepared food is good value for money, and servings are perhaps overly generous (it’s rare to see a finished plate at the end of a meal). Breakfasts range from big mixed grill plates to avocado and salsa Turkish toast with lemon and lime dressing. The lunch menu, consisting of hearty sandwiches, pizzettas and salads, segues into an interesting collection of evening dishes. There’s lamb shank terracotta pie with garlic mash, beef rendang with paratha and homemade raita, and a ricotta cake stack with braised leek, caramelised tomato and parmesan peppercorn cream. A reasonable wine and beer list and super-friendly staff ensure a good time is had by all.