PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA“If I am gone and with no trace, I will be in a minor place.” And so will a lot of Melbourne’s Northern suburbanites, especially if you decide to go on the weekend. That’s because, true to Will Oldham’s adage, A Minor Place has a major following. Tucked away in the suburb of Brunswick, it is every bit what a local cafe should be. Park your bike outside, pull up a padded milk crate and swoon over the all-day breakfast menu spanning –count them – three blackboards. On a weekday locals rule. You’ll notice the crowds have distilled to the really committed: tobacco rollers, broadsheet readers, and Moleskin scribblers gazing out over the funkier side of suburbia.
It’s not the sleekest of places; there’s no stainless steel and no modern edginess. But, as a corner shop conversion started from scratch by mates and business partners Hootan Heydari and Jono Hill, its atmosphere resonates with its humble beginnings and an endearing brand of cool. Chef Daniel McLean is responsible for the kitchen’s goings-on; which consist of standard cafe fare like pides, toasties and wraps. Favourites include “Henry’s white beans”, a Minor Place original with garlic and rosemary, served with rocket, dukkah and toast. Ethicureans will be glad to note that all egg and chicken produce is free range and the bread is organic; while caffeine-heads will perk up with a special tailor-made blend from the folks at Atomica.
Jenni Kauppi, November 2007