PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIAThis quaint bakery come cafe boasts scrumptious sourdough pastries and hearty soups, served up in a modest, Parisian-style space. Pastry chef and owner Andrea Brabazon has broadened Loafer’s offerings since purchasing the business in 2007 but has maintained its quality and simplicity. New features include freshly baked meat and vegetarian pies, soups that change daily and croissants that may well be the most devilish and delicious in Fitzroy North – quite an achievement considering esteemed artisan bakers are nearby. Exceptional produce such as beef direct from Gippsland and organic, biodynamic ingredients, lift Loafer above so many similar cafe-bakeries, while delightful staffers have an intriguing style that make every visit a pleasure.
Loafer Bread’s sinister window display of biscuits, cakes and sweet pastries woos unsuspecting passers, and while it is difficult to pick a winner, the walnut sourdough scroll perfectly complements a quick coffee. The sprout and seed bread is a hefty local favourite, and although supplying others is not a priority for Brabazon and her busy bakers, you will find their bread rising to the occasion at the Ceres Market in East Brunswick. The small sit-down menu ranges from $4.50 to $8.50.
Frank Trimboli