PROFILED BY DEGROOTS MEDIAThe ground floor of a spartan block of flats in the back streets of Richmond sounds like an unlikely place for a funky little cafe, and that’s just how the locals like it. Concealed behind a roller door at the intersection of two streets going by the names of New and York is a great little neighbourhood retreat, complete with sunny courtyard, cheery staff and tasty breakfasts. New York Tomato is a little oasis in a sea of concrete, away from the main drag and happily devoid of any associated urban attitude. The kitchen is tiny but the menu serves up some interesting variations on the usual brunch offerings that pack a punch when it comes to flavour.
Breakfast staples nestle comfortably alongside more exotic fare such as Belgian waffles with spiced sesame labna, banana, cinnamon roast pear and orange blossom maple syrup, or Middle Eastern baked eggs with roast peppers, chick peas, haloumi, pomegranate, coriander and sumac. For lunch, choose from a selection of pide, burgers, salads, or perhaps a warm spinach, ricotta, walnut and parmesan tart. The weekend’s all day brunch menu might include comfort foods such as smokey beans with sweetcorn, slow-roasted onion, capers and basil on toast, or a Japanese hotpot with pumpkin, tofu, sesame, coriander, rocket, egg and miso broth. All dietary requirements are also happily accommodated. New York Tomato is a comfortable, neighbourly place you’d happily go out of your way for.
Angela Costanzo, July 2008
