Sweet Source

On the corner of Rathdowne and David streets sits a gem of a cafe. Open since February 2006, Sweet Source is just what this Carlton strip needed, offering delights that tempt both taste and vision. Sit indoors at wooden tables or outdoors under the old verandah after choosing your fancy from the wall mounted blackboards, glass display cabinet of savoury eats, or the mouth-watering collection of tarts, cakes, cookies and treats.

Chef Zoi Condos, a Melbourne girl through and through, learnt her trade as a chef before her passion for baking and pastry took over. Breakfast on cinnamon French toast with seasonal fruits, spiced mascarpone and maple syrup; Boston baked beans served on toast with avocado; and on weekends, egg and bacon pies. For lunch choose from the grilled sandwich selection including Swiss brown mushrooms with fetta and herbs, filled baguettes, house-made savoury pies or a selection of fresh savoury items from the cold display case including curried sweet potato and ricotta tortilla, and a tart of mushroom, rocket and egg. Follow with a cup of excellent coffee and a sweet treat such as a slice of hummingbird cake, a wedge of rhubarb pie or a delightfully colourful cupcake.

Veda Wickens