#twobeforeten

Two Before Ten from Aranda has launched a project taking them from the restaurant to the streets, as a quick, cheap, and absurdly tasty food vendor.  Their street menu features jaffles ($8), banana bread ($5), sourdough and fruit breads from A. Baker ($6.50), house and A. Baker made pastries ($4.50), and of course, coffee.  The dream team behind the operation are the friendliest two guys, and have such an upbeat energy that it’s impossible to walk past without stopping to take a look.  I guarantee you, they will brighten any glum day with easy conversation, sweet tunes, and the smooth moves dancing barista.  

After creeping around the place checking it out, I decided I couldn’t pass up on a jaffle.  The aroma was just too good, and the weather simply too grey.  The man on counter recommended the beef brisket and caramelised onion jaffle.  This was not on their menu that day, but was instead offered to me as an alternative.  Their butter chicken jaffle had sold out that morning.  

The jaffle was golden, but not greasy.  Biting down into the piping hot filling, the toasted bread had the most satisfying crunch to it, while maintaining that classic white-bread softness on the inside.  I would truly call it the greatest of any pressed sandwich.  These guys do simple hearty food, incredibly well.

Two Before Ten has the same casual, comfortable vibe I associate with throwing together a quick toastie at home, except it tastes 100% better, and you get beef brisket.  The beef was pulled apart and tender, and rocked this subtle meaty flavour.  The slight peppery seasoning countered the sweetness of the caramelised onion, which popped in the mouth.  The combination of the brisket, the onion and the delicately flavoured cheese is something I wish I could replicate, but know I’ll never be able to.  The jaffle fully melted in my mouth, and no flavour dominated.  It was light on the palate, but still satisfied my hunger.  Everything worked together in perfect cohesion.  This might seem a little overboard and ridiculous, but the jaffle was pretty much artful.  I can’t recommend enough that you try one for yourself.  I know I will certainly be returning for another jaffle soon.  

ART, NOT APART is on again this weekend March 16th... Down in the newly unveiled and hip suburb of New Acton is the many arts festival "Art, not apart" which aims to unite creatives of all areas into one uplifting community and welcome others to celebrate the young and fresh artistic talent in the inner city region. The event will be free to attend and will feature live music and cinema, apartment exhibitions, suitcase markets, performance art, pasteups and street art as well as an even greater emphasis on food and drink than last time.