My friends have been telling me about Social Manna for weeks, so I’d had it on my list for months, and then Covid-19 happened so I had to wait.
Eventually, one a precious fine day we got on our bikes and cruised off to Victoria Park. Ten minutes from the city we parked up at bike racks across the road from Social Manna. There were three areas to choose from, out the front watching the traffic on busy Albany Highway, off to one side, or inside. On this occasion there was no decision to be made, it was so busy there was only one table left out the front.
With such an interesting menu you might wonder why I picked the muffin. In this instant the large muffin came with some interesting sides. The sides were presented at the breakfast bar inside. We opted for a homemade strawberry jam and whip butter. I remember us trying the butter with trepidation but I can’t recall why. Vague recollection has me thinking it was a Vegemite whip. But I can recall it was very moreish.
Another diner (seated on the table butting up to us) opted for American style belly bacon, seasonal mushrooms, roasted cherry tomatoes and potato waffle hash (shown above). It looked so good I wouldn’t be doing my top if I hadn’t asked for a photo. His partner chose broccolini with poached eggs that oozed with the slightest touch (below). This kind of interaction with complete strangers underpins the ‘social’ side of Social Manna.
If you’re driving along the highway trying to find the cafe, look out for this mural on the side street.
Social Manna is somewhere I really look forward to going back to, especially to try the potato waffle hash. I just have to work out when it might be less busy … not sure when that will be.
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