Effloresce Flowers & Cafe — Restaurant in Victoria

Overall a wonderfull oasis of calm in a beautiful location with scrumptious food. We had visited Effloresce a year ago and been impressed then; it's safe to say our second visit did not disappoint. It's a small cafe with around four tables but doesn't feel cramped, rather it feels cosy, especially on the rainy day we visited. The atmosphere is further enhanced by the not-too-loud music, charming decor and gift products on display around the cafe. Even the crockery has a gorgeous quaint style to it. The menu is displayed on a little black board which as far as I know remains relatively constant (it was mostly the same last time we visted) and there are fresh cakes, quiches and spanokopita on display in the fridge and other sweets on the counter that have your mouth watering before your food even arrives. I ordered a cheese and bacon quiche while my companions ordered the omelette (made gluten free by omitting the bread), spanokopita and the BLTC. Firstly, the quiche. Accompanied by a garden salad with a tasteful amount of dressing, the quiche was warm and moist, the bacon bringing a burst of salty flavour and the pastry being flaky and buttery but not too hard to cut. Honestly, it was a perfect and satisfying meal; my one critique would be that salad had gourmet lettuce (you know that purple frilly stuff) and I've never been much of a fan (iceburg lettuce or spinach would be much prefered). As far as my companions' meals, I can really only go off their delighted comments and the delicious look of the meals. The omelette was generous in size and look positively luscious with ham, tomato and spinach. The spanokopita's pastry was flaky and golden and both of these meals were served with garden salad also. The BLTC was served on "great bread" according to my sister and looked delicious. Needless to say, all of our meals were devoured gratefully and quickly. Not at all eager to bring an end to such a pleasing dining experience, we ordered drinks and cake. A passionfruit sponge had caught our eyes in the cabinet and did not disappoint with its light, fluffy crumb, moistned by the luscious cream and contrasted by the bright, bite of the passion fruit icing. I ordered a hot chocolate and was again charmed by the quaint crockery, as well as the generous quantity of foam and chocolate powder on top and the perfection of the temperature (didn't burn my tongue despite my impatience but thawed my insides by the chocolaty warmth). Decafe coffees are also available. My sister ordered a milkshake which was apparently "one of the good ones" as far as vanilla milkshakes are concerned. The staff were lovely, accommodating, polite and very knowledgeable (I think the lady who served us had the drinks menu memorised right down to the kinds of tea avaible). All in all, this is a beautiful cafe in a beautiful town, with a beautiful atmosphere and beautiful food. I'd say the name is pretty apt, this place is...

Probably still finding their feet as we were there on a Sunday which you would think they would be more prepared . Who would close the kitchen between 11.00 and 12.00. We were there at 11.20 breakfast was still being brought out to other tables but we couldn't have any kitchen closed.. So we asked for the lunch menu. We couldn't have that either because they didn't yet know what they were going to have on the menu. I have been in the industry for 35 years so my advice to this little family business from this pretty little town is preparation. This was the most unwelcoming experience we've had. Famous for vanilla slices but only on Tuesdays. One would think they would sell many many more on weekends don't ask for one on weekends. No food between breakfast and lunch as the kitchen must be closed for an hour. They wouldn't even show us a menu as we were willing to wait. Don't go to Effloresce as they don't deserve your patronage. The bakery also has good vanilla slices and at least they...

Stars for the service as staff were friendly and welcoming. Muesli bowl was nice but most of that is pre prepared. As for the actual food and coffee, it was a bit of a let down. Coffee was probably one of the worst I have had, low quality old beans, milk not spun according to preference. None of us could drink it. As for the cooked breakfast, it was very basic with little seasoning. It was edible but very bland and basic. I would say we may be harsher critics coming from Melbourne, but in saying that I wasn't expecting fine dining, but just simple and done well. Staff were exceptionally kind and friendly, that is also...