Mexican Brunch @ ASC

Location: 2 Acland Street, St Kilda
Phone: (03) 9536 1175
Link: www.aclandstcantina.com.au
Cuisine: Mexican
Overall Impression: 9/10

Lovers of Mexican fare that are bored by regular brunch options will rejoice at the ability to enjoy brunch with a tasty Mexican twist.

As long term fans of Acland Street Cantina, we were delighted to discover that ASC's diner area is the perfect spot for a lazy brunch that is both tasty, satisfying and interesting. 

corn arepas rancheros style beans, pork belly, morcilla, chorizo poached or fried eggs 

The arepas were beautiful. Fluffy and moist on the inside and perfectly crisp on the outside, they had a lovely grittiness from the ground corn. The egg whites were delicate and the yolk oozed out of the centre - perfect. The beans, pork belly and chorizo were delicious and worked beautifully together. 

milawa chook & corn quesadilla 

Described deceptively simply on the menu, this dish arrived with a vibrant quinoa and chickpea salad beside the wonderfully seasoned (including an ample dose of chilli!) chicken quesadilla. A very flavoursome dish. 

baja med bbq vegetable salad w. heirloom tomatoes, bbq vegetables, oregano, olives, cojita cheese lime & evoo dressing served w. grilled skirt steak 

The term "Baja Med" refers to the fusion of Mexican, Mediterranean, and Asian flavours and accurately sums up this salad. It was fresh, interesting and bursting with flavour. 

spinach quesadilla, wild mushrooms, ezpazote & huitlacoche crema

A sophisticated take on the spinach and cheese quesa, this was wonderful. The deliciously grilled tortilla was a filled with a flavour explosion of wild mushrooms, spinach and a crema made from what has become one of our favourite ingredients, huitlachoche (Mexican truffle). 

café de olla 

We couldn't go pass the café de olla which is a traditional Mexican coffee. As expected, the coffee was sweet with a beautiful aromatic flavour courtesy of cinnamon and piloncillo - perfect for this winter weather! 

And even though it was just brunch, there was no way we were leaving without dessert! 

prickly pear, organic banana and salted caramel ice cream (also available to go) 

dulce de leche scrolls 

Whilst brunch venues in Melbourne are all the rage, most are serving the same tried and true dishes. For those seeking more interesting brunch options, ASC provides a compelling alternative. 

You might be interested in our Friday nights @ Acland Street Cantina post too.