Alto Cucina & Bar

Shop 47, The Oasis Shopping Centre

Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach Mall (beach end)

Broadbeach, Queensland

Australia

This was my first venture “out to brekkie” since I arrived back home from Afghanistan. To tell you the truth, it was long overdue. One of my closest friends recommended this place and seeing as though I was in that part of the world, I thought I’d give Alto a crack. It was a beautiful Queensland winter’s morning. The sun was just breaking over the trees leading to the beach and the market vendors had been selling their wares for a good couple of hours already.

Before I get into the food, I really have to mention the service at this place. In short, it was flawless. To be welcomed with such warmth and enthusiasm was refreshing to say the least. We chose a table outside in the sun and got down to ordering through our bubbly and relaxed waitress. What happened next will need some back-story so please bear with me. I thought I had some time to answer the call of nature so I departed the scene leaving my friend at the table. Two busted/closed/engaged toilets – and about ten minutes – later I returned to the restaurant. I was told that the food had already come out and when the waitress had noticed that I wasn’t at the table, she took both meals back to the kitchen to be placed under the warmers and she promised she’d keep an eye out for my return. I was sitting down for less than twenty seconds and our food was in front of us. First goal kicked.

Now down to what you’re all eager to hear about, the food. I ordered plain-old-run-o’-the-mill bacon and eggs. They come as you want them and with additional sides that are very reasonably priced. My meal was in the ballpark of seventeen bucks plus a couple of coffees. So here we go:

Bacon and Eggs @ Alto

Mushrooms – Perfectly seasoned and cooked. As you all know I’m a fun-guy (ahem) and could’ve eaten a whole bowl of these bad boys.

Hash Browns – Not as crispy as I’d like however pleasant and tasty nonetheless.

Bacon – Lean, beautifully cooked and not a hint of grease. Really hit the spot.

Eggs – I asked for poached and I was very happy with them. Not poached in the “traditional” way in water but in an egg poacher. Turned out very well with a firm white and silky, runny yolk.

Turkish Bread – Another option you can choose for a small increase in price. Perfectly toasted and -what I appreciated – butter on the side. I don’t usually have butter on toast with eggs so it was nice to either take it or leave it for a change.

Large café latte – This was a highball glass showcasing a double shot of the most awesome coffee I’ve had in a long time. It had the perfect temperature, smooth taste and just large enough to not want another one….although I did, so I did.

So there you have it. One of my most memorable brekkie experiences in recent times. The food was well above standard however as I alluded to earlier, the real winner here was the service. If all brekkie cafes were run like this, the world would be a far better place. Bravo Alto, I now have another reason to spend the night at the Gold Coast.