Goodness Gracious serves up mac ‘n’ cheese eggs benedict
The classic eggs bene gets an American twist at this Brisbane cafe, delivering a dish you can’t say no to
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“Hey lovely, here’s a blanket if you need,” says the smiling waitress passing me a tasselled throw as the Antarctic-like wind whips around the shaded, leafy courtyard.
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This kind of altruistic, obsequious service is what has made Graceville’s Goodness Gracious Cafe, in Brisbane’s southwest, a favourite among locals for years – and why it’s worth crossing town for.
From the moment you walk in the door of the cosy timber cottage, with its terraced decks and paved outdoor area, you’re made to feel welcome, appreciated and taken care of.
The well-trained staff’s knowledge is also helpful when navigating the heavily vegetarian menu, which runs from meat-free dishes such as a green bowl loaded with vegetables, quinoa and legumes, to carnivorous options like fish tacos and a breakfast burger. You can, of course, also add meaty extras like chorizo or bacon ($5 each) to any of the vegetarian or vegan dishes, as we did with the How U Beans ($18).
The cafe’s interpretation of classic, British-style baked beans come dotted with roasted macadamias – an odd but not unpleasant addition, alongside deliciously squidgy haloumi, a runny-yolked fried egg, grated tasty cheese and mixed leaves all atop soft sourdough.
It’s a huge portion and with the extra bacon, actually too much for even my starving dining companion.
Slightly smaller in scale but no less filling is the mac ‘n’ cheese benedict ($18).
Featuring two just-set poached eggs, hollandaise sauce, your choice of smoked salmon, chorizo, bacon or haloumi, and three croquettes of salty, creamy pasta glued together with stringy, intensely yellow cheese, it’s the American classic made fun – and just a little bit fancy – for breakfast.
A cabinet inside also offers more grab-and-go-style items like vegetarian or sausage rolls, and ham-and-cheese croissants, plus a huge variety of cakes and sweets – many of which are gluten-free.
Coffee is from Paradox and is brewed smooth with milk, while there’s also organic teas, specialty lattes, iced drinks, juice from Hrvst St, smoothies, milkshakes and iced tea.
Graceville locals have long been spoilt having this cafe in their neighbourhood, and it’s high time its magic was shared with the rest of Brisbane.
GOODNESS GRACIOUS CAFE
250 Oxley Rd, Graceville
3379 2192
Open 7am-2pm daily
VERDICT
Food 7
Service 9
Ambience 9
Value 8
If you like this, try …
Willow & Spoon
190 Newmarket Rd, Wilston
3352 7927
