Feed your appetite with a Reuben sandwich at Old Man Drew in Ascot Vale
There’s nothing better than tucking into a great sanga — and at this Ascot Vale cafe, the offering is larger than life. Here’s where to sink your teeth into one of Melbourne’s largest Reuben sandwiches.
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There’s a rich history at Ascot Vale’s Old Man Drew cafe.
Dorothy Leech, her daughter Emma and son-in-law Dario Bernado’s business has been doing a roaring trade since transforming the family’s old garage, into a bustling corner cafe last November.
The building has worn many hats — it was bought in 1968 by Victor Harrold Drew, Dorothy’s step-grandfather, who became the cafe’s namesake.
It was the old Twinem’s grocery store feeding hungry miners en route to Ballarat and Bendigo during the gold rush in 1868, Penfolds Wines in the 1950s, and Vic Drew Used Trucks from 1968.
Emma and her family want to preserve the old-world charm of the space that’s made for Sunday brunch with simple, tasty home-style dishes best enjoyed inside near the fireplace, outside in the garden conservatory or cosied on a Chesterfield in the underground wine cellar.
FOOD
The haloumi stack ($24) is a rustic dish, made with the same love of Mum’s cooking.
There are two plump potato rosti medallions, and while their fluffy, delicate inner and lightly fried outer doesn’t break new ground, this is home-style cooking at its best.
The haloumi adds a pop of salt against the creamy, generously spread avocado and perfectly poached eggs.
Just add a showering of dill and roquette plucked from Old Man Drew’s herb garden out back, and this dish is given a fresh facelift.
Sandwich lovers should flip to the second page of the menu and try one of three humungous offerings.
The towering Reuben ($22), a new addition for winter, is packed full of tender corned beef slabs slotted between sauerkraut and cheese on toasted rye.
Pickles on the side break up the heavy dish. Good luck if you can finish it all.
Don’t leave without a visit to the cabinet of baked goods, all made in house.
The gingerbread is a winner for the kids.
DRINK
The 5 Senses Dark Horse blend is on the coffee machine and Calmer Sutra is in charge of the loose-leaf green, black and chai teas. Almond and soy milk are available, as is Mork hot chocolate.
SERVICE
We’re ushered down to the cellar, which is a blessing in disguise — we’ve got the entire room and warm fireplace to ourselves. The staff check in frequently to make sure all’s well.
X FACTOR
The underground cellar is a must-see, complete with fireplace, comfy sofa and wooden shelves adorned with jars of pickled onions, farmhouse wares and cute knick-knacks.
Return to try out the upstairs Miss Violet Tea Rooms. For $85 a person, get champagne on arrival, savoury and sweet treats, plus homemade chocolate to finish.
And did we mention a dog-friendly courtyard?
BANG FOR YOUR BUCK
Almost all menu items are under $25, which is great value for the amount of food you get.
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HOPPERS CROSSING DESSERT BAR A HIDDEN GEM
VERDICT
Old Man Drew has service and charm akin to a country town. Park yourself in front of the fireplace with a decent cup of coffee, the paper or good conversation, and you won’t want to leave.
OLD MAN DREW
359-361 Mount Alexander Rd, Ascot Vale
9375 4024
FOOD: Farmhouse fare
HOURS: Mon-Fri 7am- 3pm; Sat-Sun 8am-3pm
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