Parkstone in Pascoe Vale South the kind of cafe you want at the end of your street

Not all superheroes wear capes. Some serve coffee and pancakes. This new Pascoe Vale South cafe is the kind you want at the end of your street.

Owner Paul Vernuccio lives just blocks away from the cafe so has a good feel for what the neighbourhood needs.

Not all superheroes wear capes. Some serve coffee and relaxed vibes and offer a community service as a local hub that transcends its four walls.

Parkstone cafe, in Pascoe Vale South, is one such suburban star — a go-to for a well-priced feed, a quiet coffee after the school drop-off, family gatherings or even a business meeting close to home.

After operating six eateries, including Richmond’s Cheeky Monkey cafe, in the past decade, Paul Vernuccio opened Parkstone in early September.

STOCK TIPS: WHERE TO EAT THIS WEEKEND

PRAHRAN’S GRAND LAFAYETTE AN INSTA-HIT

He lives only five blocks away so has a good feel for what the neighbourhood needs.

For every burger and pancake on the menu, there are two health-giving bowls or vibrant salads, with the aim of having locals drop in more than once a week. That said, Parkstone is licensed for wine time.

Parkstone cafe’s pancakes. Picture: Brodie Chan

FOOD

The Parkstone Pancakes ($18.90) are a high pile of carrot cake pancakes — thick, fluffy and smacking of ginger. They’re topped with velvety coconut ice cream from Vernuccio’s other venture, Augustus Gloop Gelatery, as well as shaved walnuts and a maple glaze. Seasonal fruit — half a passionfruit, strawberries and blueberries the day we dine — absolves all sins. This is a ripper dish, and vegan, too.

Eggs Benedict is cast in a new light here as the Waffled Benedict ($19.90). Two poached eggs swaddled in a silky hollandaise sharp with apple cider vinegar are perched on an oversized hash brown nattily given the crisscross treatment in a waffle iron.

Rashers of maple-glazed bacon add to the appeal.

Other bestsellers include the Middle Eastern lamb salad ($19.90) spiked with crisp curry leaves, pomegranate and a feta labneh, and the Pop Eye Salad ($16.90) loaded with good things like kale, goji berries, salted ricotta and black beans.

There’s also a dedicated kids’ menu, with top little bites such as chia pudding ($9), a cheeseburger and chips ($11) and mini eggs on toast ($5.50).

Waffled Benedict hits the spot at Parkstone cafe. Picture: Brodie Chan

Nab a roomy booth at Parkstone cafe in Pascoe Vale South. Picture: Brodie Chan

DRINK

Pick-me-ups come in the form of coffee from North Melbourne’s Roasting Warehouse ora Bloody Mary, Aperol Spritz or prosecco by the glass or bottle. There are also smoothies, milkshakes, iced coffee and freshly squeezed juices.

SERVICE

Staffers were cruisy but attuned to customers’ needs, whether that’s pencils and paper for little ones or a replacement fork for one they see has dropped on the floor.

X FACTOR

This corner set-up is homely and inviting, with the pick of the perches one of the spacious timber booths against a wall of green (faux) foliage. There are 50 seats inside, with another 40 outside that are under cover, with heating and serviced by a coffee window. And love a cafe with knives sharp enough to saw through toast.

BANG FOR YOUR BUCK

Nothing over the magic $20 mark. Locals always appreciate change from a lobster.

VERDICT

Places like Parkstone are the cornerstones of great communities.

PARKSTONE

9 Parkstone Ave, Pascoe Vale South

9378 8226

FOOD Mod cafe

HOURS Daily 7am-4pm

CHEF Leandro Mello

NOISE LEVEL A happy hum

ONLINE parkstonecafe.com.au

MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES