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Gunned down at Dead Man Espresso

By Adrian / January 4, 2010
It’s interesting to note the amount of promises you make in your head. This usually occurs around January when you’ve sat down and tried to figure out which of the numerous New Year’s resolutions to actually somewhat accomplish. The operative word being’ somewhat.’

“You don’t need the bacon!”

With the amount of Pork Belly eaten over the festive period, I thought I’d take up a healthy option at Dead Man Espresso. So I thought…

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Details: 35 Market St, South Melbourne 3205 (03) 9686 2255 Website: www.deadmanespresso.com.au

Surroundings: As soon as you walk in, you immediately feel a sense of industrial-esque space. With its high ceilings, light wooden panels, floor to ceiling windows opening to a mini alfresco dining area – it’s best to sit in the center communal table so you can catch all the unique details as well as giving you full view of the baristas at work as they make your wake up calls.

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After visiting their blog, I was shocked to find out that they were closing up over the festive season with their last day being the 23rd December. I ran out the door and down the hallways to the lifts as if I were being chased by some chainsaw wielding psycho (minus the screams of course…not that I could anyways). On that topic, if you’ve heard my attempt to scream- it sounds more like a snake hiss. Pitiful! I’m better off boiling a kettle during an emergency. Although, I should be proud that I can’t pull off a scream. I’m a man!

Let’s not digress here. The menu is simple but diverse. I love the interesting combination’s and added elements to the dishes like the Asian influence on the Fruit Salad with Tapioca and Lemongrass Granita. Below were a few menu items that I was desperate to consume:

  1. Brioche French toast with sesame seed chili caramel and grilled pineapple with bacon.
  2. Ricotta pancakes with poached fruit

None of the above was available. Again, I was thinking of shaving my credit card to the fine point of a shiv and stabbing myself! Not a problem. Understanding it was their last day, I was told menu items were very limited. So here’s what I chose:

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Liquids: A wake me up Seven Seeds beaned cappuccino. I had high hopes for this and was fortunately met. The beverage was well delivered- full bodied, slightly bitter with a subtle caramel aftertaste which entertained the palate. I was tempted to try out their filtered coffee after watching the demonstration (above) but I was in the mood for some Seven Seeds. Next time.

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Mains:

BLT Pork Belly & Spinach puree on brioche with gazpacho.  On initial arrival, I thought “Where is the meat?” However, upon dissection, underneath the buttery toasted brioche and the refreshingly tangy greens revealed the star of the show. Like a moth to a flame, the pork belly was burned by the fire being pan fried leaving a crispy edge of fat and tender centre. So tasty and sinful at the same time.

The slightly spicy gazpacho added some nice elements to the dish as I happily dipped away, but it still stood strong without.

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As mentioned at the start of the review, I’ve had my fair share of pork over the past few days so this wasn’t my first choice. However, it was the next best thing after my original preferred items. No regrets here homeboy!

There’s been quite abit of hype in Melbourne surrounding Dead Man, St. Ali, Seven Seeds, Café Vue, Proud Mary (check out fellow foodie reviews by Addictive & Consuming and Cruxiefaye) as well as other new coffee houses that have opened up recently. They’re all great so please don’t make me choose. We do love our coffee in Melbourne huh?!

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Dessert: Tummy says no.

Bring a date here? Hell yeah! Would make a great first date

Brekkie with friends here? Yes

Service: Courteous and friendly.

$$$: 17

Food Rehab Verdict: Sent me to food rehab (book this place now! Wowzer) – Greenlight

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So um, other than the new coffee houses mentioned, are there any others that have gunned you down?

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15 thoughts on “Gunned down at Dead Man Espresso”

    1. Hey Betty- It was amazing, loved how it was nicely juicy. And yes…I ate all the greens 😛

      Hey 3hungrytummies- My love handles have definately been affected over this xmas break- as expected! More jogs are in order 🙂

      Hey Rilsta- hehe, yes. All the green decieved the eyes, but didn’t fool the taste buds!

      Hey Lorraine- I would def try and create this at home- but I’d miss out on the good coffee at dead man which goes well with the BLT

      Hey Belle- aww, thanks Belle! Yeah, I try not be so formal in my writing, whatever goes I guess 🙂 Pork belly rocks

      Hey Penny- The BLT is great hangover cure. I tried thier riccotta pancakes over the weekend…but I should’ve gotten the poek belly again 😛

      Hey Ellie- I loved the combination of the pork and spinach puree. Covered the fat well LOL

      Hey Michele- Def try this place out, not as packed as St Ali……yet.

      Reply

    1. Hey Maria- It was goooooood! I want another now. Good idea with not making any NY resolutions when it comes to food. As a food blogger, you’re expected to break any dieting/food related cutbacks hehe

      Reply

  12. Hey Betty- so true! Yes, the coffees….omg. There are way too many great beaneries around right now. I find my weekends driving from one to the other in sheer desperation.

    Hey 3hungrytummies- Good plan! How long do you reckon you’ll keep it up?! LOL

    Reply
  13. Pingback: Breakfast at Hardware Societe, Le Chien Cafe, Proud Mary, Stellini Bar, Cornershop to Nosh@Newport | Food Rehab, the Tastebud Diaries, melbourne food blog, melbourne restaurant reviews, pinoy recipes

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