Purple Peanuts Eater

Something happened to me the other day, folks. I fell in love. Leaving Purple Peanuts Japanese Cafe in a dreamlike state, I tongued a stray sesame seed in my mouth and flushed as I recalled the sensory pleasure I’d just experienced. Now as I sit here, wistfully staring out my window, I am even contemplating getting a small peanut tattooed on my face.

It all started a few weeks ago. I’d heard whispers of a Brown-Rice Sushi revolution on the grapevine and was assured these were exciting times, innovative times. As I nervously approached the small glass-fronted cafe and saw the packed outdoor seating and the line snaking out the door, I knew this wouldn’t be a regular Japanese cafe. In the fast moving queue with The Doors barely audible over the murmur, I had just enough time to frantically eye the sushi and salad, take in the interesting deep fried Onigiri (rice balls) atop a cake stand and scan the large brown paper hand-written menu. I went for the Salmon Sashimi with apple and onion ponzu dressing, rice and salad ($9.50) and secured a spot on a table.

Part of me wanted one of everything on their enticing menu – prawn burger, soba, fat onigiri, curry, brown rice sushi…but I knew I’d have time to try everything during my inevitable return visits. I took in The Beatles’ posters and cute art installations and watched the 10 staff behind the counter duck and weave around each other in a captivating ballet.

My food arrived and I was pleased to see my rice in a tower ala ‘Black Books’, generous slices of fresh salmon sashimi, and a big dob of the deliciously tart apple and onion ponzu dressing that awakened my senses. I was sold. Now I just wonder how soon I can return without seeming desperate.

Purple Peanuts
620 Collins Street, Melbourne
9629 3988
(Cash Only and unfortunately unlicensed)
Mon –Sat 10am – 8.30pm
Sushi: under $3.00, mains under $11.00