The Curious Goose of Brunswick

Goosey Goosey Gander, Whither Shall I Wander?

Down to Curious Goose on Sydney Road – the new venture by Robin Neaves, chef-owner of Casa Farro, and Beau Field, his front-of-house manager, which opened earlier this month.

The intrepid goose’s signage can be spotted by his aviation glasses and messenger satchel, ready to make a pit stop just before the long haul flight to Canada, or wherever it is geese fly to every winter.

Just beginning to spread its wings, the team at this new Sydney Road cafe prove to be a chirpy and enthusiastic lot, working the floor and providing friendly service. The menu can loosely be described as well-travelled, with everything from Middle Eastern flavours and tacos to classic breakfast staples on offer.

Curious Goose serves its own blend of coffee – the Ducks Nuts – created by Steve and Trevor Simmons from the Penny Farthing. They also bake their own bread, while the cupcakes and saucer sized Wagon Wheels on display were all made by one of the owner’s mums (in true Mother Goose fashion.)

Breakfast includes offerings such as the salted beef hash, poached eggs, asparagus and thyme-roasted mushrooms with white truffle dressing ($15.90) and The Goose’s big brekky – eggs, bacon, roasted vine tomato, white bean braise, thyme roasted mushroom, potato, grilled chorizo and crisp polenta ($19).

Lunch options are served from midday, including a roast pumpkin salad that includes pomegranate, pinenuts, spinach and shanklish ($12) or a New York Reuben served with roquette ($13).

When we visited, works was underway on Hava Gander, the Goose’s mezze, pide and pizza bar, while cooking classes begin in September. In summer, the team hope to have their own bee hives on the rooftop to harvest their honey from.

One last thing about the Goose. If you’re curious and want to, make a trip to the toilets. It’ll be worth it; in fact, it may make you want to shake your tail feather. Or fly away.

CURIOUS GOOSE
307 Sydney Rd, Brunswick
9380 8287
Mon- Sun, 8am – 4pm
www.curiousgoose.com.au