Early Edition: Enjoy perfect brunch fare and pretty drinks with lake views

The morning sunshine dances across Lake Burley Griffin Photo: Kazuri Photography.

Early Edition cafe has just opened on the Kingston Foreshore and we are here to check it out. Situated along this prime slice of lifestyle and foodie real estate, we grab an outdoor table and watch the morning sunshine dance across Lake Burley Griffin.

No QR codes will be found at the tables here. Manager Sharon says, “We want people talking to people”.

Sharon says she has always wanted to run a cafe. She relishes a challenge and this is the perfect time as her other business, Banana Leaf, is well established.

“The location here is great! We have a lot of locals coming past. And by 4 pm, I am home!”

The Hojicha latte is earthy with smoky undertones. Photo: Kazuri Photography.

We check out the menu, which has wide-ranging all-day food options, from decadent plates to healthy, exotic dishes to classic brunch fare like steak and eggs and burgers.

Sharon tells us that the Mushroom Croissant sells well: a toasted croissant stuffed with mushroom, chive creme fraiche, gruyere, spinach, shallot and fried egg.

The crab omelette topped with crème fraîche and fish roe and served with burnt caper butter and sourdough captures my interest.

Don’t autopilot by ordering your regular beverage before checking out their drink menu. Along with all the coffee and tea options, find bright, glowing fresh fruit juices and unique iced drinks like the iced peppermint mocha, and ‘iced rosey’ which layers rose syrup with oat milk matcha. The affogato incorporates house-made butterscotch ice cream with honeycomb crust and espresso, with a finishing flair of coffee candy.

Plump fluffy buttermilk pancakes Photo: Kazuri Photography.

We have a Hojicha latte, an iced rosey oat matcha and a regular flat white. The Hojicha latte is just sweet enough and earthy with smoky undertones. I love smoky flavours so, of course, I enjoy it. Barista Anjali makes a very good coffee, rich and full-bodied and just as pretty to look at as it is to drink.

The iced rosey oat matcha takes pretty to another level with its three layers of colour. A frothy, forest green top layer, paler green middle and a deep pink ring at the bottom. Make sure that you mix the rose layer into the entire drink to let the sweet rose perfume permeate the earthy, ice-cold beverage. But take a photo first, capturing the cutest little green bear ice cube sitting as smug as you like in the middle.

Our breakfasts arrive.

The avo toast looks like a lush flower garden Photo: Kazuri Photography.

The avo toast looks like a lush flower garden – truly a piece of art. Delicate radish slices, chunks of heirloom tomatoes, micro herbs and flowers all stand on a substantial piece of Sonoma toast, spread generously with mashed avo. Dainty plops of feta, salsa verde and a poached egg and a squeeze of lemon top off this classic brunch dish. When we finally destroy the beauty by cutting it up, big mouthfuls of flavour do not disappoint. The heirloom tomatoes and sour, salty feta are delicious additions.

The Turkish eggs come out boasting the most impressive slice of toasted olive focaccia; sliced lengthways, it is hard pressed to make it through the door. Two perfectly poached eggs sit in a generous serving of buffalo yoghurt studded with olives and drizzled with chilli oil. It looks amazing. I dip the focaccia through the swathe of buffalo yoghurt, which is rich, thick, and creamy, offering higher protein and less cholesterol than cow’s yoghurt. The salty pop of olives and a bite of chilli oil really offset the smooth sourness of the dish.

Turkish eggs with a most impressive slice of toasted olive focaccia Photos: Kazuri Photography.

The rose iced matcha with the little green bear ice cube .

Beautiful latte art!

Barista Anjali makes a beautiful coffee.

Looking out to the outdoor seating.

Inside Early Edition.

Where Barista Anjali creates fabulous coffee and other beverages.

Look for the cute puppy logo.

Early Edition cafe.

The avo toast looks like a lush flower garden.

Truly a piece of art.

Nearly too pretty to eat..

Pastries from Sonoma and cookies and donuts from De Doughnut.

Crème Brûlée doughnuts from De Doughnut.

And now we try what I don’t yet realise are going to be the best pancakes I have had this year. Plump, fluffy buttermilk pancakes, topped with a sprinkling of seasonal berries, a drizzle of maple syrup, berry compote and silken dollops of creme fraiche.

If you need a grab-and-go breakfast or a snack, Early Edition stocks Sonoma pastries, and on the weekends, expect to see a delicious range of De Donuts treats.

Early Edition is located at 4/2 Trevillian Quay, Kingston. It is open from 7 am to 2 pm Monday to Friday and from 7 am to 3 pm Saturday and Sunday.

Follow Early Edition on Facebook and Instagram, and make sure you check out their menu.