Perth Voice Interactive

LITTLE BIRD CAFE, Northbridge

by JENNY D’ANGER:

A black crow sat on the fence nearby, its head cocked quizzically, checking out my meal, while its mates caw cawed in a nearby tree, asking for more.

“Never more,” I replied, with apologies to Edgar Allan Poe, swallowing the last morsel.

There was no way I was sharing my haloumi burger ($12.50).

Haloumi—a squeaky, white semi-hard Greek cheese that grills exceptionally well—can be tasteless and tough but this thick slice was neither.

The burger, crammed with salad, grilled tomato, with a great home-made harissa mayo and spicy tomato sauce, was fantastic.

And the accompanying wedges were pretty damn good too.

My supposed lunch companion stood me up so I decided to harass a couple of customers about the quality of their dishes.

A caramalised onion, zucchini, sweet potato and goats cheese tartlet ($8.50) was a real winner, one woman said.

(The pastry gluten-free, and made on site).

Her companion was very happy with her lamb burger ($14.50), describing it as tender and tasty.

Little Bird has a range of delicious, healthy options, with gluten-free choices, as well as raw options for those following the Paleolithic diet (think caveman food, unprocessed, etc).

“We love to focus on organic produce,” chef Brittany Kemp says.

She whips up the coconut yoghurt used in the cafe, and milks the almonds (who knew almonds had little udders) for a range of smoothies.

I can vouch for a banana smoothie ($8) made with almond milk, which the ultra-friendly and pleasant staff were only too happy to adapt for me—it’s usually made with cow’s milk.

With honey for sweetening it was deliciously thick, not too sweet and wonderfully cool and refreshing on a warm spring day.

My lunch date finally turned up, just in time for cake and coffee.

He’s not exactly a health nut so I was surprised when he ordered the Rawesome chocolate mint slice ($5).

But he was more surprised when I told him it was raw and healthy—despite its rich chocolate kick—and made for people on a paleo diet.

I think there could be a convert in the making, although he did wash it down with a full-flavoured cappuccino rather than juice.

Little Bird is a relatively early bird on the block at the corner of Lake and Newscastle Streets.

But you won’t leave saying “never more”, once you try the food, and experience the warm welcome.

Little Bird Cafe
Corner of Lake and Newcastle Sts, Northbridge
9228 2483
open Tues–Sat breakfast and lunch