Perth Voice Interactive

WITH lunchtime crowds surging in and out, smiles were a little strained at the Leaf and Bean Emporium as staff battled a misbehaving dishwasher.

It wasn’t long however before the recalcitrant machine was brought to heel—perhaps with a well-aimed kick—and the smiles soon returned at this popular Mt Hawthorn cafe.

L&B’s decor is modern and stylish but there’s nothing pretentious about this little eatery.

It’s the sort of place mums take their kids and prides itself on its friendly attitude to children and dogs.

It equally caters for office workers popping in for a quick bite and is great as a place where friends gather.

L&B’s decor is modern and stylish but there’s nothing pretentious about this little eatery…

The menu is small but there’s something for everyone: an all-day breakfast menu includes a selection of bagels, plus there are sandwiches and wraps, a burger of the day ($10.50) and specials.

Like a puppy in a shop window a massive tuna patty stared back at me from its cabinet prison, begging me to take it home. Being a big softy I was won over.

Along with a choice of two salads my meal came to a very affordable $13. My lunch companion’s vegetarian fritters were the same.

My patty was moist and stuffed with sundried tomato, corn and onion and was perfectly matched to the accompanying tzatziki (yoghurt, lemon, garlic and cucumber).

The salads were fresh and delicious: I especially enjoyed the one with baby spinach, eggplant and puy lentils. Its drizzle of house-made mayonnaise was fantastically rich and flavoursome, with a pleasant mustard zing.

My companion enjoyed her fritters, served with a house-made aioli, reporting they were light and crisp. And she reckoned her pumpkin salad was pretty good too.

Watching customers come and go was thirsty work, so we ordered a couple of coffees ($4.50 for large) and of course that led to a couple of cakes to go with them.

I opted for gluten-free orange/almond cake ($6), a huge slice that was moist and sharp, while my mate had the lemon/yoghurt cake ($4.50), which was even sharper, in a good way.

by JENNY D’ANGER

Leaf and Bean Emporium
178 Scarborough Beach Rd,
Mt Hawthorn | 9443 6373
open 7 days for breakfast and lunch