There’s no yolkin’ around when it comes to our favourite brunch classics…at the top of the list is eggs Benedict, with crisp bacon and smothered in creamy Hollandaise.
This Sunday, April 16 is National Eggs Benedict Day - what better way to shellabrate than to visit your favourite café for a plate of deliciousness, washed down with a cup of Joe.
There have been many ‘Benedicts’ through the years who have tried to lay claim to the creation of this breakfast staple, but the two who have the most credibility are a stockbroker called Lemuel Benedict and Pope Benedict XIII.
The story goes that in 1894 Lemuel Benedict ordered ‘buttered toast, poached eggs, crisp bacon and a side of Hollandaise’ at the Waldorf Hotel in New York; they were so impressed with the dish they put it on the menu, substituting ham and English muffins for the bacon and toast.
While in the early 18th Century, Pope Benedict XIII liked an egg dish so much he requested it over and over again; he also had an illness which added to his craving for the dish, so it was named after him.
Here are five egg-ceptional venues to delve into your favourite version of eggs Benny:
Located in the vibrant Gold Coast suburb of Miami, Caffeine Kings has transformed an old laundromat into an exceptional coffee house, serving all-day breakfast and cool tune music. Located on Gold Coast Highway, this funky venue boasts matte-black graffiti-covered walls like a little backstreet Melbourne laneway; setting the scene for memorable meals from a modern Asian fusion menu, along with craft beer and killer cocktails.
Stop in early after a beach walk on Sunday and devour the Royal Benedict – two poached eggs, wilted spinach, Hollandaise and dukkah on a potato rosti with smoked salmon, bacon, pulled beef, pork or jackfruit.
See and be seen at Luxe Woollahra on Queen Street, where Sydneysiders gather for decadent food and velvety coffee. Located within the salmon pink surrounds of historic Queens Court, Luxe oozes a sophisticated yet casual vibe, bringing celebrities and locals together with their furry friends over a creative Mod Oz menu.
From an all-day breakfast menu, start your Sunday with eggs Benny – choose to add bacon, wilted spinach, halloumi, avocado or smoked salmon – served on organic sourdough.
Enjoy a morning caffeine hit at community-minded beach café, Milk & Beans Coffee House, a much-loved local for those in and around Alexandra Headland and tourists visiting the Sunshine Coast. Fitted out with a trendy rustic style, inside feels warm and inviting with an exposed red brick wall adorned in dangling green fronds and ornaments, while recycled timber beams hold in place long cords of globes dropping from the ceiling.
Team a Kai Coffee with pulled pork eggs Benedict, with baby spinach, balsamic roasted tomatoes, hash browns and avocado smash on ciabatta; or perhaps Biscoff and caramel banana waffles hit the mark.
There’s more than just one version of eggs Benny on the menu at A Fresh Tart on Stanmore Road in Petersham this weekend. In addition to the popular gluten-free dish with housemade potato gratin, this café also has a range of different eggs Benedict options available all weekend to celebrate.
Harnessing food's power to bring people together, this quaint café is the place to sip, eat, connect and recharge, welcoming guests into a warm and inviting vibe of mosaic-tiled floors, shelves stacked with tempting goods and softly glowing Edison bulb lighting.
Those looking for a cosy corner café to hang out with a coffee in Holt head to Bunny Beans Café on Hardwick Crescent. Named after owner Bernard’s nickname, this café exudes rustic charm from recycled timber, exposed brick and dark wood table settings; while on balmy Canberra days, take to the alfresco area with your fur baby to people watch.
Sunday breaky is never better when you have four choices of eggs Benny to kickstart the day – think smoked salmon, ham, bacon or mushroom – with peppered Hollandaise, broccolini, spinach and herbs, on focaccia.
Still looking for your fix? Click here for more cafes near you.
