Long Story Short, Brunswick

Long Story Short is now permanently closed.

Grungy Smug Relish is one we like (try their baked eggs), or maybe opt for lunch at Ciao Mamma instead. 

The Overview…

Food: Red Velvet Waffles, Pulled Pork Harissa Croquettes, Buttermilk Tim Tam Pancakes

Ratings:
Food: 4/5
Atmosphere: 4/5
Service: 5/5
Value: 4/5

The details…

I wondered why I’d never visited Brunswick’s Long Story Short before, but it’s such an adorable hidden away cafe, at the end of a laneway off Sydney Road, that I don’t think I would have found it unless I’d been specifically looking for it. It’s a real chilled out space, with lots of greenery.

It has a flexible layout with 3 separate seating areas and lots of options to accommodate larger groups. Dividing the area in the way they have means you’re sat near 2 or 3 other tables of diners at most making it a more intimate and relaxing space. Service was very friendly and prompt, with nice little extras like serving staff taking the time to farewell customers, open doors etc. Those finishing touches did make it stand out, particularly on a weekend when they are probably at their busiest.

We were in a sweet tooth mood so we shared the pork croquettes, and opted for a sweet dish each – the iconic tim tam pancakes and the red velvet waffles from the specials menu. We also sneaked in a couple of hot chocolates! The dishes from Long Story Short are pretty creative and they do an evenly balanced breakfast and lunch menu as well as those sweet dishes, so I’d definitely recommend trying something you wouldn’t usually.

We were surprised by the croquettes. We expected them to be largely potato based, but they were actually pure pork – so while it may look small, coupled with those eggs it was much more filling that I expected and similar in flavours to a pork benedict. The mint pea puree and apple salad helped to freshen the flavours of this dish and I personally would have loved even more of that salad on the plate.

The tim tam pancakes are exactly what you’d expect and they are chocolate heaven. The chocolate is very rich, almost liquor like in its flavour, and there are chunks of tim tam accompanying the huge pancake stack. It’s a big, sweet dish and some people will feel over faced by this, so maybe give it a go to as a shared dish unless you’re a real sweet tooth.

The red velvet waffles were a fab dish, and I’m pretty sad they’re a special. The colours were amazing with the baby pink waffles contrasting with the vivid blueberry mascarpone. The waffles were really good – so soft – I’ve been trying quite a few waffles dishes lately and these ones definitely had the best consistency so far. The passionfruit and rhubarb combo really helped to make it a distinctive dish, and it’s one that will stick in your memory – for all the right reasons.

Everything else…

Website: http://www.longstoryshortcafe.com.au/

Address:  6/10 Tripovich Street, Brunswick

Opening Times: 

Mon         7am to 4pm
Tue          7am to 4pm
Wed        7am to 4pm
Thu         7am to 4pm
Fri          7am to 4pm
Sat          8am to 4pm
Sun        8am to 4pm

Parking: There’s some street parking on nearby Ballarat street, and similar neighbouring streets if you don’t mind a short walk.

Getting here on PT: We walked from Brusnwick Train Station, and it’s probably a little over 5 minutes and probably even less from the 19 tram route (alight at Victoria street), or the 508 and 509 bus routes.

Disclaimer: We dined as guests of Long Story Short, Brunswick. Reviews are honest and based on our own personal experiences. We cannot guarantee things at a restaurant won’t change including, but not limited to, menu items and opening hours, so please confirm any details with the venue before visiting.