Steam Junkies

Steam Junkies is on the ground floor of The Commons, the new eco-friendly residential development on Florence Street in Brunswick (right next to the Upfield bike path, so close they could serve passing cyclists coffee out of the huge windows, and Anstey Station). We've cycled past at every stage of its development and I always hoped a cafe would open up here. Steam Junkies has done this excellent site justice, with decor that melds the industrial-style concrete and piping with some quirky personal details and sparks of colour. The food also doesn't disappoint. I started with a lovely carrot, apple and ginger juice, served in a jam jar with a  handle, and then had a still-warm, moist and delicious chicken sandwich, with mayo, walnuts and salad. The real star of the show, though, was the umami burger, which tasted every bit as good as it looks and in a nice change, was served with roast potatoes instead of fries. The smallest member of our party enjoyed a babycino, grazed on some chicken and potato, and watched with intense excitement as the metro trains went by. A completely satisfying lunch experience and a place we'll visit again and again.