Inspiration comes in many forms. Some people need an open grassland with wildebeest grazing in a serpentine pattern, others find it in a stormy sea and more still draw that elusive of all things from a woodland walk. Recently I was inspired by home-made baked beans.
Okay, not just the beans but they were the spark. I frequent this place in Canterbury called Kitch. Usually it's just for a takeaway (deep breath): spicy cacao, hold the maple, with a shot of espresso. This is a magnificent concoction of unsweetened cacao mixed with ginger, cinnamon and cayenne, usually with a shot of maple syrup, made up with almond milk. Adding the espresso has become known as making it dirty ie. a dirty cacao.
Anyway, the other day I stopped in to get myself some breakfast after dropping Betty and The Spud at the train station. It is just such a fantastic place to visit. The atmosphere is really friendly and relaxed with lovely retro tea room style decor.
I went for the Full Veggie this particular morning and it was something else. It has on it sweet potato falafel, avocado, poached egg, wilted spinach, and HOMEMADE BAKED BEANS! It comes with a side of addictive wholemeal, multigrain, sourdough toast too, but seriously...baked beans that are actually homemade.
The falafel are fantastic, sweet with a slight curried flavour from cumin they go amazingly with the egg and spinach giving a cross between eggs Florentine and kedgeree. Avocado is always a winner with me so I'll never complain about a wedge of it on my plate but seriously these beans, right, were beautiful. A millions times nicer than the tinned variety with a fresh tomato sauce and fat soft haricot beans (I think).
This also comes with grilled mushrooms. I'll just leave that there. People who know me know, everyone else can guess.
I had, with my breakfast, a matcha latte made with coconut soya milk. I thought it was a bit too early in the morning for my usual. I was happy with my choice. How couldn't I be with a beautifully made, slightly sweet, cup of frothy heaven?
All in all an amazing experience. Kitch like to make fresh, seasonal, whole food and they do a damn fine job of it. There is always a smile when you go in the door and there's never a rush to get you fed and back out again. Also they tend to remember people and regular orders.
If you're in Canterbury at any stage do make sure to visit. You won't regret it.
