A stork delivered an extra special package to a good friend and I've waited (because it's always about me) nine months for the masterpiece to arrive as there was no express delivery available. My patience was stretched so thinly that if I were ordered to walk over hot coals to reach the prize I would have gladly asked "At what temperature m'am?" but kindness is my friend's strong suit and all I needed to do was take a mini road trip. So I journeyed across the golden soil to the footholds of Lilydale with one true purpose burning in my heart as I headed for The Lilydale General.
If that was my gym up top, my body would transform all right. By evading said gym session and heading straight for food on the bottom floor.
A La Marzocco machine churns out the daily grind.
A significant portion of their sweet selection was gluten-free or vegan which was so thoughtful. To be honest, I've never seen so many options on a menu that cater to the alternatively diet-ed or the health conscious.
What appears to be the bar if those are bottles of '-OH'.
Blurry shot.
Due to the pram and the quantity of our party, we were gently ushered to the courtyard. I spy with my little eye a wasp trap dear lord. Not to worry, we only saw one during our two hour discourse. Naturally it flew ferociously straight towards my head with appreciable determination.
What a breathtaking view of 'Tint-A-Car'.
Scenery aside, it was a gorgeous winter's day and it was delightful basking in the sun. Courtyard seating was warm and relaxed, with just enough shade to avoid sunburn; exactly what we needed.
Soy mocha. The memo was passed on accurately and it came out stronger on the chocolate. A solid cup right there.
Feast your eyes on the half serve of the 'Local Free Range Eggs' (scrambled) with a side of 'Ben's Local Smoked Salmon' and 'Side Chips' [$16.50].
I was expecting slices of smoked salmon and was pleasantly surprised to find that it was in fact a well done and well executed marble filled slab with none of that Dead Sea saltiness you could float in. It looks tiny in the photo, but it was a sizeable chunk. On the other hand, if you had cravings for that raw fish texture you would have needed to make full use of your anger management strategies. Those crinkle chips were hella crispy too, and the oil was fresh creating a light golden colour. Nothing fancy, just a good chip with a sprinkle of salt. I can eat a lot in one sitting (albeit at the pace of a sloth) but this filled me right up. They're a generous lot judging by the mound of creamy scrambled eggs they piled onto my plate.
'Eggs... Atlantic' style [$17]. Poached eggs, Ben's flaked smoked salmon, spinach, hollandaise and sourdough toast. Can't comment personally but a thumbs up was given.
'House Made Crumpets' [$15] (vegetarian) with caramelised fig, vanilla goat's cheese curd, roasted pistachios and coconut nectar glaze. I was told that it wasn't particular outstanding ("Hmm, yeah, meh"), but it filled the stomach. I'm afraid there was no way I can attest to this as goat's cheese products will not and cannot be voluntarily ingested.
'Breaky Burger' [$15]. Toasted Turkish roll, Ben's bacon, sunny side up eggs, locally made tomato relish, avocado, roquette and mayonnaise. I can't for the life of me remember wth that side was (query early onset dementia?) but it looks like little roasted potatoes to me. I was told that this burger was a solid favourite of my friend's partner and it was demolished in its entirety with smiles so take that as you will.
'Croque Monsieur' [$12]. Shaved local ham, cheddar cheese, Dijon bechamel and spring onion in a baked sourdough sandwich. This looked amazing and at 12 bucks it was likely the best value option in the entire menu. Again, a positive review from the consumer.
In conclusion, there was attentive, humorous and very friendly service from the staff and dishes that our taste buds were satiated by. That said, we were ravenous by the time our food arrived as there was quite a wait (over half an hour?); the place wasn't packed full but I guess there were a lot of tables occupied as it was a large space if one were to compare it to its inner city counterparts. If you're in a rush, probably not an ideal choice on the weekend. If you're looking for a place to chill which friends to while away an afternoon, this is it! We took half an hour to make menu choices (girls, you hear me?) which they cheerily accommodated with positivity and patience. When the weather's warmer, I'll be taking one of their smoothies filled with goodness (what is mesquite or lucuma? Must be one of them superfoods!) for a test drive (Choc Mint Crisp or Coco-Rudy are calling my name).
Recommended if you're in the area! The locals certainly flock to it, and with good reason.
Yep, that's it. See you soon loves! x
The Lilydale General
110 Beresfold Road,
Lilydale VIC 3140
http://thelilydalegeneral.com.au/
If that was my gym up top, my body would transform all right. By evading said gym session and heading straight for food on the bottom floor.
A La Marzocco machine churns out the daily grind.
A significant portion of their sweet selection was gluten-free or vegan which was so thoughtful. To be honest, I've never seen so many options on a menu that cater to the alternatively diet-ed or the health conscious.
What appears to be the bar if those are bottles of '-OH'.
Blurry shot.
Due to the pram and the quantity of our party, we were gently ushered to the courtyard. I spy with my little eye a wasp trap dear lord. Not to worry, we only saw one during our two hour discourse. Naturally it flew ferociously straight towards my head with appreciable determination.
I got through that alive with thanks to the brave feats of my friends ("OMG THERE'S A WASP NEXT TO YOUR HEAD!").
What a breathtaking view of 'Tint-A-Car'.
Scenery aside, it was a gorgeous winter's day and it was delightful basking in the sun. Courtyard seating was warm and relaxed, with just enough shade to avoid sunburn; exactly what we needed.
Feast your eyes on the half serve of the 'Local Free Range Eggs' (scrambled) with a side of 'Ben's Local Smoked Salmon' and 'Side Chips' [$16.50].
I was expecting slices of smoked salmon and was pleasantly surprised to find that it was in fact a well done and well executed marble filled slab with none of that Dead Sea saltiness you could float in. It looks tiny in the photo, but it was a sizeable chunk. On the other hand, if you had cravings for that raw fish texture you would have needed to make full use of your anger management strategies. Those crinkle chips were hella crispy too, and the oil was fresh creating a light golden colour. Nothing fancy, just a good chip with a sprinkle of salt. I can eat a lot in one sitting (albeit at the pace of a sloth) but this filled me right up. They're a generous lot judging by the mound of creamy scrambled eggs they piled onto my plate.
'Eggs... Atlantic' style [$17]. Poached eggs, Ben's flaked smoked salmon, spinach, hollandaise and sourdough toast. Can't comment personally but a thumbs up was given.
'House Made Crumpets' [$15] (vegetarian) with caramelised fig, vanilla goat's cheese curd, roasted pistachios and coconut nectar glaze. I was told that it wasn't particular outstanding ("Hmm, yeah, meh"), but it filled the stomach. I'm afraid there was no way I can attest to this as goat's cheese products will not and cannot be voluntarily ingested.'Breaky Burger' [$15]. Toasted Turkish roll, Ben's bacon, sunny side up eggs, locally made tomato relish, avocado, roquette and mayonnaise. I can't for the life of me remember wth that side was (query early onset dementia?) but it looks like little roasted potatoes to me. I was told that this burger was a solid favourite of my friend's partner and it was demolished in its entirety with smiles so take that as you will.
'Croque Monsieur' [$12]. Shaved local ham, cheddar cheese, Dijon bechamel and spring onion in a baked sourdough sandwich. This looked amazing and at 12 bucks it was likely the best value option in the entire menu. Again, a positive review from the consumer.
In conclusion, there was attentive, humorous and very friendly service from the staff and dishes that our taste buds were satiated by. That said, we were ravenous by the time our food arrived as there was quite a wait (over half an hour?); the place wasn't packed full but I guess there were a lot of tables occupied as it was a large space if one were to compare it to its inner city counterparts. If you're in a rush, probably not an ideal choice on the weekend. If you're looking for a place to chill which friends to while away an afternoon, this is it! We took half an hour to make menu choices (girls, you hear me?) which they cheerily accommodated with positivity and patience. When the weather's warmer, I'll be taking one of their smoothies filled with goodness (what is mesquite or lucuma? Must be one of them superfoods!) for a test drive (Choc Mint Crisp or Coco-Rudy are calling my name).
Recommended if you're in the area! The locals certainly flock to it, and with good reason.
Yep, that's it. See you soon loves! x
The Lilydale General
110 Beresfold Road,
Lilydale VIC 3140
http://thelilydalegeneral.com.au/
