Two Blind Mice unveils the perfect weekend breakfast menu (and it includes a Bloody Mary)

Posted on 13 April, 2023

Since it opened last year, Two Blind Mice has been drawing a loyal throng of locals—and many a non-local—to its sunny courtyard space at the Curtin Shops.

It’s been a breath of fresh air to the southside suburb, providing hearty fare with an Italian bent and a hipster vibe with its semi-industrial fit-out, recycled wood aesthetic and happy potted plants hanging from the rafters.

Now the good news is that Two Blind Mice is caving to demand to extend its operation to include breakfast—making it the place to be on a Saturday or Sunday morning from 8 am.

If this Vanilla French toast with maple bacon doesn’t put a spring in your step then nothing will.

Bring your pooch and enjoy a possie outside in the sunshine under the awning while watching the world go by, or come inside for a mid-century wooden table or a larger leather banquet if you want your mates to join you.

The breakfast menu promises something for everyone, starting with a drinks menu which includes an assortment of fresh juices alongside coffee as well as three cocktails choices (the Bloody Mary, Mimosa and Espresso Martini) because, of course, those are all breakfast drinks too!

On the food side there is a selection of classic brunch options which are both generous and well-executed by head chef and part-owner Josh McDonald.

Head Chef Josh McDonald and owner Sam Carlini. Image by Zachary Griffith.

The Smashed Avo is always a mark of a good brunch establishment and in Two Blind Mice’s case it’s got the added excitement of buffalo mozzarella, pepitas, semi-dried tomatoes and a herb salad.

Similarly, the Smoked salmon with crème fraiche, picked eschalots and dill is laden with smoked salmon under a tower of green.

The smashed avo is a colourful affair.

Sweet tooths can’t go past the Vanilla French Toast with maple bacon, vanilla marscapone and cinnamon sugar, while classicists may opt for the Bacon and Egg Roll with cheddar, pickles and smokey BBQ sauce.

A range of sides and a few other options mean every taste can be accommodated, as can vegans and gluten-free diners.

According to Josh, the aim is to deliver good food in substantial servings so breakfast sets diners up for a good weekend.

“We just want to provide dishes that take things a little bit to the next level,” he said.

If a Bloody Mary seems too much too early, you can opt for a fresh pressed juice.

He is also delighted to keep the vibe local, with his bread now coming from two doors up at Evoke Bakery and his customers happily bringing in any excess veggie crops or fresh figs from an overflowing tree, for Josh to weave his culinary magic.

“We really are a part of the neighbourhood now, which is great,” he said.

Co-owner Sam Carlini, whose carpentry skills are almost as honed as his hospitality skills thanks to his work on the fit-out, always set out create a beating heart in the Curtin Shops. But he also aspired to great gastro-pub food.

So far, so good for Two Blind Mice as the extended opening hours are the result of customer demand. Of course it will still offer a separate dinner menu which puts an Italian twist on your local pub favourites.

Make it a mid-century vibe. Image by Zachary Griffith.

“We have been really happy with how the place has settled in. We get locals and customers from all over the city now which was always our aim. We hope that we have created a great environment for people to come in and enjoy a long breakfast, with family or with friends.”

He is also delighted to see the courtyard in full swing, capturing the morning sunlight as people read the papers over their flat whites and chai lattes.

“Honestly even on chilly mornings, the sun hits just right and warms everything up.”