Staple II

Update 12/06/2023: Staple is now closed, but the team are now involved with Croixssant.

December 12, 2021

   

We had a glorious weekend away at the beach mid-December, and the trip home took us through the western suburbs so we swung in to Staple for lunch. Pandemic rules had loosened a little since our last visit, so there was more seating available indoors, and staff remained diligent in their safety practices.

   

The menu had shortened from the four pages we last saw to a still-extensive two pages of bagels, burgers, toasties and specials. Arriving late and hungry, we were easily talked into meal deals with thick herb-sprinkled chips and a softdrink on the side (+$6). Michael chose the Terrie duckie ($16) from the list of toasties and received a neatly packed sandwich of thick-cut bread stuffed with mock-duck, scrambled tofu and mock-cheese, with generous squeezes of teriyaki sauce and mayo, and a garnish of nori strips and sesame seeds.  

   

I had an unexpectedly green-bunned Colonel burger ($17). This was very similar in style and quality to my beloved Origin Tales Zinger Tower, with a thick mock-chicken patty in an ultra-crisp batter, mock-bacon, cheese, lettuce, pickles and mayo.

   

I could barely finish my meal but Michael couldn't resist the 6-for-$15 doughnuts, which we gradually worked through over the following days. My fave was the chocolate-topped one stuffed with a peanut butter cream.

We've since heard a rumour that Staple are closing up their Altona North premises this week and intend to open up something new in the CBD. We'll be keeping a close eye on their socials for news of that in the new year - they're a lovely crew, and they make such fun vegan food!

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You can read about our first visit to Staple here.

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Staple

37 Cabot Drive, Altona North

0493 102 414

all day menu 1, 2

https://staplefood.co/

Accessibility: Staple has a narrow door and flat entry. Indoor furniture was well spaced. We ordered and paid at a low counter. Michael used a unisex toilet that was reasonably spacious (but didn't include handrails or other features) and was located upstairs.

Staple

Update 12/06/2023: Staple is now closed, but the team are now involved with Croixssant.

November 1, 2021

 

   

Last Monday, we took the day off work and visited Point Cook Coastal Park with our mate Lisa. Afterwards, we stopped by Staple in Altona North for lunch. The Staple team have done their best to create a welcoming set-up in an otherwise stark industrial area, with cheerful signage and a new outdoor eating space with picnic tables and stripy umbrellas occupying a couple of parking spaces.

The Staple cafe and neighbouring grocery are extensions of the Take And Eat tempeh business, so we were eager to focus on their tempeh dishes for lunch. More broadly, the menu is default vegan with exceptions marked (a couple of dishes have vegan egg/chicken's egg versions, there's regular dairy-containing Nutella, and perhaps dairy milk available for drinks). The menu is full of bagels, burgers and toasties with recommended combinations and a build-your-own option with an overwhelming array of mock meats, spreads, salad items and condiments. There don't seem to be gluten-free markings, and the menu is clearly gluten-heavy, so coeliacs will mostly be taking a chance on what's on rotation in the cafe display case.

   

Michael's fiery tempeh bagel ($17, pictured top of post) arrived first and I was instantly envious! It's a bagel built up with cream cheese, lettuce, crumbed tempeh schnitzel, napoli, ham and fiery mayonnaise. It was a delightful mess to eat, and spicy enough to keep Michael entertained.

I ambitiously took on the mac n cheesy parma ($17.50, pictured directly above). It's a stack of mixed greens, creamy mac n cheese, thickly crumbed tempeh schnitzel, napoli sauce, melted cheese and nooch sprinklings, and a strip of bacon. While I'd prefer that my salad wasn't smothered in hot food, I couldn't fault the food itself, and with much joy and determination I cleared my plate.

   

A big part of Staple's social media posting is their array of pastries, so we felt compelled to grab a couple of donuts on our way out. The flavours are fun, and I'm impressed by the vegan custards and creams that some of them are stuffed with, but I find them quite bready and think that I probably prefer cakier donuts.

We had a lovely time at Staple filling up on gluten-heavy vegan treats, and relaxing in their outdoor area. The staff were really friendly, adhered carefully to COVID safety procedures, and didn't rush us through at any stage. While a meal in Altona is a rarity for us, it's easy to see why Staple would draw loyal veg*n customers from all across the west.

   

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Staple has already won fans on Mamma Knows West.

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Staple

37 Cabot Drive, Altona North

0493 102 414

bagels; specialties, burgers & toasties; DIY bagels/burgers/toasties; drinks

https://staplefood.co/

Accessibility: Staple has a narrow door and flat entry. At the moment, much of the indoor furniture is pushed to the side and there is a lot of flat floor space. We ordered and paid at a low counter, and received our food at our outside table (solid picnic tables, bench seats without backs, and large umbrellas casting shade). Michael used a unisex toilet that was reasonably spacious (but didn't include handrails or other features) and was located upstairs.