March 10, 2024
I've been following Ima's social media accounts since they were located in Carlton, but it's only very recently that Michael had the bright idea to stop in for lunch when we were in their newer Brunswick neighbourhood running errands. Ima Asa Yoru is located within Nightingale Village and with the temperature in the high 30s we were really putting their eco-friendly non-air-conditioned set-up to the test: it was pleasant but still warm.
Iced drinks were very much in order: my house-made yuzu lemonade was ringed with salt ($8.50), while Michael perked up with an iced filter coffee ($6.50).
The brunch menu had clearly marked, plentiful veg*n and gluten-free options, all of them varied and highly appetising. Michael was thrilled with the agedashi tofu teishoku ($30) with a bonus onsen egg ($3.50). Beyond the delicate tofu and soft egg, there was rice, miso soup and four little side dishes!
Meanwhile, I tried the onigiri teishoku ($28). These rice balls were served on crisp open nori and concealed the most delightful tangy, creamy umeboshi filling. I also received a complex miso soup and two side dishes of pickles.
This was such a luxurious meal, with both variety and attention to detail. Though Ima was reasonably busy, we weren't rushed through in any way. We will absolutely be back for breakfast, lunch and/or dinner.
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Ima Asa Yoru
1 Duckett St, Brunswick
9989 2309
Accessibility: Entry to Ima Asa Yoru includes shallow, wide ramps. Furniture is densely packed, made up of low tables with backed chairs and high benches with backed and backless stools (I found it difficult to comfortably use the footrest). We ordered at our table and paid at a low open counter. We didn't visit the toilets.
Thank you! I loved Ima Project Cafe (got to try taco rice for the first time there) and it's great to hear they've now reopened.
ReplyDeleteIt may be a while before I'll be back in Melbourne but I'll be sure to check out their new place, as well as their nearby grocery.
from Johanna @ https://gggiraffe.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteWe were there a few weeks back and loved it. The food is great though I was surprised at the creamy umeboshi filling in the onigiri - it looked like fish but tasted great. Likewise Michael's agedashi tofu looks like salmon to me in the picture. But the vegetarian offerings are impressive.