MORNING, NOON AND NIGHT (The Exchange Bar

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Morning, Noon and Night

The Exchange Bar offers fantastic coffee, delicious and generous meal options, and is fully licenced with a comprehensive bar selection. Located in West Leederville, surrounded by an office precinct as well as neighbourhood apartments this unexpecting eatery had me smiling within moments of receiving our first dish. The Exchange Bar provides an all-day breakfast menu with additional options. The open brunch burger was stacked high with salty bacon, two sunny side up eggs, grilled haloumi, avocado, rocket and pickled onion chutney on a toasted brioche bun. Our brunch burger was accompanied by a glass of 2021 Cloak & Dagger 'The Dagger’ Pinot Grigio, with the crisp finish transitioning the breakfast dish with ease to a lunch or dinner option. The omelette was delicious and a nourishing example of how to turn a simple favourite into a comprehensive meal; stuffed with smoked chorizo, rich gooey cheese, generous chunks of roasted pumpkin, and crisp smatterings of prosciutto and shallots. Owner George D'Annunzio tells me this is what “keeps the old boys coming back” and I believe it; this makes me want to come back as well. We paired the omelette with a glass of 2020 Prosecco Alejandro, light with a citrus undertone that complimented the salty bite of the omelette.

The bruschetta was topped with grilled tomatoes, avocado, pickled radish and that moreish smoked chorizo, stacked on thick white toast and drizzled with olive oil and cracked pepper. The gentle woodiness of the accompanying 2019 Pacha Mama Chardonnay brought out the earthiness of the dish. The keto-salad was piled with grilled haloumi, crispy bacon, poached eggs and spinach. Completed with earthy mushrooms, toasted seeds and a creamy and zingy dressing, I would happily eat this every day both for the flavour and to feel positive about my healthy food choices.

Our dessert dish was my highlight. Sweet, crispy biscuit crumbed arancini balls, eight on a plate with four filled with zesty oozing (genuine) limoncello lemon curd, and four with a chocolate orange filling, served with cream on the side. The scent met our noses before the plate arrived, nostalgic with the aroma of childhood doughnuts, sweet with cinnamon and dusted sugar. Accompanied by a glass of 2021 Cloak and Dagger Prosecco, this was a delightful indulgence and expression in Italian cooking. Owner George has over 30 years experience in the hospitality industry and this is demonstrated in the uncomplicated yet considered menu, offering genuine authentic cooking and range of meal choices. This is a great spot for breakfast, lunch, dinner, a casual drink or your morning coffee if you fancy. There is a selection of beers on tap and an extensive wine and cocktail menu; and they make over 400 cups of quality coffee by 11am on weekdays. The Exchange Bar has live music on a Friday and Saturday night, indoor and alfresco seating, and extendable space to accommodate for both intimate and larger events. This venue is also a great option for a party or private booking. I left content, very full and with genuine intention to revisit and share this hidden gem with my friends and family. Highly recommended. By Danica Scott

The Exchange Bar 4/32 Harrogate Street, West Leederville Ph: (08) 9380 6675 www.exchangebrewingco.com.au