I was welcomed by the talented Katia Scherf, who owns the café with Devin Hogan. As a team, they deliver outstanding quality. These two talented entrepreneurs gained their experience by travelling Europe and interning at The Test Kitchen.
It’s the simple but effective touches that add so much value to your experience. Walking towards the café, you will notice the stacked glass doors, which allow you to enjoy the view of Bree Street’s hustle and bustle, and, upon entering the restaurant, you can't help but be drawn in by the inviting food and coffee smell lingering in the air. The deco comprises a choice of raw finishes and simple touches, like the exposed lighting and shelves that add so much flavour to the café - less is always more.
We were seated where the magic takes place, with a clear view of the chef creating delectable meals with passion and great care, and the bakery counter next to us on the adjacent side. For those of you who are on the move, SMAK accommodates that early-morning or lunchtime take-away order too. Cake lovers, this is the perfect spot to come to relax after a busy day and indulge in amazing guilty pleasures, just before hitting the CBD traffic or to pass the time.
We ordered the good ol’ scramble - it's just the right size for breakfast and the taste is so satisfying, especially when accompanied by a cappuccino. Presented on rye bread (or toasted ciabatta) where scrambled eggs, bacon (which we added separately), cream cheese, balsamic caramelised onions, pan-fried mushrooms, parmesan and an out-of-this-world sauce – boy, these chefs are talented.
Although the café was very busy (and short staffed, we were informed) the staff on duty were on their A-game and managed to keep the customers satisfied - this clearly being a result of amazing teamwork paying off.
The warm welcome and charismatic service, where the customer is taken care of, is the reason I’ve fallen in love with SMAK. The staff and owners definitely pay attention to the right details and are passionate about what they do, which you feel in the service, food and presentation.
It’s an amazing addition to the Bree Street strip. I’m sure this is one of many restaurant ventures for Katia and Devin, as these two have wings that are going to expand great success in the culinary field.
