The Grounds of Alexandria is arguably the most Instagramed brunch/cafe place in Sydney. Having only been open for a little under 2 years, The Grounds has been highly raved about by media, bloggers and common goers alike. I'm always scared about hype, it builds up too much expectation and you may just set yourself in for disappointment. Luckily, disappointed I was not. 

The Grounds is aptly named so for it's specialty in coffee. The site, located in an old 90's pie factory, hosts a coffee research and testing facility alongside it's cafe, which opens up to the opposing garden that features fresh veggies and fragrant herbs. You step in and you smell the beautiful aroma of freshly grounded coffee beans coming from the cafe, and mother nature from the garden area. 

The Grounds Garden (fresh herbs behind the fence!)

Super cute fresh lemonade stand 

Garden dining area 

BBQ lunch options served at The Garden

Hipster families bringing their adorable children out to play! 

The garden area also becomes the function area, and it was closing early that day for set up. My dining partner, who is soon-to-be-engaged, and I agree that she MUST have a garden engagement party out in the sun and fresh air. It's just too beautiful, really. There's also a little play area for the kids - like a cute little farm with chickens and a pig appropriately named Kevin Bacon (10 points for sheer awesomeness).

My brunch date turned into a lunch date as we arrived a little later than scheduled (travelling from south west to inner west is a mission) and we were told wait was almost an hour. However, we didn't travel for no reason so we decided to grab something small in the garden area - a much needed coffee!

The Grounds Granola w Berry Compote & Vanilla Bean Yoghurt $7

Seasonal Fresh Fruit w Granola & Vanilla Bean Yoghurt

The coffee was aromatic, really live up to the name and mission statement. And although it doesn't look like much, I prob got the biggest $7 worth of delicious granola and yoghurt I've ever had. I didn't finish it in fear of being too full, but it is the best granola I've had to date! There were a wonderful assortment of almonds and walnuts, delicious toasted museli goodness, dried fruit and other healthy nuts and grains. The yoghurt was not too sweet and was delicious, and the compote complimented it well with it's sweetness. With some added strawberries for freshness and we have a simple but sure-fire winner. We waited for around 30 minutes until our buzzer went off letting us know there was a table ready for us!  

Apologies for the next couple of photos that actually had to be taken with my iPhone5, I hope the quality of photos doesn't make it look less appealing. 

Only Orange Juice $7

Watermelon, Pineapple & Mint Juice $7

There's nothing I love more than a freshly squeezed juice to quench thirst. The orange was not too sweet or sour, however I would of loved it with some pulp. I actually had the watermelon, as you can never go wrong with watermelon and mint, with the pineapple giving that extra kick. 

Pan-fried Ocean Trout on bed of mixed Quinoa, Soy Bean & Radish Salad w Gazpacho Vinegarette $19

The trout was cooked to perfection. It was lovely and pink, gently flaking off when forked and the skin was crispy but had a salt rub or something on it and it just tasted like chips but like 100000000000000 times better. The salad was refreshing with the light vinegarette that brought the whole thing together. 

Grounds Lunch Board - grilled lamb backstrap, chicken breast skewers and fatoush salad w house pickled veggies, fresh baked pita bread and baba ghanoush $19

I just can't resist middle eastern dish, the fatoush salad was calling my name! I found the meat to be on the dry side. I wrapped my meat, pickles and salad in half a piece of the bread charcoal-chicken style and ate all the components in one mouthful. It was (seriously) insanely delish. Not usually a fan of anything pickled besides kimchi, the pickled cucumbers was my fav on the platter. It pulled the whole dish together and wasn't too sour/tangy like a lot of store bought varieties I've tried. The fatoush with cherry tomatoes was well dressed and the baba ghanoush was so flavoursome. By the end of my meal I was just dipping the remaining bread with it. I've never tried 'fresh baked pita' and the bread seemed different to ones I've had but it was like carb heaven. It was soft and fluffy and had this subtle sweetness to it, I could eat it all day. 

Side of Fries w Chilli Mayo & Salt $6

As many of you would know, I am actively trying to promote a healthier way of life and that starts by eating healthy and clean. But eating healthy one day won't make you health, just like eating bad one day won't make you fat. It is OK to have treat days, and actually encouraged that you don't deprive yourself so that you won't relapse. Just remember moderation is key and cheat day doesn't mean you can eat 5 bags of potato chips and 2 blocks of chocolate. 

My guilty pleasure has to be hot chips and anything dessert, and I ate healthy the whole week knowing I can have a treat at the end of it. And this has got to be the best treat. Possibly the most ah-mazing fries evah! Beer battered fries that were golden, crispy and gave a nice crunch, lightly seasoned with sea salt dipped in the best chilli mayo! The mayo was creamy but tangy and had a nice subtle kick of spice, like enough to be evident and compliment the fries. 

Pants needed to be unbuttoned by this point, but I was way beyond satisfied. Definitely waking up earlier next time to catch breakfast menu - poached eggs and pancakes, come at me! The food at The Grounds is representative in their philosophy of fresh produce. The rustic and wholesome menu is mirrored by the holistic interior design. The staff seemed a bit "I don't want to be here" mood, but I'm not too fuss with service at cafes as long as food is of this standard. 

Food: 4/5

Service: 2.5/5
Atmosphere: 4/5
Interior: 5/5
Revisit: 4/5