Three Williams, Redfern

It's hard to keep up with all the new cafe openings in Sydney, especially in the inner-city. One of the newer kids on the block is Three Williams on Elizabeth Street in Redfern.  Too far for me to visit during a work lunch break so I tag along with a blogging friend one weekend for a quick brunch.

The cafe space is large, and I mean L-A-R-G-E, but even so it fills up fast. The room is all concrete, brick and wood paneling but despite their being no soft-surfaces I didn't find it too loud (and I'm an old grump when it comes to "too loud" restaurants and cafes). The music was quite mellow which, for me, added a nice vibe to the general hub-bub of the place.

There's a large chalk board at the back of the cafe making this a popular place for families with younger kids - the folks can eat and the kids can draw. The large space works really well for pram parking too - which is rare in most inner-city cafes. There's so much space I think I could've laid down in the middle of the floor and had a nap and not been in anybody's way.

Just for something different I decide to order an iced-coffee ($5.00..and yes, that's sarcasm). I like the addition of a coffee ice-cube as it keeps the coffee flavour happening throughout the whole drink. I do find the size a bit too large for me however -- but that may be more around my issues with "too much milk makes me frothy".

Tara ordered a really lovely peach and vanilla soda. I had a sip (or two) and it was super refreshing and would be perfect for a hot day.

Even though Three Williams hasn't been open all that long the legend of their super crunchy fries is already, well...legendary. These beer-battered fries ($6.00) are GOOD! Super crunchy on the outside and soft like a pillow on the inside. And yes, we're eating fries for breakfast. So what?

The beef brisket narnie ($14) is also gaining quite a reputation for itself (as is the vegetarian Tempe narnie). A house-made naan bread is piled high with glazed beef brisket, coleslaw, pickles and dill. I'm told by our waitress that the best way to eat this is with your hands, which looks impossible at first, but it's total doable with persistence (and a napkin on your lap). It's messy - but it's definitely the best way to get all of the flavours in one mouthful - fatty beef, crunch coleslaw and zingy gherkin. I resorted to a knife + fork at the end and it wasn't the best way to combine all the elements.

Tara opts for a simple breakfast of spicy smashed beans with avocado served on char-grilled toast ($13.00). There seems to be a few vegetarian options on the menu which is nice to see.

Be careful of these amazing looking donughts as you make your way up to the cash register! It took ALL my willpower to avoid getting one (or two). Maybe next time...

Three Williams is at 613a Elizabeth Street, Redfern.