I’ve spent a lot of time in the Fresh Provisions parking lot, which isn’t nearly as dodgy as it sounds.
Many a ready meal was bought from Freshies on a Sunday when I was too lazy to cook, or it was the starting point for an afternoon of food and drank at the tasty offerings along Beaufort Street.
It’s a familiar concrete mass – you always get a spot, and the first hour is free.
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However, the prospect of eating my breakfast overlooking the parking lot wasn’t necessarily the most appealing; however, well, it served me.
The striking interior of Camera IconSoho Lane. Credit: Daniel Wilkins/The West Australian
Located in the redeveloped and previously drab Alexander Buildings, Soho Lane is unrecognizable with its fresh burst of colors, artwork, and striking architectural additions.
There is a buzz around the buildings on a Saturday morning, with people and dogs grabbing their morning coffee or weekend provisions.
This atmosphere seeps into Soho Lane itself: almost every table is full, but you can still hear the conversation with the person next to you.
Inside, the interiors are soft and feminine, with pink and terrazzo and light-colored wood finishes, high ceilings, and plenty of natural light. I didn’t think once about the proximity to the parking lot.
Camera Icon Falafel with herbs, sesame, tabbouleh, mixed summer pickles, baked lentils, and green tahini sauce with a poached egg ($4). Credit: Jade Jurewicz
Like the lively interior, the dishes we ate and what we saw at other tables were bright and cheerful food that made you feel good eating.
The falafel with herbs and sesame, tabbouleh, mixed summer pickles, baked lentils, and green tahini sauce ($18) with a poached egg ($4) was a colorful mass of goodness.
There was a new texture and flavor with every bite. Under the kale hid pickled radishes and cauliflower that were delicious with the warm falafel and creamy sauce.
Camera IconSoho Lane’s heirloom tomatoes, stracciatella, and basil on sourdough with a poached egg. Credit: Jade Jurewicz
Likewise, the heirloom tomatoes, stracciatella, and basil on sourdough ($20) with a poached egg ($4) were also a feel-good dish because how often do you get cheese for breakfast?
It was generously smothered with stracciatella, ripe tomatoes, and their best friend, basil. It is not for nothing that it is a popular flavor combination.
Service was friendly and efficient, and the coffee – they use Osborne Park coffee beans – Micrology beans – had a good temperature and strength to drink straight away.
The Fresh Provisions parking lot just got a lot better.
Soho Lane
Address: Alexander, Buildings, 13/649 Beaufort St, Mt Lawley
The verdict: bright and bustling cafe with cheerful and filling food. Service is efficient and friendly, and the menu is a diverse mix of healthy, savory, and sweet.
Rating: 8/10
