The temperature is cool, and the weather has been slightly gloomy as of late. But thankfully with the passing of Summer and the coming of Autumn, the trusty crew of Harvest Espresso has changed their menu once again to suit the season. At 8am on a long weekend morning, their dedication to serve is unwavering with the cafe already half-crowded. And by 9 a massive line had already formed as Harvest Espresso was one of the few places in town to open.
But queues are the least of my concerns, as I was already seated and enjoying small sips of Harvest Espresso's grassy sweet Macha latte. A first love in Seoul that took 3 years to hit town. Just minutes later, my breakfast was served. Grilled squid, grilled morcila, and bruschetta salad served on toast smeared with chicken liver pate. I know most people would cringe at the idea of having chicken liver, blood sausages and grilled squid for breakfast.
Putting the norm of having boring Hollandaise and eggs for breakfast aside, one begins to appreciate food beyond the norms. At Harvest Espresso, this dish is about the ripe colours of the season paired with a whiff of incredible chargrilled flavours. My first bite of the chicken liver pate on toast was absolutely spectacular. Imagine buttery goodness, and spot on seasoning with a subtle brandy flavour. Then comes the perfectly cooked black pudding pairing with the sweet & acidic bruschetta tossed with plenty of seasoned shallots. Sensational. I liked every element on the plate and everything worked really really well together.
Next one up was my sister’s dish of crisp potato rosti topped with shredded snow peas, smoked cod, Onsen egg, and anchovy infused cream sauce served with a drizzle of herbed oil.
The potato rosti at Harvest has always been a highlight thanks to its generous seasoning, and great cooking which ensures a crisp finish. Each mouthful of the 2015 Autumn “fish” course was filled with freshness thanks to the shredded snow peas which sat generously between the cod and the potato rosti providing each mouthful with a taste that mellowed in with the salty anchovy cream. It was yummy although I never quite bought the idea of having fish for breakfast :P!
Harvest Espresso is a place for seeking refuge in the chilly Autumn mornings. The food is comforting, rich and over all just really interesting. Its new creations are more than just cosmetic upgrades and goes significantly beyond the marginal improvement act played by most. Its like a new generation of thought every season. Kudos.
WenY
