Sotto on West is located on West Street, directly opposite to a larger arch nemesis in Cafe Eighty Ate (see review here). It's a good setup - well lit, cool spring breeze and a decor best described as both fun and homely. Staff are early 20s, friendly and service is quick.

Tip of the day - 'Hangry' wife equals miserable life

Is it unfair to deliberately move my long-run to Saturday just to accommodate my food adventures? Of course not... I am hungry, on the hunt for a solid brunch and my pencil is sharp.

What do you do whilst waiting for brunch-o-clock?

Trio of mushrooms with poached eggs, goats cheese, asparagus on toast - $17.50

Any item with 'salad' always carries the risk of being over-priced rabbit food. So I did my due diligence on the warm winter green salad with poached eggs. I asked the (petite) waitress if this was hearty, to which the response was "yes its filling and you get a lot of greens."  Good enough answer for me so ordered it I did.

Warm winter salad with poached eggs - $17.00

When served, I pleaded with the waitress with my best puppy dog eyes 'where did the rest of it go'? Maybe I am too harsh, so here is a positive - fresh, crisp and clean flavours for the first three bites ... but then I was staring at an empty plate. I can also attest to the fact that my poached eggs were smaller than Lorie's dish.

The fancy balsamic criss-cross dressing underneath is best translated as 'I am a $5 dish dressed as a $17 dish' . It added nothing aside from arrogance, and the only time I ever want to see a criss-cross is on a hot cross bun. I was in a poor mood in the aftermath, a sentiment my wife had to deal with for the rest of the day.

Money not well spent

Goodbye forever Sotto on West