Straddled on a T-intersection along Bondi North, this corner carries many demons. Each August in the City to Surf, you're fighting a 14km losing battle starting from Hyde Park. Heartbreak Hill has just stabbed you in the chest with a fork.

Roaring crowds, salty smell of the beach ...the tape must be 200m away!

Sadly that thought is as premature (and sinful) as 9 year old wearing eyeliner. Still 2km of pain before that celebratory sausage sizzle at the finishing chute.

Porch and Parlour

The young crowds swarm Porch and Parlour early on a Sunday. Indifferent staff, 30 min table wait plus 40 min for the food. Hanger-ridden heartbreak.

Porch and Parlour - camera shy patrons

The missus and I, joined by dog Molly start with a Chai tea. Just like Matt Hayden (in Cricket), a tried and tested opener.

Honey-infused chai tea with almond milk - $4.50

Limited menu, quality produce, lots of eggs and prepared with a twist. Our pre-agreed mandate is to critique the legendary Pea Pancakes and Devil's Breakfast.

Green Pea Pancake with egg, avocado, feta and salad plus grilled trout - $17 + $7

Adding trout to pancakes is on good authority. Here's a fact - eggs, trout and avo is a guaranteed menage et trois in the mouth. Add richly stock-seasoned peas and this is happiness.

Pancake rating? Great colour, pleasing crispiness and an unexpected rough interior. A high density almost left me craving fluffy pancakes in the aftermath.

Despite being well balanced and an optical pleasure, I became emotionally disengaged with each bite. No where near magical enough to repay 3 months of anticipation.

Egg yolk oozing onto the trout and pea pancake

Though the poaching job was solid, the twin shame was just one lonely egg and a hobbit trout (i.e. too small).

Devil's Breakfast - paprika and chilli coated eggs, chorizo, beans, potato and toast - $22

In essence, this was a heavily spiced chorizo-infused baked eggs dish on steroids. The oils from the sausage carried into the beans and sausage.

Only negative was fried potato under-delivering on crunchiness. At $22, I can't excuse the chef thinking one sourdough slice was acceptable.

No doubt a tasty dish for a stomach craving a warm hearty meal with a matching palate that likes a kick.

Other interesting choice was the Green Breaky Bowl. Didn't get to try but the adjacent table did.

Green Breaky Bowl - kale, spinach, quinoa, eggs and avocado - $16.50

Overall this brunch was certainly pleasant, healthy and satisfying enough. Now add the ridiculous wait time, poor service quality and premium pricing.

Very rustic fitout - highly appealing to the Bondi hipsters

My score summary speaks the truth:

Food - 8/10 - winning brunch staples combined with freshness, seasoning and technique.
Value - 6/10 - adequate servings but not impressive enough to warrant >$20.
Other - 6/10 - the service, wait time and awkward outdoor seating compromised the pleasure of a lazy Sunday brunch.
Overall - 7/10 - left mildly happy. Worth a visit only if you're a local.

Will I be returning?
Not for the food. Possibly only for a post City to Surf feed.