Jackson Dodds, Preston by Big Fil

Jackson Dodds is located at the end of the 112 tram line, way outside our normal stomping grounds.  However, we am generally willing to make the effort to cross town when we hear a place is good, particularly if there is a dish which has caught our attention.  For Jackson Dodd's that was the pea and haloumi fritter, a variation on the corn fritter which I so often order.



If you want to dine al fresco you can sit alongside the wall length mural.  Alternatively, inside the cafe is brightly lit, with pale brickwork and wooden tables and chairs.  It also appeared to be a real local favourite, with a significant proportion of young families amongst its patrons when we visited.





So given we had travelled halfway across Melbourne to get here, what were the fitters like?  Scrumdiddlyumscious!  Salty and creamy haloumi naturally makes everything taste better, the peas more flavoursome than many of the corn varieties of this dish.  The fitter was nicely moist and the bacon - despite being lean - was crispy without being dry.



Snooze thought her 'Rad eggs' was better.  These are lightly curried scrambled eggs with coriander and crispy shallots of toasted Turkish bread.  They normally also come with fresh chilli, but not for Snooze.  These were light and fluffy and delicately flavoured, with a bit of crunch added by the bread and shallots.  I think I agree with Snooze, the fritters drew me in but the eggs won me over.



The muffins looked good but we weren't that hungry on the day and so gave breakfast dessert a miss.

Overall
Looks like a typical local cafe but the food is on a different level, as was Snooze's fresh orange juice.  Service was friendly and if not particularly quick also not unacceptably slow.  One that's worth travelling to the end of the line for.

Verdict
Food - 8.5
Ambience - 7.5
Service - 7
Price - 7

Address
611 Gilbert Street
Preston VIC 3072
Tel: (03) 9471 1900