Kafe Karizma, Mount Waverley

by Jenny @ Ichigo Shortcake on July 3, 2012

I’ve always been a person whose mood is greatly affected by the weather. When the sun’s out and it’s warm, I’d usually feel happy and excited to go outside. My worries would all go away as I soak up the warm rays on my skin and my tummy would be filled with happiness while I gobble up a refreshing ice cream. When it’s raining and cold, I’d want to snuggle up on the couch with a warm cup of tea or soup and watch TV. My emotions during those times might be a little more tense and delicate. If you can’t get to a weather report, seeing my emotions might be a good bet.

There are of course, the odd exception to that rule. There are times when a drizzle becomes a little romantic outing and can lead to an unexpectedly good meal. Just yesterday, Yuye and I woke up a bit later than usual and not wanting to cook because we were lazy it was cold, we decided to head out for a quick lunch before heading over to my parents place to help prepare mum’s birthday dinner.

It was drizzling, windy and cold so we wanted to just go somewhere close. Yuye said ‘why do we never eat at cafes near home? There seems to be a great place just around the corner’ and so that’s where we headed. It was literally within walking distance.

The reason why I never noticed it is because it was on the wrong side of the road. Situated amidst an office looking building, it was the only restaurant on that side of Blackburn Rd while directly across the street was a reasonably busy shopping and eateries strip. So in my opinion, unless if you knew about this place, you’re not likely to pay it much attention.

We parked half a block away from the cafe since we didn’t know whether the car park directly next to it is private property or not. It wasn’t too bad of a walk from the car in the rain, standing under one umbrella wile it was slightly drizzling was quaintly romantic in some way and it seemed like we were going on an adventure to discover what might be a great find.

As it was already fairly late in the day, there were not many people in the small cafe. We were able to pick the brightest table by a big window to enjoy the meal while reading the days’ papers.

The waitress took our coffee orders while we gawked at the menu, lucky it was still before 3pm which meant we could order breakfast. My latte and Yuye’s cappuccino arrived piping hot. Although they didn’t have the nicest coffee art, the taste was not bad at all. Even though I’ve had better coffees around Melbourne, the coffees here were perfectly fine for somewhere so close by when I need a good caffeine hit.

There were a few items that caught our attention. Although I wanted to order a few dishes for myself (as usual) I went with the churrasco which means grilled meat in Spanish. The meal consisted of grilled marinated steak, homemade mayonnaise, avocado, lettuce, tomato & grilled onion on a toasted roll for $13.90. It was essentially a very nice burger or steak sandwich.

What I was surprised about was how fresh and healthy the burger tasted. Totally different to Andrew’s Hamburgers and Huxtaburger, it wasn’t as salty and oily but was quite refreshing.

Yuye didn’t like it as much since he thought it was a bit on the bland side, but I liked it. The homemade mayo was delicious, I would have liked a bit more of it. The only thing was it was a little messy to eat. Not something I’d try to pick up with my hands but it was fine with a fork and knife. I tried my best to cut a clean piece off to show you the middle but the more I tried to clean it up the messier it got…

Yuye ordered a breakfast burrito ($15.50) with scrambled eggs, fresh rocket, crispy bacon, homemade aioli and avocado salsa. It was huge! I’m not sure how many eggs went into that burrito but it seemed like a lot.

Just like my burger, it was also very fresh and delicious. The crispy and salty bacon went perfectly with the eggs and salsa. I usually like my eggs with a runny yolk so scrambled eggs aren’t my favourite, but this burrito was definitely delicious enough for me to want to order it again.

I was so happy that I finally got a proper coffee in a long time that I almost wanted to get a second coffee to take away. Maybe I should have because I’m starting to crave for one again as I’m writing this…

If you happen to be in the neighbourhood and feel like a nice coffee or a refreshing and tasty lunch, be sure to give Kafe Karizma a go. Just like their name, the cafe has a certain charisma that makes you relaxed and feel welcomed. I will definitely be coming back here again, not only because it’s close by but also for the lovely food and good coffees, hopefully next time I’ll get to enjoy the surroundings with a bit of sunshine. :)

Question time: Are you like me and does your mood get affected by the weather? Do you like warmer or cooler weather more? No matter how I see it, I’m definitely a summer sort of person. :)

Kafe Karizma
Phone: (03) 9802 1550
207 Blackburn Rd, Mount Waverley VIC 3149

Kafe Karizma on Urbanspoon

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{ 24 comments… read them below or add one }

Winston July 3, 2012 at 2:10 am

Hi Jenny. I totally know what you mean about being easily affected by the weather. It’s most evident with people on the trams too LOL. You can see how angsty and upset ppl are when it’s pouring out. Anyway, I’m very appealed by that fresh and non-greasy burger right there. Cause personally, I’m not a fan of Andrew’s. Interesting!

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Jenny @ Ichigo Shortcake July 4, 2012 at 10:59 pm

Yes! That’s totally it! I was probably one of those people, although it’s the train for me. :P I can see how Andrew’s is a bit controversial..:P I liked it but it was a little oily and heavy. On certain days, these refreshing burgers are best!

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Sophie July 3, 2012 at 7:20 am

Both those dishes look so comforting, and like they’d chase away the winter chills. My mood is definitely affected by the weather. I get so grumpy when the weather is miserable.

I can’t wait for spring, although I feel sorry for those with hay fever :(

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Jenny @ Ichigo Shortcake July 4, 2012 at 11:01 pm

Hi Sophie! Even though the dishes were fresh and not oily, they were still quite comforting and I liked how they came out very hot not like a lot of restaurants where the food and coffees are lukewarm. :D

I’m one of the lucky ones who don’t get any hay fever or any other allergies for that matter. ;) But my mum, my brother and boyfriend all have hay fever…it pains me to see them in Spring…

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Barb @ Profiteroles & Ponytails July 3, 2012 at 1:00 pm

Looks like a charming little restaurant. I’d love a bite of that steak sandwich. The coffees were nicely prepared as well. I’m a summer sort of person also and really enjoying every minute of summer here in Canada ….as it goes by way too quickly!

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Jenny @ Ichigo Shortcake July 4, 2012 at 11:01 pm

Awww Barb! I’m so jealous! I’m jealous of everyone in the Northern Hemisphere right now…it’s soooo cold here I’m always shivering! I wish Summer would come around soon…

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tastyfoodsnaps July 3, 2012 at 1:24 pm

That breakfast burrito looks like something id order, yum! :)

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Jenny @ Ichigo Shortcake July 4, 2012 at 11:02 pm

Oh yes, everyone who see it on the menu should order it. ;)

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Libby July 3, 2012 at 4:49 pm

I love how you can find semi-decent places to eat in the suburbs :) I’ve driven past that particular strip before, but don’t recall seeing Kafe Karizma. Maybe next time I’m in the ‘hood :)

Winter makes me cranky. Okay, so does 40 degrees and humidity but THAT’s preferable to 10 degree days and rain!

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Jenny @ Ichigo Shortcake July 4, 2012 at 11:03 pm

I’ve lived around it for ages and only just noticed it! :P So like I said in the post, it’s not an easy place to spot if you weren’t looking for it. :)

I totally agree about the 40 degrees though, there were days in summer here that were over 40C and I just MELTED. Around 30C is how I like it. :D

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msihua July 3, 2012 at 6:54 pm

Not unhealthy like Andres or Huxta? I wantsss!!! I couldn’t eat the one you had.. but I shall investigate!

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Jenny @ Ichigo Shortcake July 4, 2012 at 11:04 pm

You should visit this place if you’re in the hood msihua! :) Not a bad little cafe to spend a quiet afternoon with a coffee and paper. :)

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Joanne July 3, 2012 at 10:07 pm

I am so craving that breakfast burrito now! Sounds like a lovely cafe.

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Jenny @ Ichigo Shortcake July 4, 2012 at 11:04 pm

It was a lovely cafe Joanne…that breakfast burrito was fantastic!

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anh@anhsfoodblog.com July 4, 2012 at 10:35 am

breakfast burito! yum yum. I will starve myself from the night before just for it :D

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Jenny @ Ichigo Shortcake July 4, 2012 at 11:05 pm

Haha I don’t think I can starve myself for anything the night before…:P I can’t sleep if I go hungry…haha with that said, even if I’m mega full the night before, I can still fit this whole burrito in. :P

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kitchenriffs July 4, 2012 at 12:19 pm

The weather definitely gets affected by the weather. Quite a few years ago my wife and I seriously considered moving to the Pacific Northwest (Portland, Oregon – this was in the early 1990s before it became super popular), but decided we just couldn’t take the gloomy winters. Although it’s so hot and humid in the summer, one of the best places I’ve lived is Florida – so sunny! Anyway, nice review. Homemade mayo is great, and that breakfast burrito looks terrific.

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Jenny @ Ichigo Shortcake July 4, 2012 at 11:06 pm

Yes, I really don’t like gloomy weather…I think I’d really like London as well if it wasn’t for the gloomy weather. Just not my thing! I’m like a tropical fruits tree, need a lot of sunshine to keep me happy. :D

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Nami | Just One Cookbook July 4, 2012 at 2:54 pm

My goodness you instantly made me hungry with your delicious photos! I just came back from walking for 1 hour but honestly I will forget about all the calories if this steak burger is waiting for me. I’d just bite into it without hesitation. YUM… Well, the weather really changes our mood. I especially love when the sun comes out on weekend morning… I feel full energy and love that feeling.

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Jenny @ Ichigo Shortcake July 4, 2012 at 11:07 pm

Hi Nami! I totally agree! Sunshine on a weekend morning is the most fantastic feeling, makes me want to go to markets and parks and have picnics. :D It’s the total opposite of what we’re having at the moment, rain/wind/cloudy/cold every day. :(

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yummychunklet July 5, 2012 at 4:36 am

My mood is definitely affected by weather, mainly cold, rainy days. When that happens, I just want to stay inside, curl up, and watch a movie!

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Jenny @ Ichigo Shortcake July 9, 2012 at 9:57 pm

I’m exactly the same as you! :D I just don’t understand the people who say they like winter…

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Daisy@Nevertoosweet July 5, 2012 at 11:39 am

Nice find :) It looks like a great little cafe in the suburbs ~ I like finding and going to these kind of cafes too!

The weather definitely affects my mood sighhh so today it’s look pretty gloomy!

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Jenny @ Ichigo Shortcake July 9, 2012 at 9:58 pm

Me too! It’s always nice when I find a nice place, especially when it’s so close to home. :) It’s been reasonably gloomy lately, but hopefully it’ll start getting warmer. :)

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