FRED Eatery

Newly renovated Fred Eatery is the shinning gem that is drawing locals and visitors alike to Algate.
Brunch was what we came here for and boy were we keen to refuel after 8kms of hiking.
Our reserved table was waiting for us upstairs. We were all enjoying the warmth from both the heaters and the interior fitout as we walked through. Green and wood is used throughout the space. A very lovely fitout indeed.
First shock would be the pricing of the food dishes. I don’t mind paying for quality, however, I think it is a tad outrageous to charge customers $ 12 for two eggs on toast or $ 23 for smashed avocado which came with two eggs.
Getting over the initial shock, we queued up to order. It was the longest wait for the amount of people in the line. Not sure why the staff taking the orders was so slow. It became apparent that a second staff was needed.
Food came intermittently, which is understandable as we didn’t order together. Having said that, one of the ladies who ordered first had to wait till everyone received their food before hers came. Hangry would aptly described her emotions.
The food was delicious! I had the croque monsieur. Never heard of it before, I took a gamble and was pleasantly surprised.
Other dishes included a little of a lot, smashed avocado, mushrooms on toast and the Frederick special.
Really glad we stopped here for brunch. It is definitely popular.
I still maintain that it is overpriced for what we received though.
Worth checking out, but bring a big wallet!

FRED Eatery Restaurant/​Café has recently changed hands, Aldgate Providore hence the name change Fred’s Eatery. There are a number dining areas, the front off the Main Street, down the back, upstairs and a tidy well located alfresco area. The table options are good and can be well utilised. The interior is warm and welcoming. We visited and enjoyed a very well made fresh light lunch, along with Freds unique custom blended coffee, very tasty. Even though it was lunch time and the venue was busy, the service was efficient and friendly. They advertise best breakfast in the Hills so must return to experience.

It’s the sort of place I was hoping to find in Aldgate, is Fred. We drove down the main street today and all I spotted, in the way of places that look like they served espresso style coffee, was the pizza shop. But we got out of the car and took a walk and stumbled upon this good fellow, who was camouflaged, somewhat, beneath the shady verandah.
Downstairs, the place is bustling and pleasantly decorated. Upstairs, it looks like they have tried to create some more seating on the quick and cheap. The outdoor seating, the the front, back, and side, allows you to follow the sun or shade as you desire.
Service was ok. The gent who took my order asked questions I couldn’t answer. And when I did didn’t hang around for the answers and had to clarify everything far to many times. Then this. «Two of those apple-​y crumbly looking things please», I said pointing to the only unlabelled cakes in the cabinet — serves me right for choosing the tricky-​though-​delicious looking things. «Oh the slice?» confirmed the man. «If that’s the slice, then yep, the slice» I replied. Which birthed a far-​to-​long pantomime between us over some cake. Label your things, there are people waiting behind me.
Our orders came quickly, and were delivered by a chirpy waitress, but with no water to go into the cups that sat ready at the table.
The cake was delicious. The coffee average. The price — is $ 23 for coffee and cake for two good? I don’t know, it’s not something I often order.

Well, well, well… it seems that Aldgate Providore has re-​branded and had a facelift. All for the better. This feels a lot more modern and quite classy. I think this is a really great thing for Aldgate. Kind of stepping up and showing the Community it is ok to change your image. I hope that a lot of the neighbouring businesses take note. For too long has the Adelaide Hills been old and outdated. Over the last 5 years we have seen some impressive changes. This is one of them.
The décor inside is really well planned. All the colours work together, green being their spark of colour. And certain little touches of green are really clever. For example, I brought my dogs along to the café and I was handed two green bones on a plate for them to enjoy! How sweet is that? Do you know any other cafes that offer your pups a treat? Not many that is for sure!
The menu is simple, but well thought out. I ordered the DIY Brekkie, which you have poached eggs and toast as the base and you can add other items. I decided on haloumi and avocado. Eggs were cooked prefect. But only one slice of bread? It was quite a costly meal of over $ 20, so I thought I would get two slices at least. Oh well…
My partner tried the truffle scrambled eggs. Which I thought was much better value. So much flavour and cooked really well. Fluffy and not overdone!
I am glad to see this café in Aldgate. I am sure the Community will love it. As for myself, I will try a few more items on the menu.

A surprise discovery in Aldgate. We were looking for a good coffee on a Saturday afternoon in the Hills. Fred’s certainly delivered that and a lot more. I also ordered. Croque Madame (a croque Monsieur with an Egg on top). Everything about it was superb. Beautiful thick bread baked on site, smoked ham from Hahndorf and local cheese. My partner had the best banana bread he’s ever tasted with a chocolate hazelnut spread. Service was friendly and attentive. Will be going back for a second visit. Well worth a visit.