In recent years, various culinary hares have entered the race to challenge that curmudgeonly old tortoise, the standard full-English breakfast.
We've watched with delight as international cuisine has snuck its way onto our morning menus, bringing welcome diversification to those classic pork-centric offerings.
Many will welcome the introduction of Mediterranean and North African spiced dishes, Mexican black beans and tofu, although some may think yoghurt and eggs on the same plate is a food fusion too far.
Not us. We have probably had enough processed pig products in our lifetimes to give our colons a welcome rest, so are happy to choose from a brunch blackboard chalked with words such as turmeric, whipped feta and cucumber ribbons.
And we'd be hard-pressed to find a better place in Ryde for these options than Crossing Cafe.
We parked ourselves on cushions sheathed in upcycled coffee sacks. A nice touch, as was the coffee itself; a very decent brew from local roastery Jasper's.
If you want a traditional breakfast of bacon, sausages, black pudding and whatnot, there are small and large versions here, plus regular meatless options – also more Benedicts than the average monastery - so there was plenty to choose from.
The courgette and sweet potato cakes were superb. The rosti-style patties had been slightly caramelised in the frying and consequently had a pleasing sweet note.
Sandwiched between the cakes were slices of very fresh avocado, and crowning the stack was a top class poached egg.
The dish was finished with a really fabulous turmeric and garlic yoghurt smear, and a twirl of pea shoots. It was an exceptionally lovely way to start the day.
We also chose one of the egg/muffin combos, the royale.
Poached egg with hollandaise sauce and salmon; one of the best we've had, and we have had many!
The sauce was fantastic; the salmon was really fresh. Poached eggs done perfectly; not too runny, not too hard but just right.
Crossing Cafe served us well with its traditional and modern breakfast choices.
We liked the attention to detail, with balsamic glaze and different green garnishes to our meals - rocket on one and pea shoots on the other.
And, of course, it all tasted great! We are happy to recommend this new addition to Union Street's food scene.
Crossing Cafe
71 Union Street, Ryde PO33 2LN
07712 256712
Facebook: CrossingCafe23
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