The Flavour Report with Derek Goforth: Taste testing the smashed avo at Geraldton’s Salt Dish

I have had enough feedback from Flavour Report reviews to know that my opinion often does not hit home with a few people.

Some have not been shy in expressing their displeasure about what they see as a “harsh” reaction to a beloved cafe or eatery. But such is life and the very nature of a review is to talk about whatever good and bad was experienced on the day.

But I do get nervous when I review a cafe or restaurant which I know is very popular with our vocal locals.

So imagine how nervous I was when visiting Salt Dish. It’s won awards, it tops Tripadvisor polls and it is incredibly popular with our cafe-loving population.

But a review is a review and the “bad” will be talked about with the “good”.

Except this time — and I mean this wholeheartedly — there is literally nothing negative I can say.

From being greeted at the door to paying the bill, this was an utterly delightful experience.

First, the service, which was polite, informative and helpful. We were offered coffees straight away and they arrived within minutes. We asked for an extra plate because we wanted to share dishes, we asked for extra sweetener — nothing was too much trouble. The wait staff clearly enjoyed their jobs and were chatty and chirpy even when rushed off their feet.

There is ample seating, with a lovely garden area outside if you want some fresh air. It is a bit of a maze, but it adds to the “hipster” character of the place. Parking is also a stress-free affair with several street parking spots and a couple of big car parks nearby.

We went for the classic smashed avo on toast, with a side of bacon and mushrooms. Of course, with a cappuccino to wash it down with!

The coffee was out of this world. Outside of Italy and France, this was the smoothest, most flavoursome capp I have ever had. The milk froth was a treat, with the silkiest texture.

But the star was the smashed avo. We tend to go for a classic dish like this so I can get a good comparison with how other cafes do it. This version was head and shoulders above anything we have ever tasted. The combination of the avocado, feta, rocket, tomato, pine nuts and balsamic glaze was heavenly.

The side of bacon was crispy but not dry and the mushrooms were perfectly cooked. Everything on the plate served a purpose. It’s clear the chefs have put a lot of thought into their dishes.

Salt Dish is a Geraldton institution and wins award after award for a very good reason. They know what they are doing, and they do it incredibly well.

If you haven’t been yet, I have only one question — what are you waiting for?