The Groove Train

Level 3, Melbourne Central

211 LaTrobe Street,
Melbourne, VIC 3000

(03) 9654 2730

(Also at South Melbourne, Richmond, Doncaster, Plenty Valley, Brighton, Habourtown)

Food: Modern Australian, Cafe
Website: www.groovetrain.com.au
Date visited: 8th April 2010, 7th October 2010

The Groove Train serves classic, cafe food and houses a relaxed atmosphere, emphasised by its funky decor.  I have noticed that I always end up here when I just want a meal that I know will not particularly wow me, but will deliver on generous flavours, simplicity and  be able to satisfy a rumbling tummy.  Although you may be served with the odd disappointment of an under-seasoned pasta dish or overcooked beef strips in a salad, for the price you pay and with such laid back service, one can be forgiven for letting slide such oversights - there could simply be new staff on training or lack thereof.

Bruschetta - Thick, crunchy ciabatta slices with sweet tomatoes, Spanish onion and basil

Traditional Fettuccine Carbonara; Greek Salad with Grilled Lamb

Wood Fired Pizza of Smoked Salmon with Napoli Sauce, Red Onion, Cream Cheese & Capers - Unfortunately the salmon lost its fresh and juicy taste in the oven's strong heat.
Chicken with Napoli Sauce, Mozzarella Cheese, Capsicum, Semi Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Avocado
 

 Eggplant Chips - Parmesan-crumbed and stacked on a dribble of balsamic reduction

Warm Beef Salad - Beef strips on a bed of mesculin salad with semi-dried tomatoes, cucumber, red capsicum, Spanish onion and black olives and drizzled with a honey, soy and mustard dressing. The beef was extremely dry and tough to chew through.

Club sandwich - 3 layers of bread filled with lettuce, tomato, grilled bacon, fried egg, mayonnaise and chicken, served with chips