Sit, stay, brunch – Navy & Oak welcomes brekkie lovers and their four-legged friends
Chef Bowyo Muangsong’s new Fortitude Valley cafe Navy & Oak is a breezy, blue-hued spot built on good food, great coffee and genuine hospitality. Whether you’re after creme brulee French toast or a Bark Bowl for your furry mate, this is one cafe where everyone’s welcome.
Bowyo Muangsong is in her entrepreneurial era.
The co-owner of Ping Pong and former executive chef of Morning After has been making some big moves recently, cultivating a small but mighty portfolio of eateries including Thai-inspired street-food restaurant Ma Chim and her newest venture Fortitude Valley cafe Navy & Oak, which opened earlier this month.
“To be honest, I just wanted to be my own boss,” says Bowyo, when reflecting on her latest chapter. “I’ve been in this career for a long time … I just want to represent my own way of cooking.”
Nestled in a cosy corner spot at 1000 Ann Street, Navy & Oak sees Bowyo harmonising her kitchen and front-of-house nous to deliver a lively and well-executed brunch destination. The 60-seater, previously home to Buzz Bistro, has been refitted and configured to Bowyo’s specifications, resulting in a welcoming nosh spot that takes its namesake from its blue- and timber-heavy aesthetic.
“We didn’t have any plans for the name at all,” reveals Bowyo, with a laugh. “We wanted a catchy name that’s easy to remember – not too complicated.”
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At its core, Navy & Oak operates under a classic cafe mindset – the portions are hearty, the coffee is sublime and the service is spirited yet speedy. The venue’s true appeal, however, is its come-as-you-are approachability, which Bowyo stresses is a huge part of her intent.
“I don’t want to push people out or say they only have a two hour sitting – just come here whenever, even for just a cup of coffee,” says Bowyo. “Everyone here will be smiling and welcoming.”
Navy & Oak’s all-day menu deftly and playfully amalgamates cuisines and flavour profiles, oscillating between classic options and more adventurous fare. You’ll find evergreen favourites like acai bowls, eggs on toast and brekkie rolls, but even those with the firmest of favourites will find themselves tempted by some tantalising options.
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Standouts include creme brulee French toast with orange sauce, the Nordic Breakfast with soft-boiled egg, jam, Pepe Saya butter, aged cheddar, olives and smoked salmon, fried-chicken Benedicts with potato hash cake and chipotle hollandaise, and the banh xeo, which boasts a crispy turmeric crepe filled with grilled lemongrass chicken and prawns. You’ll also spy cabinet goodies, sandwiches and rolls, for good measure.
“I want my menu to please everyone,” says Bowyo in regards to Navy & Oak’s versatility. “Western people, older people, young people, those that love spicy food and those that don’t like spicy food, vegans, and vegetarians – it’s important that we look after everyone here. I put my love into every single thing that we make, even the sauces.”
It’s not just us two-legged beings that are catered for. Navy & Oak also features a dog-friendly menu, featuring The Bark Bowl (scrambled eggs, shredded chicken breast and sweet potato), beef and bowtie pasta, and Dino’s Soft Serve (coconut whipped cream and peanut butter).
“In Newstead, everyone has a dog – everyone is always walking their dogs,” says Bowyo. “I have three dogs, so here there is a lot of space for dogs to walk around a little bit. The menu isn’t just puppycinos – they can enjoy breakfast while we enjoy breakfast, too.”
On the beverage front, Navy & Oak is pouring coffee from Five Senses alongside a clutch of enticing specialty drinks. Caffeine fiends can up the ante with a Mont Blanc (topped with salted cold foam), the matcha-mad set can indulge in iced matcha yuzu lemonades, and the boozy brunch crowd can tip back mimosas, prosecco and Aperol spritzes.
While it’s still early days, Bowyo has noticed plenty of return custom. While her goal is to maintain this streak, ask Bowyo what will contribute to Navy & Oak’s success and she’ll tell you the recipe is simple.
“The food tastes good, the coffee is great and service is the best,” says Bowyo. “I want people coming back every day.”
To celebrate its arrival, Navy & Oak is hosting a grand-opening celebration in collaboration with Five Senses on Saturday November 15. Anyone that buys brekkie or brunch between 7:00 am and 2:30 pm will score a free coffee! Navy & Oak is now open – head to The Directory for operating hours and contact details.