Street Cafe, Indooroopilly

A cosy surprise by the train station.

WHERE // Street Cafe, 10 Lambert Road, Indooroopilly

 

Having spent much of my life in school just up the road, I was very interested in visiting this cafe open only on weekdays at the station end of Lambert Road. I decided to kill two birds with one stone and devote a lunchtime to studying at Street Cafe. Run by the same people that operate Street St Market (found at Eat Street and various other markets around Brisbane), I knew that they specialised in roti and was eager to try it out. Inside, it was pleasantly inviting, with flowers adorning each table and plenty of vintage décor - not at all what you'd expect from a place serving Malaysian curry.

WHAT // There were heaps of all-day brekky and lunch options, but I couldn't go past the roti - and some dessert, of course.

Signature roti - onion, cheese, mushrooms and spinach wrapped in roti canai. Love a good roti, and this was certainly fresh and tasty. Pretty decent serving size - I was quite satisfied. The salad seemed a bit of an afterthought, but helped break through the oiliness of the roti.

 

Also tried a banana smoothie ($6) and a cupcake ($3). The baked goods aren't made in house but are supplied locally. I do appreciate it when the slices and cakes come in smaller sized (with smaller prices to match), as I often don't need a whole giant brownie after a full meal. The smoothie jar was massive as well. Neither of these were particularly special, being standard cafe fare.

 

 And a look at the menus.

 VERDICT // Good place for a roti fix, and a very pleasant atmosphere to while away the day. I've tried the coffee before (Genovese) which was pretty good, and it's in the ideal spot for local commuters. Drop by if you're in the vicinity. I'll probably go back and try some of the more regular breakfast offerings.

INFO // Monday 7-11am, Tues-Fri 7-2pm. Very limited opening hours!

LINKS // Facebook

Little Brew, Paddington

PSA: After four months away from this blog, I've re-evaluated my previously misguided decision to veto capital letters and shall endeavour to utilise appropriate grammar in the future. 

Welcome to another year of gastronomical delights!

WHERE // Little Brew, 131 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington

Paddington is definitely one of the big boys when it comes to cafè hotspots in Brisbane, so you've got to deliver to survive. Little Brew sits just past the supermarket complex on Latrobe Terrace, occupying a small but airy space at the end of a few shops. There's still seating to suit everyone: out the front to watch people and cars pass by, inside in the cozy bar area, or my personal favourite - the back room, with faux grass flooring and a view over the leafy suburbs. We popped by for a spot of lunch, but Little Brew also transforms into a tapas bar Thursday through Sunday nights.

WHAT // time for the food!

Toasted brioche w peaches / jamon /ricotta/ almonds /honey vanilla reduction. Incredibly pretty and dainty. The brioche was a little dry, but overall the flavours worked really well together - the ricotta tied everything together nicely.

Mexican corn fritters with chorizo, goat's cheese, rocket and a poached egg. With fritters, it can be a bit hit and miss, often coming with too much batter and being very stodgy. These, however, were amazing - full of corny deliciousness. The chorizo was also tasty and generous.

VERDICT // This is the second time I've been to Little Brew, and it has delivered on both occasions. It doesn't just serve up the standard, everyday cafè options - everything on the menu has a unique spin. It's very affordable as well, with options around the $15 mark.
INFO // Open every day for brekky and lunch, with the tapas bar open on Thursday to Sunday nights. 

links // facebook

Shady Palms Café & Bar

a quirky café with a hipster vibe that will take you effortlessly from morning til night.

where // shady palms café & bar, 427 logan rd, greenslopes

 the younger sibling of the popular lady marmalade, shady palms is located just around the corner at the end of a row of shops. it's a deceptively large space, with the open front bar area expanding backwards into an outdoor setting. the outfit of the café really makes for a pleasant vibe, with wooden furnishings and beautifully upholstered antique couches.

 when // brunch yet again. it was very hot!

what // we got there before 12 so the breakfast menu was still on. had a lot of trouble deciding what to order - the menu offers some unique breakfast options (tortillas, taco, croquettes).

sticky date, spiced pumpkin and ricotta hotcakes with pecan praline ice cream (12.5) how could you go past this? thought i was being a bit adventurous here - never have i ever had i had pumpkin as a breakfast food. it didn't disappoint, and i was salivating as soon as the dish got to the table (fairy floss!). the flavours were good - big chunks of sticky date, which i loved. you could definitely taste the pumpkin as well, but it wasn't as strange as i anticipated. ice cream is always a plus. in the end the portion size was too much for me - too much sweetness for me! a coffee would have helped.

pulled pork soft tacos (two) w chimmichurri, corn salsa, shredded iceberg and chiptole (14.5) beautifully presented little dish with vibrant colours. the sauce gave it a bit of a kick, a good way to wake you up for the day! the lettuce was nice and crisp. two thumbs up. warning: serving size not that big especially if you're voraciously hungry.

cherry, chocolate and oreo shake (6.5) after the amazingness that was pablo's shakes (3.5 for a drink about the same size) i feel my expectations have been unnecessarily raised. there was nothing wrong with the drink, but i was disappointed with the absence of cherry flavour. just a regular oreo shake. (p.s. also the wrong choice to go with the pancakes unless you like pure sugar running in your veins)

verdict // the food was a hit, and there are a few more menu items for both breakfast and lunch that i have my eye on for next time. i loved the interior and the fact that instead of table numbers, they use celebrities. it's also very well priced in my opinion. they also open late and offer lots of alcohol options (craft beers and ciders and the like). will be back!

info // open wed-sun 8am til late. breakfast is before 12 with the lunch menu going from then til close. parking is tricky around the area - might be a bit of a trek! 

links // www.shadypalmscafe.com 

Pablo, New Farm

one of brisbane's favourites, for good reason.

where // pablo, 893 brunswick street, new farm

 if you read any 'best of brisbane breakfast' article, pablo is sure to feature. they are renowned for their all-day breakfasts which are inventive takes on the classics. the popular café is small and cosy with fairly limited seating, which means waiting in peak times. i've certainly never found it empty even during the weekdays.

 when // brunch time!

what // while the lunch menu sounds fantastic, i couldn't go past breakfast on either occasion. the drinks are also excellent value. aside from those meals featured below, i've seen a few other menu choices (avo/haloumi/labneh/dukkha tomatoes on toast, salmon/eggs on toast) and they were generous portions with fresh ingredients.

savoury mince, slow cooked with chorizo, speck bacon, cherry tomatoes & baby spinach, served with herbed crème fraiche, free-range fried egg, sourdough toast, fresh lemon (17) they describe it all with the menu, really! mince isn't usually my first choice, but i went for this after seeing it feature on the urban list's savoury mince article. it was full of flavour, especially with the chunks of chorizo in the mix. the créme fraiche mellowed out the mince nicely and a generous squeeze of lemon topped it off.

brioche french toast, spiced poached pears, homemade chai tea ice cream, hazelnut fairy floss, crushed pistachios, Heilala vanilla syrup (15) i had this the first time i went to pablo, and i had to talk myself out of it the second time as i have such a sweet tooth. it was absolutely incredible. the beautiful soft, warm pears on syrupy toast was an indulgent wintry delight. but the part that blew my mind was the chai tea ice cream - amazing flavours! and who doesn't like ice cream for breakfast?

confit of portabella mushrooms, baked with a feta & herb crumble, braised fennel, dill scrambled eggs, smoked tomato compote, crumbled feta, fresh lemon, rye & caraway toas (17) such a rubbish photo, apologies. i haven't had one all to myself yet (next time!) but the mouthful i tried was yummy. juicy mushrooms with enough texture and flavour from the crumble.

espresso with vanilla milkshake (3.5) as i said, these drinks are really good value - at $3.5, i did not expect the small sized milkshake to be this big! the coffee hit was definitely there as well not being too sweet. i thought it was a little bit warm (the coffee shot) for a milkshake but that still wouldn't deter me from re-ordering. they have a ton of other flavour options as well (oreo anybody?).

verdict // i like everything about this café: the overly descriptive menu titles, the atmosphere, the tasty food, the generous portion sizes, and the wonderful drinks. they serve lots of drinks actually - the menu is pages and pages long, and includes alcohol. my friend (who knows beer) was pleasantly surprised by the range on offer. a brisbane staple for reasons that are very clear. well-priced, will be back.

info // open 7 days 7am-3pm, taking orders til 2.30pm. breakfast is all day while the lunch menu starts at 11.30. parking is street and can be a little tricky unless you're willing to walk. again, it's not very big so pick your times.

links // www.pablonewfarm.com/
facebook 

*first image from the pablo website
 

Flour & Chocolate, Morningside

the new 'it' bakery.

where // flour & chocolate, 4g/621 wynnum rd, morningside

 this unassuming patisserie has been the talk of the town since it started to serve the cronut (croissant-donut hybrids). unfortunately i missed out on them (they're now called gonuts due to copyright issues) as they only serve them on wednesdays and thursdays. on the bright side, they have $4 brownie day as well as bagels on fridays, as well as other specials on the weekend.

 when // friday afternoon

what // as i said above, friday is brownie and bagel day. i tried to show some self restraint so picked up two brownies, two bagels, a croissant and a little savoury tart for lunch.

pumpkin, spinach and feta tart (5.5) it would have been nice to have it served warm, but i was headed home anyway so popped it in the oven. generous with the feta which is a plus, but a bit light on the spinach. in any case, you can't really go wrong with this mix of flavours.

buttery biscuit brownie (4) the brownie itself was fudgy and delicious, i'm not sure that the biscuit added too much to it - i kind of just wished there was more brownie instead of the biscuit!

double choc brownie with white choc chip (4) richer and more fudgy than the first brownie. absolutely delicious. it's so rich that it's difficult to finish in one sitting - but that just means it lasted for longer.

black sesame seed and onion bagel (1.8) my first venture into the world of flavoured bagels. this was a lovely light lunch coupled with a smear of cream cheese. the onion was flavoursome without being overpowering.

caraway rock salt bagel (1.8) i suppose i should have been forewarned by the name, but i found the salt quite overpowering. it would have been better with some less salty filling.

almond & raspberry jam croissant (4.5) i didn't eat this one myself, but the person who did rated it well.

verdict // the brownies were a hit, as was the onion bagel and the tart. despite the long journey to morningside, i definitely plan to return to sample the gonuts and more of their brownies.

info // they open wed-fri 6.30-4pm, sat 6.30-1pm and sun 7-1pm. gonuts are on offer wed-thu, with brownies and bagels on friday and specialty breads on the weekend.

links // http://www.flourandchocolate.com.au/
https://www.facebook.com/FlourAndChocolate
 

Hamptons Home Living, Paddington

a ridiculously gorgeous café interior and a killer balcony view.

where // hamptons home living, 180 latrobe terrace, paddington

 as a combined homewares store and café, it's no wonder hamptons home living is as beautiful as it is. the unassuming facade gives way to a bright, spacious interior which has a rustic yet contemporary feel. head straight for the rear balcony to enjoy the beautiful views over brisbane.

 when // yet another sunny day for afternoon tea

what // they do breakfasts and lunches with meals mostly under $20. on this occasion, we just stopped by for a sweet treat.

flat white (3.8) the coffee wasn't too bad - probably not as much strength as i'd like. it also came with chocolate sprinkled on top. (fortunately i love chocolate!)

apple tarte tatin (8) honestly, it's hard for me not to like dessert. this one was no exception with a lovely crisp base and icecream setting off the tang of the apples wonderfully.

verdict // the ambiance of hamptons alone is enough to get me going back again. i've read mixed reviews about their food, however, so i'll have to reserve judgement on that. but i can highly recommend it as a nice place to hang out on a lazy afternoon.

info // hamptons is open 7 days a week from 7am, with lunch starting at 12. its located at the far end of latrobe terrace (from the city) and there's parking on nearby streets.

links // http://www.hamptonshomeliving.com.au/
 

The Single Guys, Kenmore

in a nutshell, the best coffee you’ll find in the western suburbs.

where // 2/2051 moggill rd, kenmore

when this cafe took up residence in the spartan space vacated by a real estate agent, it didn’t take long to become the place for coffee in the western suburbs. minimalistic, lightbulbs hang from wires on the ceiling - though more for a decorative than practical purpose, as the cafe is illuminated well by natural light. the small space has several tables for 2 or 4, with one square, wooden communal table comfortable for individuals to enjoy their coffee. recently, some extra sidewalk seating has been added. it can get busy (especially with the school mum crowd) but i’ve never had to wait too long.

when // i’ve totally lost count - over ten times to say the least

what // the menu has changed a few times, but following is a few examples of what has been on offer.

bacon & free-range egg on brioche bun w/tomato jam, cheddar & mayo (11.9). one of the menu staples - and for good reason. fresh and tasty ingredients in a buttery bun make for the perfect breakfast or lunch. an excellent way to get that bacon fix.

heirloom tomatoes w/goats cheese on sourdough. no longer on the menu - it was a simple and refreshing summer dish.

swiss brown mushrooms, fetta & asparagus w/fig vincotto on sourdough (13.9). this dish is in one word, delicious. not your stock standard mushies on toast, as the fig vincotto gives it a unique sweetness. a must try.

the coffee - excellent. i am by no means a coffee connoisseur, but i do know that everybody who i’ve brought here has loved it. they use single origin (thus the name) and change up their brew quite frequently. the cups are huge but undoubtedly you’ll drain every last drop. in the summer, you cannot go past the iced coffees - ice cream makes everything better. (may i also recommend the hot chocolates and mochas as the chocolate is delicious.)

verdict // obviously i am crazy about this place. well-priced, comfortable, and with food and coffee to boot, the single guys has raised the standards of what suburban cafes can pull off. worth the trip out even if you aren’t a local. try and go in the quiet times to avoid waiting for a table.

info // the single guys is open Mon-Sat 6am - 4pm and Sun 7am - 3pm and everything on the menu is all day. they also offer a selection of home-baked goodies.

links // www.facebook.com/thesingleguys

Bare Bones Society, Jindalee

where // shop 22, jindalee homemaker city, goggs road

one of the many new suburban cafes to have opened its doors this year, the bare bones signage proudly proclaims ‘est. 2013’. it is a small but open space, with glass windows all around. the cafe is punctuated by colourful plastic seats, which fit in with the clientele; many families filled the room for a sunday breakfast. undoubtedly best suited to breezy summer days.

when // on a foggy sunday morning for breakfast

what // mushies on toast with poached eggs (16.5), green eggs and ham (15.5), flat white (3.8)

green eggs and ham; scrambled eggs, crispy prosciutto, spinach, basil, shallots and pesto (13.5) + sourdough (2). didn’t taste this one - but it looks incredible and tasty. on the list to try next time.

mushies on toast (pictured); roast field mushrooms, feta, creamed spinach and pecorino on sourdough (12) + 2 poached eggs (4.5). this was everything you want out of a mushroomy breakfast - generous, filling and lifted by the cheeses. eggs were well poached.

menu // very sneaky menu pic - the breakfast side.

verdict // the new local spot for breakfast, it is a less expensive and more casual alternative to the nook. the meals were reasonably priced and hearty - no need for lunch after this. coffee was toby’s estate which was wasn’t bad. as the first people through the door, meals took 30 minutes - a bit longer than expected. overall, a welcome addition to the western suburbs of brisbane.

info // open tues - sun from 8-4. they run the breakfast menu from 8.30-11.30 with standard offerings such as avo on toast (10) & porridge (9.5) with a few oddities thrown in such as the mexican burrito (14). lunch is also fairly standard with sandwiches and burgers. the specials board changes daily. plenty of parking in homemaker city.

links // https://www.facebook.com/BareBonesSociety