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
 

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/
 

El Divo Espresso Bar, Taringa

a tiny café to relax in and watch the world go by.

where // el divo espresso bar, 82 swann rd, taringa

it's easy to miss this espresso bar as you drive along the winding and hilly swann road. situated in the heart of taringa on the corner of princess st, the coffee shop is a wooden deck with a few benches and tables, a counter from which the coffee is served and a fridge for homely light snacks. it's certainly a handy place for uni students who want to venture out close to campus. located right next door is the the diva lounge, a day spa.

 when // on a beautiful sunny afternoon - a great place to enjoy the queensland weather

what // in addition to the titular coffee, they offer a range of baked goodies (including gluten free varieties) as well as light café fare including sandwiches, crostata and wraps. i unfortunately neglected to snap the cute chalkboard menu, but i am keen to try out their arancini.

flat white (3.5) as a self-proclaimed espresso bar, you'd want the coffee to be good. el divo delivered on this front - my flat white was lovely.

baked goods (3) white choc and raspberry slice (gf) and choc macadamia brownie. as someone who often finds cake servings too big and too pricy, these were the perfect accompaniment to the coffee. i also love that they were served on a wooden board - a nice touch.

verdict // albeit short, i did enjoy my visit to el divo espresso bar. part of its charm is its isolation from other shops or other cafés - perfect for a day time place to relax or even study. swann rd can be congested during peak hour - i'm not sure it would be so pleasant if traffic were busy. however, i'll definitely pop back for coffee and snacks in future. 

info // el divo has really great, long opening hours. it's open mon-fri 6am-5pm to cater to the office crowd, and 7am-4pm on weekends. lots of street parking available. 

links // www.facebook.com/eldivocafe
 

The Rogue Rennard, Paddington

a gorgeous cafe in the heart of paddington, with great food and coffee to boot.

where // 106a latrobe terrace, paddington

if you choose to open a cafe in paddington, you better know what you’re doing in order to compete with the likes of popular establishments such as sassafras and anouk. since opening mid last year, the rogue rennard has demonstrated comprehensively that it has what it takes. most of the seating is outside and perfect for enjoying the sunny brisbane weather. the cafe is frequented by a range of people, prominently trendy hipster students.

when // a few times here and there

what // their menu changes every now and again, keeping things fresh with one or two substitutions every time.

madame mushroom (14). roasted mushrooms, w/ baby spinach, chevre, a poached egg and Madame’s herb and garlic crème sauce on sourdough. just plain yummy and a must try for all the mushroom-lovers out there. the serving size was more than adequate and i definitely left incredibly satisfied.

the trading company (14). mashed peas w/ orange chutney, slow - cooked ham hock and poached egg on sourdough. one of their more recent additions to the menu, it was one that i was keen to try out as a change from your stock standard breakfast offerings. the sweet and salty flavours went surprisingly well together, with the almost caramelised ham making the dish.

vanilla bean bircher (7.5). soaked oats w/ green apple, honeyed macadamia, natural yoghurt and seasonal fruit. i’m always on the lookout for good and affordable muesli. this one was a bit too wet for me and had lost texture. that said, the serving was very generous and i had trouble finishing it. i enjoyed the apple, but had no idea on what the pink-orange fruit on top was - any ideas?

avocat le fleur (6.5 for 1/11 for two). avocado w/ Persian fetta , crushed pine nuts and pistachio , fleur de sel, cracked pepper and lemon. i have a principle of not ordering avo on toast (as it’s one of the few things i can ‘cook’ for myself) but a friend had this. no pictures, but rest assured there was a massive amount of fresh cut avocado served. one for those who enjoy sliced avo rather than mashed.

flat white (3.5). the coffee is roasted by cup specialty coffee, so you know it’s going to be good.

verdict // a new favourite. lots of fresh, tasty options on the menu, great coffee and a beautiful outdoor setting to watch the world to go by - three basic ingredients for a fantastic place to go. they’re opening for dinner shortly as well, which is super exciting and i will be checking that one out.

info // open mon 7am-12pm, tues-sat 7am-4pm and sun 8am-4pm. as i said, they will be doing dinner from next week. lots of parking on nearby streets or in the shopping centre across the road. they have a loyalty stamp card too.

links // www.theroguerennard.com

www.facebook.com/TheRogueRennard

photo // top photo from rr’s facebook page.