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

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 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.