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.

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

Scout Cafe, Brisbane

where // scout cafe, 190 petrie terrace, brisbane

this lonely shop front had apparently stood empty for some time before its new life as scout cafe. located across the road from hardgrave park, the interior is minimalist as is the trend for new cafes in 2013.

when // on a beautiful sunny friday for lunch

what // bagels (11) + piccolo (3) + butterscotch milkshake (7)

bagel with baked pumpkin, caramelised onion, sweet goats cheese, roasted peppers, salsa verde, aioli and baby spinach. amazing.

verdict // incredibly tasty bagels - not the neatest thing to eat, but every single element was delicious. the butterscotch milkshake was very sweet and not one for those who don’t want an enormous sugar hit, but i enjoyed it. overall, highly recommended.

info // scout cafe is open for breakfast and lunch, 7 days a week. there is plenty of street parking available.

links // www.scoutcafe.com.au