Salt

I haven't dined at Salt in Rosalie since before the 2011 Brisbane floods but this morning I found myself finally returning to the cafe which used to be one of my absolute favourite places for breakfast and coffee. I was catching up with a friend who suggested we meet at Salt and I was excited as I began reminiscing over all the great meals I had had there.

Arriving about 9am, Salt still had quite a few customers for a Wednesday morning but was nowhere near as busy as they get on a weekend. I had my choice of table and opted for an outside booth. One thing that has not changed about Salt is the way they structure their menu; offering additional lighter options for weekday breakfasts that are not available on weekends. Looking over the menu, it was substantially the same as I remember it with items incurring small changes based on the produce available. I wasn't much in the mood for a heavy breakfast even though the breakfasts I saw coming out of the kitchen looked amazing. I decided to order something smaller from the weekday menu and it being a warmer morning was immediately drawn to the bircher muesli as I remember it being quite good. I also ordered my standard skinny cappuccino and my friend who had already had breakfast opted for an iced coffee to cool down.

Weekday menu

Weekday & Weekend menu

The coffee's appeared with lightening speed and the muesli was quick to follow. The coffee was well made and had delicious froth and chocolate topping. The bircher muesli was amazingly presented and absolutely delicious. As I have mentioned in a previous post, Lure on Latrobe has my favourite breakfast muesli but I think Salt's has just over taken it. The marinated strawberries brought a nice sweetness to the yogurt and worked perfectly with the mango and raisins. I would definitely order this again. As all meals at Salt, the portion size was generous and I was left feeling extremely satisfied.

Iced Coffee

Skinny Cap

Bircher Muesli

I really enjoyed my breakfast and coffee at Salt and was reminded why I used to come here all the time. I can't believe it has taken me so long to come back but I definitely will not let another year go by again before returning!

Elephant Rock Cafe

As it finally starts to feel like summer in Queensland I made the most of the warm weather and headed south to the Gold Coast for the weekend. A relaxed weekend isn't complete without Sunday brunch so it was off to Currumbin to see what we could find. There were several cafes on the beach front including The Beach Shack and Deck Cafe (which were both very busy) but on this occasion we were headed to Elephant Rock Cafe.

Breakfast Menu

View

Elephant Rock Cafe overlooks Currumbin beach and has two levels which is great for the busy Sunday breakfast/brunch crowds. On this particular Sunday the weather was perfect and the cafe was busy but we were able to immediately grab one of the last tables on the lower deck. Looking over the menu I was impressed with the selections available but decided to go with one of my favourite Sunday breakfast options of corn and zucchini fritters with bacon, mushrooms, tomato and cream fraiche. On this occasion I also added a side of avocado and ordered my standard skinny cappuccino. My Dad was drawn to the savoury pumpkin pie with leg ham, asparagus and tomato salsa but decided to try something a little different for him and went with the breakfast bruschetta (pesto covered ciabatta with tomato, haloumi, mushrooms, rocket and poached eggs) with a side of bacon. Mum on the other hand decided to stick a little closer to her favourite Sunday brunch order and went with the bacon and poached eggs with tomato but instead of thick cut toast opted for the toasted Turkish bread. Both also ordered their standard skinny cappuccinos.

Skinny Cap

Segafreda

The blend of coffee used at Elephant Rock is Segafredo and was made well. The only criticism I have was the coffee was a little slow to arrive. It reached the table after around a 15 minute wait and only a minute or so before the food (which was quite quick to arrive). The zucchini and corn fritters were delicious and bacon were both delicious and crisp and worked really well in contrast to the cool, refreshing avocado and creme fraiche. The only criticism of the meal was they forgot my mushrooms but lucky for me Dad didn't want his which worked out well for me. Both Mum and Dad really enjoyed their breakfast with Mum saying that it was up there with the top cafe breakfasts she has had, Dad agreed.

Corn & zucinni fritters

Breakfast brushcetta

Bacon and poached eggs

Elephant Rock Cafe is a fantastic cafe with great coffee, food, staff and views! I would definitely return again for breakfast and have heard they have amazing burgers at lunch which I would love to try.

Ruby Cafe

Being the beginning of a new year I decided to try a new cafe to kick things off for 2012. Ruby Cafe located on Given Tce in Paddington opened in early December 2011 and was the breakfast destination of choice for the morning. Arriving at the cafe around 8.30am it was still relatively empty but within 30 minutes nearly every table was occupied.

Breakfast menu

Drink Menu

On arrival we were seated and supplied with water and menus. Looking over the menu I liked the look of several options but quickly focused in on two particular choices; the bircher muesli and the omelet. My two breakfast companions both liked the look of the bircher so I decided to go with the omelet for a bit of variety. Our hungriest diner decided to order two breakfasts; the bircher muesli and the coiled fennel sausage and the third diner also opted for variety and went with the classic of poached eggs on toast. Drinks wise, Ruby offers an interesting range of juice/frappes, smoothies and coffees. I decided to go with my usual skinny cappuccino whereas the other breakfasters decided to try the berry smoothie.

Skinny cappuccino

Berry smoothie

The drinks were only a short wait and the coffee blend used was one of my favourites, Vitorria. It was well made and quite sweet. The smoothie was good, not memorable, not bad just good. In my opinion the food was a little slow to arrive. I know I said the cafe was quite busy but a lot of the diners appeared to be having their morning coffee rather then breakfast, I put this down to the cafe being new. The breakfast arrived after about a 20-ish minute wait.

Pumpkin, feta & rocket omelet

Poached eggs on sourdough

The omelet was pumpkin, rocket and feta with ciabata and was really tasty. The serving size was quite small in comparison to the price ($16) and to other cafe omelets I have had which leads me to believe it was made with 2 eggs rather then 3. Nonetheless it was cooked perfectly and the ciabatta was perfectly toasted. The poached eggs on peasant sourdough ($9) was a very small meal. However, the eggs were poached perfectly, the sourdough was nicely toasted and the accompanying tomato and pepper chutney was flavourful. The coiled fennel and chili sausage served with tomato, fried egg and watercress ($15) was highly enjoyed by my breakfast companion. He also really liked the flavour the tomato and pepper chutney brought to the meal. The strawberry bircher muesli with pecan & hazelnut crumble with honey was an impressive looking meal and probably the best value breakfast at $8. However, its looks were slightly deceiving as if it hadn't have been for the pecan & hazelnut crumble and honey it would have been quite bland.

Strawberry bircher

Coiled fennel & chili sausage

All in all Ruby Cafe was a good way to kick off the new year of cafe exploration. It had some good points such as the interesting menu and flavour combinations on offer, attentiveness of the floor staff and the coffee and some not so good points such as meal size and speed of service. In saying that I'm sure speed of service will improve with time. As for meal size I understand that Ruby Cafe probably has high rent costs for its prime location but I would rather pay slightly more and receive a portion size comparable to the neighbouring cafes (Pandemonium, Anouk, Eurovida). In saying that I would still return to Ruby Cafe as there are a few more options I wouldn't mind trying.

Hana Rosa

Due to the stressful, time poor period known as University exams and numerous repeat visits to 'Comfort at my Table' it has been a while since my last blog! After a highly enjoyable Christmas and boxing day I decided enough days had passed to make a visit into the city bearable. Being the ghost town period for independent cafes there was little option for lunch that didn't involve a food court. Therefore we decided to stop off in Paddington on the way home for a bite to eat.

Hana Rosa is located on Latrobe Tce  where Sol Breads used to be, just down from Lure on Latrobe. The cafe has a nice breakfast and lunch menu but unfortunately it still being the Christmas period the kitchen was closed and the only lunch options were those in the deli cabinet. Luckily there was a turkey, cranberry and cheese baguette and a ham, tomato, Swiss cheese and basil bread roll remaining that we purchased and had toasted. We also ordered skinny cappuccinos and were supplied with a bottle of cold tap water to share.

Water

Cappuccino

The cappuccino was Di Bella and well made and appeared at the same time as the sandwiches. Mum and I decided we would go halves on the sandwiches so we could sample both. The ham, cheese, tomato and basil bread roll was tasty and the toasted bread roll was really delicious. The turkey, cranberry and cheese was good but a little dry mainly due to minimal amounts of cranberry. Nonetheless lunch was quick and tasty, especially with the toasted Sol bread.

Ham, cheese, tomato Roll

Turkey, cranberry, cheese Baguette

All in all Hana Rosa is a nice cafe and I look forward to returning one day when the kitchen is open!

Pandemonium Cafe

On Saturday I caught up with a friend over breakfast. My friend suggested we dine at Pandemonium in Paddington and I agreed as I hadn't been to this cafe in over a year. Pandemonium is a 70s style cafe with furniture that reminds me of my grandparents house. They serve all day breakfast, lunch, coffee and sweat treats.

Menu

After a hard morning of exercise we were both more then ready for a satisfying breakfast. Firstly I placed an order for my usual skinny cappuccino but my breakfast companion opted for water as she was feeling quite parched from her morning exercise. Looking over the menu I definitely was in the mood for cold breakfast so without much hesitation I decided on the Natural Muesli topped with natural yoghurt, cinnamon & mixed berries. My friend informed me she was currently having a love affair with feta so was immediately drawn to the spinach & feta omelette with thick cut toast. The menu stated the omelette was made with 3 eggs but not wanting a Rambo sized meal she asked for a 2 egg omelette which the kitchen was more then happy to oblige.

Skinny cap

My skinny cappuccino arrived after a short wait and the froth and chocolate was to die for, the best I have had. It was the perfect pre-crusor to my well made coffee and was a great start to the breakfast. After a short wait both our meals arrived. Unfortunately Pandemonium committed one of my pet hates with the muesli. On the menu it stated the muesli was served with yoghurt but upon arrival it had a dollop of yoghurt and a side of milk. For me, milk and muesli with a dollop of yoghurt doesn't appeal. I asked the waitress if instead of the milk I could have more yoghurt and she kindly obliged, returning with a further serving of yoghurt. The side of yoghurt still wasn't as much as I would expect for a good yoghurt to muesli ratio, leaving my breakfast a bit dry. Also, the serve of mixed berries was fairly minuscule which was disappointing. However, the natural muesli blend was delicious and featured plenty of nuts, rolled oats and dried fruits. It was a different story with the spinach and feta omelette. It was perfectly cooked and the thick cut toast was nicely toasted, this breakfast was a real winner.

Spinach & feta omelette

Natural muesli

Pandemonium is a funky cafe that serves great food. Even though it may not sound like I enjoyed my experience, I have eaten here many times before and never once been disappointed. When it comes to muesli I can be quite picky about how it's served and everyone has there own preference! In my opinion Pandemonium serve Brisbane's best coffee thickshakes and I also rate the omelette's and thin pancakes. I will definitely be back for both of those in the near future.

Denim Co.

A friend from Canberra was visiting Brisbane last week so we decided to catch up over a mid-week lunch at Southbank. Last time I had lunch at Southbank it was at Poppy's which was underwhelming. Walking along Little Stanley St. I noticed Denim Co. so we decided to give this cafe a try.

Deli Cabinet

Denim Co. is half clothing shop and half cafe that serves coffee, breakfast and lunch. After looking over the menu the Aioli Chicken Turkish bread immediately caught my eye. My friend also liked the look of the Turkish breads and opted for Roasted Vegetable, Pesto & Herbed Goats Cheese on Turkish. A round of skinny cappuccino and skinny latte was also on the agenda. Orders are placed at the counter then table service applies .All of Denim Co.'s daily food was pre-made and on display in the cabinet. All the sandwiches, quiches, muffins, bircher muesli, wraps and croissants looked super fresh and appetizing.

Menu

Latte

The coffee came out quickly and was LavAzza blend. It was a nice strong brew, no complaints from me. A few minutes later the Turkish breads arrived which we had asked to be toasted. They were a generous size and were delicious. The bread was toasted to perfection and the aioli chicken was amazing. The aioli had a strong garlic flavour but I really liked it especially in contrast to the vine ripened tomato, melted swiss cheese and crispness of the Turkish bread. The Roast Vegetable Turkish met with similar praise and even though the sandwiches had been quite big we both finished them off.

Aioli Chicken

Roast Vegie

Denim Co. is a nice little cafe serving simple breakfast and deli style lunches. I really enjoyed the food and coffee offered here and wouldn't hesitate to order the Aoili Chicken Turkish again.

Spoon Deli Cafe

A Saturday family lunch took us to the streets of Paddington in search of a filling meal. Due to the morning thunderstorm my brothers plane arrived around lunch time, 4hours later than scheduled. It was safe to say he was starving as he had slept through the breakfast snack on the flight. We initially had decided upon Sassafras as they do all day breakfast and lunch but we weren't the only ones in the mood for their menu as they were extremely busy. In search of a quicker feed then Sassafra's would have been able to offer we crossed the road to Spoon Deli Cafe located on the top level of Paddington central.

 Spoon also do all day breakfast and lunch and both menu's were located at the counter. We all quickly looked over the options. The breakfast and lunch menu's were quite basic but one breakfast item stood out to me; the pumpkin and zucchini fritters with poached eggs and tomato relish, sold. My mum also decided to order from the breakfast menu choosing the bacon and egg Turkish bread sandwhich and my brother went with the big breakfast. My dad was the only one who ordered a lunch item getting the steak sandwhich. For drinks we went with 3 skinny cappuccinos and a fresh pineapple juice. Spoon also had a small selection of filo's, quiches, wraps and Turkish breads in their deli cabinet. I thought the Turkish breads and wraps looked quite fresh and filling but they only had turkey, salmon, salami and vegetarian options. 

Skinny cap



Pineapple juice

 After ordering at the counter we wandered to Spoon's outdoor section and had our choice of nearly any table, quite the contrast to Sassafra's. Our drinks appeared a few minutes later and I found it quite strange that Spoon didn't keep sugar on the table for the coffee's, instead the waitress asked on arrival of the drinks if we would like sugar and then after placing the coffee's in front of us went back to get them. I'm not sure if this was standard practice for Spoon or whether she had just forgotten to place them on the saucer's initially. The coffee was Di Bella blend and was surprisingly really good, the perfect balance of bitter and sweetness and the pineapple juice was nice and fresh.  





Big Breakfast



Pumpkin & zucchini fritters





Our food appeared after a very short wait and all four meals were impressively large servings. The pumpkin and zucchini fritters were well cooked but tasted a little bit bland and under seasoned. Luckily the tomato relish was unreal and really jazzed up the fritters. Both mine and the big breakfast's poached eggs were done perfectly. The big breakfast was an absolute feast of bacon, sausages, tomato, mushrooms, eggs, potato rosti and sourdough. My brother ate most of the meal, I'm not sure whether this was due to the fact he was starving or it was really good, either way an empty plate is the best compliment. The steak sandwhich was an enormous meal featuring rib eye fillet, bacon, aioli, onion and salad on toasted Turkish bread with half a plate of chips. The chips were fairly run of the mill but my Dad really enjoyed the meal nonetheless. The bacon and egg Turkish bread was a basic item done well. Crispy bacon, fried eggs with salad on a perfectly toasted Turkish bread was a winner and once again an empty plate followed.

Bacon & egg turkish

Steak Sandwhich

Even though Saturday lunch at Spoon Deli Cafe was not what we had intended, it turned out to be quite nice. The service was quick and attentive, the coffee was good and the meals were nice. Spoon may be considered a bit too franchise-esque for trendy Paddington but it does a good job of holding its own.