POP UP FOOD REVIEW

by A. Tablehopper

There are plenty of great cafes across the hinterland, and I like to partake when time and funds allow.

I love food, and I also like to sit and soak up the atmosphere. I can see where restaurants could improve (usually it’s such simple, basic stuff, it blows my mind that they haven’t done it) and I can also see when they are clearly doing it right.

So, for a bit of fun, I thought I would offer my services as a local food reviewer for the HT, and was pretty surprised when they said yes!

I have chosen three cafes where I order the same dish, and am discussing service, presentation/flavour and ambience.

None of these cafes knew I would be writing these reviews and I have not been paid to promote them. I may have a personal favourite, but they are all worthy of your footfall and tastebuds.

Okay, let’s begin with….

EGGS BENEDICT WITH SALMON

Chew Chew Bistro - Palmwoods

Service: The place was a third full, and it was around 10.30am, but a few groups were arriving at the same time. I was greeted by a friendly smile, placed my order (although they also do table service) and found myself a cosy corner. The eggs arrived super-fast, probably within five minutes.

Presentation/Flavour: Neatly presented with vibrant yellow, smooth Hollandaise, a touch of greenery, and two poached eggs. Very tasty, but next time I will ask for an extra piece of toasted sourdough to mop up my egg.

Ambience: A beautiful spot, with great attention to the décor. Stunning furnishings, with a rustic, almost Parisian feel, with unusual light fixtures, interesting framed black and white photos, Chesterfield chairs and sofas, the occasional comforting sound of trains rattling past and relaxed but unobtrusive music.

Mountain Bean Café – Montville

Service: A welcome greeting. The bench seating inside isn't too comfy, so I suggest sitting outside where there is more space and better seats. The food was prompt, and my drink was soon to follow.

Presentation/Flavour: Eggs arrived on two small pieces of Turkish or sourdough bread, I think the former. The salmon portion was just right , and the mini salad on the side was a surprise. Good coffee.

Ambience: I have seen this cafe go through a few incarnations over the years. Currently, there is some fantastic artwork over the walls inside, but the outside is the place to sit and watch the world go by.

I would recommend some music inside for atmosphere, but you can see why this is a useful, cheerful pit-stop for tourists.

Brown Sugar - Nambour

Service: This is a small venue, and there were a few policemen having their morning coffee outside, a couple of women chatting at a table in the sunshine, and a focus group having a meeting inside. I was greeted with smile and ordered at the counter, before finding a small wooden table with a relatively comfy chair to enjoy the view of café life. The food and a pot of tea arrived around the same time, not more than ten minutes after I ordered.

Presentation/Flavour: I don’t know what bread they use, but it is delicious. I should’ve asked, but it tasted along the level of Jeremiah’s Crust, and two slices, thank you! Loved the addition of dill in the Hollandaise, and the salmon tasted beautifully fresh. I also liked the addition of a wedge of lemon.

Ambience: I love the décor in here, the chintzy sofa, the crafted wooden tables, the various antique mirrors of different shapes and sizes on the walls, the wooden salt and pepper sets.

Conclusion

All three venues served a decent meal, all three had friendly staff, and all three are places I would return. Give them a try when you're next in the hinterland!