Smidgins: Aja Coffeehouse $10 Sweet Treats

So after our Kodoya adventure, we all decided it was time to sniff out some dessert so we decided to head back to the stylishly dark, Aja Coffeehouse (we stumbled across this venue on our last adventure). When we arrived there was a sign outside advertising three desserts for $10, how convenient we thought as we placed the order. As the minutes started ticking away we started to wonder how long it took to put a biscuit on a plate, but we well and truly shut up when these three works of stunning art appeared. Above is the meringue finished with passionfruit, chocolate and fresh strawberries.  

Beautifully crisp and dense shortbread with strawberries and cream. Garnished with delicate mint leaves.

The final piece we selected with this orange and almond cake. A little more dense than the others, but again beautifully presented. There were a couple more options on the menu but this was truly bang for the dollar and a great way to finish up a Friday night in the city. So make the time to suppose this new Elizabeth Arcade establishment which opens Monday to Thursday (7am - 4pm) and Friday (7am - 9pm). I've already decided to return for dinner, so will be back with a review soon.

Toby's Estate

The mood was dark and the heavy rain was blowing sideways as I staggered through the Queen Street Mall in a desperate bid to avoid supermarket tea. T2 and the Tea Centre weren't open, but Toby's Estate was and on a shelf in front of a counter sits a range of loose leaf available in attractive metal tins or silk pyramid tea bags. I triumphantly clutched my Toby's Breakfast Blend (a combination of Assam, Ceylon, Darjeeling and China Keemun leads), paid for it and started to dash out the door when a staff member thrust a card into my hands for a free coffee.

So that's my epic story of my obsession with tea and how I managed to score a free coffee before my morning catch up with Sam. Toby's Estate was originally suggested by Sam and I was keen to try it as Sam is quite canny about these things, being a keen cook and connoisseur.

The Toby's Estate began over 10 years ago out of one man's garage and you guessed it, his name is Toby. From those humble beginnings, Toby's Estate has now grown into a national empire supplying beans and servicing the caffeine depend with its own chain of cafes. Toby's Estate Brisbane discreetly popped up in November and has become a favourite of addicts travelling the migratory path between the Queen Street Mall and the Queensland University of Technology. The interior is modern, comfortable and no fuss much like the food.

This particular morning Sam purchased a bagel with cream cheese and I selected a ham and cheese croissant. No whinges from me, as I couldn't fault a hot meal, with melted cheese and garnished with hunger. But it was really the coffee that was the star, velvet consistency with a distinct and noticable bean. I enjoyed my Toby's Estate experience so if you're heading that way, do stop in for a coffee or grab a tin of tea.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
Address: 79 Albert Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000.
Open: Monday to Friday, Breakfast and Lunch.
Phone: 1300 679 750.

Extract Espresso Bar

I love the city, the hussle, the bussle as people go around their business and make the bold decisions, the lovers, the power, the smoke and the sex. It's all there but blink and you'll miss unique little spots like Extract Espresso Bar nestled between Flowers by Jane, Children of the Revolution and Chocolates to Die For. Extract Espresso Bar opens at the crack of dawn, Monday to Friday for those filthy addicted addicted to sweet caffeine and also makes a range of simple, homestyle sandwiches and sweets that catering to those with special dietary requirements. The friendly staff are happy to arrange take away or bring your purchase to your table. Yes, your eyes don't deceive you, the establishment is bigger than it appears from the outside as there is a sneaky side passage that opens onto a quiet office building foyer. So if you're looking for a change of scene from your office or a uni bum looking for somewhere a little more stylish than the library than Extract could be the solution (psst they also offer free wi fi, talk the staff).

Though I'm quite partial to their Chocolate Croissants, there was a period a couple of years ago where their Toasted Vegetarian Sourdough Sandwiches were my breakfast du jour. They are really something to behold, grilled capsicum, zucchini, onion, spinach and the perfect amount of cheese to keep hundreds of taste buds happy. The fact I'm raving about a vegetarian sandwich is really saying something because given half the opportunity I'll always opt for half a side of the biggest animal within a 50km radius. So have a special dietary requirement? Looking for that perfect Toasted Vegetarian Sandwich? Or a Di Bella Coffee? Then hop off near Central and look sharp for Extract.

Rating: 3 out of 5.
Address: 7a/ 200 Adelaide Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000.
Open: Monday - Friday. Breakfast and Lunch.
Phone: (07) 32213166.

Dandelion and Driftwood

A catch up with Miss Sarah was overdue so we decided to head out to Dandelion and Driftwood at Hendra. Though we had both heard great things about the establishment, we were blown away by its modern but warm interior filled with long wood tables complimented with ghost chairs and the formally attired staff. The establishment's passion for coffee and tea passion is noticeable and it was refreshing to be offered a variety of coffee and tea blends and be provided with notes with each cup. Miss Sarah has trained her palette to accept her coffee black, but I'm still inclined to have mine with milk. My mocha was very well balanced, with the coffee as the shining star and the chocolate merely a lingering after taste.

Dandelion and Driftwood has a lengthy sandwich menu but I was looking for something a little different and selected the Salmon Two Ways. There was a lovely vegetable dense pattie, smoked salmon and rocket dressed with lemon and tiny capers. This was a wonderful flavour combination and filling without making you feel bloated.

Miss Sarah selected a filled croissant which left room for investigate the beautifully displayed range of treats. We followed our savoury course with a dainty lemon yoghurt cake and a moreish red velvet cake. The red velvet cake was brilliant in colour, moist and topped with a vanilla icing and shaved flakes of chocolate. It's a wonderful place for a Sunday morning breakfast, or anytime you'd like to escape for something light to eat or drink with great company. Parking is a breeze, so grab a friend and start up the car.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
Address: Shop 1, 45 Gerler Road, Hendra, QLD 4011.
Open: Monday to Saturday - 8am to 4pm. Sunday - 8am to 2pm.
Phone: (07) 3868 4559.

Bunker

I've been hearing for months, whispers about a leafy coffee/chocolate mecca, located in Milton inside a World War Two air raid shelter. Normally I would act without a second thought but unfortunately Bunker is only open Monday to Friday, 6:30am - 3.30pm or Saturday, at the Kevin Grove Markets (5:30am - 1pm), times that sadly do not suit my hectic schedule. So now that I'm on holidays I grabbed my cousin, Yens and we headed off a pilgrimage to sample this much cavorted elixir.

We were lucky to find a street park as when we arrived the place was a hive of activity. But it didn't take long to place the order for a tea and a hot chocolate. Though the flavour of the day was chai, the staff very kindly offered to make me the dark jaffa hot chocolate which I had heard so much about.

When the drinks arrived I wasn't disappointed. Beautifully presented, velvety smooth liquid with accents of the finest orange chocolate. It was a world shifting foodgasm moment and I highly recommend you take the journey to Bunker for their fabulous elixirs as you really don't have anything to lose.

Rating: 4 out 5.
Address: 21 Railway Terrace, Milton QLD 4064.
Open: Monday - Friday. 6:30am to 3.30pm.
Phone: 0422 124 767

5th Battery

Sometimes you strike gold in the most unexpected places and I had heard whispers that there was a rather decent slab of it on Warry Street in Fortitude Valley. 5th Battery's industrial roller door is nestled amongst residential apartments but once you step inside you are greeted with light, colour, modern stained glass doorways and an atrium.

5th Battery is a unique establishment as they roast their own coffee. They offer two blends: Brother Espresso House Blend (the beans are sourced from Indonesia, India, Ethiopia and Nicaragua and blends fruity flavours with the aroma of spices and toffee) and Fifth Battery Seasonal Blend (this bend uses beans from Brazil, Ethiopia and Nicaragua and combines fruity notes with chocolate sweetness). Here is a photograph of my mocha, served in a cheerful red cup with a sensible handle (I have issues with handles that cannot fit my lady fingers through them as it makes me feel fat).

On this particular morning I was joined by the most awesome-tastic Carmen and Tania. The girls both decided to order a Breakie Burger as they had heard rumours that it was the must have item on the menu. The Breakie Burger features fresh avocado, prosciutto crudo, vintage cheddar, a sunny side up egg and aioli on two slices of organic sourdough. Tania is gluten free so to make up for the lack of bread the kitchen provided an additional egg and strangely neglected to add the cheddar. But our theory was it might not present well and perhaps the cheese was melted directly onto the bread. Either way, the team were pretty with their burger.

Here is a photograph of my second breakfast which was a delightful Almond Croissant. This particular morning I had managed to ruin my appetite my making myself a soft poached egg with ham on toast. So while I wanted to consume something more robust, I'm sort of glad as I would have a hard time choosing between the Smoked Salmon, beetroot relish, creme fraiche and baby rocket served on rye vienna or the Grilled marinated mushrooms with a side of organic sourdough served with fresh buffalo ricotta.

Does this breakfast sound awesome to you? Well the price will make you even happier as breakfast ranges from $3 to $10. What a steal! But if you can't make it into 5th Battery then I am sure a Brother Espresso could assist. They are all a part of the same chain but Brother Espresso tends to be more accessible with two stores in the central business district and another in Bulimba. So breakfast ... make it happen.

Edit [10 January 2012]: Since I wrote this article I've also managed to have lunch at 5th Battery and give my stamp of approval. Behold my beautifully tender Sirlion steak sandwich served on organic sourdough with spanish onion, roma tomatoes, vintage cheddar, baby rocket, mustard sauce and a petite salad. Sounds amazing yes, but don't get too fixated on the online menu as it isn't current. There isn't any soup or Sand crab lasagne with abalone cream. This made me sad ... well that was until my lunch arrived and all was forgiven.

Rating: 3 out of 5.
Address: 23 Warry Street, Fortitude Valley, QLD 4005.
Open: Monday - Friday: 7am 4pm. Saturday: 8am - 2pm.
Phone: (07) 3852 5396.
Price: Breakfast: $3 - $10. Lunch: $11 - $17. Coffee: $3.20 - $3.70.

Cockadoodle Cafe

Cockadoodle Cafe is a bubbly little cafe that has recently taken over the old Olivetto site. The staff a friendly, the space is full of light and has a family friendly feel with whirling rainbow spirals and lots and lots of chicken related nick nacks. Though this fetching establishment serves breakfast and lunch, seven days a week, I was looking for a coffee to wake me up before a session of improvised theatre.

Here is a photo of my skinny mocha. As you can see the milk is glossy and smooth and the froth does not dominate the glass. As much as I enjoy a Babyccino, life is too short and expensive to drink a bad coffee. This mocha had a nice balance of chocolate and espresso.

I came in for a coffee but the Cockadoodle Cafe has an irresistible selection of treats. Lemon Curd filled, Biscuits with an embossed star, Gingerbread and this Lemon Curd Tart are just some the sweet treats you will encounter on your trip. This Lemon Curd Tart doesn't have a lot of zing but the curd is beautifully light and this makes a brilliant foil to the crisp pastry. Happiness is infectious and catching a good dose of it here is a great way to start any morning.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
Address: 5 Enoggera Terrace, Red Hill, QLD 4059.
Open: Breakfast and Lunch, 7 days a week.
Phone: (07) 3369 0610.
Price: Coffee from $4.

Qwerk Espresso

Sometimes in our haste we miss the best things in life, so this morning I made a snap decision to stop and check out Qwerk Espresso. Qwerk Espresso is a brand new cafe in Wilston and is open for coffee, breakfast and lunch, seven days a week between 7am and 2pm. The cafe has a lovely eclectic collection of furniture and when you venture inside, it's welcoming with its honey wood panel floor. Though my intention was to stop for a Hot Chocolate, my eyes soon spotted a couple of small stands bearing exquisite morels and I knew I just had to have one.

I decided to settle for a gorgeous Pear Tart and it came served with creamy tangy lemon yoghurt on an Eco Vision plate (these plates are made from the leaf sheaths of the Areca Palm and therefore completely biodegradable) . This yoghurt is made on site and just like the Pear and Hazelnut Tart is exquisite. The pastry was crisp and light, the pear moist and singing with caramel notes that can only come from love and care. The team obviously loves their new cafe and I think you ought to also stop and check it out.

Edit:

Since I wrote this review, my little brother and I have been back for breakfast and here are some photographs of the breakfast we enjoyed. Gorgeous ripe avocadoes on toast with a dask of balsamic and spicy home made baked beans with sausage for a savoury kick.



Rating: 3 out of 5.
Address: 45 Kedron Brook Road, Cnr of York Street, Wilson, QLD 4051.
Open: 7 Days a week. 7am - 2pm.
Phone: N/A.
Price: Coffee from $3.50.