'How good does it get' was the only thought in my mind as we relaxed, sipping a great coffee on the deck surrounded by trees, and then I spied the home wares shop!
We were starting a Saturday morning motor bike ride with breakfast at Samford and The Flying Nun was our port of call.
When I was a child my parents used to gather the extended family and we would head to one of Samford's parks by a creek for a picnic lunch. Now days its almost a suburban area but it still retains its rural charm, as evidenced by the horse paddock, complete with pony, smack next door to the cafe.
Located in an old Uniting Church just slightly off Samford's main street, opposite John Scott Park in Station Street, about 25 minutes from Brisbane (depending which part of Brisbane you are leaving from).
The cafe is managed by Linda Barker and David Doey who have but their combined 25 years of experience in hospitality to good use by creating this friendly, quirky cafe.
It's a bit of a rabbit warren, with open air dining, covered decks, vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows and inside dining areas scattered around randomly. There's music floating around, Gotyre when we visited, and a wonderful leafy green garden ambiance. Just when you think you've seen it all, two macaws sitting silently in their large cage adjacent to the cafe add another visual feast.
The result is an atmosphere that encourages convivial company, friendly family gatherings and long lunches with friends. Bring it on.
Our table was at the front, near a wrought iron arch entrance and right outside a great little shop packed full of amazing home wares and interesting clothes.
Finding the cafe's heart where you can place your order requires a bit of detective work. We tracked the wait staff to see where they were emerging with food. Find the counter and you'll also find a range of Zero Japan teapots, plus teas and coffees, which will keep you occupied if there is a queue to order which is likely on a weekend.
Head chef Nathan Ayr changes the menu seasonally and both breakfast and lunch include a good variety of old favourites with a twist. Breakast ranges in cost from $6 to $19 while lunch prices range between $15 and $26.
The coffee is Zentfield and I appreciated the small addition of a chocolate coated coffee bean on the side.
Here's what we ate -
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| Eggs Benedict – two poached eggs, hollandaise on Turkish |
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| Shaved prosciutto omelette with tomato, spinach, gruyere |
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| Buttermilk pancakes |
Breakfast is available from 7am to 11.30am when the lunch menu takes over.
After breakfast we all hoped on the bikes and headed up over Mount Glorious and onwards. A great start to the day.
Bottom line: good food, interesting decor, efficient service.
Best tip: remember to book for weekends.
Flying Nun
16 Station Street, Samford.