Locals who love their coffee are the folks behind Chocolate Orange Espresso, newly opened on Stuartholme Road at Bardon.
It's next to the Stuartholme Butcher which is well worth a look while you are there. They stock Gooralie Pork which has all the flavour and sweetness of great pork and is RSPCA accredited, no mean feat when it comes to pig farming.
But back to the coffee at Chocolate Orange which has taken over a skinny shop on the end that has been a hairdresser and children's coaching centre in its previous incarnations.
This time I think success is assured as I see all the hallmarks of a good local coffee haunt.
What am I talking about?
- Good position with plenty of drive past traffic, parking out the back and a regular source of street walk by visitation as well.
- Quirky decor with plenty of seating inside and out. I like the inclusion of tables in the side access point and footpath seating for plenty of variety.
- Owners (Anastasia and Naomi) and staff who are welcoming, efficient in service and love their work.
- House made cakes, biscuits and salads so you are getting something different to what is on offer elsewhere.
- Locals who love coffee!
I can tick all of the above at Chocolate Orange and add a phone ahead service for when you have to have a coffee but can't afford to wait. They will also accommodate meetings and get togethers without a blink.
Other nice touches include the use of free range eggs and Two Seasons coffee which is more unusual on the Brisbane coffee landscape.
This is both a breakfast and lunch stop. Breakfast options include bacon and egg tarts, croissants, bircher muesli with stewed apples and more including a wide range of freshly baked muffins.
For lunch you can ho down on a range of salads, mousaka or greek pasta bake.
It's basically a home style menu with enough twists to keep you interested.
Chocolate Orange, 15 Stuartholme Road, Bardon. 3367 8926.
Bottom line: I only had a coffee but all the food looked appealing and I'll be back for more.
Best tip: There's plenty of parking at the rear.
Kerry Heaney
Disclaimer: Ed+bK paid for the coffee.