Cafes serving Light Meals, and Coffee – here are my top five as reviewed
Back on my favourite subject, here we have venues specialising in
providing that quick snack, a light lunch, coffee and cake (they have
to go together!), or just darned good coffee. All are owner operated with a
passion for their craft, providing varied tastes from in the main, local
producers. Their creative menu items are
interspersed with old favourites and cater for all tastes. They are worthy of
your patronage, all these are foodie haunts of mine which I really do enjoy, I
hope you do too. As always in no particular order:-
Albert
& Co – Kalimna: Breakfast lunch and even fish ‘n chips on
Friday nights, take your choice here, it is all great food and sourced as far
as possible from local suppliers. Regularly changing menu and with tasted to
really tantalise those tingling taste buds. The coffee is also a great blend
here and well made. Try the home made cakes if you want to increase your sugar
levels. In my review I commented – “A
must to visit in my book, and just off the main highway, coffee is superb served
dependent on your taste by a great team of staff. Open early in the morning too
for that coffee to go. High quality local produce used here. Albert & Co also provide external
catering to order, which is of high standard, what a great idea for a dinner
party at home ( to save all that trouble) or for a function large or
small. Friendly knowledgeable service.”
Coffee
House 138 – Maffra: Now here is a little gem set almost at the end
of the main street in Maffra. Well worth a visit here if you are in the area.
Excellent service a varied menu and very well presented food. On my visit I
noted that, “Simply said, a great lunch, in a clean, comfortable, relaxing venue
serving quality food, with an accent on local produce. Staff are friendly and professional. What
more can you ask for, this venue would succeed anywhere and is top value for
money. Suggest if you want to ensure a table of your choice ring ahead and
book. A menu which caters for breakfast
and lunch and with plenty of opportunity to indulge for a coffee and cake or
similar sweet indulgence in the mid-morning or afternoon, why not with a venue
like this you could while away most of the day, and I was tempted to. Staff say
they are proud of their café…and so they should be.” Definitely on my list is Coffee House
138.
Café
3847 & Co – Rosedale: I came upon this experience almost by
accident. I am so glad I did, this quaint and interesting venue serves food and
good coffee with a passion for what they do, and they do it so well. From the
décor to the food presentation, the menu leads you along a gastronomic pathway
to a thoroughly enjoyable and tasty meal.
In my review I described 3847 as, “
just the spot for a break on your journey, for a small business meeting, ( I
would say up to about 12 or so), a celebration of some kind, or just pop in for
a coffee (and cake of course!). Café 3847 has won a number of awards and I can
see why, an all-round good experience.” Now just take yourself off to
Rosedale and stop off here, it has a few quirky surprises! The venue is quite small so to be assured of
a table ring ahead and make a booking.
The
Long Paddock – Lindenow: Perhaps not on your regular location to
visit, if not, I strongly suggest that you include this one. It is said ‘never
ever judge a book by its cover,’ and nor in this instance, the location or the
external facade. This is a true dining experience not to be missed. Housed in
a historically interesting building with old wall ovens a feature of the décor
I recall writing “Leisurely Lindenow Lunches at The Long
Paddock, it’s the pick of the crop. A
pleasant surprise here, although the venue was busy (almost to capacity)
service and quality was maintained. The place has an immediate ambiance about
it which gave me confidence in ordering. Locals are lucky to have such a venue on their
doorstep and it is well worth the drive out of Bairnsdale, indeed I would have
no problem driving from Lakes Entrance to dine again in this country cafe
serving quality food with good country service and very good value for your
dollar.” The accent here seems to be
on home cooked/baked food, be it pies, slices, cakes or tarts, and you can be
assured they are top quality. You will not regret your trip to Lindenow.
Bancroft
Bites – Metung:
Very well named as when sitting outside you can view Bancroft Bay set
behind the village green. The ‘bites’ well they are really tasty. With a good
reputation, I visited to sample it and can see why this little venue has done
so well. It has a laid back atmosphere,
you can enjoy a morning coffee while reading the paper, or catching up
‘on line’ with the goings on in the world. Perhaps call in for a lunch which
will delight you. While reviewing I
wrote, “ Small street frontage but
…..big on service and quality. The staff at Bancroft Bites are obviously
dedicated to their business and it shows, a friendly welcome, orders taken when
you are ready, a check to see that all is well during your meal and when
finished an enquiry if anything extra can be served. Top stuff, many other establishments could
take a look (and a meal) at Bancroft Bites and learn something about their
quality of food, service and professionalism.
Cosy, comfortable, classic café, ideally situated in one of Victoria’s
best villages.
Whichever of these you may choose and whatever you decide to order, I am sure you will enjoy.
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