Update on Frenchies Cafe Wynnum Queensland

Posted on September 13, 2016 by Latte Teena

Update on Frenchies Cafe Wynnum - panorama shot

Quick Update on Frenchies Cafe Wynnum

Each time I come back to Frenchies [read my previous Review] (on Tuesdays at the moment), the staff greet me like a long-lost friend, warm and inviting, and today was no exception.

Tarnya saw me park my little Ford KA right out the front, so came to greet me, and said with her gorgeous smile, “If you text us, we’ll have your coffee ready when you arrive!” How cool is that?

Today Florent the Barista told me about their amazing Big Dog coffee, from the guru Peter Wolff (a German chap who’s lived in Australia for many years) – here’s a little card with the details:

Update on Frenchies Cafe Wynnum - Peter Wolff coffee Big Dog

On my last visit, the delightful Florent made me two lattes (I rarely have two, but it was a long visit), and delighted me both times with his coffee-top designing skills:

Dog faces on my lattes at Frenchies Cafe Wynnum

Lunch was a delicious (VERY filling!) club sandwich (3 slices of toast) – congrats to chef Andrew for this yummy-ness!

Once I’m living closer to this area, I’ll be able to pop in more often, and I can’t wait for that to happen :-)

Thanks again everyone! A la prochaine! (See you next time!)

Cheers

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Did you enjoy this update on Frenchies Cafe?

Drop me a note in the Comments below, and let me know what YOU love about Frenchies — I look forward to hearing from you.

Where is Frenchies?

On the east coast of Australia, about 45 minutes from Brisbane, and 30 minutes north of Victoria Point and Coochiemudlo Island.

142 Bay Terrace
Wynnum QLD 4178
Australia

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Frenchies Cafe in Wynnum Qld

Posted on August 23, 2016 by Latte Teena

Heard of Frenchies Cafe in Wynnum? Fantastique! Woof!

Frenchies Cafe in Wynnum Qld - 4 photos

 

Before you start thinking this is a “French” cafe, stop right there — this is a doggie-friendly cafe named after French Bulldogs, commonly known as Frenchies — and the dogs are allowed inside!

Doggies are treated with a bowl of water, and can even order a Doggie-chino, frothy lactose-free milk with water.

Dare I say it? Best breakfast (brekkie) I’ve found so far in the Manly / Wynnum area!

Basic brekkie consists of:

  • 2 x scrambled or poached eggs
  • 2 x huge bacon rashers
  • 2 x slices of hot toast
  • delicious wedge of avocado
  • half a grilled tomato (NOT done in the microwave!) topped with
  • a handful of green salad (whose name I’m unaware of)
  • a good dollop of home-made tomato relish
  • not included in the price, but worth his weight in gold in the kitchen, was Chef Andrew.

All of this for the sum of $16.00, which beats many other cafes hands down, in my humble opinion.

Everything was cooked to perfection, served with a smile from the super friendly gorgeous server, Tarnya. (And YES Tarnya, it was waaaay too much food, but oh so delicious!)

The Coffee

Frenchies Cafe in Wynnum - the latteIt always takes me 2-3 times visiting a cafe to get the coffee just right.

I’m never sure how weak, strong, or ‘just right’ it’s going to be, so it’s worth the effort to chat with the Barista and work out what to ask for next time.

This coffee was made with love, is one and a half shots of espresso, and looks fabulous. After tasting, I know I’ll ask for a double shot in a glass next time, to make it a bit stronger (but then, I do love my coffee strong).

The Barista (a delightful French chap named Florent) said he’ll know exactly how to make it next time, and it was lovely to hear the staff encouraging me to return.

Overall this visit today is worthy of a 10/10 – thanks everyone for making my visit to your cafe so lovely!

Visited Frenchies Cafe in Wynnum?

Let me know what your experience was — send me an email by posting in the Comments below – thanks in advance!

Cheers

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Teena

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Cambridge Lane Cafe in Manly Qld

Posted on August 16, 2016 by Latte Teena

Cambridge Lane Cafe in Manly Qld has a modest front door, with many patrons choosing to walk down the short laneway between buildings, where the cafe tables and chairs are filled all year round.

Cambridge Lane Cafe in Manly Qld

For me, this cafe has a feel of Sydney and Melbourne about it – bustling, noisy (in a good way), good vibe, great food and good coffee.

In winter (which has been delightful this year in June/July/August 2016), patrons are outside on grey wintery days (with heaters on if necessary) and on gorgeous sunny days, basking in the sunshine.

The cafe has recently changed their back room around a bit, bringing the cash register/ordering area closer to the front, and it’s all good. The staff are always friendly and willing to help you work out what you need.

I ordered scrambled eggs on toast ($11), with a side of bacon ($5) which was served on a small plate with a dash of green salad and a little bowl of yummy tomato chutney.

Cambridge Lane Cafe in Manly Qld - bacon,eggs and latte

The Coffee

The coffee is good, even though it’s not my favourite in this district. I usually get a double-shot latte, but after many visits I just can’t get it to a point where I’m happy. That’s not to say that you won’t love it — many other people do, so certainly give it a shot (or two).

Cambridge Lane Cafe Location

61 Cambridge Parade, Manly QLD 4179
Australia

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Coopers Fish and Chip Cafe Manly Qld

Posted on April 24, 2016 by Latte Teena

I found Coopers Fish and Chip Cafe on one of my adventures to the Manly – Wynnum area, on the coast of Moreton Bay east of Brisbane.

Coopers Fish and Chip Cafe on the Esplanade at Manly, Qld

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Cuttlefish Cafe in Manly, Queensland

Posted on February 8, 2016 by Latte Teena

I’ve been living on a teeny tiny island off the east coast of Australia, about 45 minutes from Brisbane.

Manly yachts from the Cuttlefish cafe

Flikr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/hwmobs/12260845234

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Starbucks why are you still here in Australia?

Posted on August 28, 2014 by Latte Teena

I ask you, “Starbucks why are you still here in Australia?”

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Metro Coffee Broadbeach is fantastic!

Posted on May 22, 2014 by Latte Teena

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Back on the Beach Cafe, Santa Monica CA 90402

Posted on May 12, 2014 by Latte Teena

Teena at Back on the Beach Cafe in Santa MonicaI finally got to see the Back on the Beach Cafe in Santa Monica on my second last day in L.A., which has a marvellous history Gordon has been telling me about. Nestled on the Annenberg Community Beach House site, the Cafe is a Green Business certified by the City of Santa Monica. PS — Dogs are not allowed on the site.

As we walked into the café I could see a glimpse of the ocean and the silky sand, peppered with jolly umbrellas and people enjoying their lunch. Back on the Beach Cafe - view out the window The view outside is of uninterrupted ocean, sky, beach, sand … and off in the distance is a mist-covered Catalina Island, which I love and will visit next time I’m in LA. Lunch arrives and Gordon’s seafood salad looks delish!

Seafood Salad looks delicious

Seafood Salad at Back on the Beach Cafe

My fish and chips look divine — and the special treat is sweet potato (Kumera) chips – yumm-o!

Fish and sweet potato chips at Back on the Beach Cafe Santa Monica

Fish and sweet potato chips at Back on the Beach Cafe

After our delicious lunch, we went for a walk around the Annenberg Community Beach House site – unfortunately we missed seeing inside the Guest House by about 10 minutes, so I’ll add that to my list for ‘next time’. All of the buildings were amazing, and as Gordon walked me through the story of the wealthy Annenberg family and their bequeath to the City of Santa Monica, I was fascinated to hear about it all.  The rebuild of some of the buildings has included some beautiful historical artefacts, and it’s a beautiful place to spend some time to while away the hours far from the tourist crowds.

Palm trees and sand from the Guest House

Palm trees and sand

This view is from the Guest House looking towards the ocean – isn’t it gorgeous?

View from the Guest House at Back on the Beach cafe

View from the Guest House (open until 2:00pm)

Here is a little video I made as we walked around:

Map to Back on the Beach Cafe

[mappress mapid=”7″] 445 Pacific Coast Hwy (aka Palisades Beach Road) Santa Monica, CA 90402, USA Phone:(310) 393-8282 http://www.backonthebeachcafe.com Read more about my coffee adventures in Los Angeles >>

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Peets Coffee on Montana Avenue, Brentwood

Posted on May 10, 2014 by Latte Teena

Teena drinking Peets Coffee in Brentwood - a triple shot

This morning I am meeting my friend Scott at Peet’s Coffee in Montana Avenue (Brentwood, on the edge of Santa Monica, Los Angeles, USA).

I couldn’t remember the exact last time I saw him, but I guessed it was about 15 years ago – so I was super pumped.

It has also been years since I had a Peet’s coffee (the last time was when I working in San Francisco on secondment for 3 months), but I did remember I kept trying Peet’s every day on the way to work until I worked out how much of their coffee would most taste like the Italian espresso lattes I was used to in Australia.

I needed three shots —  3 — that’s right – a TRIPLE SHOT :-)

When I told my Californian friends they were in awe of me being able to handle that much coffee — and no they’ve never been to Sydney or Melbourne, so don’t know that we are used to the best espresso from our Italians who brought the very first coffee espresso machine to Australia :-)

So today I chatted with the guy behind the counter and ordered a “triple” whilst crossing my fingers — at the same time hoping it would be perfect.

Note to self: stop looking for “perfect”, just be happy with “pretty good”!

I’ve learned to always ask how far up the side of the cup or glass the coffee will come, and I’m constantly amazed at how LITTLE the actual coffee is (generally about 10-15% of the depth of the cup). I’m also surprised at how weak the coffee is in some places (not all, but many I’ve tried so far). It just doesn’t have that thick, rich coffee flavour I’m so used to — it almost seems watered down. Add milk to fill 80% of the cup, and you’ve got one hot milky drink with a hint of coffee.  [I’m used to at least 30% thick strong espresso, and if I make it at home — 50%. Yes, caffeine must run in my veins :-) ]

It’s Saturday morning and there are a lot of cyclists sitting out in the sun, their bikes resting up against the glass walls of the café, and it’s great to see so many people enjoying themselves.

My mate Scott is cycling over from Calabasas, which is quite a distance!

Cyclists outside Peets Coffee on Montana in Brentwood

My Review of Peets Coffee in Brentwood

  • Staff friendly and attentive — YES
  • Triple Shot Latte Thick and creamy – YES
  • Tasty – YES
  • Strong enough for me – NO
  • Recommend it? – YES, absolutely!

 Map to Peets Coffee on Montana Avenue

1401 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403

 

 

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Cafe Laurent in Culver City, Los Angeles

Posted on May 6, 2014 by Latte Teena

Cafe Laurent in Culver City serves La Vazza coffee

It’s a beautiful day in Brentwood and my dear friend Gordon is taking me to Cafe Laurent in Culver City.  We haven’t seen each other since I was in L.A. ten years ago so there’s going to be LOTS of catching up and reminiscing!

The building had an art deco feel on the outside with the big curved corner displaying the café’s name, and as we stepped inside I was thrilled to bits — French posters, French words on the Menu, a Frenchy feel about it – I loved it!

We strolled through out to the courtyard which was filled with cute tables, chairs and umbrellas, like a rainbow coloured ceiling above us.  Before too long we decided to move indoors, as it wasn’t quite as warm as I would have liked.

Inside we settled near the main windows and I was unbelievably happy when I saw they used my fave brand of Italian coffee — La Vazza – bravissimo! Fantastique!

While we were poring over the yummy Frenchified menu, we nibbled on a deliciously gorgeous berry muffin — and the presentation was so cool!

Berry muffin at Cafe Laurent in Culver City

I tried not to hold onto too much hope for a good coffee, as I know I’m a bit fussy (hey, I know what I like!) so I chatted to the lovely lady who served us to find out how they make their lattes, and told her how I like mine.  When the coffee arrived in its steaming mug, it had a gorgeous heart design, a smiley face drawn in chocolate, and two real coffee beans – oh how cute!  It just goes to show that with a teeny tiny bit of effort, every cafe can make a statement to show they care about their customers.  I’m in love already :-)

Cafe Laurent La Vazza smiley face latte

Teena and Gordon having coffee 6 May 2014Of course the real test is the taste … sip … sip … and OMG I am so excited! This coffee actually tastes like COFFEE!  For the first time since I’ve been back in LA, I can TASTE the coffee (no more weasel p*ss watery weak stuff for me!)!

When the breakfasts arrive they look sooooo delicious — I had a ham and cheese omelette with potatoes which were so creamy they were almost like a thick custard.  When I took my first bite of the omelette my mouth was shocked into a totally unexpectedly wonderful taste sensation! Oh yummmm!  The meal was delicious and ended up being the most tasty and delightful meal I had during my few weeks in LA.

Omelette at Cafe Laurent in LA

Gordon had the salmon crepe with fresh diced fruit salad and said it was delicious too, so all in all it was a tremendous breakfast (well, brunch really, as we were so full for the rest of the day!):

Salmon crepe at Cafe Laurent

Here is the delightful Nicki VICKY who looked after us so well:

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What better way to finish off a fabulous breakfast, than to have a yummy dessert to share? Check this out, my mouth is watering with the memory of this treat :

Delicious dessert in LA at Cafe Laurent

Map to Cafe Laurent

Address:  4243 Overland Ave, Culver City, CA 90230, United States

Phone:  (310) 558-8622  /  http://CafeLaurent.com

Read more about my coffee adventures in Los Angeles >>

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