Cafe Dreaming…..

Sometimes I wish I owned a cafe. A lovely place with a homey feel where people would come and sit, chat, relax, drink lots of coffee and eat delicious, fresh, simple food.

Actually, the truth is, I do kind of run a cafe but nothing like the one I dream of. I do cook (everything made with 100% love) for my four regular patrons and anyone else who cares to drop by. Its open 24/7 and the menu changes daily and is based on a 'what's in the fridge/pantry" at the moment. 

My cafe isn't glam, nor that clean (lots of excess food left on floor caused by my little messy customers-if you get my drift). Thankfully no health inspectors visit. It is full of love though and laughter (most of the time) and plenty of good times. 

I came across this cafe last month on Pinterest- I just love the simplicity and gorgeous white brick walls with timber shelving. The plants and vases of fresh flowers scattered throughout and those fun yellow chairs along the counter. Oh, and the pastel painted chairs along the long timber tables. I could sit in this cafe all day!

But, enough drooling-  back to my cafe…..and speaking of, I have a few little customers awaiting their daily breakfast- better go! Have a great day xxx

All images from here

Have you a favourite cafe?

Please share….

Eating Out in Koondrook at The Long Paddock Food Store

One of the great things about moving to a new area is exploring and stumbling across new places to visit. We have spent the last few months getting to know our new town- settling in meeting new friends, joining playgroups, finding a new doctor, getting to know my way around the local supermarket (not that much fun with a trolley full of children), sussing out good places to eat, you know….the basics….but it was now time to venture out and see what else lies beyond.

I was very excited to hear about a local attraction called The Backroads Trail. As the name suggests, scattered along the back roads, between Koondrook, Barham, Mathoura, Deniliquin and Moama, are lots of interesting businesses all open to the public- a mix of food and wine, local produce, art and culture. I figured this was a good place to start.

So last weekend I headed west to Koondrook- about an hours drive from Echuca, just off the Murray Valley Highway, and on the Victorian side of the Murray River. 

My first stop was The Long Paddock Food Store. Located on the main street of Koondrook (which coincidentally, is called Main Street), this Food Store is a popular stopping point for both locals and tourists. 

Open for breakfast and lunch (also evening functions if requested), the menu has lots to choose from. I settled on the corn fritters with avocado, bacon and relish, but am told the most popular dish is the Brekky Bruschetta.

Owner, Kylie Whelan, plans the menu using as much produce from local producers as possible  including Barham Avocados, Bundarra Berkshires Free Range Pork and Little Forest Produce, just to name a few. 

Whilst there is plenty of space indoors to sit, the courtyard to the side offers a lovely outdoor area perfect for those sunny days. All enclosed too which is an added bonus with small children.

This is definitely a place I will be visiting again….especially with my family, and one that I recommend worth visiting if needing a caffeine fix and some good food, and wonderful service!

Where- 86 Main Street, Koondrook, Victoria, 3580 Ph. 03 54533602
Open daily (except Tuesdays) from 8.30am until 4pm
For more information, click on the Long Paddock Food Stores Facebook page

Eating Out in Echuca at Johnny & Lyle's

It's half past nine on a saturday morning in mid January, and I've found myself a quiet little spot in the leafy courtyard of Johnny & Lyle's in Echuca. Judging by how quickly the tables are filling up, it would be easy to think that this cafe has been open for quite a while, when in fact, it only opened less than a month ago. 

Im surrounded by lots of tables in varying sizes, filled with families and friends, locals and visitors, young and old and I can't not forget to mention those of the four legged variety too!! You can tell owners, Carly & Bec, have put a lot of effort into making this place feel so welcoming and homely.  Johnny & Lyle is actually the middle names of the girls fathers, so understandably, this place is special to them. They also both play crucial roles in this new business venture- Carly being out the front looking after their patrons and Bec, busy in the kitchen whipping up some delicious treats. 

On each table sits a potted plant which serves as a table number.  Inside, and above the counter you will find Carlys Nana's original canisters all lined up next to a pile of cookbooks, bottles of wine and other special treasures found along the way. I fell in love with a long timber table near the front window, filled with lovely light and surrounded by some great Eames style chairs- perfect for those catch ups on a wintery morning!

The courtyard provides a shady oasis (especially in the warmer months) and also allows everyone to really relax and enjoy the time together. Tucked in the corner is a sandpit and blackboard, along with some toys for which the smaller customers can play happily. Having small children of my own, this brings a very big smile to my face as I know that in a selfish way it means I can actually finish my coffee (and perhaps a meal!) whilst the little ones are entertained and safe where I can see them. Oh, and they have a great kids menu too!

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and "the munchies in between", the menu contains a few cafe favourites, but has some lovely fresh alternatives. I chose the fruit bruschetta (toasted sourdough topped with ricotta, bananas, strawberries and a drizzle of honey-YUM!!!) but the popular choice is the Build Your Own Breky, which is exactly as it sounds- you pick and choose what you want, starting with two eggs! 

Lunch also won't disappoint, with a good choice that will suit all appetites.  And for just a light snack there is a lovely choice of sweet treats from the cake counter, or delicious takeaway options too. Vegetarians and those who are gluten free have plenty to choose from.

As you walk inside you can't miss the giant coffee bean roaster. The coffee beans are from Green Bean Coffee and are roasted daily onsite ensuring fresh coffee. Also on offer are a variety of wines and Emma & Tom's juices.

Johnny & Lyle's is located on the busy High Street in Echuca. Nestled between the locals shopping precinct and the tourist strip, which means easily accessible from both sides. And if you're driving past, you can always find a park near by.

 

So, if you are travelling through Echuca and looking for a rest stop, or your a local wanting somewhere to catch up with friends (particularly with kids!!!), this is a place you must visit….I guarantee, you will be back again…and again, and again!

Where- 433 High Street, Echuca, Victoria, 3564

Open Weekdays from 6am, and weekends from 7am. Close around 3pm.

More details can be found on Johnny & Lyle's Facebook page.

3/52- Weekly stills

1. Late afternoon cuddles on the couch - such special moments x
2. Taken outside our local library- love the colourful knitted stockings on the bike racks
3. Its been a week of Apricots…..they look and taste so delicious! Ive stocked up and have an apricot tart in mind for these babies!
4. My little succulent family
5. Old building in near by town of Mathoura
6. A reminder of the scorching week had- CFA truck fuelling up at a local petrol station
7. I love this landscape. Photo taken on The Cobb Highway between Moama and Mathoura.
8. My aggies didn't take well to a week of 40 deg plus weather. The gorgeous cornflower blue firework balls add so much colour to the garden
9. Sorry- couldn't resist….Meet Mrs Watermelon head!!! And yes, she tastes yummy x
10. I found a new cafe in town- Johnny & Lyle- a must for all locals and anyone visiting Echuca.
11. And finally, to top off my week, I was thrilled to find my instagram photo made it to the Sunday Style magazine. You will have to excuse me for being excited….its my first time ever! You can find the recipe to this yummy Raspberry and Honeycomb ice cream here!