Slowly Brisbane is waking up to it's potential and following in Melbourne's footsteps, as one-of-a-kind cafes and shops
continue to pop up in laneways and around corners.
Flamingo Cafe is one such delight - huddled in
5B Winn St Fortitude Valley. A pink flamingo and a palm tree adorn the outside of the cafe, while further down, paste-up artwork completes the laneway atmosphere.
At first glance, Flamingo is a concoction of colourful, retro decor with lashings of astroturf. I do recall a large plastic hamburger stool from a previous visit, and most recently I discovered an equally fabulous corn-on-the-cob stool. So, the decor is something different, but it works, creating a quirky, vibrant feel throughout. I couldn't imagine it any other way.
The menu is unique and simplistic - offering home-style breakfast and lunch options, a scattering of sweet treats and a
lengthy blackboard of fresh juice combinations (try the Green Velvet). The wealth of fruit and vegetables in meals gives the
place an organic vibe- the basil on my tomato, avocado and labna cheese grill could have been fresh from the garden, and I
did spy a large watermelon perched on the stairs.
Coffee is Genovese and always tastes smooth and delicious, served in mismatched cups. Service is somewhat relaxed, but I
like that in a cafe - it creates a carefree atmosphere. I feel a sense of content with my latte in hand, as though I've stumbled upon a secret, cosy space, still waiting to be discovered by many.
Much to my excitement, there are also new additions to Winn St - Little Jane St and Sunday Social boutiques - which might provide some post-coffee browsing. I also noticed some builders putting together what appeared to be the beginnings of more shops, and
The Valley Laneway Markets take place throughout a number of laneways in the area too.
Flamingo Cafe offers breakfast and lunch daily. On-street parking is available (if you're lucky in the Valley), and the Fortitude Valley station is only a five minute walk away. It's worth a look - great for a lazy Sunday breakfast or a quick lunch out of the office.
