A friend referred me to this hidden gem which is tucked away in a tiny commercial block in the heart of suburbia - and my gratitude is unending!
Cream at Coorparoo
Truly, Cavendish Central at Coorparoo is not where I would expect to find a stylish establishment of such exquisite design and high repute, but 11 successful years in business certainly does suggest there's a market for quality dining in the burbs, and
Cream have obviously cornered this particular market.
Owners Lisa and Michael Wood have created a European style bistro and patisserie which exudes warmth and an atmosphere that is both cosy and welcoming; but what good is atmosphere and aesthetics without fine food to match? Well I'm pleased to say that Cream has nothing to fear on that front.
We stopped in for a late lunch on a Monday, and being a devotee of quality sweets, I was immediately awestruck by the window display of award winning European style
pastries and desserts - I was literally salivating and had to be dragged away! They all seemed to be priced at $6.90 and included Sticky Date, Chocolate Eclairs, Banoffe Tarte, Macadamia Pecan Tarts, Black Forest Gateux, New York Cheesecake and a mouthwatering triple Profiterole. There were also homemade sausage rolls ($3.90), Beef and Guiness Pies, and Leek, Bacon and Gruyere Quiches ($5.90).
Sticky Date Pudding & Choc Sour Cream Cake
Cheesecake, Gateau Concorde and Strawberry Meringue Cake
We chose a table in the outdoor seating area and were immediately attended to by a pleasant waitress - full table service, linen napkins and friendly staff - we were definitely off to a good start. We both made selections from the
All Day Breakfast menu - I ordered a vegetarian version of the Eggs Benedict ($15.00) and my husband the Grilled Mushrooms with Sourdough Toast ($14.00) and a flat white coffee ($4.00).
Grilled Mushrooms with Sourdough Toast
Other tempting breakfast options include Scrambled Eggs on Brioche with Smoked Salmon and Baby Capers ($18.50), a gluten free Smoked Ham and Mushroom Omelette ($15.50), and while we were waiting I saw someone at the table beside us being served the Ricotta Buttermilk Hotcakes with Blueberry Compote ($15.00), which looked so amazing I experienced a strong pang of food envy.
Lunch options include BLT served with Beer Battered Chips (12.90), Caesar Salad ($12.90) and a Wild Mushroom and Asparagus Risotto($15.90). The menu provides a reasonable amount of options which cover a wide array of tastes and include some unique offerings with interesting takes on classic dishes. I noticed a Specials Board which offered Blackened Chicken Breast with Winter Colesaw, Sweet Corn Fritter and Guacamole ($19.00) and Grilled Asparagus and Haloumi with 2 Soft Poached Eggs and Crispy Prosciutto ($18.00) to name but a few.
The coffee arrived quickly and it was a soft, mild coffee - if you're a hardcore caffeine lover go for a double shot. The food was served within ten minutes and overall did not disappoint.
The mushrooms were soft, juicy and buttery, piled high upon delicious sourdough toast and generously topped with shaved parmesan and fresh rocket. The Eggs Benedict was divine - I have never had them on a croissant before, let alone such a sweet and truly spectacular croissant - soft and light on the inside and toasted to a delicious crisp on the outside. My only complaint would be that the Hollandaise sauce, though generous and creamy, lacked a certain something - it was just needed a little more zest. But all in all, it was one of the best Eggs Benedict experiences I've had - and with it being my favourite breakfast, I have had many!
Vegetarian Eggs Benedict
Despite being satisfied after my meal there is no way I was leaving without sampling at least one of the desserts - after a long and solemn deliberation I settled on the Black Forest Gateau. Sigh. It was exquisite, melt in your mouth goodness. A perfect combination of components. The cake was moist, and denser than I would have expected, the cream fresh and the sweet, juice cherries a perfect compliment.
Black Forest Gateau $6.90
When we went inside to pay I spied a selection of enticing baked goodies behind the counter - Melting Moments, Jam Drops, Monte Carlos and fresh croissants (all $3.90). A basket of fresh gourmet filled rolls ($8.90) were on hand to tempt the light lunch eaters - the only variety left was Roasted Mediterranean Vegetable, but I was advised there are meatier options available earlier in the day. The interior was quaint and cosy, warm and inviting - and I loved the community table at the back of the restaurant.
Jam Drops and Monte Carlo biscuits
Community Table
Cream's quaint interior
Cream also offer
catering for functions/events, put on a scrumptious looking
High Tea (24 hours notice required), and cater to those with gluten intolerances and allergies.
I walked away from Cream well and truly satisfied, with an overall impression of style without pretension, fast & friendly service, fresh ingredients, unique & high quality offerings and exquisite desserts.
