The Lodge

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It was a clear sunny day, thankfully, as the forecast put worry in my mind that it might rain. We were glad to get out of the house! I was feeling claustrophobic and I had a young boy I was looking after - and kids love going outside!

He rode his bike, as I walked beside him (more like jogged, to keep up with him!)

His mum had sent us off with money to go to a shop down the road, so we could have a juice. I didn't know anything about the shop, just that it must be healthy because their family is health conscious.

The café was small – and had a very friendly atmosphere. The young boy I was in charge with looked out for the owners, who he knew, while I looked at the display case. It had all sorts of things (I probably wouldn't eat) such as mushroom in some sort of wrap or spinach risotto."They do all sorts of juice," he was explaining to me, "And you can just pick whatever ones you want, and they mix it together! The last I remember you could have… about 200 juices!"

I wasn't sure whether to believe this, but smiled and nodded nevertheless. I asked to look at the menu, and chose Tropical Juice. It had a mixture of pineapple, watermelon, mint, and passionfruit. All the things that I love!

We also got a granola bar each, which claimed on the sign to be a 'super healthy granola bar!' I'm a sucker for something that says it's good for you – I figured I didn't have to be worried about calories, if it said that!

We sat down outside on the small stools, and waited. We didn't have to wait long before a lady brought out our granola bars on cute little plates with forks to eat them. I'd never eaten a granola bar with a fork before.

But I will admit, it wasn't just a little muesli bar. It was a full piece of slice, gooey but chewy at the same time, and wonderfully sweet. Not sweet enough for me to start wondering whether it was really healthy or not, though. I just ate it, and believed.

As we were sitting there eating, the owner came out and sat across from the lady next to us. They exchanged pleasantries, and proceeded with their conversation. After a few minutes of context, I realised that the owner was interviewing her!

Meanwhile, our juices were brought out to us, in cute little jars with straws poking out the top. It had been a while since I'd had a proper juice, and the cool refreshing taste breezed over my tongue. I almost believed I was lying on a hammock, under the shade of a pine tree, as the waves crashed against the beach.

The interview was still going on. I felt almost guilty about eavesdropping, but when the owner was explaining about the café, I couldn't help but listen.

I learnt that they used no sugar products, no wheat or gluten, and it was vegetarian. She said that their aim was to promote healthy eating to the community, to children, so that we can build a healthier lifestyle.

I agree whole-heartedly with this!

In the end it was a very heartening trip, with me even eating out the passionfruit seeds in the bottom. (Come on, it's passionfruit!).

So if you ever find yourself in The Gap, pull in at the shopping centre and visit at 7/ 974 Waterworks Rd, for their friendly atmosphere, and a yummy treat. It's a lot better than going to the fast food places up the road!

#cafes
#food_wine
#the_gap
%wnbrisbane