Author results: Laura McDowell
Alberto's Shot Espresso Bar
I have to admit that I sometimes get a bit intimidated by these new world coffee shops. I find myself fumbling for coins as the long queue shuffles impatiently behind me. Then stuck trying to find a seat amongst the congregations of business suits that fill the room.
Independent suburban cafes, however, are usually a much more relaxed affair.
Verve Cafe
In all things arty and creative, it seems 'underground' is better. The less people who know about you, the more likely you are to rack some street cred points. (This does not however apply to solitary guitar strumming in your bedroom).
Perhaps Metro Arts had this in mind when building their resident cafe and bar, Verve.
Paladar Fumior Salon
In world affairs, Cuba has rarely been a country to follow suit. Revolutions, enigmatic leaders and CIA involvement have ensured this little nation plenty of headlines across the world.
South Brisbane's Paladar Fumior Salon is similarly conspicuous. Set within a strip of drab industrial buildings, the allure of the Cuban cafe's bright red shop front is unmistakable.
The Himalayan Cafe
I'm sorry, but there's something a bit half hearted about the Brisbane winter. In a “does this scarf match my thongs?” (god forbid) kind of way...
So for those searching for a more authentic winter experience, stop by New Farm's Himalayan Cafe. With its beautiful range of Indian, Nepalese and Tibetan artifacts, patrons are instantly transported to a cosy retreat within the icy foothills of the world's highest mountain range.
Avid Reader Cafe
“Great book..."
“Oh, you've read it?”
If you're planning on trying out this handy little icebreaker I wouldn't recommend going to Avid Reader Cafe. Sure, you might grab the attention of that cute lass in the corner. But you'll probably also get a response from the steely looking lady behind you and perhaps one of the grandpas up the back.
Café Checocho
I have fond childhood memories of sitting at the kitchen table, armed with my little pink scissors, going for broke on my dear mother's magazines... Sticking Cyndi Lauper's head on Michael Jackson's body... carefully cutting around the edges of George Clooney's mullet.
Perhaps this is why I felt I'd finally found my spiritual homeland upon entering Café Checocho; every table is a lovingly decoupaged with scenes from the realms of religion, politics and literature.
The Pearl Café
Some food joints will do anything to attract customers. Think 2-4-1 meal vouchers, flashing neon signs, minimum-wage teens dancing around in chicken suits...
New Woolloongabba arrival The Pearl Café, however, seems to be a strictly word-of-mouth affair. Nestled between a row of antique furniture shops, the cafe doesn’t even have signage.
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