Coolum - Breakfast at Sorrento's By The Beach

Sorrento's By The Beach
1786 David Low Way, Coolum Beach

On our last moring in Coolum, something strange happened. This may surprise some; in fact, Marc simply classes me as 'alien' because of it, but I don't really like bacon that much. Apparently regular humans refer to it amongst the tastiest of food items ever but I find myself almost shunning the thought of it. This morning, however, a strong impulse for bacon took over me and I insisted that we must get some for breakfast.

Coolum - Lunch at Raw Energy

Raw Energy Coolum
http://www.rawenergy.com.au/ 

Our first night in Coolum involved pigging out on self-made burritos, entire bottles of wine and corn chips. Feeling understandably under the weather the following day, Marc and I took a stroll along the beach before settling down to some much needed rest and sunshine. Come lunch time, we were resolved to find something healthy, fresh and light.

Walking past the restaurants and cafes that lined the main road, we came across Raw Energy. It boasted freshly made sandwiches and freshly squeezed juice so it was exactly what we were hoping for. We lined up to order before taking up a seat at one of the many outdoor tables.

Cooking Class at Spirit House Cooking School, Yadina

Spirit House Cooking School
http://www.spirithouse.com.au/school 

What to buy a girl who buys everything? I'm sure this is the question Marc faced when it was my birthday a couple of months back. As my present, he organised something I wouldn't have thought of doing myself: a trip to Coolum with a cooking class at none other than Spirit House!!! I'd heard only great things about Spirit House so I was shrill with excitement and just couldn't wait.

We were staying at Coolum Beach and although I wouldn't say it was a huge journey to get there, the road did get progressively less 'developed' and windy. Spirit House was tucked away to one side of the road and we nearly missed the turn off. On the plus side, there was ample parking outside.

The buildings were very tranquil and tastefully shrouded in greenery. I had never been to the Spirit House restaurant before but I saw the restaurant building from a distance. The cooking school was in a separate area.

Hancook for Dinner

Hancook Korean Restaurant
http://www.hancookrestaurant.com.au/ 

Every now and again things just work out perfectly. It's rare but even the smallest happy coincidences create a fist-pump moment in my heart. One night, I was craving Korean food and it just so happened that we had a booking/coupon for a Korean restaurant that night! Woohoo! Stars aligned.

I saw a Travelzoo deal for Hancook in my inbox and it looked pretty good so I clicked to buy. We had a minor hiccup getting to the restaurant because we walked past the shopping centre it's located in (Marc pointed and said "is it in there?" to which I incorrectly responded "no"). The restaurant is on the second floor of Princess Plaza, on Annerley Road, next to Ben's Vietnamese and Chinese Restaurant.

Lunch at Super Whatnot

Super Whatnot
http://www.superwhatnot.com/ 

I wanted to go to Super Whatnot since it first opened shop goodness knows how long ago. One minute it didn't exist and the next, it was being featured in every Brisbane food culture publication imaginable. Not only is the name quirky and intriguing, the photos I saw of the small bar looked awesome and the menu descriptions I read were right up my alley.

It took me a while to find the opportunity to go there. Because the venue is so cosy, I figured it'd be very busy on weekend nights and as Marc and I aren't rich in patience, a quiet weekday would be more suitable.

Coffee stop at Paladar Fumior Salon

Paladar Fumior Salon Espresso
http://www.paladarfumiorsalon.com/

Living part-time in South Brisbane for the past year, I've grown very familiar with the area. Nevertheless, a certain building on Merivale Street remained a mystery to me. Every time I walked past, it seemed closed. Was it a bar? Was it a coffee shop? Or a hair salon. The eye-catching red walls and rooftop terrace made it very appealing to me yet I couldn't figure out what it was or how to get in.

One morning, I was on my way to the city when I noticed the door to the red building open. I discovered the name of the place to be Paladar Fumior Salon (hence why I thought it was a hair salon at one stage) and that it was a coffee shop. It was very busy at that time of the day with a queue almost leaking out the door. I altered my routine for the morning and decided I would be having breakfast there before continuing to the shops.

Dinner at Cactus Mexicana

Cactus Mexicana
http://www.cactusmexicana.com.au/

After our 'appetizers' at Green Beacon Brewing Co, Marc and I (the pigs that we are) needed something more substantial to fill our guts. We were both in the mood for pizza and I was eager to revist Beccofino but that place was so busy that there wasn't even anyone spare to tell us they were full. We took the impatient route and hopped across the road to Cactus Mexicana. Marc seemed hesitant in suggesting this place. Perhaps he thinks the 'food blogger' is too snobbish for sloppy Mexican food. To that I can only say: nahhhhh.

Cactus Mexicana has an unexciting fitout with tables indoors and a generous outdoor sitting area that looked slightly more lively. We opted for the latter. As we were walking to our table, several posters caught my eye advertising restaurant specials. Unfortunately, none of the many specials applied to the time/day that we were there. Why is that always the case!?

Drinks and Snacks at Green Beacon Brewing Co

Green Beacon Brewing Company
http://www.greenbeacon.com.au/

I'd seen so many mentions of Green Beacon online that it was inevitable for me to try it and see what the fuss was about. I knew that Teneriffe was gaining reputation as a new dining hub but Marc and I had never been so it was as good of a reason as any to visit. On the way there, Marc quizzed me about what kind of food was on offer. I really wasn't sure because for once, I hadn't researched the menu. I knew that they supplied vast amounts of beer so I deduced that it would be pub fare.

We found Green Beacon as an isolated warehouse aware from other restaurants and pubs. I later asked Marc if he thought they made the beer of premise and he looked at me like I was utterly stupid: "didn't you see the big vats right there in the room?" So there you go... Green Beacon Brewery is actually a brewery. There are long tables for people to sit at but most of the action is at the huge bar where people are chatting, nibbling and sipping from beers on tap.

I know, I know... I've been slack and slow

First off I'd like to apologize for the lull in reviews. I've had a crazy month, mostly taken up by moving house. Buying an old gable seemed like a good idea at the time when I was lured in by the charming french doors and proximity to work. The reality of a close-to-100-year building with the associated gross carpet/walls etc was a huge wake up call. These past few weeks have been a mad dash to make the place inhabitable before I leave for Europe.

I put up with not having internet for a whole week before giving up and purchasing a wireless dongle. I hope to have proper internet connected by next week but the thought of surviving another week without was just too much so I caved into a temporary solution.

Aside from all that, I had whole bunch of blog posts drafted in my tablet... which then crashed, so I'm in no mood to rewrite those ones. It's tedious going over the same thoughts again! When I a) go to some new restaurants or b) get my tablet back with data recovered, whichever comes first, I'll start putting up new entries. Promise!

Noggi Frozen Yogurt

Noggi Frozen Yogurt, Myer Centre Brisbane City
Shop 9B, Myer Centre, 91 Queen Street, Brisbane CBD

I don’t make it a secret that I have an unhealthy desire for frozen yoghurt. I’m not just talking about loving the taste of the stuff; I mean I want to marry it and have its froyo babies. Froyo for life.

I’ve been grooming my parents and Marc in preparation for an elective jaw surgery that I have planned later on in the year. Every time we walk past a frozen yoghurt store, I remind them how much I love that stuff and how I would be happy if it was my one source of sustenance during the period of 6 weeks that my jaw is wired shut and I can’t eat solids.