Cafe Culture - Top Coffee Spots in the Gong

Spoilt for Choice

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You know sometimes we have to face life's hard facts.
This topic troubles me. But I will push through it.

Should I have the Granola and fresh figs with my latte this morning or should I completely break all the rules and have the mixed berry baked cheesecake!

Yesterday, I blogged on Coffee as we know it - which touched on the origins of coffee and why Wollongong is well served when it comes to great coffee.  My thanks is squarely aimed at the influx of European, Italian, Greek and Macedonian immigrants to the steel city in the 1950s who taught us how to drink the stuff and recognise the good from bad.

Today I will fess up.  It was delay tactics really, as it pains me to say that I must get down to the nitty gritty of decision making.

On my Gong Girl Fb Page  we asked the good people of the Gong to grind out their thoughts, frothed with my views (it's my blog after all)  and here are the results!

The Top 5 Coffee Spots in Wollongong, in no particular order are:

Lower East, Crown Street Wollongong

Situated at the Lower end of Crown Street heading east, hence the play on the name, Lower East is "Soho Boho" in every sense of the word.  

The barista's are accomplished, the fresh from the market menu changes regularly based on what's in season and best.  The vibe is "stay a while". You are never hurried out.  

If you are a sport's fan, you will be sure to find the odd Dragon or Hawk taking coffee after training.  Read a paper, have a second coffee.  What I love about Lower East is the relaxed friendliness that greets you when you walk in to order.  It is pure Wollongong in that sense and less New York.

The boys at Lower East know their beans too - often they bring in specialty beans, such as the single source, local origin crops from the Northern Rivers of NSW which featured in January.   Be assured whatever you order it will be high quality. 

Their menu for lunch is outstanding with hearty meals on offer as we move into colder weather. 

Lower East is located 70 Crown Street.  They are open (pretty much always ) including Christmas Day and New Years and Easter Sunday!  Serving breakfast on weekends until 3pm.  Whats not to love about Lower East.

Like Lower East? Share your comment below.



Lee and me - 87 Crown street, Wollongong

Housed in a beautiful turn of the century Terrace on Crown, for the last five years, Lee and me is a staple for coffee lovers in the Gong.   Owned by natty couples Lee ("Lee) and Shay Sullivan and Benny (the ‘Me’) and Naomi Hudson. Lee and me is the epitome of retro chic.
The decor is a nod to its 1900's heritage, beach culture and relaxed "bookworm" vibe .  Box brownies, industrial light fittings and arrangements of vintage books artfully grace every nook and cranny. 

My favourite spot is past the Cafe bar and communal table - down a step into what would have been the drawing room, complete with fireplace, book case and bathed in a beautiful light from the large original window.

The Baristas at Lee and me are talented, the flavoursome Campos beans: we know are great quality, and service is fantastic and genuinely friendly.

This place is like Nannas, warm, homely with delicious smells wafting from the kitchen.
For breakfast I recommend the buttermilk malt pancakes with strawberries banana, sweetened  ricotta cream and spiced maple syrup.

Don't get up too quickly to leave either, take the staircase upwards to find an ever surprising collection of fashion for men and women including , Insight, Nudie, Something Else and Vanishing Elephant, and the works of this months resident artist.

Oh don't be surprised to brush past the other half of the Dragons team feasting at the communal table front and centre.  I dont think they're there for the art and fashion, so you know the coffee AND FOOD must be good here also!

Lee and Me is open 


Monday, Tuesday and  Wednesday :7am-4pm
Thursday and Friday: 7am-5pm
Saturday and Sunday : 8am - 4pm

Been to Lee and me? What's your opinion? Please comment below.



Gigi's Restaurant & Bar - Cnr Market and Corrimal Sts, Wollongong 

On a completely different vibe is Gigi's ( pronounced "jiggys").  Gigi's is named after Co-owners and brothers Giuseppe and Roberto Gigliotti.

Mud Cake topped with chilly ganache, scented with orange, is just one example of the fare here.  Different and gorgeous.  Gigi's has a clean modern absolutely fabulous feel.   It is certainly swish and located conveniently near WIN Stadium and The Win Entertainment Centre.

Gigi's is a place for high powered corporate deals , lunch time catchups, people watching and even a little late romance in the form of a coffee and very good desserts.   It also has a wonderful alfresco terrace for enjoying Wollongong's golden afternoons.

The staff at Gigi's are warm and welcoming.  The Bellaroma Coffee produced by the baristas is top notch, including artistic ways with the crema.  Did I mention the food?  How about the rainbow of macaroons on offer or the brothers' Aunty Gina's crushed jaffa tiramisu.  Aunty Gina does not play fair against my willpower!

Gigi's oozes class.   Opening up a little later than its other Gong coffee counterparts on weekdays ,  Gigi's new opening hours are:

Monday and Tuesday: 5pm 'til late
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 11:30am 'til late

Saturday and Sunday : 8am - 'til late

Have you been to Gigi's lately?  Add your comments below. 

His Boy Elroy  - Globe Lane ( Crown Street Mall) Wollongong

Crown Street Mall, Wollongong is really stepping it up a notch with this new establishment, operated by the same owners as Lee and me.  The very cute name suggests a high tech, space age landing pad.  Not at all.

Think prohibition era, industrial age, art/music house which is uber cool.  Enter via two massive restored timber warehouse doors.  The decor is not grungy - its impressive. The artwork on the walls creates the vibe. 'His Boy' knows what they are doing in terms of funk not junk mixed with a definite bluegrass mojo. I almost expect to see Johnny Cash and June Carter walking in, strangely followed by Al Capone or Squizzy Taylor.  What era and country am I in?  - I don't care, I like the mash up.

I darted down Globe the other day with a friend in chase of a quick coffee.  We stayed and had the poached eggs on sourdough and three coffees later dragged ourselves away.   The Campos Coffee is really good here.

This place is becoming an institution amongst the hip for its "kick-ass" curries and Tinnies on Thursdays , and Fridays with guest Dj's a must.  

And judging by His Boy's Facebook following with 1600 likes no less since opening - this place is gaining in momentum week by week.

But don't ignore it in the daylight either.  I recommend simple eggs on toast or try the "Gypsy Sandwich" : double smoked ham, jarlsburg cheese and chutney.  The brownies in the display case are also just begging to be bought.  Its perfect!  The attention to styling in this place is akin to a period film set, the boys behind the counter at His Boy Elroy aren't so bad on the eye either!  George (Jetson) would be very proud.

His Boy Elroy is open

Tuesday & Wednesday:  7am- 4pm
Thursday, Friday and Saturday:  7am - midnight

Been to His Boy Elroy?  comments welcome below

Mudcat Cafe - Shop 9, Novotel Northbeach, Wollongong

On a blue, crisp morning there is nothing better than a 'cino at Mudcat Cafe.  Underneath the Novotel Hotel, this place is bright and buzzing.  Views through the Norfolks to the beach and lighthouse.   This place is great for watching the citizens of the Wollongong enjoying all that's great about the Gong.

Mudcat, was rejuvenated roughly two years ago and is run by Brett & Angela Rodwell and Paul (not the actor)  & Bronwyn Newman.  Mudcat offers full table service and has outdoor seating under umbrellas as well as a good deal of space to sit inside when the weather is not your friend.

When the weather is balmy, I recommend the breakie trifle with yogurt and berry sauce.  For nippier times, try the Big Brekkie and I mean BIG, including bacon, scrambled eggs, tomato, mushrooms, baked beans and pagnotta.  

The LaZumba coffee is good, Lattes are most excellent.  Mudcat is a great spot for meeting up with larger groups of people, especially visitors to the Gong.  The atmosphere is upbeat inside and a little more relaxed on the terrace.

Open

Monday through Sunday: 6:30 am - 4pm

Are you a friend of Mudcat? leave a comment below.

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Coffee as we know it

ba•ri•sta

(from the Italian for "bartender")

a person who prepares and serves espresso-based coffee drinks to the public.


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My next blog reviews the top 5 Coffee Spots in the Gong - check it out here


Cafe Culture in Wollongong is not new. The town has literally been weaned on coffee since the influx of workers from Europe to the Wollongong region. I have nothing against tea, but thank heavens for that!


Before our friends from Europe arrived with their windy grinders and Mokka pots Australia were a bunch of tea slurpers, whose knowledge of coffee was only of the dry and tasteless instant variety sold in not-so-airtight tins. No wonder we preferred the leaf lees of our teas.


But did you know that coffee actually originated in Ethiopia as early as the 13th Century? It is believed coffee drinking quickly spread through Egypt, and Yemen.



Dont mess with the Sheik

My favourite account of how coffee was discovered has been chronicled in ancient manuscript known as Abd-Al-Kadir. A young disciple of the sheik in Yemen, named Omar, was exiled from Mocha ( or Mokka, in Arabic) a port town on the Red Sea, to a desert cave near Ousab. Apparently, they were pretty tough on wayward disciples back then. I wonder what he did that was so bad?


Anyway, poor Omar, exiled, starving and near death, in desperation, chewed on a little red berry found near his cave.



Disgusting


So bad in fact, resourceful Omar tried roasting the berry. The berries turned as hard as pebbles. The only solution was to throw them into boiling water to soften them. A brown liquid resulted and he sipped his way to survival. As stories of his miraculous discovery and revival from a certain death reached Mocha, he was allowed to return; along with his mocha pot, became the very first barista and was declared a saint. Not long after, coffee culture spread to Persia, and Turkey and then in the 1500s sailed across the sea to Venice, Italy.



No good for Catholics


Many high ranking Catholic bishops called it the drink of the devil, mainly due to the fact their Muslim neighbours loved the stuff and it was thought to be the "ying" to the holy catholic altar wine's "yang. " Kinda like what antimatter is to matter. A perfectly unholy concoction, and there was much controversy and calls to ban the brown brew. However, wise Pope Clement VIII in 1600, who had a direct line to God, declared, in between sips no doubt, that it was acceptible to consume and the first Western European Coffee House opened in Venice in 1645.



Methods of madness


So for about eight hundred years of human evolution, we have been making coffee. How we make it, has also evolved:


Grounds for divorce


Mocha, Moka, or Mokka pots are not too far removed from Omar and Yemen. Still used on stoves in many homes today, albeit probably on a very expensive magnetic inductive stop top!


Clever in design, a lower chamber is filled with water, coffee grounds are placed in a funnel and an upper chamber is placed on top. As the water boils, steam forces up through the grounds, liquefying them and coffee releases into the upper chamber. Not quite enough heat and pressure to produce espresso, however it produces a good home coffee. Be warned using Mokka pots is an art and very hard to get right. Italians love it.


Long suffering non-Italian, Daughter-in-laws, hate it. (so I'm told)



My plunger broke


I am speaking about what is commonly called the French Press. What an odd name for something designed by an Italian, so I will call it the Plunger method. These have been around since 1930 but really took off in the 90's. I remember a very funny ad for Nescafe where a well endowed Frenchman ( just think Manu from MKR) declares that his "plunger" broke in order to gain access to his hot neighbours place for a coffee. Problem with this, (the plunger -not the Frenchman) is that you tend to make more than one cup at a time - and the coffee in my humble opinion goes stale. And yes, admit it, we have all microwaved a cup of cold plunger coffee. Not a good idea -Yuk.


What a drip


Filter coffee, is where water gets heated and drips through the grounds into the pot below. Not a bad method - but like plunger coffee, ( and even though the pot stays hot) you make a whole pot - drink one cup and the coffee is stale by the time you return for your second.



Percolators - I cant even be bothered with a humorous line for these


Personally not a fan of percolated coffee. These contraptions heat the beans far too high in my opinion resulting in a nice smell when making, but not so good for drinking. Good if you are selling a house - that's about it.



Klingons on the starboard bow


Honestly, Espresso machines have come so far they would not look out of place on the Starship Enterprise. 

In fact I think that's exactly what Scotty is doing in every episode of Star Trek, when he exclaims "I canna giva any more Captain". He was of course attempting to make Captain Kirk a fine espresso.  Seriously though, technology, through espresso machines, has evolved coffee and made it far more palatable and smooth to drink. A fine invention.


So thats it - Coffee and its many methods solved. I hope you enjoyed this blog

My next blog reviews the top 5 Coffee Spots in the Gong - check it out here


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And thank you, wicked wayward disciple Omar, Heres to you!....   Barista! another espresso please?

Gong Girl's Top 5 Shoe Stores

Gong Girl's Top 5 Shoe store  Hit list

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Whats wrong with a few options in the wardrobe when it comes to the tootsies?

Nothing I say.  Unless of course the sheer volume of options spill out into the hallway in which case I think we have teensy weensy problem.

What's a Gong Girl to do?  Especially with the amount of retailers offering their wares with happy abandon.


So lets create a hit list for Gong Girls on whats local and available online.  The who's who in shoes.  Shoe stores that offer even the girl with everything - a pair of "must have" shoes.

In no particular order - apart from geographical.



Northern Suburbs

Sole Obsession -Thirroul

Not just shoes girls, these cleverly fiendish people also get you with beach wear, accessories and handbags. Not fair.  From beaded kaftans, happy pants, throw-overs, dresses and bling to boot (and even some bling on boots!)  The new store is swamped with options for any self respecting Gong Girl.

My favourites are the beaded sandals for those casual beach soires or the retro glamour pumps that would even make Dorothy in her red slippers swoon.

Whats even more fiendish for us Gong Girls is that they are open 7 days a week.  Is there no rest for the wicked?  Definitely worth a look if you like the  "where did you get those?" types of questions from every (jealous) girlfriend.



KC Shoes - Fairy Meadow

For over twenty years K.C's shoes have been the "go to" store for women's shoes, bags and accessories. Fairy Meadow in itself is transforming into a boutique fashion strip and this shop holds its own quite well. A good day out is to walk the main street and then stop for a coffee and cake. But I digress - this article is all about the foot, not the mouth.


At the time of writing they have a 50% off sale on their summer stock. If you are in the mood for shoes try KC shoes in your travels.


I also love their by-line - "Beautiful shoes lead you to beautiful places". They certainly do.



Central

Wanted Shoes  - Wollongong 

Not being a fan of the mass produced look alike shoes you quite often find in the larger department stores and chain shoe stores, I will make one exception.

The window of Wanted Shoes in Crown Street mall says it all - a fantastic range of gorgeous and ever so sexy shoes.  The brand name is apt.  Every shoe I see is wanted by me.

With a discerning range on offer including Tony Bianco, Glamor Puss, Siren and Alias Mae, this shop is sure to please.

This autumn/ winter 2013 trend is cutout boots. Want to make a real statement at work and play?  Then try their new range of androginous styles (his shoes for her).  Checkout wanted shoes http://www.wantedshoes.com.au 


South

Scarlette Shoes - Stocklands Shellharbour Mall

On level 1 in the mall, you will find a funky store that houses the unexpected.

From Jewel encrusted stillettos for formal wear to beaded casuals, bright, block coloured courts and statement platforms that  would make Gene Symmonds cry.  You will not be disappointed by a visit to this Scarlette Shoes.

Suprisingly the shoes here are not that expensive.  Something for every occasion.  Nice range of accessories too!

Checkout their Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/ScarletteShoes


Wherever, Whatever

That Special Day - let your fingers do the designing

Does Cinderella still need her slipper ?

When only something magical will do,  perhaps what you need is a little bespoke shoe therapy that's fit for a princess.  

If all else fails and you cannot find a pair of shoes for that special day that you dont already own, these days Gong Girls can look online.   One stand out website business that ships worldwide is called Shoes of Prey http://www.shoesofprey.com.  Here, a Gong Girl can design her shoe exactly to her specifications. 

Now that is really something isn't it.


And you know as they say, "If the shoe fits, Gong Girls ....buy it!"

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The Gong gets covered in Chocolate

Chocolate Wollongong Style

Wollongong in Chocolate 
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Gong Girl is a devout believer in all things chocolate.  White, Milk, Dark -  I dont care. Nuts or no nuts, solid or liquid - mix it up a little.   And hey its Easter in a couple of days, so what the heck, lets go for an oohey gooey chocolate theme today.

Yesterday, we had reason to celebrate. Endorphins were flowing and we wanted more of the same feeling.  So naturally we drove to Stocklands Shellharbour and visited ...


Max Brenner, Stocklands Mall, Shellharbour

Fondue for two was the sin committed. Repent I must, but let me at least enjoy the crime for one more day.

Out came two little pots of melted milk and dark loveliness.  To dip; no healthy pretzels, goodness No! Instead, little squares of banana bread, fresh strawberries, marshmallows and bananas.  Of course we had to wash all that thick indulgent wickedness down.  So forth came two "hugmugs" a uniquely egg shaped mug, which is obviously designed to "chug" down more melted loveliness in the form of hot chocolate.

OMG.  I highly recommend this type of self gratification at least once a month. Our Fondue for two was $19. 

Max Brenner is located outside on the top level of the mall overlooking Lake Illawarra. You can sit inside or out, order at the counter and have any chocolate misdemeanor delivered to you table.

Yum.

My Chocolate Shoppe, Kiama

Sunday Drive dilemmas?  If you are anything like me, you can never decide where to go in and around the 'Gong? Too many options right? Then my recipe for a fun Sunday is to head south to the seaside town of Kiama and you'll find more than a blowhole and lighthouse.  My Chocolate Shoppe & Coffee Lounge's new owners Nathan and Rachel have some exciting things in store for you in the form of exquisite handmade chocolates, cakes, and  wonderful coffee. Located on the main strip,  the really good thing is that it is also open 9am-5 pm, 7 days a week. 

Another wonderful thing is their high tea.  You can book functions there for birthdays, baby showers, hens parties etc.  Just call them on 0242324225 or email them info@mychocolateshoppe.com.au

But why should South of the 'Gong have all the fun you ask?  I have four words for you.

Chocolateria Sun Churro, Wollongong 

I am glad to say that a San Churro Store is due to open in Wollongong as soon as 10 April. Situated in Globe Lane.  San Churro chain stores have been popping up like the Easter Bunny all over Sydney.

The legend of chocolate is claimed to have started by a Spanish Explorer discovering its values on an encounter with the Aztecs in Mexico.  Returning to his Spanish King, it was soon declared a substance only fit for nobility.  Wise, greedy King.  

However, the Spanish monks were let in on the little secret of chocolate making, who sweetened and refined the hot drink.

According to legend, the Spanish Queen was revived from her 'deathbed" with the sweet drink - yeah I could believe that - and a monk named San Churro declared it a "gift from God" which should be shared with all. Yep - Gong Girl is good with that notion too.  The rest is history.

You just gotta a love a charitable monk.  And the Gong will too:  trust me.

Wollongong Sugar Cube


If you need a little more substance underneath your chocolate fix, then Sugar Cube would have to be your preferred crime-scene.


Famous for the homemade Belgium waffles, which are made to order with toppings such as Belgian chocolate, and home made toffee sauce.  Have I got your mouth watering yet?


Originally located opposite WIN (a misnomer if you are a Dragons fan ) Stadium, Wollongong, the Sugar Cube has become so popular amongst Gongites that they have opened in a bigger new location at 63-65 Lower Crown Street Wollongong. Take the walk a little further down the road - your hips will thank you for it. As they say at the Sugar Cube - its so Waffleicious!


For me, chocolate is for comfort, and for sharing. It is perfect for the really good times and also times when you; or someone you love, needs a little choccy hug. Embrace your inner chocolate monster and go for it - its OK every now and then!


Got a favourite Chocolate Hideout? Come on, share the love.



Have a Happy & Safe Easter Gongites!
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