On Saturday morning, after sweating my butt off at the gym, my boyfriend suggested we go for a coffee. Now I'm never one to say no to coffee so off we went to La Dolce Vita. I am always interested in trying out a new (for me) cafe and I am glad we decided upon La Dolce Vita.

Let me start with the service. The staff we polite and the service professional. I guess what I am trying to say is that while you get great service there is nothing that stands out about it. While there was nothing stand out about the service I would definitely return.

Now for the coffee. Simply, it was delicious, as were the sweets we tried. I had the mini chocolate filled cannelloni and my boyfriend the vanilla custard filled donut. We both thoroughly enjoyed the food and coffee.

Overall, while I was pleased with the food and service, and I  will return for their delicious coffee another time, there was just something missing from the experience. Unlike other Cafes I been to lately there was nothing to distinguish the experience from any other Cafe. Overall it was a positive experience and if you are looking for a good cup of coffee near the Wintergarden in Brisbane, definitely check them out.

I have been walking past Two Cups in Spring Hill everyday for the past six months. I have always seen happy smiling faces coming out and have admired the Quote chalk board out the front. For six months I have been saying I should try them soon. But whether I was running late for work, or had other things on my mind, it just never happened. Until this week.

With the Christmas rush on for all workplaces I have been starting work a bit earlier a few days this week. On Thursday morning I had not had a morning cup at home and was sleep walking to work. As I approached Two Cups I could smell the coffee and breakfast foods. I could see a couple people enjoying a full cooked breakfast out front, and the sounds of friendly laughter from inside. I admit my body was just crying out for coffee/caffeine but my logical mind had no objections.

As I entered I was greeted by the barista. He was serving what sounded like a long standing customer, but he took the time to ask what he could get me and put my coffee in the queue. Once he had finished serving the customer he turned to me and a had a friendly chat, even though it was 6:45 in the morning. I thoroughly enjoyed watching him make my latte as I could tell he knew his craft well. I even ended up with a little latte art on my cup instead of the normal pour and serve that some cafes do. Two cups also advertises coffee courses, and a book on how to use your home machine effectively. Very tempted on both accounts.

I've been back in a few times since and the service is always great, as are their homemade sweet chilli and cheese muffins. Definitely a place to check out if you enjoy good quality coffee and a friendly atmosphere.

I love my coffee. My friends and family all know this and pander to my expansive diatribes on the topic. I do not like to put them through it too often though.

This afternoon I visited Brew in Brisbane for the first time. I have been walking past Burnett Lane off Albert Street (Adelaide Street end) for months and always say "I must go there one day." Well this afternoon I did, and I enjoyed it greatly.


Walking down that alley you are not quite sure what to expect.  There is a small chalk board and some stools arranged at the end of the alley. There does not appear to be a barista in sight. It is not until you get just inside the entrance that you realise there is much more to Brew than meets the eye from Albert Street.


There is music, and art (photography at the moment), food and beverages from coffee to wine and beer and spirits. Although we only had time to sample the coffee today I am dying to go back and try some of the tapas, snacks and cheeses they have on offer. 

The barista was friendly and helpful. She had a great sense of humour and spent time talking to her customers while providing great service. The coffees came out with a couple chocolate covered coffee beans, a personal favourite. The music was unobtrusive. It provided great background to chat, but at the same time you could hear the other person speaking. The layout also helped with this and even though there were people seated within a few feet I never once overheard their conversation.


I was so impressed with the coffee and service at Brew that I am planning on taking a friend there tomorrow. I can only hope that she enjoys it as much as I. Photos to come...


More reviews of Brew here...

I have a new camera! 

It's a nice little (ok, not so little) Nikon Coolpix L120. Very happy. Having a lot of fun trying out all the settings and learning what does what.

This weekend was perfect for trying out the new camera. Saturday was spent at West End Markets (photos care of my man - camera had not been purchased at this stage). West End markets (aka Davies Park Markets) are a great place to pick up fresh fruit and veges, meat, seafood and other food items. It is also a great place to go to try out yummy food, pick up little nick-nacks, and meet friendly people.


The markets are on every Saturday morning at Davies Park, Montague Road, West End. Free Entry.

<fresh seafood.. umm yeah, one mum was scaring her daughter silly showing her all the fish. The look on her face was priceless when she got a look at this little guy


We followed up our visit to the markets with yummy fun at Delta Continental on Vulture Street. If you love fine foods or have been looking for that elusive meditteranean ingredient, Delta is the place to go.  You enter a typical deli set up with olives, cheese, antipasti, sweets and other treats. In the opposite corner is a little doorway and a small set of stairs leading to a small supermarket set-up with three aisles of delicacies. Orange blossom water, preserved lemons, pasta flour, dried lentils, coffee, feta, parmesan, salami, chorizo, nuts, jams, pastas, canned goods, and olive oil. This place is an Aladdin's cave of wonderful foods.


Time for a coffee... yes! And it was off to BlackStar Coffee in West End (44 Thomas St). I have to admit to being a big fan of Blackstar. From their relaxed atmosphere, to their yummy drinks, this cafe is the perfect place to relax on a lazy Saturday or Sunday morning.  I even picked up some freshly roasted and ground coffee for home. :) (my love for coffee will become obvious in coming blogs) The food smelt fantastic and we will be returning to try their poached eggs. mmmmm...

Saturday afternoon was spent at South Bank, followed by a trip to Cineplex South Bank to see The Hangover Part 2. After the movie we walked back in to Brisbane. I was a lovely clear night, if a tad chilly, but I managed to get some nice shots of our lovely city. There are a few shots I am quite proud of, and I'm sure I'll just get better the more I learn about my camera. 

 Treasury and Expressway

 South Bank

 Gotham at night

 The expressway lights

 Hotel Carlton (aka The Myer Centre)

Brisbane City Hall

To be continued in part 2... Dolphins and Polar Bears and Penguins, oh my!