Gertrude & Petunias, Kensington

My family and I always seem to struggle deciding where to eat all the time. But Gertrude & Petunias popped into my aunt JS’ mind when we were deciding where to do our catch up. It’s a café I always drive past and every time I tell myself that I will be there… one day. And I guess that one-day eventually came.

The décor is simply beautiful; we both step in and are instantly feeling at ease at the small cozy French-like café. Mirrors adorn the wall as you step in, the counter has a glass cabinet of pastries which I am going to return and try.

The chai tea came out on a silver tray, the tea could perhaps have a little more spice, but it was still nice. And it was made just how I like it, my soymilk frothed with the leaves.

Steak Sandwich $14

The kitchen is small, hidden behind the tall counter filled with sweet goodies. There was a little wait on my steak sandwich, but if you’re at a café you’re obviously not in much of a rush to leave. The thickly sliced bread is toasted well, the caramelized onions were a little too mushy. There is no tomato sauce on the sandwich, so if you would like some remember to ask for some.

Beetroot quiche $14

For some reason, my aunt’s quiche was not ordered. So, while I was eating my sandwich, we both calculated the total and it did not seem right. Thankfully, the quiche does not seem to take as long. Being a little experimental, my aunt chose the beetroot quiche.

So red

“There’s so much salad…” my aunt started.

“It’s like the quiche is a side!” We both said at the same time.

But I will be back to try their pastries, perhaps not on a weekend as I can imagine how busy they would be.

I love to people watch, and as my aunt and I caught up I could not help but notice a sweet old couple sitting outside. He looked after her so well, parked her wheelchair and sat on the other side, until the table next to them left did he move to be by her side. This little local café felt so warm with just the sight of an elderly couple enjoying a cup of coffee. It is just so rare to pop into a café and see an elderly couple there enjoying a cuppa alone and appreciate each others company.

Do you ever drive past places thinking you would go there one day, yet when in need of a place to go – it never pops into mind?

Gertrude & Petunias

61 Todman Avenue,

Kingsington

Coco Cubano: Kensington

What’s good at Coco Cubano,

How about them bad boys,

You may want ‘em pronto,

For your belly to enjoy!

The semester is back, Miss CC and I dedicated our Saturday arvo of week two to sitting in the law library of UNSW, and we gave ourselves an hour break for lunch at Coco Cubano. You order and pay at the counter then get given a number for your food to be served to you.

Left - Right: Coconut shake, Mint Shake (R) $6.40

Shakes!! Once we saw it on the menu, there was just no going back! I chose the mint shake, because I simply love mint! I found that it wasn’t very minty at first sip, but as you keep drinking you do get that hit of freshness. Miss CC got the coconut shake, and it was almost like a chocolate bounty! Yum!

Beef nachos $15.90

We start with the beef nachos, melted cheese, sour cream and guacamole makes Cassie one happy girl. Although it was tasty, I did find that it lacked salsa throughout, as it was in a small heap in the middle.

Chicken wings with chilli aioli $12.90

Chicken wings! They were most recommended by everyone; online and also by the wait staff. However, we both found it rather salty. There was not much else we could taste, though you do get a slight kick in the spices when you cover it with the chilli aioli but the salt really overpowered everything.

Left - Right: Pork Slider,  Beef Slider $10.90 for 2

Miss CC also chose the sliders; you get to choose two options of the three available. Today, Miss CC chose the beef slider, which was like a mini cheeseburger, and the pork, which was much too spicy for her.

Spicy bad boy potato wedges $9.90

So, we had ordered the corncobs and was later told they had run out of the corn and we could choose something else. We saw the wedges that were served with the burgers earlier and we had felt a slight pang of food envy, so this was our chance! And boy, we were so glad there were no more corn! Because these bad boys have not been named incorrectly! Super crunchy on the outside and massively mushy and soft on the insides, the aioli and chilli powder were just a bonus! We could have swept this bowl clean had we not already demolished so much food.

Everyone gets food envy every so often, so have you ever been lucky to alter your order to get your envied dish?

Hit: Bad boys

Miss: Chicken wings, nachos

Dined with entertainment voucher, however prices noted are full price

Random note: Due to uni being back into full force and like all things, assignments like to be bunched together, so for the next month I'll be back to posting once a week.