Mint Rd – A new coffee spot and cafe opened up in Narrabundah a few weeks ago. I tried it out for breakfast one Sunday morning.
When walking inside the small cafe, I was greeted warmly by staff. The first thing I noticed was the magnificent green Italian coffee machine. I’d read that Mint Rd had imported this directly from Italy – they’re serious about their coffee business. There is also a display cabinet filled with croissants and little pastries.
Their menu is quite small. No eggs on the breakfast menu either. But they serve museli, warm jaffles and croissants. When I asked what a jaffle was (I’d never heard of this?) they explained its like a toasted sandwich but completely sealed on all sides to retain all the flavour.
I ordered the ham, cheese and tomato jaffle ($7.50), and a coffee ($4.50). There is a long wooden bench seat lining the inside of the cafe with cute university-lecture-style side tables. More of a spot to have a coffee with a friend than to sit down and eat. I decided to sit outside that sunny winter morning where there are outdoor heaters to keep diners nice and warm.
My coffee came out first in a cute glass.
Then my jaffle – I have to say I was slightly disappointed. It was pretty much just a toasted sandwich that anyone could make. It tasted like a normal ham, cheese and tomato toastie.
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| Jaffle |
I really loved the service at this place. The waitstaff were friendly and took the time to explain how things worked there and seemed to really enjoy being there. Mint Rd is also in a nice location close to D’Browes and Artisan. I can see it serving the local community and coffee-lovers. I’m not sure they’ll be able to pull in the weekend brunch crowd though. Especially given the limited menu and no eggs option and the fierce competition in Kingston and Manuka which are just down the road. I wouldn’t mind trying out their signature lunch menu item – the smoked lamb mint aioli sandwich for lunch next time.
Hope these guys do well 🙂
Foodgasm 5/10
