First look @ Local Press Cafe

I’ve been keeping an eye out on Local Press Cafe at the Kingston Foreshore ever since I spotted its sign back in January. The sign immediately conveyed a natural and raw vibe.

It finally opened its doors last weekend but I didn’t get a chance to try it out until today. Excited that something was open on Easter Friday, I headed there with some friends after a lovely bike ride around the lake. The original sign seems to be gone and replaced with another version.

It’s good to see another cafe in Canberra focusing on a healthy diet with wholefoods.

This is another hipster looking cafe and I was right about the ‘raw’ vibe with raw features such as exposed brickwork, unfinished paint on the walls, exposed beams along the top, and light bulbs intertwined with ropes and pulleys hanging down. A long communal bench lies in the middle of the cafe with tables on either side of it. An eclectic mix of mismatched wooden furniture – benches, tables and stools, ties everything in.

Platters filled with fruit are placed on the long communal bench. I’m assuming these can be taken by diners (they are just sitting there out in the open). I’m betting the cafe uses them in its cooking too. The platters of fruit gives me a homey feel – like a family dining table setting.

The wooden sailboat is one of the first things I noticed when walking in. Along with an old Singer sewing machine which must be trending since I noticed these are also used as decor at Farmers Daughter in Canberra Centre.

 

I love the feminine touch with cushions placed on benches along the wall and on seats outdoors.

The front counter is tiled and there are small crates of fresh fruit and vegetables stacked underneath. There’s a partial open kitchen where you can peep in and watch people chopping and cooking.

 

We picked up one of several signs from the long communal table with ‘Table Taken’ written on it to reserve our table before ordering. Cute.

A waiter told us that lunch works differently at Local Press. It’s basically ‘Subway’ style where you queue up, pick what food you want from the counter which is placed on a plate and then you pay for the meal. The ‘menu’ is written up on the glass panel which I found a little hard to read with the light reflecting off of it. Most items were $7.50. I counted 5 items we could choose from – makes it easy if you can never decide on what to eat. A sweets menu is also written up on the glass panel, stating sweets are from A. Baker and Sweet Bones Bakery. Items include muffins, brownies, croissants, hot cross buns and banana bread.

I chose the smoked salmon with capers, dill and red onion ($7.50) which was served on a slice of wholegrain bread. You can’t go wrong with this combination and I really enjoyed the bread. But I thought $7.50 for just one slice was a little steep. I also had the roast pumpkin with toasted seeds, spiced yoghurt and a balsamic pomegranate reduction ($7.50). I couldn’t taste any spice to the yoghurt, however, I did like the contrast in textures of the crunchy toasted seeds and soft roasted pumpkin. The pumpkin was slightly caramelised on the edges too. Again, I thought this was expensive for just one slice of pumpkin. The apple and radish slaw with pomegranate, fennel and wombok ($7.50) was fresh and delicious. I love apples in salads! They give a beautiful and healthy sweetness as well as some crunch. I just wish I’d been given a larger serving than what I got.

I had to try one of Local Press’ cold pressed juices. The juice of the day was kale, spinach, mint, celery, coconut and apple juice. Small juices are $7 and large juices $10. These come in Local Press’ personally branded glass bottles. Very cute and it tasted like apple juice.

My partner had the roast pumpkin, as well as the broccoli, cranberry, lentil and almond salad ($7.50). He enjoyed this but was also not impressed with the price.

A friend had the beef burger with tomatoes and spinach ($12). This was a small snack size version (not a full burger). The beef looked pink and fantastic.

Another friend arrived a little later when the cafe had run out of the roasted pumpkin. Another salad had been put together consisting of beetroot, pumpkin, cucumber, eggplant and tomatoes.

 Food porn of some items from the sweets menu

Croissant ($6.50)

Brownie ($6.50)

Outdoors, there are timber planter crates filled with plants on either side of the outdoor area. I’m assuming these are fruit and vegetable plants but didn’t have a chance to look closely. I do love the complete clash in furniture and brightly coloured seat cushions. It just works.

I noticed the cafe had provided a small water bowl for the numerous dogs that walk by. How thoughtful 🙂

Is it just me or are several cafes/restaurants in Canberra designing fit outs to include exposed brickwork, raw timber and a rustic look? They’re popping up everywhere. Nevertheless, I like it. Local Press Cafe has a great casual vibe and I love how they’ve tried to make the cafe cosy, as if you are entering someone’s home. The cushions to make diners more comfortable, fruit on the table for anyone to grab, and a water bowl for dogs are all very thoughtful ideas. I found staff are friendly and attentive. It didn’t take long for coffees to come out either. Everyone at the table were pleased with their meals. I honestly couldn’t fault anything that I ate. The only downside to lunch is the price. $7.50 for a small serving of each item is pretty expensive. My whole plate cost $22.50. Including my juice, the total cost was $29.50 and I wasn’t full. I think I’d prefer to go elsewhere for lunch. In saying that, I’m still eager to try breakfast/brunch here.

So overall, awesome fit out and personal touches, great atmosphere, healthy and tasty food, and good service. It’s just a little expensive for the portions you are served.

Check out their Facebook for updates.

Foodgasm 7/10