MADE WITH LOVE: Carlos Moesman makes a great coffee at Little Lane Espresso. Warren Lynam IF THERE'S one thing cyclists can't get enough of, it's coffee.
When news spread of a new coffee shop in Coolum, a group of cyclists ventured to test a variety of coffees that make you pause in appreciation while you sip.
Aptly named Little Lane Espresso, it's tucked down a side street off from Coolum's main tourist strip along David Low Way.
What it lacks in size, it makes up for in great coffee and tapas-style food.
This compact coffee shop is run by Dutchman Carlos Moesman, 40, and Toowoomba-born chef Lee Morrison, 32.
The business pair is not deterred by the mainstream coffee shops along the esplanade.
"When you go on holiday, it's not on the boulevard where the tourists sit. You want to go to find that little place, that little mama in the kitchen where she's has fresh herbs and fresh food coming in," Mr Moesman said.
While chatting to Coolum's newest entrepreneurs, there is a welcome sense of community, with a young group socialising over coffee while a retired couple on holiday enjoy their roasted capsicum, olive and haloumi muffin and turkish lemon cake.
"We like to cater for people who like heartfelt food. We like to give you love in the plate," Mr Moesman said.
"We are not trying to reinvent the wheel - I don't know how to say it in English, but it's cooking from the heart."
Mr Morrison adds that their "hole-in-the-wall" coffee shop is different from those on the beach fringe.
"We're not everyone's cup of tea," Mr Morrison said.
"We like people who appreciate something different and not be served traditional bacon and eggs for breakfast, or caesar salad for lunch."
Mr Morrison's skills are not confined to the kitchen. He made "everything from the floor to the stools" to keep costs down.
"It's a lot of hard work and a lot of heart and soul," he said.
Their smooth blend of coffee is Allpress Carmello, which has caramel and chocolate undertones.
"We focus on great coffee and great simple food. Every three to four weeks we change the menu to suit seasonal foods and to keep everyone interested," Mr Moesman said.
"We're two passionate guys who love what we do."
Hi,
ReplyDeleteThis is really an amazing post.
kitchens toowoomba