Mustbar - Doreen

Out and about on Saturday, we decided to turn left and keep driving until we found a Coffee Shop.


And that is how we found this delightful comfortable, modern Coffee/Bar/Cafe.


Officially in Doreen, we just followed signs that invited us into the Laurimar Estate and there at the end of the road was MUSTBAR.

With the pavement and upstairs balcony so popular there were no tables left, we settled down in a sunny niche inside.

I was particularly taken with the wall art Spreadsheet of how to make good wine and the felt tiling that clad the feature walls leading up to the balcony.

Looking at their extensive gourmet menu I just wished we had more time to order something other than Coffee and Cake.

I have never found a Barista that could make Fair Trade Coffee taste good - - - until now.

Serving the smoothest Organica Coffee I have ever tasted. Coupled with the most delightful Hazelnut Honeycomb Cake (sharing just one piece between us) and a small chocolate surprise on the spoon made for a beautiful afternoon tea.

On leaving I commented
"This is no where near us but ... We would love to come back!"



MUSTBAR
1/90 Hazel Glen Drive
Doreen  Vic  3754

Ph: 9715 2123
Open 7 days

Ruby's

Nestled in a small pocket of shops, at the Bell Street end of Nicholson Street Coburg is Ruby's.

This little shop fills a gap in the local Coffee scene as there are no other cafe's in the immediate area. Parking is limited to a few spaces in the side street, but is easily accessed by bicycle from the Merry Trail or the No 1 Tram stops outside the door.

Coffee on offer was Padre Coffee, which is locally roasted in Brunswick, and cakes were inhouse made. The staff were quietly spoken and very pleasant.

For my reviews, I can only comment on what we were served.
My Fruit cake, beautifully presented with Greek Yoghurt and Strawberries, was unfortunately dry. The strawberries were mushy and I suspect, thawed frozen*. On the other hand my companion's Blueberry muffin was overly moist.

I noticed another customer being served an enormous plate of scrambled eggs, but as there was no menu or price list on display on the wall or tables, we had no idea as to what else was on offer, or what we could afford.

Also, with precious little change from $20.00 for 2 Coffees and Cake I found it too expensive for my budget.
Will I be back? - No.





Rubys
138 Nicholson Street
COBURG 3058





Footnote:
At the time of this review - fresh Strawberries were plentiful, large, packed full of flavour and cheap, which makes me wonder why it is necessary to serve anything else.

Jam and Cream

Quirky, Quaint, Curious ...

Jam and Cream is all of the above - It is also Heidelberg Heights best kept secret!

I have driven past this address for years while it languished as an unfinished derelict shop in a small access street off Kingsbury Drive.  Six months ago I stopped at the Shoe Shop next door and was drawn to the curious window decoration of the now established Cafe.

Once inside I was immediately transported back to my Grandmother's kitchen and the glorious memories of her baking Swiss Roll (just for me) and Scones, and my Grandfather sitting at the table with his newspaper so carefully arranged before him.

Each of the tables, decoupaged with themes from long gone magazines and newspapers and numbered with Scrabble tiles gave us plenty to peruse while we waited for our scones to be made.

Every batch made to order from Scratch - so many to choose from,
Sweet ones named for Ladies - savoury for Gents we just couldn't decide and then we spied at the bottom of the menu the "Can't decide?" option. - 10 different flavours tasting plate with tea for two - PERFECT!



I have been back since this first visit - bringing my parents for a special birthday lunch (after a certain age - every birthday is special!) And once again I just could not decide which delicacies to indulge in.

A word of warning - If you are in a hurry you may have to miss out on the scones as they do take 35-40 minutes to get to the table - But OH they are worth the wait!


Jam and Cream
1 Orr Street
Heidelberg Heights Vic 3081

(03) 9457 3356
Open:
Tuesday - Sunday 9:30 - 4:00
Due to it's popularity - Booking is advisable especially on Weekends.