Local &/or General is the title of a song by The Models. It’s a song that’s always stuck in my mind and it seemed like an appropriate title for this occasional series of reviews about very local coffee shops that I can walk to from my house. And a walk to La Bomba I have done on many occasions. It truly is my new local.
Suburban shopping strips are having a bit of a renaissance. Once forsaken for huge shopping centres, they are finding their place in the community once more. In the quiet suburb of Seven Hills, only 5km from the CBD, the local shops have a little secret. In between the dance school and accountant is La Bomba. Coffee shop by day, Tapas Bar by night. Once a hole in the wall joint with a few tables, it has slowly taken over the neighbouring shop fronts. Still very much an offbeat mix of the previous floor and wall coverings and an eclectic assortment of furniture, it truly lives up to the term ‘shabby chic’.
The daytime menu covers the usual combination of toast, eggs, bacon and crushed avo but there are a few surprises mixed in. Eggs Benedict comes with eggs poached as requested. This simple request is a true test of a restaurant’s attention to detail. Do the poached eggs come as ordered? Firm. In this instance, yes, which is a change from numerous cafes where I have had to send them back. Tiny fresh peas, sprigs of dill and shredded mint dot the plate, providing some texture and sweetness against the rich Hollandaise sauce. A side of black pudding is crisp on the edges with a lightly spiced centre that crumbles when cut.
The Slow Roasted BBQ Pork Belly Foc'(accia) is tender and tangy without succumbing to an overly sweetened filling that often passes for pulled pork these days. Sharpened with apple slaw and aioli, this is a great reviver for those recovering from a big night out and can’t face the El Grande Manger or, Big Brekky. At $16.50, this classic combo of bacon and eggs with home made baked beans and chorizo is the most expensive item. The kitchen is tiny with all food prepared by the owner. He turns out an amazing array of dishes in quick succession. The young women taking orders are animated and good humoured as they serve and clear tables. They chatter non stop to each other and to the owner who jokingly insists they respond with ‘yes chef!’. Substantial breakfasts for less than $20 are hard to come by in Brisbane so there’s something to be said for brunching in the suburbs.
Visited: brunch service on various weekends and mid-week
La Bomba Café & Tapas Bar
2/79 Oateson Skyline Drive
Seven Hills Qld 4152
www.facebook.com/La-Bomba-Cafe
And so nice to see the eggs ‘naked’ – that is, not swimming or trying to come up for air through the hollandaise. That’s how I like my Eggs Benedict but something I rarely, if ever order, because of the aforementioned offending sauce. Sounds like a great place to eat and so close too.
It’s consistently good.
I really enjoyed the breakfast we had there – must go again.
I’m a regular!
i am shocked:) firm poached eggs? i would send them back if too firm:)) nice to have a good and close local cafe.
Ugh! on that we will have to disagree, Sherry : )