I was also keen to find a place that offered a good selection of gluten free and vegetarian options, given both of us eat gluten-free and Bec is also vego. My search turned up some of the old standards such as Gus' cafe, but nothing that really appealed, until I came across the link for Cream, in the 'North Quarter' section of Canberra Centre. I know that Cream has been around for a few years now, but I had actually never ventured in for anything besides dessert or a quick coffee (or in my case, soy hot chocolate or tea!). I was quite impressed with the variety and number of options on the menu once I checked it out online.
A booking was made for 1pm on a Saturday, and we were set. As usual I was running a few minutes late on the day, but once seated, we didn't have to wait long for a waitress to come and take our drinks order. The service here is quite efficient without being particularly friendly, but I was happy enough to just be able to catch a waiter/waitress when needed! We started with a mocha (made with real chocolate - yum!) for Bec and a berry frappe for me:
The berry frappe was very refreshing, just the right amount of sweetness, and being made with raspberry sorbet and cranberry juice, also very FODMAP-friendly. This is often difficult to find in frappes and smoothies made at cafes due to the prolific use of apple juice, so I was super happy! On the subject of food intolerances, Cream are very accommodating of food intolerances - their website states that they 'aim to create a benchmark in this area' and that they have actually created a training booklet to educate their staff. I noticed that when we ordered items without gluten or in my case, onion, they asked if it was just a preference or if we required items to be completely free of the product due to allergy or intolerance. I really appreciated the awareness and extra care taken - it's so nice to be able to be specific in ordering requests without feeling like a difficult or picky customer!
Following on with the prompt service, we didn't have to wait too long before our food orders were taken. I couldn't go past the Roast Vegetable Salad, which was packed full of beautiful colours, flavours and textures and combined sweet roasted root veggies with quinoa, walnuts, and best of all, crumbed goats cheese balls:
Really, it was those balls of melting crumbed cheesiness that did it for me - taking this dish from pretty good to blissful. Here's the food porn shot of them:
Meanwhile, Bec enjoyed her dish of potato and feta rosti, sans the smoked salmon listed on the menu:
Served with rocket, slivers of cucumber and dill yoghurt, this was simply but beautifully cooked and presented. The rosti were deliciously crispy, and paired well with the peppery rocket and tangy, creamy yoghurt.
We also visited the following weekend, for some pre-shopping spree sustenance, and were similarly satisfied with our choices - opting for items from the brunch/breakfast menu, which runs until 2.30pm on weekends, I had a vegetarian omelette with a filling of baby spinach, feta and olives on gluten free toast and Bec chose the corn fritters with spinach, peppers, avocado and egg. Apologies that there is no photo of the fritters - I messed it up with my finger partially over the lens, and didn't notice until afterwards (I must have been too excited about the food!)
And to finish off...hot chocolates and mochas again made with real chocolate...so good! It made me laugh to see that in addition to dark, milk, white and top deck varieties they also offer a 'chocolate overdose' hot chocolate. I wasn't game to even ask what that involved!
Most of the light lunch and breakfast/brunch options at Cream range between the $15-$20 price bracket, which is actually quite good value considering the quality - these dishes are substantial and satisfying and made with great care and top ingredients. The interior of the cafe is lovely too, with ample natural light from walls of windows, and fittings and tables that are both stylish and comfortable. Cream also offer dinner and bar options from Monday to Saturday.
Highly recommended as an ideal destination for weekend eats, Cream gets the thumbs up from me!
Cream Cafe and Bar
Shop FG10, Canberra Centre (entrance from outside, street level)
Bunda Street, Canberra City
(02) 6162 1448
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