According to the owner Khaled Sherbini of Coco Loco , the planets first certified organic fair trade chocolate bar . He pays tribute to his grandfather; Mostafa Sherbini, who was a world champion ballroom dancer in Paris in 1929 and recipient of the Egyptian Medal of Honor for hospitality in 1969. Alchemist Khaled continues his family’s legacy in the art of chocolate, entertainment and hospitality.

From his extensive travels and secret family recipes Khaled conjures spells of magical drinks and foods, with a wide selection of gluten free and vegan options. Coco Loco’s main secret is exclusive Kashew Mylk is non-dairy based milk on his grandmothers’ recipe made from cashew nuts. Made fresh on premises Kashew Mylk is vegan and is preservative, wheat, gluten, and cholesterol free. The unique Kashew Mylk embraces rather than over powers Coco Loco creations spanning delicacies such as chocolate truffles, mousse, gelato and renowned hot and iced drinking chocolate.

The specialty here is chocolate luscious, hot chocolates in flavours such as Paramour (vanilla chocolate), Love Fire (chilli chocolate), and Mysticoco (river mint chocolate), imported from South America and the Caribbean. After the first sip of the silky smooth Marquis de Chocolate (the pure hot chocolate) made with Kashew Mylk I was transported back to a happy childhood memory and was left with a bitter sweet lingering sensation. My second course was an addictive vegan and gluten free chocolate mousse made with Kashew Mylk possessing the lightness and texture of any quality chocolate mousse, unforgettably mysterious!

There are both vegan Kashew Mylk and dairy cheese platters, which are meals in themselves when matched with one of the interesting wines. On weekends the crew dishes up crispy caramelized sourdough sweet waffles that are healthy, light and satisfying, topped with chocolate ganache, fresh fruit (and liqueurs optional). The Coco Loco’s extensive menu of sweet and savory crepes that are matched to wines, champagnes and French ciders were to live for. The Kama Sutra (spiced pumpkin feta) and LocoLove (white and dark chocolate with Lycee liquor) were healthy and delicious.

Late at night the atmosphere changes into a cocktail jazz scene where the formidable Coco Loco Chocolate Martini is released infused with the finest liqueurs. This is my new drink! The sensual Walnut bar, furnishings art and terracotta roof mural create an amazing space for hosting various functions and parties.

219 High Street, Northcote, Victoria
Tel:
www.cocoloco.net.au

Article written by Rose Myles

A friend & I decided to head into Newtown to grab a bite to eat on Sunday. We worked up quite an apatite walking & shopping along the famous King Street strip. We strolled into this trendy little café, the ‘Grub & Tucker’.

The name caught my eye. It is amazing just how many creative shop names belong in Newtown. Next time you are in Newtown, have a look as it is quite unbelievable. The look & feel of this little café was the clincher. The ‘Grub & Tucker’ is filled with art & drawings on the walls, nick naks all around & this along with its relaxed & comfortable feel makes for a good first impression.

The menu is large, with variety for everyone. You have your all day big breakfast with eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, tomatoes, mushrooms, hash browns, tea & freshly squeezed orange juice. There is a fantastic array of salads, including a salt & pepper squid salad & a barramundi fillet Caesar Salad. There are focaccias & an endless selection of main meals. The lamb cutlets with baked potatoes were simply divine. For all you sweet toothes out there, the desserts looked scrumptious.

The ‘Grub & Tucker’ is a wonderful place to dine for a quick snack, a great meal or a catch up over coffee. The friendly & relaxed waiters made the experience even more enjoyable. The courtyard out the back with its lounges was cosy. When heading to the ‘Grub & Tucker’ in Newtown, say hello to Antonio & tell them that Two Flat Whites sent you.

Article written for Two Flat Whites by Robbie Lawrence

Grub & Tucker Café
191 King Street
Newtown NSW
Ph:

There is a new café in down town Wollongong. ‘ Lee and Me ’, half cafe, half boutique and a touch of art all rolled into one! Benny tells us that ‘Lee and Me’ was in the making for 3 years until they found the perfect destination for clothing, cafe and art. “We had a three group La Mazzocco installed in our home for 2 years so we could perfect the art of coffee. We spent three years travelling to find out what we liked and didn’t like”.

Combining cafe, art and fashion in a renovated little heritage terrace on the main street of Wollongong. This is a café with charm & a warm atmosphere. They boast to have the best coffee in the south. Award winning Campos coffee artisan will be providing Wollongong with The Superior, their flagship blend. Strictly the finest grade beans available on the market today: – dominant caramel and toffee intonations with fruit highlights. The body is rich and full flavoured with a silky mouth feel. Overall winner of the 2006 Equal© Golden Bean Award.

The food is simply succulent & some of the wonderful food on offer includes hot porridge with rhubarb, banana and maple, full hot breakfast, toast selections of sourdough and fruit and hazelnut loaf will feature at breakfast while lunches will range from oven roasted veggie foccacia and steak sandwiches to warm beef and roquette salads.

And don’t forget the fashion labels. ‘Lee & Me’ stocks Valerie Tolosa, sewn, Leon Henry, Weathered, 2k by gingham, Nudie, Bassike, Modern Amusement & Alpha 60. So if you are looking for something a little different, this is for you.

Article written by Liam Gibbs

Opening hours – weekdays 7am – 5pm & weekends 8am – 4pm
87 Crown Street, Wollongong 2500
phone :
email : leeandme[at]optusnet.com.au