3Three Monkeys Fine Foods – Willunga, SA

17A High Street, Willunga, SA, 5172

Ever since my experience of the Willunga Farmers Market, and my brisk walk down the main street of the picturesque town whereupon I discovered the plethora of small, interesting looking cafés – I have been itching to get back.  And now, after a trip to the doctors for some suitable cream – the itching has decreased, and I have another latte review.  3Three Monkeys Fine Food came highly recommended to me by a member of my congregation who had personally experienced the wonderful hospitality (which included a platter of exotic savories and sweets for a very reasonable luncheon price)  for a family celebration and suggested I try the lovely coffee – well I was not disappointed!!  The Café, which features (as the name would suggest) fine foods for consumption and purchase (that is not to suggest that the food consumed is not purchased – far from it – it is just that you can also purchase gourmet food and take it home with you), wine, locally brewed beer and a book exchange (consumption for the soul). Situated about half way up on the left/down on the right of the Main Street (depending on which direction you are coming from), the 3Three Monkeys is well worth a look.

Latte Quality – Lattastic! – the best coffee I have had in a while – so good, I ordered a second one.  Lovely colour, good amount of foam, great taste and a lingering pleasant after taste. I suspect I was treated to a very skilled barrista.

Cost – $3.50 for a regular – which came in a large than average latte glass – so good value.

Coffee Supplier – Altura Coffee

Fair Trade – No indication in store, or on the Altura website – which is under construction.

Venue Suitable for:

• Quiet Chat – Yes, there are a number of rooms, and tables on the verandah.
• Deep and Meaningful – again, Yes – see above.
• Study and Reflection – If you can get a table in one of the quiet corners this would be an excellent spot – I saw a guy in there with a laptop, so there may also be internet connectivity.

Cafelicious – Goolwa, SA

9 Cadell Street Goolwa, SA

This little cafe on the main street in Goolwa, is a great place to catch up with friends, have a nice cafe style meal, or sit outside and just watch the world go by.  With great outdoor seating, it is perfect for that pit stop while walking the dog, or riding the bike (lycra-optional), and inside there is comfortable seating – a wall mounted plasma screen TV (not sure why?) and local art lines the walls (other than the plasma, of course). Over a couple of visits, food wise I have tried the Salt & Pepper Squid, which was OK (more batter than squid), the wedges (very generous serve) and the crispy baby octopus (which if you leave to long, looses its crispyness..) But onto the coffee….

Latte Quality – Passable – little foam to speak of, in a typical (on the small size these days) latte glass – but nothing to write home about.

Cost – $3.20 – a bit on the high side.

Coffee Supplier – Altura Coffee

Fair Trade – No.

Venue Suitable for:

• Quiet Chat – I would say so – the inside rooms have plenty of noise (cramped tables, TV set and is echoey) but the seats on the veranda – which have heaters for cooler weather – or the seating closer the road would be fine.
• Deep and Meaningful –Possibily – see above.
• Study and Reflection – probably not – it is more restauranty, than cafe like inside.

Meadow’s Bakery – Meadows, SA

Main Street, Meadows, SA, 5201

This is a great half way place between those colleagues in the Southern Regions of Adelaide, and where I am in the Eastern Adelaide Hills. Known primarily as a Bakery, it also serves coffee, and is a popular spot for bicyclists, motorcyclists and Sunday Drivers. I often use this place as a quiet place to meet.

Latte Quality – Passable – a very thin foam that the sugar quickly passed through. The coffee flavour was ok, but I was left not wanting a second one.

Cost – High – $3.50 for a ‘regular’ which in other places would be a small.

Coffee Supplier – Altura Coffee

Fair Trade – No no mention in store, nor on the Altura Website.

Venue Suitable for:

• Quiet Chat – During the week this is a great place for a quiet deep and meaningful chat – on the weekends, particularly Sunday – forget it!
• Deep and Meaningful –Great – see above.
• Study and Reflection – probably would be, but I have never tried it myself. It has a great glassed annex with views of the hills – very peaceful.