Heading into New Farm. Ah! What a feast for the eyes. I passed a cool spot on Brunswick street that I’m definitely going to stop into, but for now, I know where I’m heading. New Farm Deli. I can’t really proceed with this blog until I’ve gone to a few of the really obvious places. And some of my favorites. New Farm Deli is up there for me, for a number of reasons.
Great location. You don’t just come here to have a coffee and a chill (both of which are easy to do), you can a have a fantastic hour or two of shopping, even just within the complex the deli is in. The surrounding streets offer a lot for anyone with some time to kill. And the deli itself is full of cheeses, cakes and kitchen things that could leave me penniless.
Good coffee. Once again, not the best I’ve ever tasted, but really strong, rich and smooth. Also there’s a picture of Al Pacino on the wall saying “we know our coffee” and I’m not going to argue with Al Pacino.
Delicious Food. When you look up at their fun blackboard menu, you do feel slightly overwhelmed with all the delicious options. Also, it doesn’t help that it’s counter service, so you don’t really have much time to peruse. I usually end up just going for one of the sandwiches in the window to save time.
One flat white and a delicious procuitto ciabatta sandwich for $13. Not too shabby at all.
The atmosphere I really like inside. There’s lovely art work on the walls, tables and flooring make me feel like I’m sitting in an Italian coffee shop, especially with they hype of activity going on. Also service is friendly. And a lot of good looking young gentlemen, which one can never complain about.
It’s busy in here too, considering it’s midday Tuesday. Always a good sign. If your coffee shop is empty, it can only mean that your location is lacking, or your coffee is lacking. But in my experience (in the shop I work in), a mediocre location does not mean you aren’t full of people. Quiet usually means: not good.
So, New Farm Deli is high on my recommendations. I love it too because it doesn’t feel pretentious. It was here long before all these hip, boutique, sit-on-a-milk-crate places opened, and the coffee is just as good. The food is fantastic. And you get a table to sit at where you can get out a laptop and look out the window. Win-win.
My only negative is the counter service. Not my favorite. I totally understand counter service, it saves time and can be efficient. But I do always prefer table service. From a staff perspective, I’ve always found it just as efficient as doing counter service, and I get to control when I see customers and take their order. From a customer perspective, I prefer it hands down. I get to take my time looking at the menu, and I have more of a relationship with the waiter. Just on a side note, for any business owners out there!
In a nut shell, if you (for some crazy reason) have not already been, New Farm Deli is a gem. But take a full wallet!
Coffee:
Great
Food:
Delicious
Atmosphere:
Relaxed, comfortable
Value:
Sandwich and coffee: (both filling and good size) = $13
Service:
Counter, but very friendly.
