There are just as many cafes in New Farms as there are gyms, yet a new addition to the neighbourhood is creating a real ripple beyond the peninsula and across greater Brisbane.
While co-owners Sam Holman and Yolanda Van Houtte were brainstorming an apt name for their latest foodie destination, inside a restored workers’ cottage at 726 Brunswick Street, they referred to their fledgling business as Kevin.
Today, around four weeks on from opening day, hordes of hungry Queenslanders are lining up on the verandah of Kevin with stomachs growling at the thought of a brunch menu featuring the likes of summer chai semolina porridge, eggs benjamin, and labneh with pickled cherries on rye.
I could smell the paddock-to-plate operation from our Ray White New Farm headquarters a few doors up, so recently took the opportunity to drop by for a quick breakkie. In my case, it was a BYO (Build Your Own Breakfast) which did not disappoint.
Sam and Yolanda aren’t new to this game, yet there’s something seriously special about Kevin and what he’s dishing up to New Farm. Yolanda’s quick to credit Sam’s passion for food and how that’s been injected into the menu, while the full service offering (a long-held dream of Yolanda’s) is a rare thing of beauty in our grab-and-go economy.
As is their passion for community, and New Farm locals in particular who they feel have joined them on their wild ride since it all kicked off back in July of last year. In the hope of delivering even more for their customers, I hear Sam and Yolanda are working on plans for a liquor licence. This means you’ll soon see more of Kevin than ever before, including the likes of wine and cheese afternoons, and perhaps a full dinner service in the near future.
In full disclosure, my business partner and best mate Haesley Cush is Kevin’s landlord so take my review for what it’s worth. If you have any doubts, head on over to check out Kevin for yourself.