No-do turns into Can-do!
Nodo
25 Samuel Street, Camp Hill Brisbane, QLD 4152
Ph: N/A
Web: Nodo Cafe
'Out at Coffee'
9th August 2025
It’s been months since I last shared our coffee group’s antics, and you’re probably wondering; ‘why the ‘No-show?’ Well… I’m pleased to say our coffee catchups hadn’t ground to a halt! A bitter, decaffeinated break-up hadn’t occurred! Lee and Pete hadn’t stormed off in the puff of an over-excited barista’s steam wand!
On the contrary, we’ve still met regularly for our routine weekend coffee. But to be honest, life had got a tad stressful. I was in a state of over-extraction as my cup overflowed, so, I had to put some things aside until the froth had settled. And now, having spent some time percolating on my next move, I’m plunging in once again to share ‘Out at Coffee’ with you.
Action speaks volumes, so this welcome back blog is about our visit to ‘nodo’, a popular Camp Hill café’, one of seven operated by this well-known, local group. For the record, ‘nodo’ is actually pronounced ‘no dough’, given its natural, wholesome, home-made gluten free products.
This week’s coffee is also poignant because last Christmas, Secret Santa gave me three gift cards for specially selected Brisbane cafés.
This is the first one I’ve used, and whilst the identity of everyone’s Secret Santa is closely guarded within Stephen’s family, I’d just like to say… ‘thank you Sam!’ … and in a quirky turn of events, ‘nodo’ is located on Samuel Street!
It’s a fresh, wet, winters day in Brisbane. We arrive at the same time as Lee and Pete, who have Coco the greyhound in tow, sporting a cosy, winter jacket. It’s also a nice surprise to see our friend Steve, has joined us in-between flights as an airline steward.
‘Nodos’ treats look delicious and they truly epitomise their fun, simple, philosophy to; ‘Eat donuts for breakfast!’
But unfortunately, these seagulls must refrain, and as we order our coffee, Lee quips; “Sadly, ‘no dough’ for us this week!”
During coffee, we all share stories of our recent travels. Lee and Pete give an update on their exciting, new business venture. And Pete’s mum had a big op earlier in the week, so it’s good to hear she’s doing well.
Steve and I sit on the cold, stone, outside, bench, as we discuss his latest flight roster. In fact, the seat feels so cold, our conversation doesn’t sit well, as we quickly realise, we’re in danger of developing a serious pile issue.
But our body warmth returns, as we drink the rich tasting, ‘roasted by ‘nodo’ coffee blend ... swiftly averting a case of painful rhoids.
It’s a short catchup this week! As we leave, we explore the boutique retail precinct, and we can’t resist the look of the fresh bread on offer at the French bakery. So, we join the queue to buy a loaf, and as we slowly approach the servery, a sample tray of fruit bread catches our eye.
In true seagull fashion, Lee swoops in first for a taster. Stephen quickly follows suit, but as he puts his hand out to take a treat, the shop assistant slaps his hand down, and in a firm voice says; “No!... No!... No!”
Stephen recoils in horror as his cheeks flush red and he makes an embarrassed, muffled noise.
For a brief moment, there’s stunned silence in the shop, until a big, cheeky grin spreads across her face, and everyone in the shop bursts out laughing at Stephen’s expense.
It’s been a fun meetup again this week! As we walk back to the car, I’m filled with a sense of optimism, and I can’t wait to share this week’s shenanigans with you. It made me reflect on the past few months, and I realised that a lot of my overwhelm boiled down to mindset, and how I perceived events going on in my life. It really is true that what you focus on is what you experience, so with a sense of positivity, and a ‘can do’ attitude, I head home to get this 'nodo' blog underway.
I love sharing our coffee escapades with you, so please help me share the joy of coffee and friendships. Like, follow and share the ‘Out at Coffee’ Facebook page. And if you have suggestions for a great coffee venue in or around Brisbane, please drop us a line via the Contact page, we’d love to add it to our caffeine calendar.
Allan