Our Tastebuds Thrived at Flourish!
Flourish bakery
Great Western Super Centre, Shop D7, 102 Samford Road, Keperra, Brisbane, QLD 4054
Ph: 0421 609 212
Web: Flourish Bakery
'Out at Coffee'
4th January 2024
I’m the first to admit my navigation skills are a tad amiss! Sometimes, my brain just doesn’t grasp directions, or street locations, and pre-Google Maps I was renowned for getting a tad lost.
Fast forward to present day, and much to Stephen’s amusement, even with technology, I still find myself navigationally challenged. Which is why I rely on him to be my guide when driving, and I refer to him as ‘Siri!’
I have complete faith in Siri and I do whatever he tells me. But recently it’s become clear that even Siri gets a little confused under pressure. And it’s not unheard of for me to swerve suddenly in response to late turning calls or ambiguous directions, such as; ‘ok, right now go left!’
Today illustrated this, as we head for a new ‘Out at Coffee’ experience, 10kms North West of the city, at Flourish Bakery. It’s located in the leafy suburb of Keperra, a short drive away from the picturesque Samford Valley
As usual, Lee and Pete have arrived early, so we’re under pressure to get there on time. But I’m confident we’ll be fine because Siri’s sat next to me giving guidance on what I’m told is a pretty straightforward route.
It’s a beautiful day and we’re in good spirits, when I turn to Stephen and say; “We seem to have been going ages… is this the right way?”
To which he responds; “Yes, I think so! When I’ve headed out this way before, I usually travel on the Samford Road. It’s further down the other way, but I’m sure this is the right road to Flourish!”
I nod in recognition, but something doesn’t sound right to me, so I ask; “But isn’t this Samford Road?”
“No, Samford Road’s further down!”, he quips back in a reassured tone! But in the corner of my eye, I can see him pick up his phone, as he then says; “One moment please while I check!”
A feeling of dread slowly creeps up as I sense we’re going the wrong way and we’ll be late!
But thankfully, after a brief moment, he chuckles and says; “Goodness! You’re right! I don’t know how I got that wrong! Yes, this is Samford Road, but it’s the right way and we’re nearly there!”
I let out a huge ‘phew’, and we burst out laughing at what is another one of those regular, middle-aged moments.
Flourish is a simple bakery with some shaded seating close by.
The venue doesn’t have the usual ambience we’re accustomed to and there’s no picturesque views, but what it lacks in style, it more than makes up for with; Merlo roaster coffee and yummy looking pastries, and sandwiches.
We order as soon as we arrive! Stephen and I share a vegetarian focaccia, with Lee and Pete opting for, yes you guessed it… a huge, custard pastry!
Our orders arrive quickly and we tuck in to delicious food and coffee. It’s our first catchup of 2025 and talk turns to goals and how this flock of seagulls are going to; eat more wisely, lose weight, and exercise more.
In fact, the chat’s so draining it makes us hungry, so we order another coffee with an apple Danish! As Stephen would say; ‘Goodness gracious me!’
Tummies full and in need of exercise, we walk Coco to explore a nearby quarry.
The vast, multi-level site is being developed as an upmarket housing estate, and we climb steel stairs to see what the view higher up looks like.
Sadly, our ascent is short lived, when we quickly arrive at a cute, locked, ‘Alice in Wonderland’ door ... but the views of surrounding bushland from this vantage point are great!
Coco, who bounded up the stairs, navigates herself carefully back down, only needing help when the stairs narrow.
The angst makes her deliver a Number 2 at the bottom, and as I watch Lee tidy it up, I can’t help but notice something fashionably striking about him today.
So, I turn and ask; “Hey Lee… do you know you’re all co-ordinated today? Your khaki-coloured tee-shirt and shoes are exactly the same colour as Coco’s poo bag?’
Lee looks back indignantly and responds in an overtly gay, humorous drag queen accent… B_t_c_es!
And we all erupt into fits of giggles, as we head to our cars!
This morning’s coffee was good fun and a fitting location given that it’s a new year. We explored a new estate and, we enjoyed nourishment at ‘Flourish’. Both these aspects conjure up thoughts of; growth, renewal and potential. So, be mindful and take time out to reflect on; where you’re at, what you want to achieve this year, and the steps needed to get you there! And just maybe, you’ll flourish in 2025!
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