This Tasty Little Gem Just Sprung Up On Us
sprout artisan bakery
76 James Street, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, QLD 4006
Ph: N/A
'Out at Coffee'
16th November 2024
Stephen turns and asks; “Did you sleep well?”
I open my eyes and ponder his question. “Mmm… I’m not sure! One moment please while I check my apple watch!” My foggy head clears instantly, as I respond, “Well yes… my watch tells me I did, so it must have been good!”
We both laugh and reach for our phones, and I say; “OMG!” … as we see 43 overnight messages in our group chat. Lee, suffering with insomnia, was in full convo with our good friend Steve, who has pneumonia … poor them!!
Lee’s final message is a request to meetup early at ‘Sprouts Artisan Bakery’ in Fortitude Valley, for this week’s ‘Out at Coffee’ meetup.
It’s funny! When I think of ‘sprout’, it reminds me of growing up in the UK, and our family tradition of eating ‘Brussels Sprouts’ with Christmas Day lunch. Back then, they were touted as a luxury, but my siblings and I hated them! Although, there was an upside… the windy aftermath, had us laughing hysterically, as we farted our way into Boxing Day.
But today we’re about to experience a new, tastier meaning to the word ‘sprout’, far removed from overpowering balls of a leafy green vegetable.
We spring into action at Lee’s early meeting request. Stephen’s ready in less than 5 mins, but I, on the other hand, take a tad longer. Which doesn’t go unnoticed in our group chat, as they make fun of my 6-step process for getting ready.
‘Sprout Artisan Bakery’ is located on James Street, in an upmarket suburban area of the Valley.
As soon as we walk in the door, the selection of high quality, handmade, traditional sourdough breads and pastries is in full view. And there’s no holding these seagull’s back, as we flap along the servery, bills wide open squawking in anticipation at what’s on offer.
Excitedly, I turn to Stephen and ask if he wants a pastry, to which he gives his usual response; “No, I’m good thanks!”
Now, after 9 years together I’m accustomed to his eating habits … What he means is; ‘Yes, I’ll eat anything you put in front of me, even if I didn’t order it!’ So, this wise gull orders a breakfast pastry and custard tart with coffee! Lee and Pete opting for a tart, plus savoury sausage roll!
We enjoy our goodies in the small, outside eating area. They’re absolutely yummy and yes, it’s lucky I ordered strategically, as Stephen swoops in without thinking! Coco also circles expectantly, and as I feel her drool coating my thigh, I think it only fair to feed her a little treat too!
Our chat this week focuses on getting older, and how our memory can fail us sometimes. We all tell stories of being forgetful, and Lee shares a memory test, he and Pete have to recall 3 species of birds they see on their morning walk. They use the acronym; ‘IPC’ to remember the names, which Lee recounts confidently as; “Ibis, Plover and, mmm… now what is the third one? No wait... it will come to me!” … Sleep deprivation has clearly taken its toll, so Pete chips in with; “Curlew!” … as we all burst out laughing!
We walk off breakfast along James Street and Coco deposits a number two. Lee and Pete clear it up like responsible dog owners, but as we carry on strolling, Lee forgets he’s holding Coco’s pungent poo bag. And we watch amused, as he chats animatedly with other canine lovers, swinging the green bag around enthusiastically… an unpleasant smell wafting everywhere.
Today’s coffee may have germinated earlier than usual, but we had so much fun!
The artisan bakery was a great little find, and as we head home, we return there to buy another treat... a speciality turmeric sourdough loaf, which Stephen and I devour over the weekend!
Driving home I ponder a more profound meaning of ‘sprout’. One that smacks of individual growth and renewal.
We’re all unique, and like a seedling pushing its way through the earth, we must always seek to harness our innate abilities. Because it’s within this space of personal growth and development, that we get to fulfil our true potential.
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
I'm proud to state that all content on this Blog is written by me and all photos are originals taken by our group.