Jad A.
Yelp
4/2/2013 - "Indie Cool"
Petrie Terrace, Caxton Street, and its surrounds have enjoyed a revival of sorts in the last 5 years or so, especially with the popularity of The Barracks, and the myriad of dining options, and shopping it has on offer, as well as the Palace Cinemas. Further up Petrie Terrace though, it was still quiet and "empty", (despite the amount of traffic here), lacking a spot that regular Joes and laid-back Janes could call their own.
Until now. Opening only last Wednesday (30/1/2013), is Scout Cafe at 190 Petrie Terrace, opposite Hardgrave Park. For many years this Victorian heritage listed building, was abandoned, with many rumours of it being an old brothel during the Joh Bielkie-Pietersen era. There's a lot of history and character in this area and this building, and probably one of the reasons why Susannah and Candy decided that it was time to breathe life into this Petrie Terrace gem.
Inside is quite "homey", rustic, and has that cosy feeling. Simple and minimal fit out, the wooden floorboards & furniture, the plants that adorn different corners, the large windows with a view of the park, and for watching the world go by, make Scout Cafe such a beautiful little spot. My first impression was that a little bit of West-End's non pretentious vibe, artistic eccentricity had been brought to Petrie Terrace. I describe it as "Indie cool". The charming blackboard reveals the food on offer for the day.
Scout Cafe serves "Coffee Supreme" blend from New Zealand and although Scout Cafe's menu isn't extensive (yet), it still sounds yummy, so I ordered the Smoked Salmon, pickled onion, quark & lettuce on a toasted bagel, with an espresso short black.
I make my way to the back, a separate room, where there is a large central table with a Melon as a centrepiece (a melon!), and take a seat on the wooden stool. Immediately I see the potential of this room. Along with the fireplace, it feels perfect for those winter months for enjoying a coffee or hot chocolate while reading a book.
Their waitress promptly provided me with some water (without me asking); I always appreciate little things like that. The espresso came out, and I downed it like a thirsty Italian on a summer's day. The coffee was rich, not bitter, just the way I like it! Once my meal was brought out, I couldn't wait to try it. I really liked the "smoky-ness" of the salmon fusing with the sweetness of the pickled onions, the quark & lettuce rounding it off nicely. I really liked how the bagel (although toasted) still had a soft texture. Susannah, came by to check in on me asking how the meal was, and I could only utter one word. "Delicious".
Scout Café is such a great little place, laid back, comfortable in its own skin, with welcoming friendly owners. For my own selfish reasons, I wish others don't discover this place, but I know this is not going to happen. In fact, I can see that seating will be an issue (with minimal furniture at the moment), as the word spreads of this lovely little space, and more and more people visit. Scout Café is open 7 days a week, breakfast and lunch.