Kindness Co cafe, Torquay

On our first morning of our recent Torquay holiday, we parked the car and set out in search of brunch.  Right across the street was the beautiful Kindness Co.  It was one of those occasions when the first place we saw looked perfect yet we looked beyond it, just in case, and yet found ourselves drawn back there.  Not once but twice.

After all how many cafes promise hugs!  And almond feta.  The overpriced vegetable burger in the nearby cafe could not compete.  Sylvia was most displeased to be dragged away from a fancy nutella milkshake.

E was also skeptical because it did not offer a big breakfast option.  So we first had a taco for lunch and then went back to the Kindness Co for one of their beautiful raw cakes.

Sylvia and I decided to share a raw triple chocolate cake while E went to an op shop.  I am not a huge fan of coconut oil that is often used in raw cakes and can find them overwhelming.  The Kindness cakes were quite small and just enough to satisfy me.  I liked it so much I was tempted to buy another.

Fortunately E came back at that stage and ordered the double decker raw cake.  I helped out with a mouthful or two.  Sylvia was delighted with her Rebel Kitchen chocolate mylk.  I was pleased when we looked at the ingredients and found it was made with spring water, coconut milk, date nectar and cacao.  Sylvia was pleased to hear it was not dairy milk.

We enjoyed the Kindness Co so much that when considering where to eat the next day, we were drawn back for a full breakfast. It was raining when we arrived but sunny by the time we left.  The Kindness Co can do that to your day!

The space that has been created at the Kindness Co is very peaceful and relaxing.  It is no coincidence that it is also used for meditation.  Whether inside in the light filled cafe or out in the gorgeous garden, it was a lovely place to spend time.  Though my photos are of an empty cafe, on that second morning it filled up inside while it rained outside.

And I should mention that there is a wood stove in the corner that would make the place really cosy in winter.

I had to try one of the supercharged smoothies.  The Green Love smoothie ($12.50) was filled with banana, avocado, seasonal greens, bee pollen, supergreens, coconut meat and coconut water.  It was a huge glass of thick and really filling drink.  I wish I had asked what was the difference between seasonal greens and supergreens.  I did find the drink tasted a little grassy but it was also quite sweet with the banana and I enjoyed it.

E ordered the Morning Glory porridge ($12) made of oats, chia seeds, flax seeds, vanilla and cinnamon cooked in home made coconut milk.  He really enjoyed it especially with the toppings of grated apple, walnuts, shredded coconut and maple syrup.  It was a huge bowl that he did not manage to finish.

For me there was a very fancy avocado smash named the Abundance of Yum ($16).  The bread was grain free nut and seed loaf made by the JERF Project.  It was very dense but very good.  A little went a long way but it meant that the ratio of avocado to bread was a bit off kilter.  I loved all the toasted seeds on top.  Best of all was adding the little bowl of almond feta (an extra $4).  I always think feta should be little chunks but this was like a spread and it was so good.  Just the right balance of sour and salty.

I regret to say that the main problem of Kindness Co was the huge helpings.  I ordered too much with the huge smoothie and huge plate of smashed avo.  Unfortunately I didn't finish it and needed a lie down on the day bed after my meal.  I might have lain here if Sylvia hadn't claimed it.

Besides I was too busy running down to buy something for Sylvia to eat as she would not have anything off the menu except the chocolate mylk.  Whereas I would have been interested to try the Green Goddess Salad which also included almond feta or the super (raw) noodle salad.

The Kindness Co is not a place for a cheap meal or a bowl of chips for the kids, but I really loved the healthy offerings and the healing feeling of the place.   It is a great recent addition to Torquay's cafe scene.  I hope we might be back some day.

The Kindness Co
5 Zeally Bay Road (corner Cliff St)
Torquay
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