BACK TO THE DAILY GRIND
After 18 months, Helena’s Espresso returns. Emily Macdonald finds out where the cafe has popped up again
WHEN her beloved cafe was demolished to make way for a unit block, Helena Jaffar started cooking up a plan.
For the three years prior to the closure of the Benowa cafe in April 2016, a steady stream of customers had enjoyed her ever changing fresh produce inspired menu.
It wasn’t just the liberal sprinkle of Persian ingredients they craved, but the feeling of home when they walked through the door.
So the mum of two decided to go back to the drawing board.
Well, actually it was her architect husband Hooman, owner of RealSpace Creative, who went back to his drawing board, personally designing the new cafe, which opened last week in Nerang Mall.
Helena isn’t the only familiar face at the new cafe.
Chef Mitch Spencer has also rejoined the team and the seats are filled with a hoard of Helena’s previous customers, who she estimates have made up around 80 per cent of her clientele.
“It’s been really emotional actually,” she says.
“We’ve been so busy already and seeing so many of my old customers has been beautiful.
“I train my staff to remember names and orders of regulars. I want every single person who walks in my door to feel welcome.
“I don’t mind if you only order one cup of coffee and stay for three hours to enjoy it.
“No one is ever pushed out my door.”
While the selection of salads, sandwiches and baked goods changes every day based on Helena’s mood and the best fresh produce she can find, repeat customers will detect a hint of her Persian heritage in everything she produces.
Saffron, barberries, rosewater and orange blossom are regularly slipped in to give her food a taste of the exotic.
Cabinet items start at $4 for a protein ball and range to $13.90 for a quiche or lasagne with salad.
A constant on the menu is Helena’s Brekky Board for Two, which gives customers a choice between ham off the bone or bacon with poached eggs, housemade pesto, smashed avocado and tomato.
She pours coffee from renowned roaster Toby’s Estate and is one of only a handful of cafes in the country to stock Tavalon Tea imported directly from New York.
For a trained radiographer and former flight attendant, Helena makes one impressive queen of the kitchen.
“It was after I married and had my kids that I finally did what I really wanted in my career,” Helena says.
“I just want every person who walks in here to feel as happy as I do.”
Helena’s Espresso, Nerang Mall, corner of Gilston and New Steets, Nerang.