MOTOR MOUTH
One of Palm Beach’s most popular cafes has roared into Coolangatta and it’s finding a whole new fan club, writes Amber Macpherson
THEY came for the revs, they stayed for the eggs.
With a cafe out the front and a motorcycle workshop out the back, Espresso Moto general manager Jordan Stubbs was a little surprised when yoga mums and millennials took a liking to the vibes at the Palm Beach bistro.
“We thought we were going to end up with blokes on bikes, but we ended up with ladies eating avo salsa on toast and having a coffee,” Jordan laughs.
Not that he minds — it’s this appeal that has garnered enough momentum to open up a second Espresso Moto in Coolangatta this month. While Moto 2.0 will maintain the ride-for-life decor, it will focus more on what front of house has to offer.
“It’s based on the same concept,” Jordan says. “We’re not going to have a bike shop out the back, but we’re still going to have motorbikes on the wall, with good coffee, good food, good service, the same essentials. The bike shop out the back drew initial interest (in Palm Beach), but we realised the food and the coffee was what was sustaining us. It wasn’t the bike shop that people were coming for, it was the coffee and the laughs and the atmosphere.”
With two top chefs from distinguished diners in charge of the kitchens, did they really think the food would stay second place?
“Rod used to own Siguenos, a Mexican food truck, and James was at Justin Lane and Harry’s Steakhouse,” Jordan says of the two Espresso Moto chefs. “They were wanting to get out of the nightlife and get some day life back, so we’re really lucky to have them as part of the team. We have a rotational seasonal menu and we employ people that are passionate about their job, people that enjoy serving people.
“The menu will be exactly the same (as Palm Beach), with a different special each week.
“When we do change to the spring menu you’re still going to have your classic bacon and egg roll, faithful eggs benedict, brekkie burrito with avocado salsa.” That’s right folks, the eggs benedict that consistently ranks in our Best of the Gold Coast poll isn’t going anywhere.
Those that did venture out the back of the Palm Beach cafe might recognise a piece in the Coolangatta venue paying homage to the now defunct bike workshop.
“We moved the workbench down to Coolangatta, that’s the throwback there to the Moto,” Jordan says. “The coffee’s being made on the motorcycle workshop bench. It’s stainless steel, it’s polished up pretty nicely. In the dining area there’s a nice little deck and comfortable inside dining booths. We’ve got some alfresco dining, which is right next to a park.
“Moto Palm Beach is a little scary with the high traffic out the front. Coolangatta is much more family friendly, letting the kids run around.”
So whether you’re in leathers, Lycra, with a stroller or enjoying a well-deserved date with yourself, you’ll always feel welcome at the new Espresso Moto.
“We’re there for locals and they’ve been awesome,” Jordan says.
“I’ve seen kids grow up from mums’ bellies, now they’re three and a half running around like they own the joint.
“There’s little fist bumps flying through the door. That’s the best part — seeing the kids of the families grow into the community we’re a part of.”
Espresso Moto Coolangatta, 5 Dutton Street. Open for coffee from 6am and food from 6.30am