SATISFY FOOD CRAVINGS
Cravings… we all get them – sometimes it’s for something sweet and indulgent, sometimes for a savoury dish that makes your mouth water just thinking about it, sometimes it’s just for a great cup of coffee.
When the cravings hit it’s time to head for somewhere you know will satisfy those desires, and if it’s without guilt afterwards, so much the better.
Better still if you can enjoy your outing in a unique venue, with a team of staff that is welcoming, knowledgeable and professional.
Absolute Cravings ticks all these boxes, and then some
The building itself is a piece of Townsville history. Tumbetin Lodge was built in 1934 in Railway Estate for the Roman Catholic Church and until 1975 was used as a school. In 1993 it was relocated to its current site and had been operated as tea rooms. It is constructed predominately of Australian silky oak and it is full of character and charm.
And its location next to the beautiful Palmetum Gardens makes it even more attractive. Where else can you stroll through beautiful gardens, enjoy the bird life, maybe walk the dog, and then sit down and enjoy really good coffee and food.
The business is a labour of love for owner Giina Lashmar and her husband Andrew, who took on the lease in 2021 and undertook renovations including installing a commercial kitchen.
Giina has close to a decade’s experience in hospitality in Townsville, and as a qualified health nutrition coach, brings a unique approach to the fare served at Absolute Cravings.
The food is appealing, delicious – and healthy – and one of its key features is the use of local ingredients wherever possible.
This includes free range eggs from Suncroft Eggs at Mt Elliott, and produce from Lamberts and the Meat Barn in Currajong.
Almost everything is made from scratch – they smoke their own chicken, make the salad dressings and grow the herbs, and you can’t get fresher than that.
The menus include dishes from eggs
Benedict to Middle Eastern specialty Shakshouka, from sweet potato fritters, which are a popular favourite, to poke bowls, salads to waffles, vegan burgers to steak sandwiches – surely something to please all, including those with particular food requirements such as coeliacs.
The café serves coffee from Somerset Artisan Coffee in Toowoomba, roasted in Queensland with beans sourced from around the world, and Giina says it is consistent in quality and supply, which is vital.
Also worth noting – the venue has disabled access, there is ample parking right outside, it is pet friendly and functions can be catered for by arrangement.
The food is appealing, delicious – and healthy – and one of its key features is the use of local ingredients wherever possible.
Absolute Cravings is at 555 University Road, Annandale. For more details, menus and for bookings visit: absolutecravings.com.au