Week 14: Highgate Hill to Corner Store Café (15km 1:33)

The resounding imprint left on me after completing this morning’s run was the repeated hill climbs over the last 4 km. It was a satisfying run to complete and I remind myself of the need to increase our training for elevation. This morning certainly contributed.
Our party was four today with the addition of the Husband, who led us, like a hare out in the front, occasionally looping back to check on our status. He doesn’t fully appreciate that, along with the running, there is also a lot of information to be exchanged about the week that was. He suggests the conversation may be hindering the pace.
We departed from Highgate Hill and retraced familiar territory following the Brisbane Corso, past Tennyson, Graceville and Chelmer to the Indooroopilly Bridge. The conditions were perfect for any outdoor pursuit today. It’s difficult to separate how much the feeling of improved strength and vigour stems from cooler conditions or conditioning?
The aftermath of the recent very heavy storms was evident in all the debris floating in the now tranquil river. We happened upon legendary Highgate Hill running couple Emma and Jon; circumnavigating the river in the opposite direction. Emma is Queenstown-bound with us and, as a multiple marathon finisher, is revered for her previous performances and informed advice. Following a brief break for more conversation with these running celebrities, we continued on. It was heartening that the Indooroopilly Bridge seemed closer this time. We forged across and made our way onto Lambert Road, then turning left at Indooroopilly State School. On the heels of the Husband, we entered Magor Street, a steady low grade climb. The next street was Kobada Street, a short but extreme grade and not for the faint hearted. The name is so similar to Kokoda; I suspect someone was drawing a parallel when it was named. We wove from Swann St onto Indooroopilly Road and Belleview Street; all streets with undulating conditions, resulting in a reduction of pace and prayerful spirits, wondering how close we were to our destination. It was a slow burn on Burns Road and we merged a few more short (hilly) roads northwards towards Sylvan Road and the Corner Store Café.

Smashed avocado 2 Ways

Quinoa and vegi bowl

I have to thank Katie from my work for her recommendation of this cafe. Despite an out-of-the-way location, the café has a cute street frontage, interesting menu and, once inside, has a pretty tiered courtyard seating area. This and the sights of delicious looking dishes arriving at other diners’ tables had our group eagerly anticipating the meals to come. With no obligation for her to continue her exploration of all avocado breakfasts, Caitlyn appraised her smashed avocado/ 2 ways, as a worthy contender for one of her preferred avocado breakfasts to date. The ‘2 ways ‘included one half as a sourdough, haloumi, tomato, vincotto, mint one way and the other half incorporating Persian fetta, dukkah and chilli oil. Bronwyn selected a very nutritious option of a Quinoa and veggie bowl: a super food bowl consisting of broccoli, sweet potato, kale, pepitas, corn, sunflower seeds, poached eggs, lemon and tahini dressing. It was an ample portion with plenty of colour and taste. The husband’s acai seed and nut granola with fruit, looked a little syrupy. It was noted to be a little ‘icy’ at commencement but was happily consumed with him insisting that it was good. My cauliflower gratin with poached eggs, pane, salsa verde and smoked salmon was beautifully presented and delicious. The salsa verde was a highlight. Apart from a couple of challenging pronunciations, the meals were generous original and enjoyable. I was a little underwhelmed being served a tea bag, instead of leaf tea, but that would be looking for small holes in an otherwise quality breakfast meal. Given the crowd lined up at the door waiting for a seat, as we left, it looks like the Corner Store Café has been, understandably, well and truly discovered

Cauliflower gratin

Acai bowl