Anyone with a nine-to-five has contemplated ditching the rat race at least once – for some it’s a daily fantasy. Kiara Naidoo recognised early on that the conventional day-job slog wasn’t for her. Being raised in a hospitality family had given her an appreciation for the versatile nature of running a food-based business, especially how it could be used as a way to express personality and passion while also adding value to the daily lives of others. After graduating uni, Kiara and her partner in crime George de Bhal decided to circumvent the conventional career treadmill in favour of a more mellow metier. In March this year the duo opened Plentiful Cafe – and smart and contemporary eatery located over the Indooroopilly Bridge in the leafy heart of Graceville. Having grown up in the area, the pair were all too aware of the suburb’s dearth of eateries that boasted a youthful and timeless vibe – the sort of cafe that was welcoming to all comers while still being au courant with the latest culinary trends. After a thorough search for suitable spaces to take over, Kiara and George scored a stellar locale on Park Terrace (the former home of Park 7 Diner) and immediately started drawing up plans for Plentiful’s eventual look.
Although fresh to the hospitality game, Kiara and George had a keen vision for what they wanted in terms of look, feel and operational ethos. The team recruited the services of Autumn Studio and We Are Mercury to help realise the cafe’s brand identity and spatial aesthetic, coming together to create a venue that exudes personality. The ensuing fit-out made good use of existing bifold windows, utilising a breezy openness that connects the footpath dining space and the interior as a foundation on which to build. Past the cluster of tables lining the footpath and over the entry threshold sits a curved concrete coffee counter – a perpetual hub of activity. Branching off from this central nexus is the main interior dining space (boasting cushy leather banquettes and a lengthy street-facing bench) on one side and a cloistered secondary space (to be utilised soon for private-functions) on the other. Kiara and George are huge believers in teamwork making the dream work, therefore Plentiful’s staff are encouraged to offer their own input on the cafe’s offering and interior (for example: artwork from team member Ange Lane hangs on the walls of the interior), helping make the cafe a collaborative endeavour that everyone involved can be proud of.
Heading up the kitchen is chef Jongil ‘Dan’ Choi, who has brought his passion for experimental flavours and top-quality ingredients to Plentiful’s menu. Here, guests can sit down and enjoy familiar classics that have been given some serious salivation-inducing twists, largely inspired by Dan’s own Korean heritage. Diners have the option of starting light (perhaps a ham-and-cheese croissant or Wholly Crumpets with condiments), or opt for something a little more substantial. To date, locals have gone gaga over signature dishes like the Get Some Spork on Your Fork (crispy potato rosti topped with spicy grilled pork, poached eggs and hollandaise), Pretty Great Pancake (fluffy buttermilk pancakes served with seasonal fruit, vanilla ice-cream, butterscotch syrup and pistachio and praline sprinkles), Granoly Moly (Plentiful’s own granola served with lychee panna cotta and coconut yoghurt), and the Plentiful Salad (a combo of quinoa, kale, roasted pumpkin, sesame, broccolini, beetroot hummus, avocado, falafel and turmeric-infused cauliflower). The menu (which is friendly to vegans, vegetarians and gluten-free eaters) also extends into lunch, showcasing Mediterranean-inspired dishes such as saffron prawn and chorizo risotto, pork-belly salad and a creamy grilled chicken and sautéed-mushroom fettuccine. A rotating selection of experimental specials will keep regulars on their toes, while a selection of baked goods is also available for folks seeking something to take away. As Plentiful’s name indicates, the portion sizes here are substantial – so come hungry! Kiara and George have selected Five Senses as the cafe’s coffee supplier of choice, serving the roaster’s Dark Horse blend as the house espresso, alongside a rotating selection of single-origin espresso roasts (take-home bags are available retail). When it comes to alternative methods, filter brews are already available and V60 will also be added into the mix soon. Additionally, those avoiding caffeine can opt for HRVST ST juices, Heirloom hot chocolate and fresh smoothies instead.
Plentiful Cafe is now open! For operating hours and contact details, click over to the Stumble Guide.
