Shebrews Café.

Interior.

It isn’t a common scene for cafés to be serving more than just food and beverages. Over here at S(he)brews Café, they serve the people as well. No, don’t get me wrong, it runs on a self-service system; the people they serve are essentially the Gateway Boarding Project in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The team behind the café is also currently looking at a local charitable organization to fund, though not concrete yet. If you have an idea you deem apt, be sure to drop them a message; I’m sure they are more than open to a discussion.

Self-service Counter.

This coming 9-month old establishment is located in a Community Centre (Queenstown). Florence, the woman powering the eatery has admitted that the food served here ain’t the ‘best’ or ‘great’. She believes in the journey to searching for that, and in all, not so much as to impress in food-wise, but to bring people together, in hope for you to remember the meal more because of the entire experience and self-realization than the food itself.

Centerpiece.

Oven-roasted Wings (5 pieces) :: $3.50

Oven-roasted Wings (5 pieces) ($3.50) :: To be honest, it is so reasonably priced you can’t really complain much. It was passable, though it can be further spiced up with maybe drizzles of honey or the likes.

A&W Root Beer Float :: $3.30

A&W Root Beer Float ($3.30) :: I was pleasantly surprised to see this available on the menu. The oh-so-nostalgic iced beverage. Now I know exactly where I can get a fix of this when the craving kicks in. They also hold Haaya’s Coffee at around $3.50 per cup.

Oven-baked Macaroni & Cheese :: $8.50

Oven-baked Macaroni & Cheese ($8.50) :: Again, it tasted average at best. There wasn’t anything majorly wrong, but it was too simple a dish, nothing too exciting. It could have been better if the cheese was more flavored to make the course taste as flamboyant as it looks.

Teriyaki Chicken Ciabatta Sandwich :: $4.80

Teriyaki Chicken Ciabatta Sandwich ($4.80) :: I’d say, opt for this instead of the previous main. Also served with greens and tortilla chips (they are addictive!), the sandwich is a much safer option, and cheaper too. The pair went well as the moist chicken counterpoised the dryness of the ciabatta.

Belgian Waffle with Chocolate Chip Ice Cream :: $4.50

Belgian Waffle with Chocolate Chip Ice Cream ($4.50) :: If you haven’t been pampered with what the rest of the market has to offer nowadays, and if you aren’t very picky with your waffle, this is one that is quite reasonable in terms of pricing and taste. It swings midway between very light and airy to tough and dry. I wouldn’t mind paying half of what outside charges for this, especially if I’m on a budget.

—> Note #1: Prices stated are nett. No GST and service charge.

Special gratitude to Florence and the S(he)brews Cafe team for the hospitality and hosting the invited tasting event.

Address: 365 Commonwealth Avenue, Queenstown Community Centre
Telephone: 6474 1681 (Takes reservation)
Opening Hours: 11am – 6pm (Mon – Thurs); 11am – 7pm (Fri – Sun)