The Epicurean Delicatessen
79 Mitchell St
Bendigo
Ph (03) 5443 2699
Earlier in the morning I’d peered through the windows of this establishment and noticed a distinguished looking man of mature years at work on the coffee machine. After a succession of lukewarm efforts at other places, would my luck turn when I came back in the afternoon?
Why is it that invariably in country Victoria, the province of coffee-making is anybody’s job—kids, girls—with all the attendant horrors of general disinterest, lack of style, overfull cups, and dirty machines? But when I front in, it’s a girl at the machine. My l.b. is hot enough, but no crema and a flat texture.
At least my small humingbird cake is fine. Small selection of tarts, pastries, cakes and biscuits. Large selection of Italian meats and cheeses. Vivaldi and guitar music on the CD.
Strong plastic French-style chairs. A few tables and chairs outside on the pavement. There’s a courtyard at the rear, with four or five small olive trees in large pots. Coffee machines for sale. A warm wall of Tuscan red, large gilt-frame mirror. Photos of Paris & Venice in black and white.
No prices displayed—a worry. This is one of those places where you cop the glance on entering. There’s an air of aloofness and complacency here that disquiets me.
How obnoxiously superior some people are who think that if it is not a city the product, service and knowledge will be inferior!
Kathy and Tony, the owner’s of the business and yes, Tony is that distinguished gentleman at the coffee machine, have been caring for and serving my family for 29 years.
Like most people from country Australia we have travelled and experienced coffee, cafes and food from across the globe. However, we are always delighted to come back to Bendigo to the warm greetings and delicious Italian food and coffee at The Epicurian. By the way, you can learn authenic Italian cooking there too
My mother taught me , ” give to the world the best you can and the best will come back to you.” That applies to paying customers as well as those providing it. So, next time, if your coffee isn’t to your liking or you object to a young woman making it, ask to have it remedied, politely!
Bit harsh on old F N Soren there I think. She is a country person herself after all! We should be careful to not to allow our personal acquaintances and familiarity with a place block our ability to tolerate and appreciate the criticism of others … not always so easy in practice though I suppose