Cafe Spotlight: Lee and Me

 

 

Hello, my name is Lucinda and I’m a caffeine addict. Alas, I wish I could say I was joking. Unfortunately I am guilty of spending a ridiculous amount of money on take-away coffee every week, so I thought I’d put this excessive consumption to use. Each Wednesday I’ll be featuring a different cafe, coffee shop or restaurant I believe deserves a mention.

To kick this off, I thought I’d start with the lovely cafe/boutique lee and me. Located in the sleepy, coastal town of Wollongong this place is a true gem serving delicious dishes and incredible beverages too. As a personal favourite of mine, I’ve spent many a day chatting with good friends on the cafe’s gorgeous upstairs balcony while sipping some amazing Campos coffee. Fitted out with rustic wooden seating, exposed brick walls and twinkling strings of lights, this place truly feels like a slice of the urban, city cafe scene right here in the suburbs. 

And we haven’t even started on the food! With a seasonal menu offering a range of both breakfast and lunch options, you’re sure to find something to tickle your fancy. Their gourmet salads, burgers and cheeky hotcakes come highly recommended. And with a take-away menu available too, you’ve got no excuses not to check out this incredible joint!

If you’re feeling a little restless after all that wining and dining, make sure to stop by the cafe’s resident boutique (located on the upstairs level). Stocking a range of men’s and women’s clothing from brands such as Minkpink, Cheap Monday, Vanishing Elephant, L’America and much more, you’ll leave well fed and decked out in some amazing threads.

Feature Album of the Week: ‘Built on Glass’ – Chet Faker

 

“A physical kiss is nothing without it
And you close your eyes to see what it’s done
The body that lies is built up on looking
Cause all that remains before it’s begun”

(Chet Faker, ‘Gold’)

I’m constantly on the hunt for new and inspiring album’s to make my daily commute to uni just a tiny bit easier. And I’m sure others of you out there can relate. So each week I’m bringing you a personal recommendation from yours truly. I’ll try to mix it up, bringing you both recent releases as well as some old gems.

Chet Faker‘s latest album has quickly found a place in my heart; I’ve struggled to listen to anything else since its release this month. His smooth vocals and melodic tunes call back to his previous album ‘Thinking in Textures’ (2012), probably one of my most played records of all time. For those who’ve never given Chet a listen, I strongly urge you to give it a go. Particular highlights from the record include Gold, 1998 and Blush.

 

One for the records

 

In this digitalised day-and-age of instant gratification, listening to a new track or album has become an underwhelming experience. With a quick google search and a few clicks on a button you’ve got a plethora of illegally downloaded tunes at your fingertips. It can leave one feeling a tad despondent and deflated to think the months of writing, recording and producing these songs can be so carelessly exploited. 

Luckily, some wonderful individuals have realised this trend and are working their hardest to revise it. Record Store Day is one such event that celebrates the heart-warming pleasures that vinyl has to offer. As my first year participating in the day, it was a glorious way to snag some good tracks and give back to an industry that has brought me so much joy. 

Held at my lovely local record store Music Farmers, the day unfolded with a bunch of local acts taking the stage along with an extensive range of vinyls (both new and used) available for purchase. For anyone who hasn’t made the trip to RSD yet, I strongly urge you to make it a must next year. What have you got to loose! 

Getting groovy with Hunx & His Punx

Live music has a truly magical quality. It creates an atmosphere of glowing, feverish anticipation that just cannot be replicated. Last night was one such evening of sweaty, heart-racing excitement that I’ll struggle to forget. For those who’ve never heard of the band, Hunx & His Punx (supported by Shannon & The Clams // The Gooch Palms // The Nuclear Family // The Pinheads) are definitely worth a listen. With my fab pal Audrey by my side, I couldn’t have asked for a better way to end a glorious weekend.