This week I've been to Oliver's twice, the world's first organic fast food chain. That proclamation itself and overall concept, gives cause to pause and much to ponder. -Fast- equating to -junk- does not apply here! That'd be one of the first twists. But until now, for ready made converts, at home cooking has been the only way to source vital, tasty, minimally processed, dietary sensitive, unpretentious food. For liberating the conscious provider on a budget, the price points are surprisingly good.
In their first fortnight since opening, have done such roaring trade, were out of my first two choices. Going with the burrito pocket as third pick, it hit the right notes. Bursting with complexity of flavour, healthful 'rainbow' colour and varied texture, sooo fresh and delicious. With a chilli hit I like.
One thing I don't have at home is fresh edamame. What a delight to pop open pods to munch on tasty soybeans, the green of which Oliver's walls pulsate. Since a child in the US, I've been eating brownies. My first slice was likely the best eaten out; gluten free and quality walnuts, bonus.
Their menu is a brilliantly chosen cross section of food that is much better for our bodies and minds than most eating out, for many miles around. Consisting of food I've long made/assembled or did: gluten free, dairy free, veg, free range, organic. Curries, soups, sourdough bread, pita bread pockets, salads, dips, finger food, sushi, chia. Even sweet potato hot chips! Relatively healthy cakes, muffins, bliss or energy balls. Organic tea/coffee, fruit juices and smoothies. That you otherwise have to be in 'Alternatesville' or a high end health shop/cafe to indulge in. Another twist is being a treat so far from population dense centres, is rural community service of itself.
There's something for everybody with ham, cheese & tomato or egg & salad sandwiches also. The Mount Warning sparkling water appears the projections of marketing, though again, has to be better than usual treated water. Intrigued however, by two beverage products I've never seen, turmeric ginger beer and alkaline water. No time to peruse the label, but at face value, this is the sort of touch that makes this company an overall winner -- of substance that sets them apart.
The value is in knowing what these drinks alleviate. Motion sickness? Has to be better than a pill. Concerned about cancer or a host of other ails? Then (if it isn't sugar laden) you definitely ought grab this or the pH adjusted water, if on a long haul and unable to prepare your own.
Which brings us to a particularly admirable aspect of Oliver's offerings. Educational books and DVDs about the how, what and whys of where food really comes from. The far reaching impact of the food industry. How what we ingest effects dis-ease and profoundly affects not only our wellbeing, but entire food chain and planetary equilibrium. This may be considered brave; it's an unapologetic master stroke that underpins the company ethos.
Staff are youthful, friendly, easy going and up beat. The manager, Scott, is a lovely, kind man. Oliver's is for the future, he shares. They're delivering on an epic mission. The original large French doors and paned windows of the early circa timber premises are highlighted features. Shop fitout is attractive and offers various seating areas that shift gears in ambient lighting and mood. From the bright clean modern lines of the middle section, to the cosy inner sanctum with tub chair settings for two or stunning centerpiece dining table. The other side spills onto covered outdoor section with picnic tables amid a landscaping style that's a hybrid of drought resistant and Zen garden.
Well behaved pooches are welcome and there's the best quality organic treats for them too... Oliver's have thought of everything! Caters for the very demographic niches their business model targets: country highway commuters and travellers, while serving those in the area.
If I'm correct, this welcoming establishment on Cunningham Hwy at Aratula, is first link in that chain north of the border into Queensland. Halfway between Ipswich and Warwick, 40 mins in either direction, just east of the dividing range. Aratula is more hamlet than town, bookended by two service stations. With a green grocer, butcher, baker and antique store in between. Until recently there were two cafes; what has emerged in their wake is a boon for this part of the Scenic Rim and SEQ. read more
