A Vegetarian's nightmare?

My Peninsula eyes and ears, also know as Lisa van der Zalm (from Car Bizz, Margate), told me to check out Rene's Fine European Smallgoods in Clontarf. Being vegetarian, the idea of wood smoked ham, gourmet sausages and hot salami is not appealing, but Lisa insisted. So like a good little girl, I grabbed my meatitarian 6yo and trotted off across the Peninsula to Clontarf and came across Lisa's husband exiting as I entered. "Hello kind Sir" "Good day 'mam".

I will admit that I wasn't too excited, but this was so much better than I anticipated. I did purchase some meaty products for my husband but I also got some yummy cheeses and they have an awesome selection of jams, german products, etc. Rene uses premium products and is gluten free, their motto is 'Lean, Gourmet, Everyday'

Rene offered my littlie a piece of sausage as we were leaving. She has been raving about it ever since, she thinks it was so good, even I would like it (She is probably right too, but I won't tell her). After three hours of listening to her no-stop drooling about the sausage, I have agreed to take her back tomorrow. What have I raised?

Rene's Fine European Smallgoods

41 Tubbs Street, Clontarf

07 3283 7711

www.renessmallgoods.com.au

Neli Coffee - For the True Coffee Lover

I had been hearing whispers about Neli Coffee for a little while and the whisper had recently turned in a roar. A close friend, Lisa Vanderzalm from Car Bizz must be one of their biggest fans and insisted I head down there immediately. As a serious coffee lover, I will be eternally gratefully to Lisa. Janelle and Edward roast their own beans on site a few times a week. I was lucky enough to be there to watch the process. It was mesmerising! These guys are so friendly and informative and make the meanest cup of coffee I have had in a while.

Not only do they roast beans and make awesome coffee, they sell Espresso appliances and paraphernalia and give training and advice. Neli also supplies coffee beans to various local businesses too.

They have a great selection of beans to pick from, so I think you'll be seeing me jittery on caffeine for a while. I think I'll be hitting this Peninsula gem a few times a week at least.

I am so proud that we have such a wonderful business on the peninsula.

Neli Coffee

Unit 4/293 MacDonnell Road, Clontarf

3284 9909

Open Tues - Sat from 8am.