Flavour Report with Derek Goforth: Reviewing the lunch menu at Geraldton’s Cafe Fleur

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Geraldton boasts an impressive cafe scene with some of the finest coffee and cuisine in the entire State.

To underscore this belief, when selecting the destination for our Flavour Report this week, we were confronted with a plethora of options, each with its unique strengths.

This week’s review leads us back to Cafe Fleur, where we decided to explore their lunch menu.

Our choices for this occasion comprised lamb kofta with couscous salad, herb-crusted snapper with wedges and salad, and a trio of lettuce cups. Accompanied by a few beverages, the final bill tallied just more than $80 — a reasonable sum for a lunch outing in Geraldton.

Despite the bustling crowd, service remained commendable. Seating options were limited and we found ourselves basking in the sun.

Parking, as usual, was convenient, with several spots available along Marine Terrace. Surprisingly, our food arrived within 15 minutes and the coffees were delivered shortly before — a remarkable feat considering the busy atmospheres at both Fleur and Jaffle Shack.

Our culinary journey commenced with the lettuce cup trio, consisting of three lettuce leaves filled with teriyaki steak, pulled pork and chicken with slaw in the last one.

While the dish was an interesting concept, it failed to fully satisfy. The fillings appeared somewhat dry and although the teriyaki steak boasted good seasoning, the other two lacked that desired flavour punch. It was disappointing, as the menu had presented it as an intriguing and flavourful dish.

Fortunately, the other dishes fared better. The lamb kofta and couscous was bursting with flavor. The couscous, a meal on its own, featured almonds, sun-dried tomatoes, mint, coriander and chili running throughout. The kofta’s texture might not appeal to everyone, but its taste undoubtedly pleased the palate.

The snapper, crumbed to perfection, exuded freshness and moistness. The well-dressed garden salad provided a balanced accompaniment. While a few more wedges would have been appreciated, the generous portion of fish compensated for it.

Would I recommend Fleur for lunch? Honestly, it’s a toss-up for me based on this visit. I’m impressed by the diverse offerings, but on this particular occasion several minor issues deterred me from planning another visit in the near future.