Flavour Report with Derek Goforth: The verdict on the open brekkie burger and coffee at Geraldton’s Quiet Life

After a hectic week, one often craves some peace and quiet, a serene place to relax and enjoy quality food and drink.

So, what better destination to choose than Quiet Life?

This marks my third visit to the charming cafe with its unassuming facade and distinctive seating and decor.

We visited during peak hours, and while parking was fine, albeit a five-minute walk away, we did experience a bit of a wait to secure an indoor table.

Nevertheless, on this cool and sunny day, sitting on Marine Terrace and being enveloped in delectable smells from the kitchen was pleasant in its own right.

For this particular outing, we decided on the open breakfast burger and two cappuccinos. At just under $34, it did seem a bit on the pricey side, but the generous size of the burger compensated for it.

Our coffee was served promptly and the food arrived about 10 minutes later. Considering the bustling atmosphere, we were impressed.

Starting with a minor letdown that might ruffle some feathers — we simply didn’t enjoy the coffee. This time around, it was excessively bitter and tasted burnt. While we’ve had satisfactory experiences with coffee here before, this was the first unfavorable one. Neither of us managed more than a few sips; it was simply unpalatable.

Knowing that the coffee here is a favourite for many, it was a disappointing moment. Could it have been a bad bath, or a glitch in the making? Nevertheless, it was an experience we wouldn’t choose to repeat anytime soon.

On the flipside, the open breakfast burger was just delightful. The avocado, bacon and especially the eggs were fantastic. Although we initially thought the bread would be too thick, it turned out to be just right for soaking up the runny yolks and hollandaise sauce. The portion was ample for the two of us as a light brunch, and we felt that every element on the plate harmonised well.

Would we consider returning? I suppose the answer is yes, but not solely based on this particular visit. We understand that every place can have an off day, and unfortunately, this was one of them for us.

The quality of the food compensated for the coffee disappointment, and the service and ambiance were, as usual, delightful. So, if you haven’t tried Quiet Life, I would still recommend it — just keep your fingers crossed for their usual excellent brews.