Coming home to Full of Beans

By Lindsey Turnbull

Nestled out of the way at the back of Pasadora Place off of Smith Road, Full of Beans café has been a go-to for my family ever since it opened up conveniently near to schools so I could pop by for a coffee after dropping the kids off in the morning. It has also served as a handy and regular lunch venue, a lively and popular spot if you want a light and healthy lunch with friends. It’s also been an excellent place to view gorgeous art, with regular evening get-togethers held to launch the café’s latest collaboration with local artists. All in all, it has been a regular feature in our lives over the years.

Having not eaten there for a while, it was great to revisit for a relaxed lunchtime meal. Picking my favourite spot at the back by the window, I surveyed the dining area and was pleased to note that the artwork was still lively and fresh and bursting with colour and talent, and the wait staff still offered the same efficiency and smiles. The buzz, I was happy to note, was still happy and friendly.

Perusing the menu, I was also pleased to see that the old favourites were still there: pesto chicken panini made with mozzarella, tomato, and basil, as well as the flavoursome and messy to eat barbecue pulled pork panini that’s stuffed full of slow roasted pork in their house-made barbecue sauce served with coleslaw. I could have gone super healthy with my dining choice, as their salads are also amazing. There’s a to-die-for roasted salmon Greek, made with mixed greens, olives, cucumber, tomato, onions, bell peppers and Feta, served with a balsamic vinaigrette, or an amazing jerk shrimp which they serve over arugula with an avocado and a lemon mustard dressing that’s also worth trying. If you are thinking of going uber healthy, there’s also their healthy heart salad, chockful of roasted garlic chicken, avocado, cherry tomatoes and brown rice, with chilli pepper for a little kick and a balsamic reduction. Daily quiche and soup options are also worthy of note, as are their freshly squeezed juice options (I opted for their lemonade – zingy and sweet at the same time.)

In the end I decided to go the healthy but filling route with a tuna and avocado melt, while my dining companion chose a hearty arugula wrap that was really well stuffed with roast chicken, arugula, parmesan, tomato and a pesto mayo. Both came with a pleasing little salad on the side, so we felt extra virtuous at our choices.

While I will not leave it so long before making Full of Beans my regular lunchtime haunt again, I also won’t forget its great breakfast menu as well. Everything from Huevos Rancheros (stewed beans, peppers, avocado, salsa and grilled tortilla topped with two eggs of your choice) and pancakes (blueberry or plain with syrup and fresh fruit), a smoked salmon platter and a breakfast burrito (scrambled eggs, cheddar, rosti, black beans and salsa) and everything (including ackee and saltfish!) in between.