An old, derelict building just standing there off a side road for ages, the business owner Giuliano Perez found it by chance. He just knew that it was the right place for a cafe, and after a big rejuvination it quickly became a new neighbourhood favourite. The reasons are apparent: this is not your inner-city, yuppie place (though it cherry picks some aspects here and there) but more so a homely friendly watering hole. It is apparent why.
My dining buddy had been here several times beforehand, and each time had recommended that I try it out. Knowing a few things about me, and that he was always willing to try it again, one morning it was off to here for a coffee. This is another example in the growing abundance of trendy, good quality coffee places on the south side of town - it is about time it got its turn.
Reload finds itself in what used to be a bullet factory. This building is fairly old, so expect a vintage and quaint look to the interior. One wall has been smashed open to provide a rough doorway/throughway from the front part of the restaurant - or kitchen - to the inside dining area. They have done a really good job with the interior design, and choosing all the decorations.
It is literally impossible to turn around and not see a nick-nack, ranging from a piano to a record player to a bust. Maybe not quirky, but something that does describe a similar obtuse characteristic.
Seating is really eclectic. On the balcony, the tables are generally a bit smaller and at times the guardrail is used sort of like a bar bench.
Inside the cafe, the seating is all vintage and could be mistaken for a thirft shop if it were not for all the people seated drinking coffee and having breakfast. These seats range from wooden tables of different sizes, to lounge chairs coupled with coffee tables. Ecclectic is a word that is often thrown around, but in a way it suits this place. Despite the classical closed-in look, it felt anything but. All the doors were open, so diners were treated to a cool throughflow breeze wherever they were.
The service is lovely and quick. It is down by the counter, where the orders are placed and paid for then they give you a number and you choose a seat at your will. Then they come to you with your order and then retrieve the number afterwards.
Again, it may not be much - it is almost bare basic, but when it does work I have no complaints.
Their menu is simple; the majority of it is an all day breakfast, and at that it is more or less the basic staples which you would expect. At lunch, a few more items become available - mainly burgers and sandwiches, plus salads. Like it was just said, they have kept it simple here. Additionally, they are practicing the idea of keeping the food local.
First things first though, ordering the coffees. Reload get their coffee courtesy of Espresso di Manfredi. This is one that hasn't quite clicked with me, though I do know that the name sounds familar and I have seen it around. As far as the coffee made here, it does pretty well though it is not one that is frequently on my radar. Business as usual, I ordered a doppio.
This was a bit hotter than usual; with the other aspects of a good coffee, it was all here. Not something you would trek to for the coffee alone, but definitely have it with your order is the recommendation.
As well as that basic menu that they have, there is also a specials board. Looking at it, one particular option really took my fancy. They were American style pankcakes: four rolled up and filled with smashed avocado (California style, that is America correct?), and topped with a bit of bacon, and a drizzle of maple syrup over them. This sounded too good not to order, and it ended up being delicous.
It was presented well, with the pancakes forming a cross and they did not just have avocado put into them; each one was almost like a cigar (though picking it up would have been very messy). The maple syrup was well infused into the avocado, which in itself was soft, creamy and well mashed into a consistency similar to guacamole. It caused the flavours to be contrasting, where there was definitely sweetness in the syrup, it was offset somewhat by the more tart tastes of avocado.
On top, the bacon was quite crispy - more so than average - to the extent it could be picked up like a chip and eaten; that meant it was a good, fatty bit that tasted really good, and was plenty salty. A good American style pancake dish is hard to beat, and this (to me) alternative turn was pleasant, and tasty.
It is not only a place to come for a simple breakfast. At nights, coming from the Spanish heritage of the owners, they have flamenco dancers, Latin singers, burlesque shows and even nights just to go and practice speaking Spannish. A great business idea, where something can double as another industry without a whole lot of trouble.
This is a part of town where one would not often associate much with eating beyond the more convenient kinds of food. In recent time though, there have been hidden gems popping up all over the spot - not exactly in close proximity, but it is a start. In a way, it helps with the atmosphere of the place - a quiet road off to the side, giving it its own character. Reload is another place that is more than welcome in the area, and hopefully a paradigm for things to come.
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