The Three Cs

THE THREE Cs –CAKE, COFFEE AND CHOCOLATE

Short of time? Make sure you visit these iconic Swan Valley spots during your next visit. By SUE YEAP

TAKE A STRAW poll of top places to visit in the Swan Valley and you can almost guarantee that Maison Saint Honore, Yahava KoffeeWorks and Margaret River Chocolate Company will feature in that list.

Trying to secure a parking spot on a weekend also confirms the popularity of these Valley venues - conveniently located close enough to each other in Caversham and West Swan for you to be able to visit all three in one morning or afternoon.

Drop in for breakfast, lunch, morning or afternoon tea, and before you leave, stock up on treats or gifts for friends and family. Or yourself!

Margaret River Chocolate Company

“The Margaret River Chocolate Company is a must-do attraction for visitors to Western Australia and locals alike,” says Gemma Shorters, front-of-house manager for the Swan Valley and city stores.

“The Chocolate Cafe at the Swan Valley is one of the most popular destinations in the Swan Valley and can seat up to 120 people, with tables both indoors and outdoors on the sun deck, overlooking the gardens and vines.

“Sister company Margaret River Providore is located on the same property, with a huge range of preserves, chutneys, olive oils, award-winning wines and a notto-be-missed chocolate liqueur.”

In recent years, MRCC has become known for its chocolate quokkas but its Rocky Road remains its most popular product.

Easter is always a busy time with competitions and visits from the Easter Bunny but Gemma says any time of year is great to visit.

“We have homemade ice-cream available for the hot summer days or amazing hot chocolates in the cold and wet winter months. We are open 9am to 5pm every day, except Christmas Day.”

Don’t miss its new Strawberry Bar which won the coveted award for Champion Milk Chocolate in 2021, and its Cranberry and Pistachio won Champion Ruby Chocolate. Visit chocolatefactory.com.au

Maison Saint Honore

The outdoor dining area overlooking the playground sees families flock to Maison Saint Honore for playdates every day of the week but patisserie connoisseurs continue to seek out Maison for its original product line – macarons.

“We use local ingredients like lavender from Lavender Bistro and Boutique (in West Swan) that we infused with white chocolate to create lavender macarons,” says Maison’s sales and marketing manager, Laure Vallereau.

Maison’s most popular products are the salted caramel macaron and the signature Saint Honore Cake, a choux pastry filled with vanilla custard, whipped cream and salted caramel coulis at the bottom, freshly made every morning.

“We make about 8,000 macarons per week,” says Laure. “Macarons – made with almonds – are an excellent source of protein. See - macarons are healthy!”

In the next 12 months, Laure says Maison aims to provide a bigger range of bread and to reintroduce its popular macaron cooking class.

Visit this little piece of Paris in the Swan Valley for breakfast or lunch, morning or afternoon tea and don’t forget to bring your macaron box. Visit maisonsainthonore.com

Yahava KoffeeWorks

There’s something undeniably undefinable about the buzz customers get at Yahava KoffeeWorks. And it’s due to more than just the caffeine.

“There is this certain vibe to the Swan Valley KoffeeWorks, it is very hard to explain, but many of our guests mention the same feeling,” says Tammy Ctercteko, head of retail, production and culture.

It’s no surprise that freshly roasted coffee beans top the list of favourites at Yahava but the delicious Iced Koffee comes in a close second, either ready to drink from the Kafe, or in the take home bottle of Iced Koffee Elixir.

DROOL-WORTHY

Select from the decadent treats on offer at Yahava, Margaret River Chocolate Company and Maison Saint Honore.

Food and education are also a big part of what Yahava has been developing and will continue to in the year ahead.

“A focus will be on implementing a short order menu available in addition to our current food offerings,” Tammy says.

“We will be launching an educational, extensive school holiday Barista Academy, focused on kids getting into the workforce.”

Yahava will also continue its monthly Tales of Origin world coffee experiences. Keep an eye on their socials to find out where in the world they are going next and how to book.

“With our Tales of Origin, we wanted to combine our beautiful Specialty Estate coffee with some background and culture on the origin in which it came from and share it with people who are as equally passionate to learn more,” says Tammy.

“Sharing stories, food and beverages is a wonderful experience for all involved and really helps to celebrate these amazing microlot of coffees we are able to obtain each month.”

Hot coffee tip – weekdays are more relaxed, weekends have a high buzz atmosphere with lots of energy.

“But really, anytime is Yahava time, come and visit us soon,” Tammy says. Visit yahava.com.au