You never asked me out officially and we haven’t really spoken about becoming exclusive but I think it’s pretty clear that something special is happening here between us.

You had me at good coffee. You seduced me with your crisp white chairs. You make the simple spectacular. You have always had a smile every time we have met.

I want to commit to you – 4th Seed, you are now my exclusive coffee partner for life.

It is clear that the Queanbeyan gentrification takes another leap forward with the export of one of Canberra’s greatest food experiences in recent years.

The well known and loved 3 Seeds Cooking School has a new venture in 4th Seed, a breezy chic café in the heart of Queanbeyan’s redeveloped Crawford St precinct.

Opened in December, 4th Seed is thriving for 4 good reasons;

1. Good Coffee

I fervently believe that good coffee can start a renaissance. Communities connect and converse around good coffee, in welcoming cafes.

On my first visit to 4th Seed I was surprised at the friendly and happy disposition of people in the coffee line up.

And then I had my first cup. It was smooth, balanced, well roasted …. Perfect.

I had given up anticipating perfection of any kind in the morning, as unironed shirts, last minute spills, tantrums, empty petrol gauges and yesterday’s hair became the morning norm.

But here, for just $4 for a large latte, was a little piece of perfect in a cup.

Clearly the regulars knew what was to come in the morning cup as they smiled, chatted and acknowledged you while waiting for their morning takeaway.

Show me good coffee and I will show you a happy community.

2.Atmosphere

Crisp white chairs, funky light bulbs and a natural wood ascetic make me happy.

Throw in some cool background tunes, arty and lifestyle magazines and I think I could move in and make myself quite at home.

If we met here, we could be forgiven for thinking we were in Kingston or Manuka.

We could have a brunch on that long lovely table in the front window, or idle on the stools with our coffee just at the door or maybe take in the sun over breakfast on the wide footpath.

Better still, why don’t we just hang on counter bench surrounded by the work of the local artist featured that month or head to a secret corner in the courtyard.

It doesn’t really matter where we decided to sit, every seat seems to be the perfect back drop to make the simple spectacular.

3. Simple but spectacular food

The backdrop is important, it sets the stage for the food and ultimately that is the greatest delight at 4th Seed.

Showcased in the glass cabinet, it looks like food art, all rich with colour and plump with goodness.

A simple but changing menu, keeps it attractive and exciting, with something for every taste bud and food tolerance.

This week I took the controversial step of a pear tarte for breakfast. To be honest more mornings should begin with raspberry jus, pear tarte and a scoop of cream.

I took a steamed vegetable salad away with me for lunch and after devouring it, committed to return the following day not just for coffee but for a spectacular serve of something else.

I was not disappointed.

For brunch I had the Moroccan lamb salad and as a result, immediately liked their facebook page just so I can plan my day around what’s on the menu.

Seriously I will drop what I am doing, rearrange meetings the day they bring the salad of honey baked figs, goats curd and prosciutto back on the menu.

And I am holding out for the Thai beef salad with Asian greens and the Lamb cutlets with spinach, semi-dired tomato and pine nuts with spicy blood plum sauce.

And then really, the measure of all cafes these days should be how they perform on the macaroon index – I am happy to declare 4th Seed with its rainbow display of the delicate biscuits has five star macarons on offer.

4. Good Service

There are lots of places with decent coffee, cool atmospheres and fabulous food but I find the meal or the coffee really begins at the counter – long before you put anything to your lips.

A cheery smile, eye contact and efficient service, make all the difference.

Happiness is something money can’t buy but it sure can be given and when you find customer staff with that old fashioned approach, that seem to serve happiness as part of their café experience – it makes you feel like you’re more than just a customer ordering coffee.

Queanbeyan likes things that are simple. It is how we roll. We are a no fuss kind of town and 4th Seed does simple so well, you will think its spectacular.

Come and join the renaissance of Queanbyean. It starts with a good cup of coffee at 4th Seed.