Combi Coffee

Taking inspiration from their travels through Bali, Hawaii and New York, owners of Elwood cafe Combi, Penny Loughnan and Anthony Baker, have created a destination for unashamedly healthy eating.

Combi first started as a van that could be found at music festivals before a tiny cafe was opened in Elwood. Now it has migrated down the road to a larger space, complete with thatched-roof juice bar and wall mural by local designer Luke Henley.

After studying integrative nutrition, working with a health coach in New York and learning about cold-pressed juicing at the Gerson Institute in San Diego, Loughnan’s knowledge and passion for a particular philosophy on wholesome food makes for an out-of-the-ordinary menu. For breakfast there’s juices, smoothies and breakfast bowls. There is also a parfait of chia seeds soaked in house-made nut milk layered with nuts, berries, banana and house-made coconut cashew yoghurt served in a glass jar.

Lunch options include raw zucchini spaghetti with creamy cashew sauce, raw pizza with raw-kale pesto, avo on toast, Middle Eastern lentil soup and the classic Combi ham, cheese and tomato toasted sandwich.

For something sweet, head to the raw bar for caramel slice, raw berry, acai and coconut cake and Citizen Cacao truffles such as pistachio chocolate with a sticky orange centre.