Em and the Lucid team often pop up at Wagga Beach during the warmer months but for now, they are parked at their usual Boorooma Street haunt. Photo: Lucid, the Kombi Cafe.
Who is Emma Moss: A young entrepreneur is basically how I would describe myself. I’ve been in the hospitality scene since I was 14 and started Lucid Kombi, my first business, when I was 18.
Best recent dining experience in Wagga: Magpie’s Nest; they’re always good.
Favourite cuisine: Definitely anything Italian or Mediterranean. That’s where my heart is.
Most embarrassing pantry item: It has to be the good old fashioned Crunchy Nut Cornflakes. That, or vegan fish sauce, which is… questionable.
What ingredient can I not live without: Really good quality olive oil.
Best coffee spot in Wagga: Mr. Lawrence. We love them.
Next big thing in the Wagga food scene: Healthier options – for lunches, dinners, snacks and so forth. It’s already happening. We specialise in vegan food and I’ve definitely noticed in the last five years that people are a lot more accommodating of alternatives. It’s obviously a trend that’s here to stay; that interest has been growing for a long time.
A must-try on our menu: I drink a double shot long black. And if it’s good coffee, that’s all you need really. That’s it.
My biggest culinary influence: Gaz Oakley – he’s a vegan chef from the UK.
Favourite cookbook: In Praise Of Veg by Alice Zaslavsky. She colour codes the whole book by vegetable; it’s amazing.
Who I admire in the Wagga food and wine scene: Scott Pearce, who used to own Birdhouse. I think he’s planning on opening something new soon, so stay tuned for that – anything he does will be legendary.
What are this week’s specials at Lucid?: If you ever get the chance to try them, our homemade cinnamon doughnuts.
Death row meal: My partner and I talk about this all the time. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio – its olive oil, garlic, lemon and Parmesan, although I would add chilli flakes.
My least favourite food: I guess I would have to say meat because I don’t eat meat.
A welcoming sight for Gobbagombalin, Estella and Boorooma commuters. Photo: Lucid, the Kombi Cafe.
My COVID-19 response: It was really good, actually – nothing really changed for us except for obviously complying with COVID regulations at the van. We’re actually probably busier than we’ve ever been because everyone was staying in the suburbs. We also ran a treats delivery service – we did a mixed box every day and people would DM us on Insta to order them. We delivered them every day, and it was lovely standing on doorsteps and seeing people so happy; it was really fun. I kind of miss lockdown sometimes!
My top three coffee tips: 1. Don’t overheat your milk – 60 degrees is where you want it. And I will give you a sneaky eye roll if you ask for an extra hot coffee. 2. Milk really matters – choose high quality, preferably local, milk like Riverina Fresh. 3. Always make sure your coffee machine is clean.
Lucid Kombi Cafe can be found on Boorooma Street most weekday mornings from 6:45 am to 10 am (weather permitting). To have Em and the team cater for your private event or to find out more about Lucid, click here.
Loading ...
