![Infuso owner Lara Brien.](https://regionriverina.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/07/original-63DE2DE4-03FA-4BB4-BB37-C2E9598F7FC1-e1721959457597-893x1200.png)
The owner of Infuso, Lara Brien, started working in hospitality at the age of 16. Photo: Supplied.
Who are you?
Lara Brien, owner of Infuso Cafe.
Tell me about Infuso?
Infuso Cafe is located in the Turvey Tops shopping centre. We have been a locally owned cafe for 10 years and specialise in coffee, breakfast, and sweet treats.
How did you get involved in the hospitality industry?
I first started in the industry when I was 16 years old, with a traineeship in Wagga at Cafe Lulaba.
If you weren’t in hospitality, what would you be doing instead?
If I wasn’t in hospitality, I would love to work outside doing gardening or landscaping.
What was your best recent dining experience?
I recently dined at The Charles restaurant and had the five-course dinner. It was delicious!
What is your favourite cuisine?
My favourite cuisine is probably Italian food.
![Freshly baked cheesecake](https://regionriverina.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/07/430899905_884180637052100_1311513195052340590_n-960x1200.jpg)
Freshly baked cheesecake. Photo: Infuso.
How many Weet-Bix do you do?
I do two Weet-Bix every day!
What is the best coffee spot in Wagga?
The best coffee spot in Wagga is Infuso.
What is your favourite coffee to drink?
My favourite coffee to drink is a soy hazelnut latte.
![Bacon and egg rolls with hash brown and delicious coffee.](https://regionriverina.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/07/163955774_3697504203687551_8475130756012066865_n-1200x900.jpg)
Bacon and egg rolls with hash brown and delicious coffee. Photo: Infuso.
What’s the weirdest coffee order you’ve received?
Weirdest coffee – caramel, hazelnut latte with six sugars.
Next big thing in the Wagga food scene:
Hopefully, more wholesome foods and home-cooked baked goods will always be a hit.
Favourite place to lunch in Wagga:
Okami sushi is my favourite.
![range of morning tea and lunch options](https://regionriverina.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/07/90014917_2751556481615666_5639042732501499904_n.jpg)
Infuso has a range of morning tea and lunch options. Photo: Infuso.
A must-try on your menu:
The bacon and egg roll is definitely a favourite.
Who is your dream dinner party guest, and what would you make them?
My dream dinner party guest is Stevie Nicks. I would make her tea and scones, and we would sit and talk for hours. I have so many questions.
Who is your biggest culinary influence?
My biggest influence is probably my mother. She has taught me a lot in the kitchen.
![Breakfast and Infuso](https://regionriverina.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/07/244412403_4255221044582528_9181639912292797635_n-898x1200.jpg)
Head to Infuso and try its breakfast. Photo: Infuso.
Who I admire in the Wagga food and wine scene:
I admire anyone who is game enough to start up their own small business. They are all legends in my eyes. It’s not easy.
What TV show are you watching right now?
Broad City – it’s my guilty pleasure.
What is your death row meal?
Death row meal – lamb roast … with all the trimmings.
What is your dream destination?
I would love to go to Hawaii or New Zealand one day.
What is your biggest fear?
My biggest fear is tripping over on the main street.
What are your top three cooking tips?
- Sometimes, it’s not what it looks like but how it tastes.
- If it didn’t turn out the way you wanted it to, try again.
- Try using local ingredients, the farmers will love you for it.
Infuso is located at 44-66 Fernleigh Road, Mount Austin and is open Monday to Friday 7 am to 4 pm, Saturday 7 am to 2 pm and Sunday 8 am to 2 pm.