Vance Arellano, Anthony Ianelli and Scott Brewer are the key team members running Recess. Photo: Ash St George.
Who are you?
I’m Scott Brewer, the co-owner of Recess Coffee in Griffith.
Tell me about Recess.
Recess Coffee is a newly opened cafe in Griffith. We have a big focus on specialty coffee, music and good food.
We carefully source and roast our coffee based on the principles of seasonality, quality and tastiness. Our food menu veers toward staple brekkie items, and we’ve put a decent offering on our lunch menu.
We wanted to bring back some classic lunch dishes and restaurant quality in a casual and relaxed setting. We have a strong focus on music. Our venue’s vinyl record player plays through our custom-built Pitt & Giblin speakers that are acoustically treated to the interior, ensuring the best quality sound and experience.
How did you get involved in the hospitality industry?
It’s not a super exciting story – I started working at Cream Cafe & Bar when I was in college. I got the job through a friend.
What is your food philosophy?
I just like simple food, made from quality ingredients, cooked well.
What are your must-use ingredients when cooking?
Lots of salt and lots of butter.
What’s an underrated Canberra venue that you love?
Mocan & Green Grout in New Acton. I think because it’s been around a while, it doesn’t get as much attention, but I love that spot.
Scott spent time learning about coffee roasting with Sam Burns and Max Neve from the Barrio Coffee Collective. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
Who do you admire in the Canberra food scene?
Max Neve, one of the co-owners at Barrio Collective. I spent a lot of time with him when I was working at Barrio. He spent a lot of time teaching me how to roast coffee. Anytime I want advice about coffee roasting, coffee growing regions or anything else in the roastery, he is still my go-to source of information!
Where’s the best place for a coffee in Canberra?
I really like Bedst coffee in the city. James Perry always has an interesting selection of coffees on rotation from around the world. He is the best in the biz, followed closely by my friends at Barrio Collective. I love their casual approach to drinking delicious and quality coffees.
Who is your dream dinner party guest, and what would you make them?
Jerry, George and Kramer from Seinfeld.
I’m not sure what I’d cook for them … maybe we’d just head out for a coffee and a bagel somewhere in New York.
What is your current food obsessions?
Anchovies on toast is always a go-to when eating out. I always get that if it’s on the menu.
Bedst Coffee has a strong focus on Nordic-style coffee. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
What’s the best thing you’ve eaten this week?
The Cheeseburger at Recess, of course!
What’s a food that reminds you of your childhood?
Recently I’ve been taking my daughter to the pool in Molonglo. We get hot chips with tomato sauce afterwards (her favourite) and it always takes me back to my childhood. I spent a lot of time at Tuggeranong pool when I was a kid. The smell of hot chips by the pool gives me great nostalgia.
What’s a normal breakfast for you?
Eggs, berries, avocado, bacon – nothing really exciting … I switch it up a bit but it’s generally something light and healthy.
Where do you shop for food?
Lately, I’ve been buying my meat from Happy Pastures at Fyshwick markets, and I get my fruit and veg from Organic Energy just a few doors down from us at Griffith shops.
When you can’t be bothered to cook for yourself, where do you go and what do you eat?
It doesn’t happen very often, but when it does, Kingsley’s. I get the chicken fillet with coleslaw, chips and gravy. Delicious.
Scott is the co-owner of Recess, which opened recently at Griffith shops. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
Where are you travelling next?
There are no big travel plans at the moment because my partner and I are expecting our second child in February. We’re hoping to do a little trip before then. Byron is our usual spot: we like going somewhere coastal and warm that has a good food and coffee scene.
Tell me something you love about living in Canberra
Canberra just feels like an easy place to live. It’s easy to get around. It’s small but not too small, and there’s a good community.
What TV show are you watching right now?
The Lincoln Lawyer on Netflix
An easy one to finish – what’s your go-to coffee order?
It changes frequently, but at the moment, I’m just loving a good milky flat white.
Recess is located at 6B Barker Street at Griffith Shops. They are open from 6.30 am to 3.30 pm, Monday to Friday, and from 7.30 am to 3 pm on weekends. Follow Recess on Instagram.
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