When reader Crystal emailed me about Common Ground cafe in Katoomba, I immediately looked it up. There were very positive reviews of it on eatability but they also revelaed that it was a cafe with a little twist to it. It was run by people of the Twelve Tribes religious movement, which immediately intrigued me. So when Myriam, Ed, Mel and I are headed through the area on our way back from Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa one afternoon and needed a refreshment I suggested that we go here.
The first thing I think of when I walk in is that it’s like a Lords of the Rings type of movie set. In the open kitchen wooden pegs hold up customer dockets, there are wooden booths, paintings and a warmly lit atmosphere reminiscent of a log cabin. There are stools made out of the wheels of old tram cars. It’s incredibly welcoming and for a moment I forget that there’s a religion behind this as I had braced myself for a hard sell or people to tell me that photographs aren’t permitted. Not so, the people here, who are all similarly dressed dont mind at all. The ambiance is hard to describe but it’s warm and welcoming and I can imagine when the Winter chill takes a hold of Katoomba, people flock in droves here.
As we’ve arrived in the afternoon it’s mainly just cakes and drinks available so I order a Blueberry Smoothie with Yerba Mate and a Vegan ball. Ed orders a cream cheese carrot cake. Everyone else orders teas and coffees. prices are very reasonable with cakes being $4, small cakes $1.50-$2 and tea and coffee the same price as takeaway tea or coffee in the city. Our waitress does ask why I take photos of the food but it’s not with a paranoid tone, it’s more out of curiosity. When I tell her I’m a food blogger she smiles and understands.
Blueberry Smoothie $5
Everything arrives quickly. Now I don’t usually drink a lot of a smoothie, it’s usually so filling that I can’t finish one with the milky and creamy richness. Every drop of this smoothie however was slurped down with satisfaction (and I even hoovered up the bubbles with aplomb). It was refeshing but never cloying and the Yerba Mate (a Brazilian Herbal tea which is supposed to be energizing) gave it an interesting after taste.
Vegan Ball $1.50
The Vegan Ball which admittedly I didn’t hold much promise for is surprising good. It’s made with ground almonds, maple syrup, rice malt and coconut and it’s sweet and delicious and quite similar to those delectably sweet Indian sweets like Ladoos. In fact writing about them now has induced a bit of a craving.
Carrot Cake $4
I try some of Ed’s carrot cake and it’s a bit dry. There’s a generous slathering of cream cheese frosting though. I’m so enamoured of the place that when Mr NQN and I drive through the area later the first thing I say is “Let’s go to the Common Ground Cafe!”. I told him that the decor would make him feel at home as it is very much in the style of how he was brought up (although his was more a hippy upbringing, not a religious upbringing).
There’s a sign outside that says that heirloom tomato plants are for sale and I contemplate buying some. But I have other priorities and that is eating. We take a table and have a look at the menu. Prices are very reasonable for meals with items such as a regular sized Nachos at $6, small salad at $7.50 and desserts at $4.50. I choose a Mango Mate Smoothie for Mr NQN as he loves mango and needs a bit of waking up on the drive home. I also choose a tofu satay “steamed sandwich” and a barramundi burger. There was also a drink that sounded like it would pack quite a punch-the Amazon Energy with is guarana, mate, spirulina, ginseng, vitamin B and C, echinacea, fruit juices and honey and comes with a warning “Warning: Very energising!”. I’ll save that for another time methinks!
I do spot a noticeboard on the way to the bathroom with an assortment of religious flyers. I researched The Twelve Tribes religion a bit more and it is one in which people renounce their possesions and live communally and function as a large extended family. Men have beards and ponytails while women don’t wear makeup or jewelry, have their hair long and wear long dresses. Although they have fundamentalist Christian beliefs in terms of topics like homosexuality, divorce and adultery they do believe that respect and hospitality should be extended to to everyone regardless of past sins. Still, it is a controversial religion and one that has had the Blue Mountains community somewhat divided.
Mango Mate Shake $6
Mr NQN tries his mango mate shake. It’s not bad but the taste of mate in this is more fishy than in the blueberry which I enjoyed a lot more.
Barramundi Burger $11.50
Our meals arrive quickly and I take a bite of my flame grilled barramundi burger. It’s delectably juicy and oh so good. It’s a juicy thick slice of barramundi and perfectly seasoned and comes with a side salad. Mr NQN sees my face and he says “If you don’t want to swap that’s fine” and I readily agree.
Tofu Steamed Sandwich $8.50
I try some of his tofu steamed sandwich. I was curious about the steamed sandwich but it appears more like a regular burger. The tofu slice is thick and accompanied by salad and a satay sauce although and unusually potato chips (the deli kind).
It seems like I’m not the only one fascinated by this place, during the meal a group of people walk in and take a look at the menu. One whips out a camera and takes a photo and they then leave.
So tell me Dear Reader, what is your favourite place for its atmosphere and why?
Common Ground Cafe
45 Waratah Street, Katoomba NSW 2780
Tel: +61 (02) 4782 9744
Open: Sunday to Thursday 8:30-10pm
Friday: 8.30 to 4pm
Closed Saturdays
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38 Comments | Add your own
What a charming place, and you’re right Lorraine, it definitely reminds me of a Lord of the Rings set! Everything looks delish…and oooh, carrot cake! I don’t even think I’d mind if the cake was a little dry with all that gorgeous frosting!
Bugger…I was in the Blue Moutnains just four weekends agao and missed this place (ate in Leura instead).
As my wife loves a more vegetarian type diet (though still eats meat), this would have been perfect!
Interesting decor too!
Interesting! I’ve never heard of this religion, but it sounds more like a cult. A cult that makes yummy-looking food that is! It’s certainly a quaint-looking cottage cafe; love the charm. Is the chef Frodo?
This place looks like the Gummi Bears house. I sound so old. Im extremely curious about the Vegan Ball. I have a feeling I would like it.
What a beautiful and especial place, worth visiting. Blueberry smoothie with yerba mate…well yerba is the national drink here but I’ve never seen on a smoothie..very interesting!
Happy New Year 2010 for you Lorraine
Cheers,
Gera
This place is so quaint! And you’re absolutely right, it does look like something taken out of Lord of the Rings. I love that fireplace!
This looks like a fun place to visit. For atmosphere, I like places that are a little on the quirky side, like Dantes in Fitzroy, Melbourne or Journal in Flinders Lane, or a little cool and moody, like almost anywhere in Degraves St in Melbourne. The vegan ball looks and sounds soooo good.
My dad has a cottage in the Blue Mountains and is a regular visitor to the Common Ground Cafe. I was down with my family in November this year and we visited there for dinner. It was a freezing cold night in Katoomba and it just added to the atmosphere in the cafe. My four year old loved it. We sat up the top of the little stairs! Next time you go back I highly recommend the pumpkin soup and the rueben sandwich (hubby and I shared these two and it was plenty the servings are huge!)
Looks like a fun place =D.
Even though they make down-to-earth good, wholesome food,when I read Twelve Tribes, alarm bells rang. I’ve done a lot of reading and research on Cults, theirs is one with a very sedate front. We have one in my area , enough said.
I love the Megalong Tea Rooms down in the Megalong Valley near Blackheath
I have never heard of this religion before. Here in the Caribbean we have the Twelve Tribes of Isreal but they are a rastafarian sect. They are also vegetarian but I don’t suppose this is the same thing?
The company and my mood seem to be my dictators of atmosphere. The food doesn’t have to be great, but as long as the place is clean and the service not rude then I’m pretty happy.
Love the look of this trees-in-cave café that I expected to see in a cabin, not behind a glass shop front!
Wow, that is one…interesting cafe indeed! Cool!! I’ll bet you’ll learn and experience some new stuffs at the same time!
I was at the Blue Mountains today! I wish i had read this before i went, we had lunch at the Carrington Hotel, but this would have been gorgeous for coffee and cake afterwards. Next trip, perhaps.
Ahh, heaven!
I think my favorite place for its atmosphere is my house when it’s candlelit and music-filled…Why, you ask? Because it’s romantic and cozy. ‘Nuf said.
I have been to Katoomba a lot but have never been there or even heard of it. Next time…..
They have been attending the Woodford Folk Festival for years – always relaxing, with fabulous food…..wish they would have cafe’s nearby….. unfortunately i always live miles from anywhere decent!
i’m so intrigued! i’ll have to drag the boy to the mountains one weekend and check it out
Hehe, it does look a bit Ye Olde Village Inne ala LOTRs, how lovely it must be in winter with the fire going!
The first picture had me gaping. I love all that is woody. Warm and welcoming indeed esp with the fireplace.Interesting post
oh carrot cake. too dry would normally be unacceptable, but dang, that’s an awesome layer of frosting. the vegan ball sounds pretty good too. nifty find!
Looks like a great place! Happy new year!
Looks quite unassuming from the front.. love the decor inside. Nice and warm.
One of my favourite ‘atmospheres’ is being out in the bush, though preferably not when it is absolutely stinking hot and you’re being attacked by flies. As for cafes, I like ones with couches and benches as opposed to poky tables and chairs
I will certainly not be supporting such a business. Unfortunately, you can’t separate the food and the cafe, from what is behind it.
very interesting!!
I remember a student in one of my sociology classes giving a presentation on the Twelve Tribes earlier this year (and not in entirely glowing terms either…)
But regardless, I’d love to try the vegan ball. You don’t see options like that on restaurant menus very often!
Interesting! Love the decor: wood, wood, and more wood! And the menu sounds great for veggies like me!
Woohoo the Common Ground makes its debut onto my favourite blog.
I love this place!! I love the Grilled Chicken meal and the deserts.
After reading this entry I think I might go to the Blue Mountains today or tomorrow…
Yaay I go here heaps when I’m home in the mountains – it’s just so ridiculously cheap. Although my mum won’t go there due to one of her friends being an ex-Twelve Tribes member with bad experiences. It’s definitely a point of controversy.
WOW! Imagine how happy I was when I realized you had a Valli Little interview to share!
I simply adore everything about Delicious. It’s like a beam of happiness sitting happily on my table. Happy New Year NQN! 
hmmm, interesting timing! I moved in just up the street from this cafe a few months ago and intrigued is exactly how I’ve felt about it as I often walk past on my way to the Three Sisters. Especially so, once I discovered the little “twist” just weeks ago, which confirmed the feeling I get as I walked past…it’s got an unusual energy about it. I’ve often glanced in from the footpath, but never realised exactly how amazing it looks inside.
My favourite place for it’s atmosphere would be our most recent discovery- Avalon (at the top of Katoomba Street, Katoomba in the old theatre)which has distant views of sublime point. If you haven’t been there, you must check it out. Its like stepping back in time, a beautiful eclectic mix of art deco pieces and the food was quite nice too
Hi Faith-Hehe I know, I felt like I’d stepped into a movie set!
Yes a lovely thick frosting is a thing of beauty 
Hi Highlands Foodie-Ahh yes Leura also has some great options!
Yes it’s such a fascinating little place and good for vegetarians 
Hi joey-Yes I don’t know that much about it
Haha a cult of good food? I might join! 
Haha the chefs were female from what I could see! 
Hi Katherine-Haha you always say the funniest things!
It’s really good, even for a non vegan like me! 
Hi Gera-Ahh of course it is! Well I can definitely say that they work together
Happy New Year lovely Gera! 
Hi Su-yin-Isn’t it gorgeous! I really would love to see it in one of those tree booths
Hi Cakelaw-Yes me too! I love quirky and interesting with good food!
Those places sound fabulous!
Hi Nicole-Ahhh yes that’s when I can imagine it would be so lovely! Ooh you got the best spot too! I shall thankyou!
Hi Lauren-It was!
Hi matilda-Ahh interesting! I would love to look into it further but I do have to say that apart from the wall, they were very chilled and friendly
Hi Clare-Ooh I need to get there! Every time we go, they’re closed (as we tend to go around Christmas)
Hi Wizzythestick-This was the first I’d heard of them too! I think they’re from Israel but they’re not rastafarian. How funny! Perhaps they’re similar names but it would get confusing…
Hi mlle délicieuse-Company is very important I agree! Yes I dont think I’ve ever seen that in cafe!
Hi sophia_i know! How educational!
Hi Christine-Ahh yes next time!
I’d love to know what you think of it 
Hi MaryPoppinsinHeels-Ahh that’s lovely and I can definitely see the appeal of staying in!
Hi Amy-Yes next time!
Hi belinda-Ahh so they’re known for good food! What a shame about living far away!
Hi a girl called e-Fabulous! PLMK what you think of it!
Hi Moya-Haha doesn’t it just!
I know, I want to go back in Winter!
Hi zurin-yes it’s so cozy looking isn’t it! Thankyou!
Hi grace-yes it’s a ratio thing isn’t it! I sometimes think about those vegan balls!
Hi Erica-Thankyou and Happy New Year to you too!
Hi Conor-Yes I agree! Ahh Mr NQN feels the same, he loves the outdoors and all of that. Ooh couches are so much more comfortable and welcoming aren’t they!
Hi dingdong-Fair enough, although I don’t know much about the religion beyond a brief research. Is there something in particular that I should know about?
Hi nora-Thankyou!
Hi Hannah-Ahh I’m so intrigued now!
Yes I wish I could get the recipe for it too! 
Hi erin-Me too
Yes it’s got a great vegetarian selection 
Hi Rhiannon-Aww shucks thankyou so much!
Great idea, it’s a good time, we just came back from another visit (although this cafe was closed 
).
Hi Alex-Isn’t it! The prices are so good! Ahh I’m so interested now in reading more about them!
Hi Sweets at Vicky’s-That’s wonderful!
Happy New Year to you and your family! 
Hi Justine-Ahh really!
Yes definitely an unusual energy from it but I always found it welcoming and unusual in a good way. Oh I wish I’d seen this, we just came back from the Blue Mountains but next time! Thanks for the recommendation! 
Another great post Lorraine! I’d love to go here as I’ve got a thing for all things quaint and fantasy-like in appearance. Food sounds amazing even though I’m an omnivore
As usual though, I’d definitely be wary of any cults. And it should be known that the vast majority of cults appear ‘friendly’…how else would recruit others? The religious flyers also sound a bit sneaky hmm…
You might want to read about their controversies, with focus on this restaurant itself, making its way onto the Sydney Morning Herald:
http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/spare-the-rod-and-spoil-the-133/2008/03/23/1206206927458.html
Have you been to No. 9 on Ward Ave in Potts Point? They have turned the shoebox of a room into the most enchanting little dining room with a mezzanine level. The tiny little bathroom upstairs is the best and most beautifully decorated bathroom I have ever seen as a public toilet!
Lorraine – thank you so much for reviewing Common Ground!
I was up in the Blue Mountains this past week for a training & team building conference…we didn’t think we’d have time to go anywhere in Katoomba, but we made it to Common Ground!!
We shared desserts, and got a drink each. I had a strawberry shake – it was delicious! Real strawberries…no syrup in sight! Loved it!!! The others at my table had coffees or hot chocolates. We tried each others’ desserts – the carrot cake was nice, not too dry, and the thick layer of cream cheese frosting (icing) was great! The blueberry & apple slice was quite dry – it crumbled and fell to bits when we divided it, but it wasn’t too bad. The only thing I wasn’t too keen on was that the blueberries were dried. One of the girls ordered a Guarana Energy Fudge Ball – I can’t have guarana, so it was divided into 4. All who ate it agreed that it was a good idea that it was split, as it was a bit too rich to eat the whole thing! And the girl who ordered it said that it tasted a bit weird (maybe because of the guarana?). And then we got a couple of the Vegan Balls and divided them up. They weren’t bad, but we couldn’t really taste anything other than coconut (it would’ve been nice to taste a bit of the maple syrup and maybe more of the almond, which wasn’t too noticable)! But, hey, I’m not complaining!
It’s got a great atmosphere, and the decor is cute! We sat upstairs at the little booths…we were a group of 9, so we had to sit at 2 separate tables..but we were fine with that!
I’d love to go again and try a main meal.
I wonder if they offered you water? They have a lovely water jug at the front but they only offer it to certain people. The food is deliscious but I couldn’t help but think I may be drugged and put to work as a slave by these always smiling cult people
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