Why Vintage Espresso at Mermaid Beach changed its name to Steele & Co

MERMAID Beach’s Vintage Espresso lived out its namesake and became vintage recently; something of quality, produced in the past. Here’s why the owner decided to change its name and give it a makeover.

The Nutella muffins at Steele & Co at Mermaid Beach. Photo by Richard Gosling

AS of Saturday Mermaid Beach’s Vintage Espresso lived out its namesake and became vintage; something of quality, produced in the past.

Owner Chantelle Steele, who has owned the Alfred Street coffee shop for almost three years, unveiled Steele & Co on the weekend, a totally different concept.

Vintage has been in that spot for around eight years, founded by the hospitality famous Whiting family.

The Whitings, Andrew and Jodie, are of course responsible for Elk Espresso and Sparrow Eating House — both with their own cult followings.

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Zuchinni pancakes at Steele & Co. Photo by Richard Gosling

Chantelle says she felt it was time to give the shop a refresh and make it more of a representation of her — her loves, her passions and the people surrounding her.

“Andrew started Vintage I think about eight years ago, and there have been two owners in between,” she explains.

“I’m from Sydney, I had a gym and I’m a renovator, but I’ve definitely settled here now and just felt I wanted something more personal.

“Steele is obviously my last name and Co is a representation of everyone around me, my collective.”

The interior is vastly different, with Chantelle jumping on the tools and paint rollers herself to give it a sophisticated yet fun makeover.

“It’s simple and sleek but quirky little things give it a fun pop of colour and character,” she says.

The herbed tofu. Photo by Richard Gosling

“I think it’s more industrial, our walls are a gun metal grey, the tables are mahogany and we’ve got wooden floorboards.

“Even though it’s very Melbourne LA sleek, we’re still family and dog friendly.

“There are still dog bowls out the front and a kids area, but I’ve got kids — parents know when kids are around, dark is good.

“But then there are really bright pops of colour with our custom yellow La Marzocco coffee machine and fresh flowers.”

Their exclusive and award-winning Paradox roast filters through a $50,000 coffee machine, but what’s more is Chantelle has hand-picked trained professionals for all areas of the cafe, from baristas to floor staff to their new head chef Marcel Danielian.

“Marcel is our French chef, he’s got 35 years experience and won quite a lot of awards,” she says proudly.

Blueberry hot cakes. Photo by Richard Gosling

“I just got lucky with him, our last chef left to have a baby and Marcel’s was the first resume I got. I called him and hired him on the phone.

“His style is perfection, he is a total perfectionist.”

Steele & Co will still only do breakfast and lunch, but with Marcel’s influence the menu, like the space, is now a little more mature and refined.

“There are a few things on there that almost take it from a cafe to a restaurant, even though we aren’t doing dinners,” Chantelle says.

“The crab and saffron linguine and twice baked cheese souffle — it’s really amazing, quality food.

The dining area. Photo by Richard Gosling

“We’ve got a lot of people’s favourites but with our little twist, like smoked salmon egg rolls or I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a reaction to bircher museli — people love it.”

Chantelle is also proud of their kids menu, which she was actually somewhat forced to do ...

“The kids menu is quite good, my kids played a major part,” she says.

“I said ‘What do you want on the menu?’ and they said ‘Fairy floss!’

“So next thing you know, we’ve got hot cakes with fairy floss.”

LOCATION: Steele & Co, 43 Alfred St, Mermaid Beach