Cafes / Reviews
Easy Rawlins Diner
“I need to make a cake before I do anything else,” says Billie Ibidun, looking out the lavender and lemon for her next culinary creation.
Formerly the director of Easton Community Children’s Centre, Billie, who grew up in Glasgow and has spent time living in the Caribbean, has now followed her dream to open Easy Rawlins Diner.
Occupying a prime corner site with almost floor to ceiling windows, Billie has owned the building on Chelsea Road in Easton for the last two and a half years while it was still Cafe Joanna.
is needed now More than ever
But only now is she behind the stoves herself, creating her perfect cafe which local residents are already flocking to, with a redecoration and alcohol license on the horizon.
The cake on the counter when I visited on Tuesday morning was strawberry and rose. My generous slice was testament to Billie’s decision to quit her previous career – one which used to see her cooking at the children’s centre whenever the chef was away.
There are saloon-style swing doors between the open kitchen and the narrow seating area. About 20 people can be seated inside, with bar stools and a tall table facing one window and a prime secluded spot in one corner.
Breakfast specials include the One Love (£6.95) – plantain, saltfish fritters, mushroom, stuffed tomato and homemade corn bread; and the Rawlins Rollover (also £6.95) – bacon, eggs, sausages, baked beans, potato cakes, tomato, toast and black pudding.
There are plenty of vegan and vegetarian choices among the brunch and lunch options. Try the Caribbean-style sweet potato and chickpea stew with rice and peas (£7.95), or the quinoa and wild black bean salad with grilled Mediterranean vegetables (£6).
Coffee is from Brian Wogan, with other drinks options including homemade lemonade, smoothies and organic freshly squeezed juice.
Easy Rawlins is named after a Los Angeles-based private investigator created by author Walter Mosley, who was played by Denzel Washington in the character’s only on-screen appearance, the 1995 film adaptation of Devil in a Blue Dress.
It would make Billie’s dream come true to be swept off her feet by Washington as he flings open the saloon doors in this, her dream cafe.
Easy Rawlins Diner, 28 Chelsea Road, Easton, Bristol, BS5 6AF
0117 239 9965
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