Cultivating Community at The Civic Social
Elizabeth Monthe discovers the importance of engaging with your local community, as well as delicious customer favourites at The Civic Social.
Everyone needs a community. Regardless of who you are, human connection is integral for a healthy, balanced life. The Civic Social understands this. This family-owned hub lists food and coffee as their love language and has been intentionally designed to connect locals – with each other, with local produce lovingly prepared and coffee poured with care.
Owner Edita Nassif said The Civic Social offered guests the chance to pause amongst their busy lives.
“We want people to feel really welcome in this space, where you want to linger for just a bit longer to have a chat with your friends,” Edita says. “You don’t feel rushed. You feel relaxed and at ease. It helps you to enjoy the food more, and have a moment to yourself.”
I have been researching the concept of the ‘third space’. Popularised by sociologist Ray Oldenburg, this place lies beyond the normalcy of the home and work environment, and serves the purpose of building your community. You don’t go to a third space on a time crunch, asking for your coffee (black, please), and subsequently leaving. Rather, these spaces are there for our personal wellbeing, and include essential social connection such as casual conversation with strangers, or catching up with loved ones.
From its stunning design and fitout to friendly staff, and its thoughtful all-day brunch menu, The Civic Social lives up to its name – it has been designed for socialising. Communities flourish when given uninterrupted time to sit with each other, share stories, and simply enjoy each other’s company over a delectable drink and meal.
Open from 7am until 3pm weekdays and until 2pm on weekends, The Civic Social offers barista-made coffee, an all-day brunch menu and is licensed from 10am. If you’re on the go or in a rush, there’s plenty of takeaway options too. For regulars and devoted customers who have adopted The Civic Social as their third space, there are a few dishes that have earned firm favourite status.
Topping the list is the Grilled Chicken Salad with lemongrass chicken, avocado, cherry tomatoes, onion, cucumber and mixed leaves, finished with creamy liquid fetta. For something with a little more spice, the Beef Tacos bring scotch fillet together with guacamole, habanero sour cream, capsicum and onion, all tucked into soft flour tortillas.
Some more favourites, expertly crafted by Chef Teddy, include the TCS Eggs Benedict, served on brioche with The Civic Social’s iconic house-made hollandaise and a choice of streaky bacon or halloumi; and the Corn Fritter offers a lighter, plant-based option, pairing smashed avocado and baby greens with spiced vegan curry yoghurt and a bright lemon dressing.
The must-try Miso Chilli Eggs put a twist on a brunch classic, with sambal organic scrambled eggs, a miso and curry yoghurt drizzle, all served on an artisan croissant. The menu is fresh, bright and evolving with the seasons – there’s always something new to try.
The Civic Social dishes up these carefully curated dishes and a range of hot and cold drinks with a thoughtful interior, which is intentionally designed to cater towards communities, making the café an accessible place for families.
“We created a corner for the kids to play, with a cubby house. We have lots of parents come in who are always on the go, often bringing their children along with them,” Edita says. “This gives them an opportunity to sit down and enjoy their coffee. They can finally have a moment to themselves.”
Keeping a wonderful third space like The Civic Social running efficiently is a team effort, and Edita talks about the value these people bring to the community.
“We have a large team behind us, and Teddy is always bringing out incredibly memorable new options that the customers adore.” Edita says. “Eva, Rachel, Charles and Lucy are some of our team members behind the coffee. They’ve been here since the day we opened, and they’ve also been really loved by our clientele.”
Another dish that has cemented itself as a favoured TCS choice are the Bagels Your Way, which lets diners build their breakfast around one of four combinations: miso scrambled eggs with streaky bacon and chilli mayo; fried chicken with avocado, cheese and mayo; halloumi with avocado, rocket and relish; or smoked salmon with cream cheese, rocket and cucumber.
While salivating over these options, I notice the beauty of human connection playing out in front of me – multi-generational customers engaging in small talk, deep conversations or engrossed in well-deserved cup of matcha and food that feeds their soul.
Located at Noosa Civic Shopping Centre, The Civic Social is a core of connection amongst the weekly grocery shopping, life admin and ‘because you deserve it’ shopping days. Why not adopt The Civic Social as your third space to enjoy human connection and feed the mind, body and soul?
