Blue Stone Lobby Cafe, Macquarie Park

Blue Stone Lobby Café is an everyday café that feeds the masses and connects people at Optus headquarters in Macquarie Park. Owner Ben loves the sense of community at the self-contained campus. Everybody here is like family to him. He jokingly reveals that he sees them more than he sees his own family at home.

James and I arrive at Macquarie Park on a misty Wednesday morning. Mirjana is already setting up the a tasting table in the centre courtyard. Luckily the sun slowly peeks through the clouds and it warms up in no time. Passersby make stops to taste and buy our range of breads.

In the meantime, the cafe is buzzing with people craving a caffeine and sandwich fix. The Portuguese chicken on Grande roll is a favourite amongst diners. Spruced up with thick slices of tomato and butter lettuce leaves, it hits the spot if you’re after a tasty sandwich for lunch.

Also popular is the Harvest Grain sandwich with poached chicken, avocado and tomato. Bursting with nutritious and fresh ingredients, this sandwich is especially perfect for health-conscious people. Our Harvest Grain Loaf is an organic sourdough, brimming with wholesome grains and seeds – kibbled wheat, barley, polenta, rolled oats, millet and linseed.

But a simple breakfast of sourdough toast is also one of the most ordered items on the Blue Stone menu. Lathered with your favourite spread – whether it’s Vegemite, jam or (my favourite) peanut butter – you can never go wrong with toast!

Ben’s other café Two Seasons just across the campus is French-inspired. The focus there is more on baguettes, croissants and grab & go meals.