Hidden beside a nail salon through a locked gate next to a hair salon is the obscure and cosy salad bar operated by Joy Henry, who is the chef.

Henry cooks dishes she would want to eat, mainly soups, salads and wraps, but if she’s in the mood on the weekends she’ll do cooked food, curry goat and chicken with all the trimmings.

The atmosphere inside is very warm, friendly yet familiar, as Henry ensures that all customers feel welcomed.

My sister Traci and I chatted with other diners, and the latest gossip was exchanged as more customers came in for the daily special. At one point I inadvertently called Joy mum as she asked for the millionth time “sure you okay, sweetie?”

The chicken soup was delicious, served however you like it: lots of food, likkle food, thick and tasty. For the main I tried the feta and chicken salad. The portion was large and full of surprises. Feta, different types of greens, and almonds. Yum!

I had to return, this time with fellow judge Matthew Hogarth, who wanted to check it out himself.

We sat at the bar and chatted with Joy as we munched on homemade tamarind balls. Matthew looked around and said, “I feel like

I’m in the sitcom Cheers.” A regular walked in and was not amused that Matthew was in her seat; Henry quickly quashed all squabbles by presenting her with lunch, which was ready and waiting.

Matthew and I each ordered a goat soup, chicken wrap and a chicken sandwich and, of course, we both had the bread pudding. Everything was tasty, the soup especially, (I’m sure by now you know how I feel about my soup). The wrap was warm, crispy with great flavours inside.

The sandwich was fat, filled with everything save the kitchen sink! Joy uses a great pepper jelly called Digo’s, made by her friend, which she also sells.

Comfort & Joy has been opened two years now and both Matthew and I are glad that Henry decided to close down her antique store and open a café.

Total bill, which included two soups, chicken wrap, chicken sandwich, two slices of bread pudding, tamarind balls and a Snapple, all for — $2,000.