The Good Life
Advertising enquiries: adcopy@echo.net.au | 6684 1777 Editorial enquiries: goodlife@echo.net.au www.echo.net.au/good-life
Fly to Mrs Birdy Story and photo by Vivienne Pearson
Jess Flynn, Ben Summons, The Mayor and Jamie Revell.
Stone & Wood The first clod of earth was metaphorically turned at Stone & Wood’s new Byron home on Tuesday morning, with the spade sitting idle owing to sunny conditions more conducive to beer drinking than hard labour. Isn’t it often like that? However, more industrious types will soon take over, with the whole development expected to be completed in 12–18 months. Architect Harley Graham would not be the only local interested in seeing how his plans for the light-filled industrial premises will turn from clay (or hemic peat in this case) into reality. The new premises will house both the local brewing staff from the current Stone & Wood in Boronia Place as well as the Byron administrative workers. A number of other locals will be involved in the build: the Lismore-based builder, Byron Bay Herb Nursery that will be involved in the landscaping, and the recycled timber cladding for the lower levels will be camphor supplied by local recycler Wooden Anchor. Ben Summons from the brewer said that they were aiming to produce a structure with ‘soul and character’. ‘We are proud to be in the position to contribute to the region’s economic growth and support local employment’ in construction of the brewery that will keep their ‘spiritual home’ in their ‘birthplace’ of Byron Bay. The brewery will also be a destination for visitors who want to take tours and try the beers.
veg and white bean), arancini, fish cakes and fritters, along with sweet treats (like a berry choc cake or an almond sour cherry and frangipani tart). Freshly prepared meals include burgers, pizzas and brekky staples such as smashed avo. For anyone not feeling inspired by their feeding their own brood, takehome meals are also available. Locals won’t suffer from emptynest syndrome as the revamped shop floor continues to sell locally made produce, including fruit and veg, sauces, dips, soaps, bread and spices. The good old lolly shop element of the general store role is still there but parents will appreciate the subtle placement, away from pester-power-sized hands. South Golden Beach’s community has benefited recently from a new skatepark and playground and now has a cafe hub that everyone is chirping about. Mrs Birdy, 19 Beach Ave, South Golden Beach. 7 days (M–Th 7–7, Fri 7–8, Sat 8–8, Sun 8–7) Ph: 6680 2843, @mrsbirdysgb
Scott and Kate Foster
‘The Shop’ at South Golden Beach has been transformed into Mrs Birdy, an almost-alwaysopen cafe/corner store/restaurant/takehome meal caterer. Saying that Mrs Birdy has arisen phoenix-style from the ashes of The Shop might be pushing the bird metaphor a tad but locals are certainly rejoicing. The previously dark interior has been completely brightened and the whitewashed external walls and re-established gardens have revitalised the outside seating areas. Taking flight mid-year, Mrs Birdy’s owners and staff have recovered from being slammed early on, as every local and his bird came to check them out. As locals themselves, it is very genuine when owners Kate and Scott Foster speak of community. ‘We are excited about creating a community hub and for us to be such a part of our own community,’ says Kate. ‘Nothing makes me happier when I’m serving a customer and someone else walks in and says to that customer: “I haven’t seen you for so long!” and they stay and chat,’ says Kate. ‘ Scott flew into Mrs Birdy from catering for celebrities as head chef at The Sanctuary. Kate alighted gracefully (after a double somersault and full twist) from running marketing and events at Circus Arts in Byron Bay. Her plumage will also be familiar to those involved in the Bangalow Theatre Company, as she directed their hit show Little Shop of Horrors. Flocking to join Scott in the kitchen are other locals – Kate Hoskins, formerly of Top Shop and Citrus and Scott’s catering business partner, Victoria Cosford, a cooking teacher and previous food-writer for The Echo, and Tess Kilgariff, a wellknown local caterer. The food offering is far from bird-seed: it’s wholesome, rustic, generous and flavoursome. A selection of ‘fast and fresh’ offerings include chef-prepped salads (such as brown rice, roast
KIMBERLEY creative workshops Stay on a working cattle station, meet colourful characters and experience Australia’s last great frontier - the east Kimberley. 7 and 9 day art, photography, creative writing workshops. Accommodation, meals, transfers, workshop & extra activities included. For itineraries, pricing go to www.ontheverandah.com.au or phone Rachel on 0428 254 529. Accredited Tourism No. CWA-ANW-02-0395.
Good Taste
Eating Out Guide echo.net.au/good-taste
BYRON BAY
BALLINA
Ballina RSL Club
Grinders Coffee Giveaway
1 Grant St, Ballina 6681 9500 www.ballinarsl.com.au Open 7 Days Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Snacks
Members purchase coffee and cake for $8 or coffee and egg & bacon roll for $10 and go in the draw to win a Coffee Machine. Commences 10 November. Come in and try our new Grinders Coffee. LTPM/17/02329
Wharf Bar & Restaurant
MELBOURNE CUP PARTY DON’T MISS OUT!! Seafood Grazing Plates, TAB service, race day trivia & live music by OCCA ROCK! Wharfbarballina@gmail.com.au www.WharfBarBallina.com.au
Open 7.30am daily. Open till late Thursday–Sunday Coffee, breakfast, lunch & dinner, functions & weddings. Fully Licensed. 12-24 Fawcett St, Ballina 6686 5259 / 6685 6011
BANGALOW
Butcher Baker Coffee / Breakfast / Lunch 7 days from 7am Dinner Friday & Saturday Nights 13 Byron Street, Bangalow 6687 2088
HAPPY HOUR every Friday & Saturday 5–6.30pm $12 tapas share plates and $5 tap beer & cider Offering a relaxed atmosphere in one of Bangalow’s beautiful heritage buildings, Butcher Baker has a fresh local menu, in-house bakery with freshly baked sourdoughs, sweet treats and fantastic local coffee. Fully licensed with Australian local craft beer on tap and a carefully curated wine list. www.butcherbaker.com.au @butcherbakerbangalow
BRUNSWICK HEADS
Bernardi’s Gelato & Espresso Bar
Open 7 days 9am–5pm Salad bar closes 3pm Juice bar closes from 4pm 22 Fingal St, Brunswick Heads 6685 1988
New Salad Bar offering custom made fresh sandwiches/rolls/wraps. Mouthwatering Jaffle Menu. Free-range meats, gluten free options. Extensive Juice & smoothie Menu Traditional Italian Gelato made in house.
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St Elmo Dining Room & Bar Mon-Sat: 5pm till late. Sun: 5pm till 10pm. Cnr Fletcher St and Lawson Lane, Byron Bay 6680 7426
St Elmo is a place where you can enjoy great company, first-class food, sophisticated cocktails and an extensive wine list. St Elmo is plating up modern Spanish cuisine to be enjoyed amongst friends and family. Our menus change regularly and feature daily specials.
www.stelmodining.com
Foxy Luu’s
ASIAN STREET EATS
Fresh Asian street food served in:
At Woolies Plaza next to the bottle shop Open 7 days from 11am till late - BYO Facebook.com/FoxyLuus Instagram.com/foxyluus
A hip art haven by day & A playful den by night Try our mouth-watering loaded Bao sandwiches, bone-broth soups, salads and dumplings
Safya Cafe and Restaurant
Cafe: Specialty Coffee with Egyptian-inspired all-day breakfast, brunch & lunch
Open Mon–Fri 6.30am– 4pm Sat–Sun 7am–4pm Corner of Fletcher St & Bay Lane, Byron Bay
Finn Poke Restaurant Open 7 days 11am till 8pm Fri & Sat 11am till 8.30pm Shop 5, 8 Fletcher Street, Byron Bay 02 6685 8156 Take away available
Restaurant: Traditional Egyptian shared-style dining NOW OPEN for dinner from Thursday to Sunday Fresh Healthy Delicious
Hawaiian and Japanese flavours Signature Poke Bowls • High-quality diced raw fish, vegetables, sauces & spices • Vegetarian - Vegan options Any Poke Bowls $15.95 | Tuna Poke Bowl $17.95 www.finnpoke.com.au FB Finnpokebyron IG @finnpoke_
Happy Chilli Garden Open 7 days 12pm till late Byron St (opp Aldi) Byron Bay P 6680 9191 F 6676 4869 M 0403 516 793 happychilligarden@hotmail.com
Hong Kong chef specialising in Chinese and Malay foods Fully licensed Dine In / Takeaway / Home Delivery Available
The Byron Shire Echo November 1, 2017 35