The Good Life
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Spreading Branches By Vivienne Pearson The Branches has been growing in the two+ years since ‘Mullumbimby’s biggest little coffee roaster’ opened.
after all,’ adds Pat.
Located in the Mullum Industrial Estate (the one off Mullumbimby Road on the way towards the coast), owners Pat Solwyn and Tamara Head say that locals are still discovering them. Even regular customers, including those who work is based – or takes them to – the enclave of industry, are finding new discoveries as the business keeps growing. Though coffee remains a mainstay, food and non-coffee drinks are now major parts of the offering. The food is as varied as you could hope for from a one-page menu. Alongside the ‘crowd pleasers’ of eggs and a haloumi brekkie roll is a flavourfull kimchi pancake (served with fried egg and a bean shoot, coriander salad and sesame seeds), a 12-hour slow-cooked beef brisket (served with caramelised onions, pickles, aioli and dressed greens) and a harvest bowl (including baked falafel, kale and quinoa tabbouleh, roasted pumpkin hummus, sprouted mung beans, sauerkraut and avocado). All dishes have options of being transformed into gluten- and bread-free dishes by substituting any bread element with quinoa and kale tabbouleh. I tried the roasted mushrooms (inspired by my hot chocolate with a difference – read on) and thoroughly enjoyed the mix of kale, dill, capers, lemon-infused labneh and salsa verde. On the drinks menu, alongside the caffeinated options – made from coffee roasted onsite – are drinks incorporating tonic herbs. I took a deep breath before trying the medicinal mushroom hot chocolate but needn’t have – the mushroom flavour was there but subtle, complementary to the chocolate and definitely not lingering. ‘It’s similar to how chocolate and beetroot pair well,’ says Tamara. ‘It adds a subtle earthiness.’ Smoothies have the option of an additional ‘shot’ of this mushroom mix or a ‘jing blend’ powder blended from Chinese herbs by local Coorabell business SuperFeast. Tamara and Pat find that their healthy and herb-fuelled fare is not out of keeping with their tradie customer base, recently enlarged owing to the building of Stage 2 of the Byron Food Hub directly opposite. ‘There’s a truckie who comes in every day for his mushroom hot chocolate,’ says Tamara. ‘And lots of tradies love the Nourish Bowls – they are northern rivers tradies
Coffee remains a dominant force, not least because a giant roaster takes up onequarter of the space. Pat is the roaster who, around twice a week, becomes part of the entertainment on offer as he fires up the roaster during cafe hours. ‘The coffee has been well received in the local community,’ says Pat of the small-batch, directtrade, organic coffee that he roasts for both cafe and home customers. Chai, teas and cold-drip coffee are also on the menu. The Branches space is so much more inviting and comfortable than its industrial setting suggests. Tamara, Pat, and staff focus on being welcoming and Pat and Tamara enjoy a coffee in the roastery part of the cafe – Photo Vivienne Pearson accepting of all. ‘It’s always an interaction, not just a transaction,’ says Tamara. ‘We want to feed people good food and make them happy.’ The Branches Coffee Roasters and Café, 7/9–11 Towers Drive, Mullumbimby Industrial Estate – Follow the signs and look for the umbrellas. Mon–Fri 6.30am–3pm. Ph: 6684 61617, thebranches.com.au, Insta: @thebranches
Branches food and coffee – Photo supplied
Good Taste
Eating Out Guide echo.net.au/good-taste
BALLINA
BYRON BAY
Ballina RSL Club
New Breakfast Menu Out Now 7 Days 8am to 11am Boardwalk Buffet Breakfast Every Sunday 8am to 10.30am Adult $19.90 Child U/12 $9.90 Under 5 Years Free
1 Grant St, Ballina 6681 9500 www.ballinarsl.com.au Open 7 Days from 8am Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Snacks
Wharf Bar & Restaurant
WATERFRONT DINING Come watch the boats go by and the dolphins play whilst you take in one of our SENSATIONAL SUNSETS
Open 7.30am Daily. Open till late Thurs–Sun Coffee, breakfast, lunch & dinner, functions & weddings. Fully Licensed. 12-24 Fawcett St, Ballina 6686 5259 / 6685 6011
WharfBarBallina@gmail.com.au www.WharfBarBallina.com.au
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Luscious Foods
Mon-Fri 7.30am–3pm Open Friday nights 6–9pm Live music and BYO 1/6 Tasman Way, Byron Arts & Industry Estate BYO & RSVP 6680 8228
Slo-mo Joes Open every day From 11am till late Corner of Fletcher St and Bay Lane, Byron Bay
6685 7502 IG - @slomojoes
Main Street
BYRON BAY
Success Thai Mon-Fri 12-3pm Dinner 7 days from 5pm. 3/109 Jonson St, Byron Bay 6680 7798 www.facebook.com/ pages/Success-ThaiFood/237359826303469
SPECIAL $12 LUNCH AND DINNER MENU All your favourites every lunch and dinner Experienced Thai chefs cooking fresh delicious Thai food for you. Fully Licensed and B.Y.O. for wine. Welcome for lunch, dinner and take-away.
North Coast news daily: www.echonetdaily.net.au
Open 7 days 11.30am until late Call to make a reservation or for takeaway orders 18 Jonson Street 6680 8832
Contemporary and Middle Eastern flavours • Breakfast and lunch • Wood-fired pizzas • Fresh juices • Great coffee www.lusciousfoods.com.au
DAILY HAPPY HOUR FROM 3 TILL 5 PM
Slow down & chill out! Immerse yourself in Slo-mo Joes relaxing vibes while you enjoy live music & delicious flavours inspired from around the world. There’s something for everyone; from slow-cooked meats to mouth-watering burgers and nutritious salads. Guaranteed to leave you wanting more!
Gourmet burgers created by chefs Cocktails, wine and beers served all damn day. Group bookings available, please email mainstreetburgerbar@gmail.com for reservations.
The Byron Shire Echo March 28, 2018 59