The
New Mullum Mexican restaurant coming
T
he gateway into Mullum at the Station St roundabout has been noticeably different in recent months with the face of what was once the Poinciana, and then Flock, getting a bit of a reno. The venue will soon open its doors as La Familia, a locally owned and operated Mexican restaurant and bar. Since the closure of Flock in 2020, there has been much musing about what will happen on the once-popular site. Jack Wright, owner of Hooper’s in Brunswick Heads, has announced that he will soon be unveiling his second local venture. Jack, born and bred in Mullum, went to school in town and has always lived and worked in the Byron Shire. He hopes to open the doors of La Familia at Easter this year. ‘I’m very excited about La Familia,’ said Jack. ‘I love Mexican food, and I’m a huge fan of the shared-plate, family-and-friends vibe that’s
STARS BY LILITH
Good Taste
Good Life
connected to that culture. Hooper’s in Bruns has been a real family affair and we plan for La Familia to be an extension of that.’ La Familia’s menu will offer a mix of classics with some more authentic and interesting dishes. The venue will provide a wide range of cocktails and drinks, too. Jack says that although he’s aware that many people have been wondering what’s going on behind the fence, and many are keen to get back to the venue, 2020 wasn’t a great year to rush in or cut corners. ‘COVID-19 presented many challenges for the hospitality industry in 2020, to say the least,’ says Jack. ‘With La Familia, we always wanted to ensure we got everything perfect and to open at a time that was right, while making sure Hooper’s kept on track too. Our focus now is on opening a fun, inviting, family venue – one that values our local community and, similar to Hooper’s, gives back where it can.’
Venus joining the Sun, Jupiter, Saturn and retro Mercury for this year’s most Aquarian fortnight asks: If you could change one thing to make the world better, what would it be… And will you do it?
ARIES: It’s easy to push buttons this week without even trying, so watch what you say and the way that you say it. Practise response control, reaction management. Most useful question would be how can you contribute your unique gifts and talents to the collective; how to be an individual and a team player at the same time? TAURUS: As adventurous ideas take wing, the way things have always been done won’t appeal much to this week’s out-ofthe-box thinkers. If traditional is what you’re offering, you’ll need to put an updated twist or contemporary spin on it. Best use of current astro-energy? Sourcing new solutions to old problems. GEMINI: With this week’s tsunami of mental energy in fellow ideas-sign Aquarius, your mentor planet Mercury’s still retrograde, so due diligence before committing to anything is essential. Past issues and unfinished business that might arise can’t be ignored if you want to move forward. And frankly, when don’t you? CANCER: Even if the tried and true usually work for you, the present planetary power surge isn’t interested in same old same old. While opinionated instant experts spruik innovation and revolution, you might be thinking about pooling resources, co-investing, trading services and/or volunteering. Whatever, this week benefits most from listening up and taking notes.
LEO: This week’s push/pull dynamic has you wanting to stand out from the pride, while simultaneously trying to find your place in it. Busy being part of the gang one minute, heading for the exit the next. What to do? Honour your fluctuating moods, but don’t take them more seriously than you need to. VIRGO: If the elephant in the room is going to be addressed, this could be the week. And if you’re tired of doing everything yourself, now’s the time to talk about it. First acknowledge that that’s been your choice, then ask for assistance, and figure out how to delegate, collaborate, or even just delete. LIBRA: Your prima planet Venus in way-out-there fellow air sign Aquarius takes this week’s emphasis off one-onone connections and into the collective. Which brings plenty of unconventional conversations to the communal table, no holds barred, no topic taboo. Certainly an exciting and stimulating scenario, though not lacking in explosive potential. SCORPIO: Others being strangely unreliable? When the eccentric sign of doing things differently is ascendant it’s wise to dial down drama, find the funny side, avoid triggers. With fuses shorter than usual, expect crossed wires and dummy spits. But even if you’re in hermit mode, invite people to share your intimate bubble.
16 The Byron Shire Echo DĕćſƖëſƷ Ǫǽ ǩǧǩǨ
SAGITTARIUS: The current Mercury retro can be particularly brutal. Here’s an example: It’s the transit when you probably only take your foot out of your mouth to step on someone else’s toes. Harsh? If you’re not laughing then it probably is, so perhaps consider telling the truth tactfully and diplomatically this week. CAPRICORN: A quintet of astral energies in your house of money, honey, can’t help but put finance on your mind – especially if you’re burning more than you’re earning. Besides sensible spending strategies, this week asks you to consider if partnering up or some kind of collaboration could lower costs and raise profits. AQUARIUS: With February bringing Aquarians’ annual opportunity to reinvent themselves, this week’s all about you. As you embark on a new 12-year astrological cycle, let the past recede in the rearview mirror, focus on forward progress. And while the force is with you, go ahead; take that walk on the wild side. PISCES: A mental as anything week, with not a lot of emotional synergy. Or clear communication. It’s that tricky time when computers crash, people argue over rubbish and traffic’s hellish. What to do? Back up files. Triple-check everything before hitting send or posting. Don’t rush or push. Be patient, be kind. It will pass.
BALLINA
Wharf Bar & Restaurant
EVERY DAY
HAPPY HOUR
Ballina
4–6PM Dine in and takeaway Great Summer Menu www.wharfbarballina.com.au
FB/Insta: wharfbarballina 12–24 Fawcett St, Ballina 6686 5259
BANGALOW
Bowlo Kitchen
Family friendly, tradies’ local, restaurant quality. Wednesday to Friday happy hour, midweek specials, excellent wines, foodies delight, creative cocktails, local produce, massive kids’ space, welcoming staff, Open Wed–Fri 12–2.30pm & 5–8.30pm; and COVID Safe. Sat 12–8.30pm; Sun 12–7pm.
The Bowlo, Bangalow 6687 2741
Club open Wed–Sun from 12 noon www.bangalowbowlo.com.au bangalowbowlo @thebowlo
Come along to the Bangalow Bowlo and find out.
BYRON BAY
The Rocks @ Aquarius Brunch 7am–12 noon Mon–Fri 7am–1pm Sat & Sun 16 Lawson St, Byron Bay 6685 7663 – Menus at therocksbyronbay.com.au
Fishheads Byron Bay 1 Jonson Street, Byron Bay 6680 7632 FISHHEADSBYRON
Success Thai Mon-Fri lunch & dinner closed Sundays Lunch 12 noon–3pm Dinner from 5–8.30pm 3/31 Lawson St, Byron Bay www.facebook.com/ pages/Success-ThaiFood/237359826303469
Barrio 7am - 3pm Mon, Tues, Wed, Sat 7am - 8.30pm Thurs, Fr 1 Porter St, North Byron Booking via our website barriobyronbay.com.au
Saltwater Social Club A gathering place for all 32 Jonson St, Byron Bay saltwatersocialclub.com.au
No Bones Vegan Bar and Kitchen. 11 Fletcher Street 6680 7418 Book online: www.nobonesbyronbay.com.au
Karkalla Byron Bay Café, Bar & Restaurant
Corner of Bay Lane and Fletcher St, Byron Bay Open Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat & Sun 8.00am until ‘Late’.
5614 8656
Our Rocking New Brunch Menu Come and join us at the Rocks for some light brunch options or hearty breakfasts. We offer a range of home-made, locally sourced produce at affordable prices, including our delicious new loaded halloumi or chorizo tacos, vegan nasi goreng and our signature Rocks Big Brekky which will keep you going for hours! Fresh juices, Byron Bay coffees and healthy smoothies available too. The Rocks is registered as COVID Safe, and is practicing all NSW health guidelines.
GREAT SUMMER MENU
Indulge in one of our new creations! We are proud to say, that for over 20 years, we have been serving the Byron community fresh, local seafood and ingredients. To improve your dining experience, we have developed a smaller plate menu, designed to be shared, and enabling you to try a greater variety of dishes. Enjoy! The Fishheads Family
All your favourites every lunch and dinner Experienced Thai chefs cooking fresh delicious Thai food for you. BYO only Welcome for lunch, dinner and takeaway. Menus available on Facebook Barrio’s canteen takes its inspiration from locally sourced produce with moorish cuisine. Offering daily bakes, breakfast cakes, classic sandwiches, vibrant salads, smoked fish, grilled meats. Book via our website for lunch and dinner in the restaurant at www.barriobyronbay.com.au Walk-in tables available. Open 4pm until late Monday through Sunday for sundowners, dinner, and late-night drinks. Lazy weekend lunches with sandy feet, rowdy dinners with family and friends, and late night drinks and DJs are the standard. Laid back vintage vibes and classic coastal style create an eclectic feel, complemented by our menu of shareable snacks, locally-sourced salads and hand-stretched sourdough pizzas, as well as beers on tap, organic wines and hand-crafted cocktails. GOOD TIMES ~ HIGH VIBES ~ LATE NIGHTS ~ HIGH TIDES
Join us on our expedition to save the Earth one Brussels sprout at a time. HAPPY HOUR EVERY DAY 5–6PM $6 BEERS / $12 COCKTAILS / $7 WINES Open every day from 5pm till late For any events of up to 30 people please email nobonesbyronbay@gmail.com
Seasonal, local & native inspired menu. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. ‘Happiest Hours’ 2pm–5pm Daily Come try our native negroni & fingerlime margarita – booking via www.karkalla.com.au
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