The
Good Life
OCA a ‘diamond in the rough’ Around four years ago a group of like-minded friends started a Syntropic Farm project. Since that time, they have deepened and strengthened their bonds in the community, and their work has evolved to create a unique, organic restaurant in Byron’s Arts & Industry Estate, OCA. An online review by Arthur Randolph expresses a sense of what this special place is about: ‘OCA is a diamond in the rough. You would think that more restaurants in the Byron Shire would be serving organic cuisine with a holistic, community-driven approach. But no, OCA is singlehandedly carrying that torch.’ OCA’s golden ingredient is cassava, a nutritious and versatile gluten-free root vegetable. Their creative recipes include cassava gnocchi, cassava Hidden Treasure, cassava chips, arancini balls, artisan wood-fired cassava bread and more! Research has proven cassava to be a great source of ‘clean’ carbohydrates. It is also a drought-tolerant crop, making it a great ally in regenerative
farming, especially here in Australia. The wood-fired artisan pizzas use naturally fermented organic sourdough bases complemented by many different homemade sauce options, like pesto, mushroom patê, babaganoush and traditional tomato. Expect some colourful and tasty combinations! A source of pride for the OCA chefs is that they prepare all their fresh menu ingredients from scratch. Be sure to try their house made cashew cheese while you’re there!
The Egg Plant Steak, Funghi World Pizza and Vegan Moussaka are just a few of their mouthwatering vegetarian and vegan options. At night, a combination of talented local musicians help create a cosy, artistic environment – and enjoying music with your dinner can make the experience all the more memorable, can’t it? ‘We have worked in many restaurants and felt the need to serve the community with clean
Any questions?
organic food – the same food we cook for our kids and families,’ says Head Chef, Bruno Assuncao. ‘We decided to change the way our food is grown, and then brought it to the table.’ As part of their commitment to helping the planet, OCA is run by a not-for-profit association (Sun Moon Star Regenerative Community Alliance) with the objectives of supporting organic regenerative practices and building resilient communities. OCA is open Monday to Friday (9am–2pm) and Tuesday and Friday evenings (5–9pm). Be sure to follow @ OCACUISINE on social media to keep updated with their special events held monthly!
‘This is a great chance for foodies to ask me anything they want’, says local chef Darren Robertson, who will be hosting demonstrations at Primex, Australia’s Sustainable Farming Expo. A very courageous attitude, Darren. The three-day agricultural field day will take place in Casino May 20–22. See primex.net.au
Good Taste
Eateries Guide
BALLINA
BYRON BAY
Wharf Bar & Restaurant Ballina FB/Insta: wharfbarballina 12–24 Fawcett St, Ballina 6686 5259
EVERY DAY
HAPPY HOUR 4–6PM Dine in and takeaway Great summer menu www.wharfbarballina.com.au
Bowlo Kitchen
Family friendly, tradies’ local, restaurant quality. Wednesday to Friday happy hour, midweek specials, The Bowlo, Bangalow excellent wines, foodies delight, creative cocktails, 6687 2741 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.
Come along to the Bangalow Bowlo and find out.
BYRON BAY
OCA Organic Cuisine 1/6 Tasman Way, Byron Bay
6680 8228 @ocacuisine www.ocacuisine.com
Kiki On Byron Byron Bay 14 Bay St ( opposite Main Beach Surf Club) www.kikionbyron.com @KIKIONBYRON
MVP 7/7 Lawson St, Byron Bay Booking via our website mvpbyronbay.com.au
Lord Byron Distillery
BANGALOW
Club open Wed–Sun from 12 noon www.bangalowbowlo.com.au bangalowbowlo @thebowlo
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A collaboration between local chefs and regenerative farmers, OCA is all about vegetarian organic food and the power of community, not to mention some seriously amazing flavours. The artisan wood–fired pizzas are the best in town. The place comes alive for dinners and special events, with some unique local performances. A real cultural experience! Open from 9am to 2pm Mon–Fri and from 5pm to 8.30pm on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Good Vibes. Live Music. Beach Views. Cocktails. Mexican Cuisine. Come and join us for some yummy cocktails by the beach, delicious Mexican food and groovy tunes. Open Tuesday–Sunday Happy Hour 3–5pm
Open Tuesday–Saturday 12 noon – 5pm 7, 4 Banksia Drive, Byron Bay 8646 4901
Probably the world’s best pasta* Open for Dine in + takeaway + delivery Thursday – Friday – Saturday – Sunday – Monday To book, order takeaway or free pasta puns visit mvpbyronbay.com.au Or dm slide@mvp_byron_bay *Internal staff poll
CELLAR DOOR – TASTINGS & TOURS Handcrafted spirits using locally sourced ingredients.
Naturally Better! Free from added artificial flavours and colours.
MAKE YOUR OWN BOTTLE OF GIN
- book online. Gin Making Gift Vouchers available. LORDBYRON.COM.AU LordByronDistillery
Loft Byron Bay
Incredible cocktails, locals beers & all-day snacks and food to share, with ocean views.
4 Jonson Street, Byron Bay 6680 9183
Happy Hour | Every day 4–6pm $6 Loft lager or wine, $10 Aperol Spritz, $14 Margarita
Book online: www.loftbyronbay.com.au
Fishheads Byron Bay 1 Jonson Street, Byron Bay 6680 7632 FISHHEADSBYRON
Espresso Martini Nights | Every day 9–11pm 2 for $25 Classic Espresso Martini Open every day from 4pm till late.
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
The Italian Byron Bay The Italian, Byron Bay, provides a bustling 21, 108 Jonson St, atmospheric restaurant, dishing up contemporary Byron Bay inspired Italian cuisine and some of Byron’s Open 7 days from 5.30pm finest cocktails and wines. 5633 1216 www.theitalianbyronbay.com
www.echo.net.au
lëƷ Ǩǩǽ ǩǧǩǨ The Byron Shire Echo 27
