NOURISH | feature
Two Birds Eatery WORDS VICKI RAVLICH-HORAN | PHOTOGRAPHY TRACIE HEASMAN
Great tasting, wholesome food is how Jojo Gittings describes the food at Two Birds Eatery. Tucked away in the Clyde Street Shopping Centre, you could be forgiven for not knowing they are there, but you would be in the minority.
In just over a year Jojo and her team have built a thriving cafe that many would have said had no chance. With a background in hospitality, Jojo was studying holistic nutrition when she took on the challenge of turning a vacant space that was the bistro in The Riv into a viable business. “It needed some fresh eyes,” says Jojo. The large space with a distinct pub feel and no street presence didn’t deter her. “In the first week I used to count the people,” recalls Jojo. But within two months there was no time to count customers. Word had got around that Two Birds offered not only gluten free food but raw and vegan options as well. “We’re all about eating clean,” says Jojo, who notes it can be hard trying to please everyone. “People will come in expecting everything to be vegan or raw” but the philosophy behind Two Birds is providing more options not less. “It is about bringing people good food they will enjoy, that will give them the right nutrition.” Expect dishes like chia and buckwheat pancakes with chocolate hazelnut whip; Raglan coconut yoghurt, berries and grilled banana; and quinoa, roasted beetroot, candied walnuts, spinach and goat’s feta salad; or almond crumb chicken sandwich, with mango and capsicum chutney, cheddar cheese, aioli served on ciabatta.
Birds. A couple can come in, says Jojo, and while she may enjoy a smoothie and raw salad he can tuck in to a big breakfast. “I love that about the Waikato,” says Jojo, who believes the people here have no pretences, “it’s all about quality and taste.” Now they are up and running, a small retail space is being built up with many products used in the kitchen or that complement the food they sell. You’ll find Wilder and Hunt frozen meals, coconut oil, sugar free Pana chocolate, cold pressed Soul Organic juices, Raglan coconut yoghurt and more. Expanding on their catering and offering people real choice when it comes to providing food for corporate lunches or private functions is the next goal. So whether you have an office shout coming up or are looking for a great place to have lunch, put Two Birds Eatery at the top of the list.
“Pretty much all our food is gluten free,” says Jojo. Although this is because the dishes are naturally gluten free and not filled with stuff that shouldn’t be there. “We make our own gluten free bread and then buy in Volare bread as it is fresh every day and has no crap in it.” It is this clean eating philosophy and the emphasis on the food having to taste good that Jojo attributes to the success of Two Birds. “That’s why people keep coming back,” she says. “When we opened it was just a bar, so we kept telling ourselves it’s the food that’s important, and we have proved ourselves right.” The raw cakes and desserts are especially popular. At first this was Jojo’s domain but demand for these creations has meant Jojo has had to train someone else to take over.
Two Birds Eatery Open Mon - Fri: 7:30am – 4:00pm Sat - Sun: 8:30am – 2:30pm Clyde Street Shopping Centre, Hamilton East
You will see people from all walks of life enjoying the food at Two
www.twobirdseatery.co.nz
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