FULL OF Flavour
By Melissa Walsh
J
ohn Filiopoulos has a passion for food and people, and so it’s no wonder the hospitality industry is where he has spent the bulk of his career. The owner of Pier Street Kitchen says there is a fair amount of "foodie lust" associated with the café that prides itself on fresh ingredients and a cool, relaxed vibe. “Pier Street Kitchen is a cafe that offers breakfast and lunch with a Middle Eastern/Mediterranean influence, and we are fully licenced,” said John from the café. “We pride ourselves on being the perfect neighbourhood establishment, full of friendly people and good vibes. We are a reliable spot to enjoy breakfast, brunch or lunch and on occasion, and our menu is influenced by healthy, simple flavours from the Mediterranean and the Middle East. The chef chooses most of the items seasonally and as local as possible. Nearly everything is made in-house and we are very passionate about this.”
Seven years ago John, and then business partner Dee, started the business with a view to creating a relaxed café atmosphere with unique flavours and great wines. Nowadays, John has taken over the business himself, changed the name to Pier Street Kitchen, and continues with the original vision for both locals and visitors to enjoy. “I moved down here around 2007 after working in the city for many years,” said John, who loves the peninsula and living at Red Hill. “Once you have been here you never want to leave. It is such a great lifestyle and community.” John has worked in restaurants and retail throughout Melbourne and the CBD, owning his own café in Toorak and managing a variety of restaurants throughout the city. “When I got down here I worked at Ten Minutes by Tractor for a while then started the business here,” said John of the business that has maintained the same quality and taste since it began. continued next page... April 2019
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