FEATURE
The new generation There’s a certain vibe around Lane Cove as we enter a new era in eating out. The entry of several new players onto the dining scene will provide locals with greater choice than ever before. By Jocelyn Biddle. Whereas Italian, pizza, Thai and sushi dining options have been available for quite some time, the addition of Spanish, Middle Eastern, French and Mexican cuisines is really going to spice up our local food scene. Restaurants including Lillah, Four Frogs Creperie and Guzman Y Gomez are placing the finishing touches on their new venues before their openings this month. Trevor Blye is the man behind Lillah. This much-anticipated restaurant located on Longueville Road is scheduled to open in early May. A Hunters Hill resident, Trevor identified a gap in the market for quality, innovative Middle Eastern cuisine at an approachable price point. “Lillah is a casual, family oriented restaurant serving the highest quality food without being too intimidating. This restaurant is all about bringing people together, taking them on a journey with flavour and fine produce and allowing them to experience thousands of years of culture and family traditions in a fun, food-filled environment.” The menu is made for sharing with local produce delivered daily. Meats slowcooked on the custom-made Parilla-style grill are designed to enhance the ethnic charcoal flavours of the dishes. Since November, Trevor has worked tirelessly to complete an impressive fit-out of the restaurant located on Longueville Road. Previously the site of Noodle King, Trevor completely gutted the interior to create a moody space with concrete floors, high ceilings, 4 I THE VILLAGE OBSERVER I NO. 273 I MAY 2018
Trevor Blye is the owner of Lillah - Lane Cove’s new Middle Eastern restaurant.
Encasa has been a very popular addition to the local dining scene.
“Lane Cove locals tend to be well travelled and they expect quality food and service that is well priced.” Encasa Restaurant
marble surfaces and an open plan kitchen which will allow diners to see the theatre unfold. Clearly a labour of love, there has been great attention to detail and Trevor has worked closely with Roy Ner, acclaimed chef of Nour restaurant in Surry Hills, in the design of the restaurant and menu. Lunch and dinner will be offered daily, as well as a brunch sitting on weekends. Located just next door is Encasa Restaurant, which has really made its mark on the local dining scene since opening here 18 months ago. Local residents and owners Maria Barona and Pachi Rodriguez recognised a gap in the local dining scene in terms of a restaurant that was a bit different to the more traditional options of pizza, pasta or Thai. Offering a great fit out and authentic Spanish cuisine, Encasa has become a popular destination as evidenced by its packed tables every Friday and Saturday night. With a young family themselves, Maria and Pachi said that it was also really important for them to create a restaurant that welcomed kids. Maria and Pachi also operate a restaurant in Pitt Street, together with two shops in Chifley Square and Westfield Pitt Street that offer Spanish style baguettes to take away. According to Maria, the secret to their local success is offering really good quality food in a non-pretentious environment. “Lane Cove locals tend to be well travelled and they expect quality food and service that is well priced. As an authentic Spanish restaurant, we’re offering a point of difference to everything else that’s available locally, which has been really important to our success.” Maria welcomes the new restaurants coming into the area.
