he reason for the existence of cafes in T art galleries obviously has some sort of economic, value-adding component. And
while raking in a few extra dollars is part of the equation, it’s also true to say that these cafes offer a more essential service – providing much-needed sustenance to weary, hungry and potentially irritable art patrons. The art gallery at Bundoora Homestead is not particularly large but it has the double whammy of offering art and history, both known sources of hunger. There’s all the more reason, then, for rejoicing that a cafe has been included in the homestead’s mix. Built around the turn of last century by a racing identity, the grand double-storeyed mansion has done time as a private residence, a repatriation hospital for war veterans, a mental health institution and is now, marooned in a sea of new housing that has colonised its once extensive grounds, the Darebin City Council’s art gallery. The cafe at Bundoora Homestead occupies the large, high-ceilinged drawing room on the ground floor near the hefty, ornate English oak staircase that leads to the gallery upstairs. It’s a large space and, with its dark-stained timber tables and chairs scattered across dark timber floors, two-tone mustard and olive green walls, intricate ceiling detailing and framed pictures of racehorses, sombre too.
Still, it has a fantastic sense of history and the bay window brings welcome light into the room, while homely touches such as roses in vases on the tables and a country music soundtrack also lighten the mood. Most of the food on the menu is brought in from commercial outlets and treads a safe path of the pie, soup and salad variety. Pies come from Boscastle and include a pretty good chicken and mushroom version ($12) that is served with tomato relish and a lightly dressed side salad of cucumbers, capsicum, red onion and baby spinach. The same salad also accompanies a hefty portion of frittata-like zucchini and bacon slice ($8) that was tasty enough but could have done with a little less time in the microwave. There are also a couple of soups, including a gluten-free minestrone ($8), salads (tuna, corn and mixed bean, $9) and smaller-scale pies and sausage rolls for pint-sized art lovers. There’s a good variety of sweet stuff too, including Devonshire tea ($9), plus decent coffee and a short list of wine. There are no credit card or eftpos facilities at the cafe so you need to remember to come cashed up. The food alone might not draw you here, but the intriguing setting, regularly changing art exhibitions, free entry and sense of history make this a great candidate for your to-do list. \
(Maggie BuFe)
CAFÉ CUlTURE \ MICHAEL HARDEN REVIEWS BUNDOORA HOMESTEAD ART CENTRE CAFÉ
ZUCCHiNi SliCE wiTH SAlAD
BUNDOORA HOMESTEAD ART CENTRE CAFÉ 7-27 SNAkE GUlly DRivE, BUNDOORA Food \ Pies, slices, salads
Vibe \ Historic
Phone \ 9496 1060 Open \ Wednesday-Friday 11am-3.30pm, Saturday-Sunday noon-4pm
» www.bundoorahomestead.com/cafe/
GOT ANy CAFÉ CUlTURE SUGGESTiONS? email \ ltolra@www.theweeklyreview.com.au
HEIDELBERG CENTRAL TRADERS ASSOCIATION
FREE Mother’s Day Raffle The Traders of Heidelberg Central, with all our wonderful cafes and restaurants, quality variety stores and professional service providers and FREE proximity parking, INVITE you, our valued customers to enter our FREE Mothers Day Raffle.
{1st Prie}
Weekend for two at Grand Hotel otel tel Melbourne Mel Melbourn ou ne “Forever After” package: Limousine transfers Champagne, chocolates & rose on arrival Breakfast for two in RAB Restaurant Late checkout to 1pm
{2nd Prie}
Fresh flowers every month for a year Beautiful arrangement delivered monthly to your home
{3rd Prie}
$200 Pamper Package Pamper yourself at your choice of businesses in Heidelberg Central
TICKETS AVAILABLE IN ALL STORES! Conditions apply. No database is ever made from the information you provide for this raffle. All winners will be notified.
Burgundy & surrounding streets, Heidelberg including Warringal Shopping Centre
www.heidelbergcentral.com.au may 1, 2013 \ The weekly review 11