We flipped for the pancakes at Long Lost Friend and couldn’t be more excited to see ex-LLF chef Holly Rowe (also Peel Street, The Lane) banging out brunch again. Rowe has reunited with former bosses Makeeley and Paul Abraham, who picked up the keys to the old Bar 9 site in Parkside.
Makeeley was prepared for people to arrive with their own preconceptions and says, “We really had to think about how to be different. We didn’t want to open the doors and be compared to Bar 9.”
All that remains of the previous business is a beaten-up (but charming) green cabinet. Otherwise the interior has been completely overhauled. The vibe is bright and modern, with white walls and plenty of greenery.
Now on their third venue, the Abrahams have the “suburban cafe” thing down. But Makeeley says they really wanted to push themselves with East Borough Eatery. “We've worked on creating a menu that's creative and interesting [with] good flavour combinations, some classics and a variety of diets catered to - vegan, gluten-free, vegetarian.”
Choose from dishes like salmon with bittersweet tabouleh, steamed egg and kale pesto; or orange braised pulled pork, homemade kimchi, shallots and Kewpie mayo on a brioche bun. And yes there'll be pancakes - served with banana jam, chocolate sauce, mascarpone and oatmeal crunch.
Pastries are baked by Abbotts and Kinney, and coffee is from Thebarton roaster D’Angelo Coffee.
Makeeley says the building’s landlords were eager to engage a business that would contribute to growing the precinct. “They too want to see a local, thriving business in the area.”
When Bar 9 vacated in January, several neighbouring traders were affected. “Vinnie’s stopped trading on Sundays and Wolfie’s [Records] say they felt it too.” Makeeley hopes their new venture will help revive weekend trade, and attract a new crowd.
The venue’s generous dimensions mean the Abrahams’ other business, meal service The Caring Kitchen, can also operate from the site – eventually. “We put it on hold while we got the new place up and running,” Makeeley says, but she assures us it will be back soon.
East Borough Eatery
96 Glen Osmond Road, Parkside
Hours:
Tue to Fri 7.30am–4.00pm
Sat & Sun 7.30am–3.00pm
