Lady Carolina Latin Kitchen and Rum Bar is Now Open in Brunswick

There's a new face on Lygon Street that we can't wait to get to know. Now trading on the former site of pizza joint Jimmi Jamz, Lady Carolina is Brunswick's new Latin kitchen and rum bar, promising good food, communal vibes and a social conscience to match.

Opening on Friday at 175-177 Lygon Street, Lady Carolina is owned by Alby Tomassi (Feast of Merit), who has recruited creative director Paul Wilson (Newmarket Hotel) to oversee the kitchen with the aid of Blair Williams (Bluebonnet BBQ) and Cameron Denning (Acland Street Cantina). The menu has been inspired by the flavours of Latin America and the Caribbean, with soft shell tacos, tapas and plenty of grilled seafood, as well as suckling pig and a modern take on traditional Peruvian ceviche. They'll also be making use of Australia's first ever crop of purple corn.

The restaurant sits 160 people in total, and is split into two main sections. Indoors you'll find the dining room and pisco bar with a view into the kitchen, while the outdoor portion, opening September 25, consists of a beer garden complete with communal tables, cactus garden and its own separate kitchen and bar. There, you'll be able to snack on alpaca burgers, while knocking back rum, beer and tropical cocktails under the stars. We can certainly think of worst ways to spend an evening.

Best of all, Lady Carolina has partnered with grassroots charity Pay a Sack Forward, and will donate a percentage of its profits to help feed and clothe Melbourne's homeless. Good call.

Find Lady Carolina at 175-177 Lygon Street, Brunswick. For more information and trading hours, head to www.ladycarolina.com.au.

Via Good Food.