Hawthorne Garage

Overview

Since its inception last year, Dan and Andy's Hawthorne Garage has been warmly received by locals. Hard to miss for the big red truck outside, this grocer, deli and cafe is open from six in the morning until eight at night, seven days a week. The majority of other cafes in the area close by around the 3pm mark, so if you find yourself in the 4171 postcode after that time, keep the Hawthorne Garage in mind. Especially if you are hankering for a late afternoon/early evening coffee but are dreading the prospect of trying to find a park on Oxford Street.

While the deli cafe is a great place for a quick bite and a coffee, the Hawthorne Garage's main purpose is as a gourmet grocer. They stock an excellent selection of fresh produce and meats to go with their range of deli goods, specialty foods and gourmet wares. If you're the type of person who delights in trying out new and exotic brands of smoky barbecue sauce, masses of Italian cured meats, ice-creams flavour combinations previously unheard of, and cheese, cheese and more cheese, then definitely take a look. Hunt and gather inspiration and ingredients to whip up a dinner that is sure to impress.

If the wealth of food items on offer somehow does not move you to cook, then fear not; the Hawthorne Garage offers home-style cooking for less than $10. Using seasonal produce, last week's delectable dinners included roast beef cakes with chilli jam soy glaze; vegetable soup with chicken meatballs and coriander; and ragu of Moroccan lamb, apple, fig, preserved lemon and chickpeas served with couscous. A mid-week takeaway does not necessarily have to mean pizza.

If you're just after a light lunch or afternoon tea, then there are plenty of tasty treats ready prepared and waiting in the display cabinet. Falafel wraps, bagels, pasta salads, lemon tarts, muffins and friands number amongst the varied selection of ready to eat items. The salted caramel tart is particularly delicious. All food can be taken away, eaten while you meander the aisles, or while sitting out on the leafy patio.