Overview
Traditional Japanese nosh meets on-trend superfoods at Armadale's newest cafe, Walk Don't Run. Opened by Vincent Conti and Mario Minichilli — the duo responsible for both The Merchants Guild and Prana Chai — the eatery is serving up what's been dubbed 'mindful gourmet' food according to Good Food. In other words, you get all the goodness of superfoods, but without sacrificing taste.
The man making this happen is head chef and co-owner Ryo Doyama, who's previously worked at St Edmonds. Drawing on his Japanese background, he's come up with innovative dishes, like green tea noodles with poached chicken, green beans, nuts and tahini-ponzu dressing. All ingredients are organic, locally-sourced where possible, and put together to make sure that diners leave feeling well-nourished.
"The focus is on ensuring customers feel nourished and energised when they leave, like they have been good to themselves," Minichilli said in a media statement. "We want a health conscious person to pick anything from the menu and not have to worry about what is in the dish — as it is all super good for you because if the fresh produce isn’t organic, it doesn’t make it onto the plate."
Walk Don't Run's interior has been designed to complement the menu — simple, clean, beautiful and features one-off pieces from Please Please Please. It's the work of designer Wendy Bergman of Bergman & Co., who's lengthy resume includes Kong, Hello Sailor, Taxi Kitchen, Mr Miyagi, The Meatball & Wine Bar and Green Park.
Find Walk Don't Run at 17 Morey St, Armadale. Open Wednesday to Sunday, between 7am and 3pm.
Via Good Food.
Images: WDR Instagram.