Cafe culture buzzing as Cygnet reawakens
AFTER a slow winter, Cygnet is abuzz with a triple dose of caffeine. Not only is landmark eatery Red Velvet Lounge in almost full-swing, a new cafe opens today and a favourite bakery will return next week.
Cygnet locals Ben Wood and Kate Sullivan had just taken over iconic main street eatery Red Velvet Lounge when Tasmania went into COVID-19 lockdown in March.
For a moment it seemed their dream was dashed, then locals poured on the goodwill, lining up for their humble contingency offerings day after day.
“We stayed open and just focused on keeping the community feel alive for locals and travellers,” Ms Sullivan said.
That meant stripping back a curated paddock-to-plate menu – launched just 10 days earlier – to serve takeaway coffee, toasties and some prepared meals.
“We felt so much support from everyone,” Ms Sullivan said.
Now the cafe-restaurant, which first opened in 1997, is humming again, with Mr Wood at the pans and Ms Sullivan running the distinctive red-walled front of house in what was once the town’s general store.
And at last Mr Wood, a chef who is back in the game after seven years working at local salmon farms, has a chance to really strut his stuff.
He was chuffed by the response to his first Friday dinner service last week, when Pirate Bay octopus and confit duck were bestsellers.
“We are able to be agile, changing the menu depending on what’s available,” Mr Wood said.
Also in Cygnet’s main
Mary St, new cafe The Port Hole opens today at the former Lotus Eaters site with a rustic, often organic and gluten-free menu under new owners Jasmine Kamaralli, Kylie Maudsley and Alison Nicholas.
“We have all lived in the area for many years, and want to help support our community by providing a comfortable meeting point, a talking place, a music spot,” Ms Nicholas said.
Farther along Mary St, baker Cam McKenzie said his much-loved Woodfired Bakehouse will reopen for business next Friday. TOMORROW: Why does this small town have such a big reputation for its food, artisans and retreats? Find out in our Destination Cygnet special in your Saturday Mercury.