NEW WAVE
It was the closure that sent ripples through close-knit Main Beach, but Chill’s successor is building a fresh legacy, writes Sally Coates
THE iconic Tedder Avenue location once home to Chill restaurant has new residents and Main Beach locals have wasted no time in introducing themselves. Ami Webb and Vanessa Wyatt have breathed fresh life into the pointed doorways and white window shutters, opening as Main Wave Restaurant.
“We’ve got so many regulars we know by name and before they even sit down we know their order — we start making their coffee, tea, juice,” Ami says.
At a time when there isn’t exactly a bidding war for leases on Tedder Avenue, Ami and Vanessa couldn’t be more excited to open their first restaurant together. Their happiness to be there translates to their customer service.
“Vanessa and I actually originally met when Bar Here was open, up where Hot Shott is now,” Ami says.
“Since then we lost touch, got in contact, lost touch, so obviously now we’re together and we’ve always wanted to open our own restaurant.
“To tell you the truth, opening up here has kind of come full circle so we were a bit bull at a gate ready to make it happen.
“We’ve got a great rapport with the locals so that’s given us a great start. We’ve had amazing feedback with the food … everything couldn’t have gone better really.”
There’s plenty of variety in the menus, with Main Wave open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks.
“For breakfast we haven’t done the standard breakfast, it’s all quite hearty,” Ami says.
“Breakfast bruschetta, lamb’s fry with mashed potato and bacon — sounds weird for breakfast but the oldies love it. We’ve always got porridge on, acai bowls — obviously — corn fritters and rosti. We’re trying to do things differently.
“Our entree lamb’s brains are very popular. It sounds so bad but they go off !
“Scallop and bug roll, zucchini flowers and garlic hot pots are more of our entrees.
“Moving on to mains, we’ve got twice-cooked duck, lamb shanks, prosciutto-wrapped chicken and we always have specials on for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
“Plus Vanessa cooks muffins every day and people are going nuts for them. The word on the street is all about the muffins.”
Campos Coffee will pair nicely with breakfast, or for long lunches and leisurely dinners there’s a selection of 36 wines from suppliers Mezzanine Wines and Estate Wines, a mixture of names you know and new ones to try.
Supervisor Chris Parkinson has you covered for cocktails.
“They’re classic with our own original twist,” Chris says.
“Espresso martinis are very popular these days so I’m doing them with a chocolate nut rim and a dash of Frangelico.
“Or a mule, a vodka mule, we’re adding our own touch with a bit of champagne and little bit of tequila.”
Main Wave Restaurant, Shop 10, 26-30 Tedder Ave, Main Beach