HOMESTYLE HAVEN
Formost people, some of the happiest memories revolve around our Grandma’s place – the warm, busy atmosphere, the delicious aromas from the kitchen, the cosy, familiar feeling of being surrounded by things she cherishes.
That’s the kind of feeling one gets upon walking into Grandma’s, a unique little eatery in North Ward.
Entering the café is like a stroll through Grandma’s garden, with greenery everywhere, potted plants, and bentwood chairs around small tables just waiting for you to sit down for a coffee and a chat.
Inside, the charming ‘shabby chic’ décor is immediately comforting – a leather couch beside a low marble topped table, whitewashed walls adorned with a quirky collection of old mirrors and plates, posies of flowers in old vases and jam jars, and mismatched crockery that looks as it if came straight out of Grandma’s bureau.
This is a family business, developed over time by a group of grandmas – some actual family and some ‘adopted’ – and it is the recipes shared by those Grandmas, and one Grandpa, that form the basis of the menu.
Family member Dana Kvatinsky explained that it is a home-style cooking and baking concept, bringing together flavours and loved recipes from all over the world that have been passed down the generations.
The unique blend of traditional flavours and recipes was inspired initially by Grandma Haya, who brought her Mediterranean influence, such as borekas and shakshukas, and Grandma
Mazal who contributed the tastes of North Africa in authentic dips, stuffed vegetables and hearty meals. Then Grandma Fedra added her healthy Greek meals and salads to the mix, and when Grandpa Vince came forward with the Italian connection, they thought, ‘Why not?’
“It’s a long story that has been built over many years, and it’s still going on,” said Dana.
“Who knows what other different grandmas might become involved? Our concept is good food, simple, fresh and healthy, sticking to who we are – and people love it. It’s home style cooking and baking, and just about everything we serve is made here from scratch using fresh, seasonal produce wherever possible, so it’s delicious and nutritious.”
Indeed, the menu is anything but your average café fare. ‘Grandmas famous pancakes’ certainly deserve their reputation, with scrumptious treats such as honey blossom ricotta or cocoa pancakes. Other breakfast dishes include toasted Challah (plaited) or sourdough bread – handmade in-house – and three varieties of Eggs Benedict.
All-day shakshukas are a speciality – free range eggs poached in homemade tomato sauce, with various additions such as spinach and feta, roasted eggplant or beef and tahini, served in a hot pan with homemade bread on the side. There’s even a ‘Big Breakfast Shakshuka’, with baked beans (made in house of course), sausage, bacon and mushrooms, which is very popular. Homestyle lunch dishes are tempting and generous. Try the magadra bowl – a classic Middle Eastern dish with rice, lentils and onion served with salad and tsatsiki. Go Italian, with pasta dishes such as smoky Alfredo or spaghetti and meatballs, or perhaps a Greek classic like veal moussaka might inspire a little Zorba dance
And that’s not to mention the home made cakes and dessert, which may be a little naughty, but can be taken in moderation – if you are strong willed! Oh, and organic coffee, fresh juices and shakes… what more could you want.
Our concept is good food, simple, fresh and healthy, sticking to who we are – and people love it.
Grandma’s is at 45 Eyre Street, North
Ward, with frontage on Warburton Street. It is open 7 days from 7am – weekdays until 2pm and weekends until 3pm.