Following the food dream

For some, quitting your job to follow your food dream would be a daunting prospect — not for Lina Terlikar. Meet the brains behind new Bella Vista cafe The Bella Local.

Lina Terlikar at The Bella Local cafe in Bella Vista. Pictures: Stacey Pestrin

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For some, quitting your job to follow your food dream would be a daunting prospect — not for Lina Terlikar.

Terlikar had been working in admin and running her own events and catering business on weekends when she decided to follow her passion and open a cafe.

After searching The Hills for the perfect spot, she found it in the Bella Vista cafe formerly known as Newnique.

The popular Eggs Benedict Croissant with smoked salmon ($18).

Terlikar loved the little courtyard out the back, the natural lighting and the clean white and timber interiors.

“We were looking around … and I saw this and I liked the vibe,” she said.

Eight months in and despite the hectic pace that comes with cafe ownership, Terlikar said she has enjoyed every minute.

The cafe recently started serving The Little Marionette coffee.

“I love it, it’s exciting,” she said.

The seasonal menu is filled with fresh, simple Mediterranean-flavoured fare; healthy nourish bowls and salads, epic fried chicken burgers, regular specials and a smashed avocado dish that has stayed on the menu in some form or another since the very beginning.

The latest iteration of the Smashed Avocado with truss tomatoes, poached eggs, fetta and lemon ($19).

The broad clientele range from lunchtime office workers to weekend family breakfasts, and a seemingly endless stream of takeaway coffees made with a smooth blend from Sydney boutique roaster The Little Marionette.

“I wanted to go with something completely different,” Terlikar said.

The Bella Local is open 7am-4pm weekdays and 8am-noon Saturdays at 33 Lexington Drive, Bella Vista.

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