Fresh, fine family fare

Mint Fresh undergoes gourmet transformation.

Apple bircher museli with chia, yoghurt, seasonal fruit and roasted nuts ($12).

• Et tu, madam mayor?
• Golden Gaytime Burgers arrive in Bella Vista
• Summer of fun begins

A YEAR after opening, Mint Fresh IGA has made some big changes. With two chefs in charge of the kitchen – John formerly from Dural’s Wild Pear, and Brendan from Glenhaven’s The Tuckshop – the menu has expanded from fresh deli rolls and pastries to a full gourmet experience.

Mint Fresh is a family-friendly affair – brothers Antoine and Richard Rizk own the store while mum Salma makes the dips, salads, kofta and skewers, and dad Richard sells his homemade succulents and maintains the gardens.

The family focus extends to their customers as well, from the affordable and family-orientated menu to the pet parking station and children’s play area.

The produce sold and used in the cafe menu is selected fresh from the markets four or five mornings per week.

’Gym Junkie’, inspired by F45 Training Castle Hill, is a deliciously healthy breakfast of egg, avocado, roasted maple sweet potato, grains, seeds, sprouts and tomato chutney ($12).

Portbello mushrooms, fried egg, basil pesto and parmesan Reggiano ($10).

Coffee here is Campos, and sweets are courtesy of Dural’s award-winning patisserie Dolcettini and local Georgie Baker.

The IGA holds regular community events, such as a gourmet cheese and deli night on Friday from 7pm-9pm.

Learn about different types of cheeses and deli meats, including how to make a great platter.

Entry is free, simply arrive on the night to enjoy free tastings, educational talks and lucky door prizes, plus 10 per cent off cheese and deli purchases over $40.

Ricotta pancakes with banana, housemade honeycomb butter, maple syrup and fruit ($12).

Big Breakfast with eggs, bacon, chorizo, hash brown, cherry tomatoes, mushroom, baby spinach, organic tomato relish and Brassiere toast ($18).

What: New spring menu, coffee and sweets, plus a fully stocked grocer with market-fresh produce.

Where: Mint Fresh IGA, 30 Arthur St, Baulkham Hills

When: Cafe is open from 7am-4pm daily. Kitchen closes at 2.30pm. The IGA is open from 8am-8pm.

Prices: $3.50-$17

Details:mintfreshiga.com.au or facebook.com/mintfreshgrocer