Paddock to plate dining arrives at the beach

NEW cafe Pasture of Balmoral was established by first time cafe owners, TJ and Lizelle Viljoen, taking over from La Repubblica. TJ said they didn’t want to be just another beach cafe. Find out how they are doing things differently.

A selection of dishes at new cafe Pasture of Balmoral.

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WITH a cultivated menu that celebrates paddock to plate, new cafe Pasture of Balmoral brings a breath of fresh country air to a beachside community.

Established by first time cafe owners, TJ and Lizelle Viljoen, the new venue takes over from La Repubblica, a historic site opposite Balmoral Reserve.

Pasture of Balmoral is located in the old La Repubblica site, across from Balmoral Reserve.

“We didn’t want to be just another beach cafe,” TJ said.

“Both Lizelle and I are from South Africa and our background is in farming communities, so we wanted to create a cafe that really celebrated the land.”

In the kitchen, they’ve managed to secure fine-dining chef, Justin Naudi from Vue de Monde and two-hatted restaurant Goma, to create the menu.

“We were blessed to get Justin in to head up the kitchen and we gave him a carte blanche so he could exercise his creative flair,” TJ said.

The 100-year-old building has been given a complete renovation.

Justin’s menu revolves around sustainably-sourced and ethically-farmed meats and produce, designed for leisurely grazing.

“Every restaurant has its signature dish and for us, that might be the French toast,” TJ said.

Currently listed on the specials menu but set to become a permanent offering, the dish consists of a moist and crumbly loaf, made by Naudi, which is pan-fried in cultured butter, then topped with soft-sour crème fraiche, poached rhubarb and a fine dusting of lemon myrtle powder, which adds bright citrus flavour.

Heirloom tomatoes with nigella seeds on sourdough.

French toast with creme fraiche and lemon myrtle.

Other breakfast items you’ll want to plough through include the silky poached eggs with soft pliable prosciutto ribbons, shaved pecorino and truffle oil, and the avocado on toast with peppery slivers of radish, smoked labne piping and a pretty garden of snow pea tendrils.

Those who wish to take a parcel of food over to the shore can order a croque monsieur, beer-battered flathead or soft shell crab rolls from Pasture’s kiosk next door.

As for their drink offering, coffee is sourced from Sydney roasters, Will & Co, plus there’s Asahi on tap and a comprehensive selection of Australian and New Zealand wines.

Spaghetti vongole with smoked butter and pangrattato.

Rattan is used to create relaxed interiors.

Before opening, the 100-year-old building underwent a respectful renovation, highlighting the heritage beauty of the site known as “Ford’s Corner”.

“We had to re-do everything, the plumbing, the wiring … there were a lot of issues to deal with but the end result is spectacular.”

Guru Projects, the studio behind Nel restaurant and Centennial Homestead, designed the interiors, drawing on a palette of native greens.

The laid-back space features polished timber flooring, stone benches and whitewashed wall-panelling, with rattan pendant lights dangling overhead.

DETAILS
What: Pasture of Balmoral
Where: 51 The Esplanade, Mosman
When: Monday to Sunday, 6:30am - 4pm, Thursday to Saturday 6pm - 10pm
Phone: [phone]
Web: pastureofbalmoral.com.au