Kate Dinning: Flora’s Temper opens at Nightcliff Shops

There’s plenty on the menu for those looking for something to do in Darwin this weekend, including a new cafe opening, writes Kate Dinning.

Nightcliff foodies rejoice – a new venue has opened at the Nightcliff Shops.

Flora’s Temper, the friendly neighbourhood cafe occupying what used to be the Lucky Bat, is finally here.

I spoke to co-owner Nick Peters over a coffee when they opened the doors yesterday morning.

“We’ve snuck the doors open for café trading from this weekend, and will soon be opening further into the night for dinner and drinks, from Wednesdays to Sundays,” he said.

Walking in, you can feel that they’ve opened up the space.

They’ve moved the stage, created a bigger wrap-around bar to allow for seating at the bar, and rolled out some fancy wallpaper and a paint job.

The outdoor area is also still to come – so every time you come back in for the next little while, there might be something new for you to explore.

The cafe menu looks great and will likely continue to evolve.

The menu has a Mediterranean base, with a little dip into Middle Eastern fare – and offers dishes like green shakshuka, chilli scram, fluffy ricotta pancakes - and of course, great coffee from a hot pink coffee machine.

Nicho and his team, including venue manager Mookie, are very excited to welcome everyone into Nightcliff’s newest friendly neighbourhood cafe – and they hope the menu will offer some fan favourites, and also allow people to ‘try something a little different.’

Check out Floras Temper from 8am – 1pm this weekend, and during the week from 7am – 2pm.

What else is on this weekend?

I caught up with Darwin Fringe Festival director, Hannah Illingworth, to get her hot tips for the opening weekend.

Not to be confused with the Darwin Festival – but to be equally as enjoyed – the Darwin Fringe is a platform for emerging and independent arts in the NT.

It runs until July 21 – and while Hannah encourages you to check out a program and find your style – some of her hot tips for this weekend are…

Get some laughs in at Top Floor Comedy, with stand-up comic Shalom Kaa, who will take you on a hilarious journey through his unique experiences growing up as an ‘Asian Looking Maori With A Jewish Name’ on Saturday night.

If you still need a giggle, head to Dom’s Bar and Lounge for ‘The Great Comedy Debate’ featuring some of the best stand-up comedians from this year’s festival program.

If you’re into theatre, check out one of the shows at the Darwin Entertainment Centre this weekend, a mysterious comedy performance that follows 1950s fan favourite detectives, Candy Matson & Johnny Dollar - as they attend a 1950s radio recording.

Tonight – if you’re looking for something free and outdoors (who isn’t?!) this is your chance to get on a very uniquely Darwin dance floor… up and coming local band, Home on Stilts, is playing a free gig at the Town Hall Ruins from 6pm.

It’s a family-friendly event and you can bring your own dinner to enjoy on the lawns.

Check out the full Darwin Fringe program online now, and enjoy your weekend!