Nik T.
Yelp
according to my source at MOCA, they initially approached MOCA to rent their space.
but that didn't happen and now OFC sits where botak's backyard used to be.
a nice 35,000sqft of green land.
i like the space, very welcoming, like your own garden(probably because i don't have one?)
whilst not all that you eat at the restaurant comes from their minden plot, it is more likely than not harvested locally or within 400km, as for them freshness is key.
feel free to wander around if you happen to arrive whilst the restaurant is having it's 3-6pm siesta.
there is ping pong to be played, lawn bowling and sand pit for the kids.
the farmacy, takeaway shop, is also available during that very sleepy hour for your caffeine needs, amongst others.
today, i was there a shade before six and they were still in the midst of a pow wow talk.
but at the stroke of six, they were ready!
no queue, no wait, just yet.
the restaurant has a very casual vibe and staff were friendly and knowledgeable, albeit a little tentative.
their tablet touting, german maitre d flashed and introduced me to some of their signature dishes.
seeing how i'm such a visual animal, i quickly zoomed in on what i wanted.
fermented carrot 'tartare': all the traditional condiments just no meat!
this starter reminded me a lot of the carrot dish i had at eleven madison park!
nothing more fresh, natural and simple than this.
yet all the individual elements worked well, came together and delivered.
you might need more slivers of their rustic, lightly toasted, olive-drizzled bread to polish off the orange hued goodness
pumpkin & pine nut tortelli with local yabbies & minden pesto.
homemade pasta, mama mia!
cooked to perfection, well i was the first and only customer at six.
but it is so hard to get tortelli cooked just right and they did, well done.
a hearty dish that will definitely remind you of home.
love the colours, taste and texture that combined to make this a lingering and memorable palate experience.
fresh juice mix(mint) - mint, kale, watermelon, cucumber
tastes better than it looks and was definitely healthily refreshing.
as for the economics, i can see some people balking at their prices.
though on the higher end of the affordability spectrum, their serving portions were sufficient, even for my post fasting ferocious appetite and the fact that you can taste quality make it acceptable to me.
p.s. a change from paper to cloth napkins might just push you towards that fifth star!