Chef’s dream sprouts new venture

VISITORS and residents in Ballarat’s health precinct now have a new eatery option.

Located next to Johnny Alloo, the venue once operated by Cafe Cornucopia is now home to the Little Vine Cafe.

The eatery officially opened on Tuesday, 21 June, and owner and sous chef Kamarul Kamaruddin said he’s always wanted to open his own place.

“I’ve worked as a chef for over 20 years and 15 around Ballarat and Hepburn Springs at places like the Grant and Blue Bean,” he said.

“But it’s always been my dream to open a small cafe and now it’s coming true so I’m happy, nervous, stressed, excited, everything.

“They’ll be the expected toasties and pastries but we’ll be serving something a bit different too with a mix of cultures, making a bit of everything and putting it in the one plate.”

Named after the plants clinging to the building, Little Vine Cafe offers a mix of Japanese, Malaysian and Australian dishes, which Kamaruddin will prepare alongside head chef Megumi Ikawa.

The pair worked together at Hydrant Food Hall, and Ikawa said she expects many of their customers will be keen to see her new venture.

“We’re continuing something that I started at Hydrant with lots of accessibility with gluten free options, vegan options, pescetarian options, which I think in the country is hard to find,” she said.

“A lot of my customers from Hydrant, I know, are very excited for this place for that reason alone.”

Between the mix of cultural offerings and a takeaway counter, Kamaruddin said the cafe has more than enough to set itself apart.

“It was a very strategic decision to have this place here because of all the foot traffic and hospital staff,” he said.

“But that doesn’t mean we’ll be taking away from Johnny Alloo or Webster’s. They have their own customers and they treat them very well so we’re not very worried.

“We’ll have our own regulars and I feel confident we have something different to offer that will help us to carve our own path.”

Little Vine Cafe can be found at 805 Mair Street.