On familiar ground

IT’S a long way from the hills of Nepal but the new co-owner of Fodder says his former village is very similar to Heathcote.

Mohan Pun and his sister Lalita purchased the cafe from newly elected councillor Aaron Spong who established it and ran it for eight years.

“The landscape is very different,” said Mr Pun. “Nepal is mountainous, but the people are exactly the same.

“Everybody knows everybody, and everyone gathers around ready to help each other. We love Heathcote.”

Mr Pun moved to Australia in 2008.

“Before moving to Heathcote I worked for ten years as a chef in Ascot Vale,” he said.

“We were travelling through and stopped to buy a pie. We saw that Fodder was for sale, so we thought ‘let’s give it a go?’ and bought it.

“We are very pleased with how it is going so far.

“The menu has been kept mostly the same but in the winter, we might introduce some Asian and Nepalese inspired meals.

“They will be suited to the cooler months with slow-cooked meats and curries. Homely meals.

Assisting the pair is Bella Richardson who started work at Fodder in June.

“I sort of came with the business,” she said.

“The decor in the cafe has been kept the same featuring a selection of blue and white china displayed on the walls.

“Everyone likes it and there are plans to re-paint one of the walls and add some original art which will look great.”

Fodder is situated at 74 High Street and is open Friday to Tuesday from 8am to 4pm.