THE menu changes daily at a successful new cafe on the Murray, writes SARAH WARNE
Two young Riverina women have combined passion and experience to bring the Murray's best produce straight from paddock to table.
"We discovered a gap in the local market for good healthy food," co-owner and chef Lauren Mathers says.
"There was nowhere to go for a nice relaxing meal and nowhere to showcase great local produce."
Long Paddock Food Store celebrated its opening in Koondrook, Victoria, in November and 27-year-old owners Amy Clay and Lauren Mathers say the business is doing well.
"People love coming in, not just for a great meal but for the opportunity to take some fresh produce away with them," Lauren says.
"The Murray River is our long paddock and our store is not only dine-in, but sells an array of unique food products."
The idea came to the girls over a glass of wine when they discussed complaints they had heard from locals and tourists who said they couldn't find a good eating spot between Swan Hill and Echuca in Victoria.
Long Paddock set out to fill that void and Lauren says she and Amy have had fun creating a comfortable little haven where people can catch up and have a chat.
"People like spending time here, lounging on the couches or listening to the record player," Lauren says.
"It's all ours and it's just how we wanted it.
"And the location is perfect.
"We are right in the heritage area of Koondrook with the wharf in the background."
Using ingredients from across the district, the girls design their daily menu after surveying the best produce on offer at the time.
"If the local eggs are aplenty then we serve up some poached egg and vegemite soldiers," Lauren says.
"Or if the Bunnaloo pork producers have a fresh batch of pork we'll serve up some popular English pork sausages."
The store also sells a selection of homemade jams and conserves, fruit and vegetables, cookbooks and organic pasta.
But the girls aren't just making use of local produce.
The store has been fitted out with recycled furniture carved by local craftsman Ashley O'Neill.
"The tables are really unique," Lauren says.
"The wood was sourced from the floors and railings of an old local shearing shed."
While the food comes from along the Murray, all the cooking is done in-house, and Lauren says she and Amy work like a sister team that complement each other.
"We have been friends for so long that any arguments we have we just get over," Lauren says.
"We level each other out. I'm all about loving food and cooking and after years working in her parents' cafe Amy brings the wisdom."
Lauren says that the food store has welcomed everyone from kids and travellers to pensioners and those with special diet needs.
"Our gluten-free smoked salmon and dill pasta has been really popular."
