PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIAThey say a restaurant isn’t a restaurant without a water feature, and the one at The Aft Cafe probably trumps them all. Overlooking the azure expanse of Lake Tuggeranong, this sunny little gem is the perfect place to relax over a simple cup of coffee or indulge in a gargantuan meal. Down-to-floor windows on all sides give a sweeping panoramic view of the lapping waters, and a large balcony allows for pleasant alfresco dining during the warmer months.
Owner (or should one say Captain?) Kallin Dunsire has teamed up with chef Brad Taylor to create an affordable mod-Oz menu for all tastes. There are the usual crisp salads and juicy burgers for the more conservative crowd, but those who are willing to risk something a bit different will find themselves well rewarded with dishes like the crocodile and macadamia salad, or a tempting kangaroo with spicy plum sauce sitting atop a bed of kumara mash and baby spinach. Chances are, on a weeknight Kallin himself will be on the floor to recommend a wine to go with your meal. The nicely-composed list of Australian drops shows a leaning towards the cooler climate wines, many of them sourced from Alpine Victoria. The Aft Cafe is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday, and breakfast and lunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Book in advance to ensure you don’t miss out.
Stephanie Wang, July 2007
