Page 46 - Tropic Magazine Issue 37

TROPIC • TROPIC TASTE

New kids on

the block

FOOD
Tropic takes you to the funky and
fun Edge Hill café that everyone
keeps talking about.

Words: Annabel Bowles

In a matter of mere hours, an Edge “Fast forward a short few months and Matt’s also the face behind the local
Hill café shot to world fame after its we’ve been featured in the Qantas Vintage Van Co – a mint green 70s
quick-thinking manager spun a yarn magazine, Travel Insider, and listed caravan-turned-bar servicing everything
on a celebrity visit. But Botanica was as Nu Nu Restaurant’s Head Chef from weddings to backyard parties.
already abuzz with locals well before Nicko Holloway’s favourite place to get He’s brought all of that insight into
Matt Black – convincingly, it seems breakfast in town. The biggest highlights Botanica to create something that truly
– told reporters that Kim Kardashian though have simply been seeing the embodies the word ‘fun’.
had dined there with partner business grow each week.
Pete Davidson. “We are smashing our goals and it’s really
The café and bar, situated along the showing that our unique style, fun service
lively Collins Ave, was taken under and quirky venue is the real highlight for
the hospo heavyweight’s wing earlier our visitors.” We are definitely the
this year alongside its rebrand Alongside a stellar brunch menu and misfits of the street
and reopening. spot-on coffee to match, those who
“The previous dynamics behind the have been to Botanica will tell you that Matt Black
venue weren’t working at the time Matt’s witty and wicked camaraderie Owner/Operator,
and I was asked to come onboard to with customers is what stands out in the Botanica Café & Bar
create a new venue, a new service saturated dining scene of Cairns.
style and a vibe that complemented the Growing up in a family pub in “We do things differently and I think
amazing food that was being created Melbourne’s Fitzroy, he’s worked in that’s great for the strip,” Matt said.
by two absolutely amazing chefs – nightclubs, Chapel Street restaurants, “It’s something unique and you either
Daniel Crossman and Joshua Garrard,” fine dining, dive bars and everything love it or you don’t. What’s important is
Matt told Tropic. in-between. that we provide great service, great coffee
and bangin’ food with an affordable
price tag.”
Botanica also hosts the legendary ‘Billy
the barista’, an icon of the Edge Hill
coffee scene, while chef Jacob Mackenzie
has taken over the helm in the kitchen.
Dishing up plates like ham hock crumpet
benes, falafel on Mad Baker sourdough,
and a potato hash with poached eggs,
zuni pickle, fried broccoli and anchoiade,
the menu is a mix of retro and modern,
with local flavours front and centre.
On UberEats you’ll also find Botanica’s
side-gig, Deli Brothers, which offers a
whole new menu dedicated to gourmet
sandwiches like the classic Cubano and
tuna melt.

46 • Tropic • Issue 37