Have you ever felt that home away from home feeling? You’ll find it at a special place where you feel comfortable, welcome and appreciated, every time you visit. A place you can go when you need, more than anything, a hearty meal and a warm bear hug.
Mondo Organics is this place for me.
It is full to the brim with a collection of beautiful souls, plump pillows and fond memories. When I began planning my first edition of Local is Lovely, there was no way I could overlook Mondo Organics.
Mondo Organics opened in 2000 when co-owner and acclaimed chef Brenda Fawdon became concerned about genetically modified food and the growing use of pesticides and preservatives within the food industry. Back then; opening an organic restaurant was risky business. Not only was it a challenge to source organic produce, it was also a struggle getting people to accept this ‘new-age’ food. Despite the initial hurdles, Brenda, a passionate chef, and her business partner, Sonja Drexler, have developed their business not only into a successful restaurant, but also a catering business and cooking school.
Many people are startled by the food when they visit the organic restaurant. There are those who expect to be served ‘rabbit food’ and are pleasantly surprised by the variety and heartiness of the meals. Other diners brace themselves for meticulously ‘healthy’ food, and are unnerved by the use of healthy fats, salt and sugar in the dishes.
If you’re health conscious, or just want a good feed, Mondo caters for everyone. Their uniqueness can be found in their careful selection of ingredients.
In both my job, and personal life, finding the best quality ingredients is extremely important to me. And this doesn’t change when I eat out at restaurants.
Head Chef, Nathan Castles, plating up the snapper dish.
When it comes down to it, the difference between healthy and nourishing foods and foods that compromise health depends on the quality of the ingredients.
At Mondo I know I will be served a meal that is high quality and nourishing without having to sacrifice the taste or dining experience. They aim to bring their modern European cuisine to life using only organic and/or local ingredients.
At Mondo you can really appreciate the flavours and culinary techniques, but also know that what you are given is going to nourish you.
Mondo also happily caters for those who have dietary restrictions, providing a range of gluten-free, dairy free, vegan and vegetarian options.
Mondo’s warm heirloom vegetable salad: a stunningly unique dish complete with pea powder (freeze dried and ground green peas) and dehydrated kalamata olives.
Hours upon hours are spent prepping everything from scratch – no packet mixes, or pre-cut veggies here!
And if you go to Mondo, there is one item on the menu I suggest you try – something that gets affectionately called CPS… Crunchy Potato Squares. CPS has been on the Mondo menu for years, and the beloved dish caused a riot the one time they did try to take it off. Not only that, but CPS is such a favourite among Mondo’s clientele, that one year Mondo was asked to create a CPS WEDDING CAKE!
Taylor meticulously grating potato to make Mondo’s widely acclaimed Crunchy Potato Squares.
So what exactly is CPS? Just imagine a fancy, healthier, square variation of wedges. But don’t let their looks fool you, believe it or not, CPS are actually made from a series of surprisingly complex (and painstaking – just ask the first year apprentice) steps, from only four ingredients (potato, sage, salt and pepper). Crispy, crunchy, herby, square goodness!
My favourite: the herb emulsion (amaze!) in this dish is the perfect accompaniment for the tender braised octopus and starchy potatoes.
Mondo’s cooking school is right next door to the restaurant, and boasts state of the art appliances (including a Thermomix!), a beautifully laid out island bench that seats classes of up to 12 people, as well as a friendly and welcoming vibe.
There are a wide range of cooking classes taught at Mondo, including; wholefood cooking, pasta, French desserts, super foods, slow cooking, and “What’s for dinner, Darling?” which includes tips on how you can get organised in the kitchen. There is definitely a class for everyone!
And if you’re looking for an unique idea for a corporate event or special occasion – you can also book a cooking school for larger groups of people.
Brenda is also bringing out a cookbook later this year, which includes over 100 gorgeous wholefood recipes she has developed over her thirty years experience as a chef.
Want to visit?
Mondo is open for dinner Wednesday to Saturday, lunch Friday to Sunday, as well as breakfast on the weekends.
Visit the Mondo Organics website or check out their Facebook for more information.