Karen's Gourmet Kitchen

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
Karen’s Gourmet Kitchen on Mitchell Street, owned by Karen Sheldon Catering, is the flagship “kitchen” of nine similar enterprises. The interior may be small on space, but it’s big on personality, boasting splashes of retro funk with cute orange chairs and grey tables. Behind the sparkling silver counter you will find a wealth of gourmet delights to whet your appetite. The Kitchen caters to health-conscious diners who prefer vegetable-packed salads to greasy hamburgers. The menu offers modern Australian, cafe-style fare with a tendency toward South East Asian ingredients and native Territory produce.

Made-to-order gourmet salads are a specialty so try the prawn and paw paw, Moroccan lamb, Thai buff, or duck soba noodle. Otherwise tuck into a homemade pie (made with cuts of prime meat and real stew) or a sausage roll from the bakery selection. Many dishes feature the Kakadu plum (a small plum-like fruit that used to be eaten by Aboriginal tribes for a quick energy boost while hunting and extremely rich in vitamin C). Try the refreshing Kakadu Plum Spritzer for a pick-me-up on those hot summer days. For something light, Karen’s also offers gourmet wraps, fruit cups, juices and some mean desserts; opt for the homemade chocolate ganache or strawberry choc walnut meringue with a cup of coffee. A great lunch spot.

Shelley Hepworth