PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIAIn a tranquil, grassy corner of South Bank Parklands, complete with a very Zen duck pond, Thai-born chef Timmy Kemp runs a funky, casual cafe/restaurant behind the Galleria apartment complex. The interior, like the food, is a blend of contemporary style and Asian tradition, the carved Buddhas in dark wood contrasting with a colour scheme of red, white and stainless steel. It’s a lovely spot for lazing around the outdoor tables enjoying high tea, and at night the warmly-lit interior is a mellow and intimate dinner venue.
Timmy’s menu is an intriguing mish-mash of cultures, and it’s all very appealing. Begin with roasted field mushroom with sweet potato, spicy pear, fetta, rocket and beetroot vinaigrette. Mains include ricotta, sweet potato and pine nut tortellini with sauteed chicken, asparagus and lemon oil, and beef brisket red curry with kaffir lime, grilled bread, crushed peanuts and Asian herbs. The high tea for $20 includes a selection of ribbon sandwiches, savory tartlets, fetta and roast capsicum salad, petit fours, cakes and tea. There’s breakfast, too; try the coconut crumpet with lemon curd. Timmy’s “pantry” is a collection of interesting Asian and European ingredients used extensively in her cooking; they’re housed in rows of shelving at the front of the restaurant, and they’re all for sale if you’d like to try your hand at some of her recipes