PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIAI’m five minutes into my first Birdie Num Nums visit and the pram count is at four. That’s even before I’ve ventured to their outdoor area, complete with sandpit and toys. Also spotted were a few of the younger childless funksters, enjoying the all day breakfast, wearing their sunglasses indoors. Owned by John and Susie Rerakis, best known for their iconic Greek restaurant on Brunswick Street, Pireaus Blues, Birdie Num Nums has kept much of its Greek flavour. John’s Mum is responsible for the home-style fare both sweet and savoury - keep an eye out for her walnut cake. Some favourites from Pireaus Blues can still be requested, like rabbit stew on turmeric rice and roast kid with broad beans, peas and potatoes.
Chef Kong Han Khoo has brought to the mix a broader and more international flavour with additions like crispy squid on Vietnamese-style shredded salad with crushed peanuts and sweet roasted chilli dressing. Evening mains range from $22-$27 and lunch from $7-15. The space was a butcher’s shop for 90 years, according to Susie, but they fully renovated it with the aim of keeping the essence of its long history. All the original shelf fittings remain and now hold a range of John’s own collection of vintage Schweppes crates and milk bottles and the like. “Gave me an excuse to get them out of the house,” Susie says with a wink and a smile. Stay tuned for upcoming outdoor evening dining and weekly “roast nights”.
Jenni Kauppi, September 2007