There have been many changes at the Byron Arts & Industry Estate recently. It’s a thriving place. There are new buildings sprouting up, new businesses in old buildings, and the streets are so busy that there are cars everywhere, which makes finding a healthy cafe to relax in even more important. As you turn into Banksia Drive (the A&I Estate entrance closest to Byron) Wild Tahini Cafe is the second driveway on the left, just near Onboard Industries. For those with memories, it’s on the old Tucker Box site.
Wild Tahini Cafe has now been operating for 17 months, and the Tucker Box has undergone what new owner/chef Lisa McCafferty calls a ‘huge transformation’.
Inside there is bar seating and a Kasbah table with cushions on the floor for the chillout crowd. Outside there is plenty of seating in the shade, among native trees and herb gardens, where tradies mix with Byron’s version of the office executive set.
Lisa has more than 30 years’ experience, including cooking on luxury yachts and for special-events companies in Port Douglas, her home of 20 years before Byron.
Nearly everything is made onsite. The menu is varied: mezze plates, falafel wraps, gourmet burgers, healthy salads, curries, pastries, fresh sandwiches and rolls mix it with breakfast pockets and burritos. As you’d expect in a true Byron cafe, there are many gluten-free, vego and vegan options, using free-range products and local suppliers.
The coffee is from local growers Zentvelds, but you can also get turmeric lattes and acai smoothies. For those with a sweet tooth there are bliss balls and chocolate by Sara McCafferty.
New things are on the horizon for the cafe too; expect live music and extended Wed/Thurs night opening hours. The site is available for catering or functions for any occasion. Go to Wild Tahini Cafe Facebook site for details.
For those chained to their desks in paradise, the cafe also offers free delivery from 11.30am till 2pm within the Sunrise / A&I area.
Wild Tahini Cafe, 1/1B Banksia Drive, Arts & Industry Estate, Byron. Open: 7am till 3pm daily. 8.30am till 1.30pm on Saturdays. Open Easter from 9am till 2pm. Ph 6685 6821
