Around four years ago a group of like-minded friends started a Syntropic Farm project. Since that time, they have deepened and strengthened their bonds in the community, and their work has evolved to create a unique, organic restaurant in Byron’s Arts & Industry Estate, OCA.
An online review by Arthur Randolph expresses a sense of what this special place is about: ‘OCA is a diamond in the rough. You would think that more restaurants in the Byron Shire would be serving organic cuisine with a holistic, community-driven approach. But no, OCA is single-handedly carrying that torch.’
OCA’s golden ingredient is cassava, a nutritious and versatile gluten-free root vegetable. Their creative recipes include cassava gnocchi, cassava Hidden Treasure, cassava chips, arancini balls, artisan wood-fired cassava bread and more!
Research has proven cassava to be a great source of ‘clean’ carbohydrates. It is also a drought-tolerant crop, making it a great ally in regenerative farming, especially here in Australia.
The wood-fired artisan pizzas use naturally fermented organic sourdough bases complemented by many different homemade sauce options, like pesto, mushroom patê, babaganoush and traditional tomato. Expect some colourful and tasty combinations!
A source of pride for the OCA chefs is that they prepare all their fresh menu ingredients from scratch. Be sure to try their house made cashew cheese while you’re there!
The Egg Plant Steak, Funghi World Pizza and Vegan Moussaka are just a few of their mouth-watering vegetarian and vegan options.
At night, a combination of talented local musicians help create a cosy, artistic environment – and enjoying music with your dinner can make the experience all the more memorable, can’t it?
‘We have worked in many restaurants and felt the need to serve the community with clean organic food – the same food we cook for our kids and families,’ says Head Chef, Bruno Assuncao. ‘We decided to change the way our food is grown, and then brought it to the table.’
As part of their commitment to helping the planet, OCA is run by a not-for-profit association (Sun Moon Star Regenerative Community Alliance) with the objectives of supporting organic regenerative practices and building resilient communities.
OCA is open Monday to Friday (9am–2pm) and Tuesday and Friday evenings (5–9pm). Be sure to follow @OCACUISINE on social media to keep updated with their special events held monthly!