If you haven’t popped into The Empire in Mullumbimby recently, now would be the time. The Shire’s longest-running cafe has just reinvented itself for the umpteenth time.
Finally putting the last of the flood repairs behind them, in recent weeks they have had a spruce up with a repainted facade, and have, at last, been able to replace the old damaged floor. But much more than just a cosmetic overhaul, there have been exciting changes behind the scenes with a new Head Chef, Mirko Rubino, coming on board.
Mirko and the team have been busy coming up with a new seasonal winter menu and a fresh approach. With a desire to offer excellent modern cuisine that makes the most of local and seasonal produce, the new menu features cafe classics with some innovative twists.
Some dishes they are rather chuffed with include the ‘eggs benny’ with a miso and brown butter hollandaise – combining delisciously with ham by Bangalow Sweet Pork. Another breakfast of beautifully balanced subtle flavours is the doughnut French toast with cardamom-poached pears, smoked manuka honey and candied walnuts.
A highly recommended lunch choice would be the soba noodle salad with cucumber, wakame, pickled ginger and a ponzu dressing – delicious just as it is, or take it to the next level with Korean fried chicken or crispy pork belly.
Chef Mirko has relished the opportunity to put together a modern-Australian breakfast menu. Hailing from Italy and trained in classical French cuisine, Mirko has found that the uninhibited Australian food scene suits him very well. Working in Australia’s contemporary restaurant scene has exposed him to diverse cultural influences and exciting new methods.
Drawing on Mirko’s experience, and the wonderful regional produce, The Empire plans to continue to evolve and develop its offerings into the future. We can look forward to other seasonal menus coming later in the year.
To celebrate their new menu, The Empire have been offering special deals on their Facebook and Instagram feeds – follow them online to find out more.
Plus, keep an eye on their socials and in these pages for their planned pop-up dinners.
The Empire is at 20 Burringbar Street, Mullumbimby. Check out the new menu on their website at empiremullum.com.au and follow them @empiremullum.
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