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Walking into a small neighborhood cafe in Kambah, the last thing you’d expect is to be transported to Latin America.
But as Café Blanco opens its doors to bring a taste of Latin culture and cuisine to the area, that’s exactly what southerners will experience.
Founded by Jose Blanco (of Mocan and Green Grout, Italian and Sons and Monster Kitchen and Bar) and his partner Bridget Meli, the idea behind the cafe was for Jose to share his Latin heritage and passion for traditional food and coffee – a dream that he is. kept since he started working as a chef.
“I got a job when I was about 12 or 13, and from the moment I walked into that restaurant I knew I wanted to have one of my own,” he says.
“It has been a journey. It’s a good feeling – it feels good to do something you love and it’s good to work towards something that I’ve had in mind since I was very young.”
Transforming the space where Shabby Attic and Lazari Bros Espresso previously leased and kept locals happy with caffeine, Café Blanco injects a whole new look into the busy suburb. Gone is the eclectic mix of brac-à-brac and cozy surroundings – instead, warm white walls, natural wood, brown accents and terrazzo tables bring an elegant and fresh feel. And with a menu to match, you’ll never be dreaming of that summer getaway again, with the cafe offering table service for breakfast and lunch as well as takeout options.
Choosing Kambah as the location for the culinary venture was easy for the couple – for them, it has always been “home”. Bridget was born in the area and they currently live down the road from the cafe with their son, Leonardo. It seems only fitting that Jose is now sharing his education in Venezuela and Colombia with the local community.
Exploring the many flavors of Latin America – from the coast of Mexico to the snow-capped mountains of Argentina – Jose explains that the menu will evolve over four seasons, using the flavors that are in his DNA.
Taking inspiration from ingredients all steeped in Latin culture and love, the idea behind the menu was to create a fresh take on cafe favorites, from dulce de leche and hazelnut French toast to a chorizo and egg roll with provolone and salsa.
And that’s not all. The menu also brings the flavors of black bean stew with baked eggs, cherries and queso fresco, as well as roasted pumpkin salad with radicchio, lentils, chimichurri and macadamias and octopus tostada with almond mole and avocado; while, for coffee lovers, a taste of Venezuela awaits as they serve locally roasted, red-brick coffee sourced from a town near where Jose was born.
“I’m comfortable with the flavors, it’s the food I feel most comfortable cooking, it’s the food I know best,” says Jose.
“I could have opened a classic French restaurant or an Italian restaurant, but I don’t think that’s what Canberra needs at the moment… It’s time for something fresh, different and fun.”
And while Café Blanco is just starting to welcome customers, Jose and Bridget hope locals will embrace the change as they aspire to become one of Canberra’s culinary institutions.
“I want the cafe to represent Canberra – the mix of cultures and flavours. We’ve got everything in Canberra, we’ve got every nationality you can imagine,” says Jose. “I’d like Café Blanco to become one of those establishments.”
“We love this community,” says Bridget. “We wanted to bring something really special to Kambah because we think they’re ready for it, I think they’re ready for something a little bit higher.”
But while it may be a community cafe with all the perks – from friendly staff to an accessible location – there’s no denying it’s also the perfect culinary escape for when you want to get out of Canberra.
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What: Café Blanco
When: Open six days a week. Tuesday to Friday, from 07:00 – 14:00 and Saturday and Sunday, from 08:00 – 14:00.
Where: Shop 1/3 Carleton St, Kambah
Website: @cafe___blanco
Photography: Ash St George for Pew Pew Studio
