Four years ago A Bite to Eat was but a lifeless vacant shop space at Chifley shops.
“We just had a feeling,” co-owner Rebecca Kelly said.
Since then, Rebecca and friend Danielle McKeon have created a charismatic café/bar which has doubled in size and immeasurably multiplied its fan base, and ever-growing vintage crockery collection.
This week they are blowing out four candles, but as clichéd as it sounds, they would probably struggle to think of more things to wish for, for their lively place.
It has Weston Creek/Woden locals loyally strolling down for a laid back bite to eat or drink, and even Canberrans from across town pulling out their maps to seek out Chifley shops for their special occasions and keen to experience A Bite to Eat’s unique atmosphere.
“It’s homely,” Rebecca said. “People feel comfortable…some even kick their shoes off on the lounge.”
Along with its laid back feeling, a Bite to Eat’s trademark is its imaginative décor, its mismatched furniture, some named after the regular customers, and its eclectic crockery and glassware. Carefully chosen bits and pieces including original vintage fabrics, family photos, community notices and original artwork give A Bite to Eat its charming personality.
The same level of imagination is maintained in their menu, which is a mix and match of cuisines and styles, with something for everybody. Rebecca and Danielle scour through the shops to source out original ingredients and build their delicious dishes around them.
“We love picking up stuff that we don’t know what it is and throwing it together”, Rebecca said.
On their menu you will find a tantalising red duck curry with a fragrant lime and coconut jasmine rice, homely sweets like the double chocolate pudding with double cream, perfectly poached eggs made with a twist, and on Wednesdays, quirkily named pizzas.
“I think what keeps us going is our wicked sense of humour”, Danielle said.
They also attribute A Bite to Eat’s ongoing success to their loyal and loving customers, for whom Rebecca and Danielle have left a message on the blackboard above the entrance:
“Bec and Dan would like to thank our local supporters over the years and who knows we may even have a shindig to celebrate”.
Don’t forget to wish them a happy birthday next time you’re in the area, or make the trip from wherever you live just to see what’s different at A Bite to Eat.
