Redfern’s purple patch

On a recent visit I enjoyed the Emu Steak with Mash. I’d eaten emu once before, many years ago in Darwin, and found it bland, but this dish was full-flavoured – perfectly poached ¬– a taste somewhere between beef and chicken. Yum! And the secret to the light and tasty Mash, I learned, is skim milk.

I took the opportunity of asking my fellow patrons about their dining experience. Norma referred to a “wild food experience in Redfern”, commenting that she felt right at home in the café. “As a Wiradjuri woman, my totem is the goanna,” Norma explained.

Bulelwa was excited about a celebrity encounter. “I just met Luke Carroll,” she enthused. The Deadly Male Actor of the Year is one of her favourites, and “so friendly”. Bulelwa was very happy with her Strawberry Smoothie. Florence said she’ll be coming back again, and praised the “beautiful and friendly staff” as well as the décor – “purple and clean”. Even the drinking straws here are purple!

My companion tucked into a Vegie Dukkah Pie with Salad, and certainly appeared to relish every mouthful. We noted the menu items on the chalkboard above us: Kangaroo, Crocodile, Bush Baguettes …

The Purple Goanna is open weekdays from 6am to 6pm, and from 8am to 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays. There is also a spacious meeting room downstairs, air-conditioned with a seating capacity of 40. Council approval is pending, but Susie is keen to hear from community groups interested in hiring the space.

Photo: Andrew Collis - Susie, Nyree and Kaylib with brand new sign for the Purple Goanna

Source: South Sydney Herald March 2010 www.southsydneyherald.com.au