Right across from Seddon train station, Goran Boskovski and Vera Xanthis have turned an old Edwardian cottage into a rustic and homely artisanal cafe that has taken Melbourne’s west by surprise.
The two high school friends have joined forces and created an elegant yet welcoming establishment that offers delicious Mediterranean and European-inspired dishes.
Vera, with her unique talent in mixing fresh flavours has taken over the kitchen, while Goran, who also owns Kinship & Co café in the CBD, makes sure no-one can settle for just one coffee.
From the classic smashed avo brekkie with a twist to grainy gluten-free pancakes, homemade spanakopita, beetroot fritters, veggie burgers, and sticky lamb ribs with date molasses, all of the items on Fig & Walnut’s seasonal menu are simple, yet hearty and super flavoursome.
“I enjoy taking Greek recipes and twisting them up, making them my own,” Vera Xanthis whose family owns Alfa Bakehouse, tells Neos Kosmos.
“I take pride in using the freshest produce and combining influences in order to create the perfect dish, to make every bite pleasing to the palate; and offer people an amazing experience.”
For both owners, it is imperative that everything that leaves the table and touches the mouth has an impact; that will not only make people happy but make them come back again and again.
“Greek coffee has a strong presence in both our backgrounds and we take pride in it being duly done,” Goran says. “We also do smoothies, caffeine- and dairy-free beverages, we are constantly adding new flavours; exploring more options like turmeric or beetroot and coconut chai.”
For Vera and Goran, every little detail has to have an impact and is thoughtfully taken into consideration as they believe the quality of service is as important as the quality of the food.
“We didn’t just want to open another cafe,” Vera stresses. “We have restored this old house in a way that it’s as warm and inviting as it is elegant inside. Everyone loves the backyard sitting area with the wooden cubby house, especially the kids on a sunny day!”
“We wanted to create a destination. Somewhere where the most demanding Melbourne foodie will appreciate and relate to as much as the local family and the 9-5 working customer picking up their take-away coffee and snack.”
Follow Fig & Walnut on Instagram @figandwalnut and like them on Facebook facebook.com/figandwalnutcafe