The owner of the local institution Gus’ Place is launching a new venture, Good Neighbour, which will open in Kingston on Thursday, 13 June.
Built on the foundation of what it means to be a good neighbour, the cafe will focus on the key elements of friendly service, good food, great coffee and consistency.
You’ll find Good Neighbour between the Kingston Foreshore and Old Kingston on Wentworth Avenue, featuring a small, curated breakfast and lunch menu with a constant rotation of specials.
While Gus’ Place is on hiatus due to the redevelopment of the Garema Place building, owner Fish Zafar was missing the industry a little too much. So, he sought opportunity to open a second café, aiming to do something a little different.
“I didn’t want to spend too long out of hospitality as it is constantly evolving, so I thought we’ve got a strong team, we have experience, and it gives us the opportunity to try something different in a new space,” he says.
On the fixed breakfast menu, expect a mix of staples and a few more elevated dishes such as chilli crab folded eggs and ricotta hot cakes.
“When guests come in for breakfast, they know exactly what they want-it’s our job to hit that spot. That simplicity is all we’re trying to achieve,” Zafar says.
Lunch will feature favourites such as the Karaage Bowl, Crispy Fish Tacos and Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil Capellini.
As for specials, expect something different every time you visit.
“The specials will addinterest and intrigue. One day it could be a Thai soup, or a curry or pasta…we won’t be limited by cuisine,” Zafar says.
For the Gus’ superfans, yes the menu will include their famous Mexican-inspired Heuvos Sucios (DirtyEggs) and the perfect winter warmer, Shakshouka.
The takeaway menu will have an array of rotating sandwiches and baked goods made in-house for those on the run. These will include a Reuben Toastie, Tuna Melt and Poached Chicken Mayo, as well as burnt Basque cheesecake, scones, cinnamon scrolls and New York-style chunky cookies.
Tapping into the current matcha trend, Good Neighbour will serve strawberry iced matcha as well as their own private label house and single origin coffee blends, which will also be available in retail packs.
Designed by Capezio Copeland, the interior has been created to suit the surroundings. Contemporary, modern and minimal, it caters for weekend brunches through to business meetings with indoor and outdoor seating.
Free ample parking is also available and pets are welcome.
Good Neighbour will be open from Monday to Friday, 7:30am-2:30pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 8am-1:30pm, from Thursday 13 June. The café is located at 1/55 Wentworth Ave, Kingston.
