Leaping from its beginnings in an old motor garage in Abbotsford, AU79’s southside counterpart serves up Asian-influenced dishes, buttery pastries, house-roasted coffee and a clutch of wines, beers and cocktails in the bustling Chadstone Shopping Centre.
The kiosk-style spot is split into two sections, with a cafe on one side and a bar on the other. Cafe-side, settle in for its classic brunch staples and house blend coffees (which are roasted in Abbotsford). You might go for dishes like Med-style avo on toast with pumpkin puree, sundried tomatoes and chilli; soba noodle salad with tofu edamame, bok choy and lotus root chips; or confit duck leg salad with caramelised onion, pickled beetroot, radicchio and garlic croutons. There’s also a selection of grab-and-go pastries and cakes behind the brass-finished glass cabinet. For a drink (or two), walk around to the bar for its range of house cocktails, beers and wines – great for late-night-shopping drinks.
Created by Mim Design, the lush and airy space is a reinterpretation of the Abbotsford flagship and takes full advantage of the vaulted glass atrium above. It’s fitted with grand white arches, marble-topped counters, cascading plants, terrazzo tiles and brass details. The light-filled spot gives off a greenhouse conservatory feel, offering a moment of calm in the busy shopping centre surrounds.
