Ruby G's to the CBD
RUBY G’S STARTED OUT IN EARLY 2016 as the hip new eatery at Darwin Bowling Club, their unique and diverse menu pushing the boundaries for Bowlo regulars, much to their delight.
Skip forward three years, owners Mel Pritchard and Shane Oritz have one of the most successful bakeries in the Top End, their bricks and mortar shopfront home to their beloved food trailer, James the Third – lovingly named after their late friend, and former trailer owner, James.
As fate would have it, business has taken a “totally unexpected” turn, the pair signing on to the lease of the former Alley Cats Café & Patisserie space in Darwin’s CBD, a mere 24 hours after being approached by the property’s real estate agents.
“We got the phone call and just thought, why not? It’s not really something we had planned but we thought we’d give it a crack,” Mel explains.
“We set up shop in nine days and I’ve hired five chefs! Our neighbour is a plasterer so we went to him with our tiny budget, and he made it happen. He built all of our tables. We’ve actually been approached by people wanting to know where we got them so he’s making tables for some of our customers.”
The menu isn’t overcomplicated, with their signature flaky baked croissants and treat-topped donuts lining the counter. New items include a bahn mi croissant and steamed duck donuts made with leftover donut batter. But one of the biggest differences between the new space and James’ place in Coconut Grove is something you won’t find on the menu.
“It’s got air-con! We’ve also bought a cake fridge, so we can make creamy cakes and custardy éclairs – I’m so excited to fill it.
“We’re also getting to know our new clientele. In Coconut Grove, I love having a chat and getting to know the customers – that’s what hospitality is. Just like the theme song from Cheers says, ‘A place where everybody knows your name’. I love having a chinwag with our customers and making them feel a bit special.”
So if you want to feel a bit special and treat your tastebuds to some delicious baked goodies, check out the new Ruby G’s on Mitchell St. You donut want to miss out…
MINDIL MARKETS – EVERY THU & SUN | 4-9PM
PARAP MARKETS – EVERY SAT | 9AM-2PM
MON – FRI, 6AM-3PM | SAT & SUN, 7AM-2PM | 4/69 MITCHELL ST, DARWIN CITY & 2 TANG ST, COCONUT GROVE | facebook.com/rubygscanteenandbakery
