Jessie Spargo – Youth week Ambassador
Jessie is one of the Territory’s five Youth Week ambassadors. Together with Mark Munnich she covers the Darwin, Palmerston and Darwin Rural Region. As a keen foodie Jessie is excited about Dishing Up Darwin and has put together a list of her favourite weekend spots to eat...
One of my favourite things to do on the weekend is eating out, in and around Rapid Creek. Having grown up in the ever green, quaint Northern suburb, I am of course biased, but I believe there is something for everyone here. Come Saturday morning, the hustle and bustle of Frilly’s is sure to wake you up and put a smile on the start of your weekend. The volunteers make cappuccinos, mochachinos and baby-chinos (and much more!) quickly, allowing you time to relax and admire the community garden. I recommend visiting the back of the garden, walking past the vegie patch, and saying good morning to the chickens who are always happy to have a chat. After a quick look at the Frilly’s Op Shop, head over to Rossiter Street where Café Central sits unassuming, surrounded by a deck, behind a row of palms. My favourite on the menu here is Eggs Benedict - Café Central never disappoints. The perfect choice for Saturday night dinner is Rapid Café. Housed in Rapid Creek shopping complex, this gorgeous little establishment serves up Japanese meals that are finger licking good!
The next morning, head back to Rapid Creek for the Sunday morning market. I grew up only two minutes away from there, and I recall every other Sunday bounding down Oliver Street, arriving at the markets with a mission; first stop: rice cakes, second stop: waffles, third stop: paw paw salad. Years have passed since then but my mission has rarely wavered, save for a stop at Jay’s Coffee cart. Rapid Creek market has the perfect blend of fresh produce, hot food, and an exciting atmosphere - I often think it is like stepping into another world. After picking up your fresh fruit and veg for the week, head over to the Nightcliff market for a sit down breaky. Find your seat in front of the live music stand first, then line up for a much-loved Ken’s crepe. If it is a hot day, I recommend an iced tea from Just Coffee.
After the bustle of the markets you might like to escape to the ochre cliffs of Nightcliff where you’ll find Jetty & The Fish from 5pm onwards - their red and white van is hard to miss as you drive along Casuarina Drive. Unwrapping the newspaper bound, light and crispy fish and chips, and tucking in with the golden Darwin sunset behind, is the perfect way to end your weekend. The only problem is figuring out what to have for dinner on Monday – no need to worry, Famished on Nightcliff Road has it covered!
Bon appétit Darwin X
