REDFERN: The eatery formerly known as Tapeo (82 Redfern Street) has undergone a management, menu and name change. New gleaming white signage announces Chalmers Corner Licenced Café and Restaurant, and new owner-manager Pav (a passionate Rabbitohs supporter) is excited. “Chalmers Corner is about fresh food and quality service,” he says. “We source the very best produce, and our coffee blend (Numero Uno) is roasted nearby in Waterloo.”
An experienced businessperson and caterer, this is Pav’s first café venture. Born and raised in a bustling south Indian city, Pav migrated to Australia in 1999. Hospitality, he says, means genuine welcome and friendliness, music not so loud you can’t conduct a conversation, a clean and uncluttered café interior, multicultural cuisine with something for all tastes and occasions.
The café walls have received a fresh coat of cream paint, the floors repainted in grey-green. There are shiny black and chrome stools at the refurbished bar, timber table tops, round-backed chairs, pendant lights in copper and gold. The overall effect is relaxed, light-filled and warm.
“Chalmers Corner is a good name,” says one resident and customer. “A good place to meet friends – at the corner of Redfern and Chalmers streets – to sit and watch the neighbourhood, to rest a while with my dog, to chat or work on my laptop as long as I need.”
Another points out the close proximity to Redfern Park – “the stunning views and summer breezes” – and the bus stop on Chalmers Street.
“There are many cafés and restaurants in the local area,” Pav says. “We aim to introduce something unique to Redfern. Customer satisfaction is paramount.”
The new menu offers New York bagels, Moroccan eggs, Cajun chicken burgers, Indian masala omelettes, Portuguese tarts, and much more. Breakfast is available throughout the day. There are ample vegetarian options, kids’ meals, sides and salads. All meals can be customised to special needs and diets.
Head chef Aaron is a qualified chef with more than nine years’ experience. Manager Ali is an all-rounder and enjoys meeting customers and serving coffee. Sarina is a welcoming waitperson. All staff are dedicated to ensuring the café is “a safe and good place for people”.
Chalmers Corner celebrated its reopening on October 22, with free coffees from 7-10am.
