Parnell, you ought to be excited: You’ve got a shiny new all-day eatery on your doorstep and it is set to churn out some seriously good eats. Winona Forever — the new resident of the glass-fronted space at the bottom of the Geyser building on Parnell Road — is opening its doors for the first (official) time today and its offering is anything but banal.
Parnell residents can wake up and smell the freshly baked goodness at this characterful new eatery.
In fact, when you walk into the newly redecorated space and up to the front cabinet to place your order, you may well find your jaw hitting the floor.
While simultaneously prying your tongue from the new tiles, you’ll be confronted with the challenge of choosing from the outrageously good-looking line-up of baked goods (profiteroles laden with glossy string toffee, white chocolate truffles, dainty tea cakes, jam and mascarpone doughnuts, fresh salads, generous quiches and much more), never mind the enticing menu. We tried the Eton Rifle, the mini ricotta doughnuts and ‘The Ladyboy’ (prawn eggs benedict) and can report that they were each flavour-filled and satiating in their own right.
It’s not the sort of decor we’d call soothing and minimalist. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. But you’ve got to respect that Winona Forever has got personality — that is, the ‘David Bowie cum punk’ personality of owners Fran Mazza (a superbly trained pastry chef) and Aaron Carson, former owners of popular Henderson cafe Little Sister and Epsom’s Hello Friends + Allies. With lighting from Vitrine, heart-shaped studded leather chairs, and artwork (and murals) by famed local artist Frances Hansen, there’s plenty to catch the eye other than the sensational menu items.
Like we said, there’s plenty to be excited about, so if you’re looking for a place for a glass of bubbles and brunch (did we mention they’re licenced?) then we suggest you give this new Parnell gal a go.
By Madeline Saxton-Beer
Credits: Denizen
