After spending more than 18 years in hospitality across catering and cafe work, Patrick Beinke and his partner Christine Lim decided to open up a space of their own. No. 68 on Commercial Road pairs a comfortable home-like vibe with a delectable array of food and drink that has already got Newstead locals talking. Boasting charming recycled furniture to settle into and a street art mural from Sofles unearthed in the space’s refurbishment, No. 68 is a casually cool space to leisurely inhabit – and you’re going to want to take your time with the fare.
Patrick is taking the opportunity to flex his culinary muscles in the No. 68 kitchen, with a menu that takes your favourite brunch and lunch options and imbues a quirky Asian-inspired twist. We don’t know about you, but we’d be happy to get out of bed early to try freshly baked muffins, French-imported croissants, Patrick’s array of hand-crafted maple bacon eggs benedict, miso chilli eggs on hemp seed sourdough, Belgian waffles with berry coulis and Persian floss and burnt broc and pickled cabbage quinoa bowl with goji and cashew cream. As the day wears on the lunch menu takes precedence, with the likes of caramelised chorizo and onion loaded fries, smoked pulled brisket and slaw burgers, roasted sweet potato, edamame and soba noodles with maitake coconut cream featuring. Patrick will also be putting together healthy meal preps for those that are too busy to cook, and will also fashion a menu of cheap and cheerful specials for anyone seeking an inexpensive lunch option.
Christine and Patrick are also bringing some specialty coffee service to the area, with sublime beans from Parallel Roasters on offer. Each brew is served with a palate-cleansing spritz of sparking water, with plans in place for nitro brew and filter coffee to come. When the sun starts to set, shift from one kind of brew to another – All Inn Brewing Co. beers are available off tap for those keen to knock back a few suds.
No. 68 is now open on Commercial Road. For more information, click over to the Stumble Guide.
