Big Elma has arrived
Well, it’s been a journey to get here but we are branching out at last. What started as an idea over a year ago, turned into a week of manic painting and cleaning, then a month of ‘oh my gosh’ is this actually real to wow, we actually created a cafe.
Both Elleke and myself, deep down, are souls that dream of connection and community. Since moving into 138 Nicholson Street, Coburg we have poured our heart into creating Big Elma. Not just any cafe, but a cafe with heart and that feels like a home away from home.
Now to share a little about us…
Let’s start with myself, Emma (the Ma of Elma). I undertook a chef’s apprenticeship right out of school all the many years ago. Through working as a chef, I always found myself gravitating towards to the front of house in many places of work. After a while I made the switch from kitchen to restaurant management. This switch enabled me to be multi-skilled in all aspects of hospitality and allowed me to travel and work both overseas and around Australia.
I have worked in fine dinning restaurants in the UK, managed 8 course degustation’s for guests staying in the exclusive Lizard Island, I have also had the pleasure of hosting guests at the El Questro Homestead, serving dinner while being on snake watch and partaking in a little evening croc feeding.
What fills me with joy is serving others and making you smile when you come into Big Elma. I really enjoy getting to know you, what is happening in your world so don’t be surprised when we remember your name, weekend plans and check in to see how they went.
Outside of work I love to spend my days off exploring and doing something fun with my daughter Grace. Making the most of these early years before she starts school. A perfect day might entail a early morning swim, followed by an Art Gallery visit with Grace, maybe a walk along the Yarra, some sunset arts and crafts, then finishing with a glorious family meal.
Now for the ‘EL’ - Elleke, Ellie. Born in the Netherlands, raised both in the Netherlands and West Africa. Ellie has a proud and rich heritage which flows through cooking. She is a true chef that cooks by taste, smell, texture and feel - I say this with pride Ellie was born with amazing palette. She calls herself a street smart chef, and it’s these skills that put other ‘qualified’ chefs I have worked with over the years to shame. When you taste the dishes that have been so lovingly created, you will never want the experience to end.
Ellie, a local to the area, you’ll likely bump into her along Lygon Street in Brunswick, the baths or or any pick of Op-Shops along Sydney Road. She is passionate about sustainability, community and reducing food wastage. These passions flow through to Big Elma. Starting with the vintage crockery we source for serving the meals on to our upcycled garden area with herbs and flowers beginning to bloom.
Big Elma has been up and running now for over 8 months. We have extended our trading hours into evenings one night per week at the moment (with more coming). We are so grateful for the support we have received and would like to acknowledge how much we appreciate our regulars. Cleveland and Carlos, Cardi-B Scott, Daniel, Brendan, Daisy, Alana, Bernie Fam, Amy & Pete, Kathy & Ernie, Kylie & Pete, LA, Jill, Toby and Crew just to name a few… I could go on, however honestly I think this intro might never end!!
Our team Dylan, Carlie, Kailin, Holly (more mini blogs and intros to come) at Big Elma pride ourselves on being able to provide nourishing food for the both the body and mind. Which is why we are excited to bring you ‘Coburgers’ more access to having Big Elma in your home. This website is our link to connect with you all and bring Market Produce Boxes to your door. Jump onto our Market page to be the first to order our Market Box today!
With so much more in the pipe line we can’t wait to share the news with you along the way.
Big Hugs
Love El(lie) & (Em)ma
xx
