Words by Amanda Kennedy Images Supplied
Picture this –it’s a lazy Friday afternoon and you’ve knocked off early. You’ve snagged a prime spot for a little people-watching on the wide, shady balcony of Beechworth’s newest spot. Take your time sipping some local vino while you graze through a delicious selection of cheese and charcuterie. This is what it’s all about at Miss Amelie Gourmet, the third location from co-owners chef David Kapay and businessman Ken Little.
David Kapay began to make a name for himself locally when in 2016 he opened Miss Amelie restaurant in the historic former Wodonga railway station. The fine dining establishment serving modern European cuisine soon became a destination, along with Little Miss, its petit cocktail bar next door.
Fast forward to 2020 and the Covid-19 reality of hospitality, David saw a chance to share his love of good food beyond the hobbled business model of the restaurant.
I started making some pies at a mate’s bakery and before you knew it Miss Amelie Gourmet was created. We opened our Wodonga location then we opened up a retail outlet in Albury. This one (in Beechworth) is the next step up.
And what a step it is. Located on the corner of Ford and Camp streets in the centre of town, the 150-year building has been home to several pubs, a few cafes and even a fish and chip joint at one stage. David and business partner Ken worked closely with local trades to breathe new life back into the building which had been vacant for several years.
The result is a stunning two-level licensed café/restaurant that is set to become Beechworth’s most exciting food destination yet.
Looking for a weekend spot to spread out the paper whilst sipping an espresso? Check – coffee coming right up with beans from Albury roastery Platform 9 Coffee Roasters. Got a craving for freshly churned Italian-style gelato? Yep, what flavour would you like? Someone special got a birthday coming up? Choose from a pastry case piled high with all manner of tempting treats or order one of their spectacular celebration cakes. Can’t be bothered cooking but still want to eat well? Grab one of their take-home meals for you to simply heat and eat.
Whatever you do, just don’t miss out on the medal-winning pies that started this whole thing off. Baked fresh at their Wodonga headquarters, the crowd-pleasing pies are now stocked in all three of Miss Amelie Gourmet’s locations as well as more than a dozen regional outlets. With flavours like Thai Red Curry Duck, Tasmanian Scallop & King Salmon Chowder and their newest creation the BBB (Beef, Bacon & Bridge Road Brewers Pale Ale) good luck choosing your new favourite.
THE DETAILS
WHAT: Miss Amelie Gourmet
WHERE: 85 Ford St, Beechworth
WHEN: Mon to Thurs 7am – 4pm, Fri to Sat 7am – 7pm, Sunday 8am to 4pm
MORE INFO: missameliegourmet.com.au
We wish to acknowledge traditional owners of this land and to pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.