Eddie Nair is the owner of Eddie’s Organics. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
Eddie Nair is a recognisable hospitality character from venues around Canberra, and has finally opened his own cafe. Edde’s Organics is a cafe and grocery store serving up healthy, organic food in an eclectic, colourful venue.
Eddie’s Organics opened last week after long building delays, and it was clear that the Pearce community had been eagerly anticipating this day. Visiting on their second day, the place was packed with locals keen to check out the new cafe. Among the diners and steaky-beakers, I heard plenty of folks expressing their excitement that Eddie’s had finally opened.
Eddie had formerly managed As Nature Intended (now closed), a cafe and organic grocer first located at Belconnen Markets and then at Dairy Road in Fyshwick.
He told Region that he had always loved the cafe-and-grocer combination and knew he wanted to bring it to his first business.
“Everyone’s going healthy now, so organic is the way to go,” he explained.
“We’re using items from the shop in the kitchen for our menu as well.”
The fritters are a delicious breakfast item at Eddie’s Organics. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
The cafe is filled with a mix of quirky vintage furniture. I was sitting at a table that had previously housed a Singer sewing machine. Eddie lovingly redecorated and refurbished himself.
He’s spent the last few months scouring Facebook Marketplace, secondhand and vintage stores and occasionally the side of the road to pick up an eclectic mix of tables and chairs.
“I don’t like plain black and white cafes, so I just thought, ‘I’m going to put myself out there and have a bit of colour’,” he said.
The impact is immediately cheerful and charming, much like Eddie himself.
He flitted between making coffees, clearing tables and chatting with each customer who came through the door. Despite the anticipated opening week challenges of training staff and finding their feet, the service was friendly and speedy.
There’s an extended seating area out the back that continues to showcase Eddie’s colourful style of decoration. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
I ordered the sweet potato and zucchini fritters, which came pan-cooked (there’s no deep fryer) with a poached egg, avocado and a zingy tomato salsa. It was a satisfying and tasty dish that left me feeling full without the lingering taste of fryer oil.
Eddie said that the menu will have seasonal specials, and most dishes could be made gluten-free or vegan. I’ll be back for the Amazing Beans – a housemade tomato ragu with organic beans on toast – and a housemade treat like the Basque cheesecake or Eddie’s own caramel slice.
The grocery section includes staples, vegetables and snacks. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
You can also buy bulk organic staples like flours and lentils in the grocery store, along with packaged items like pasta, sauces, drinks and snacks. There’s also a fridge stocked with organic veg.
Eddie’s Organics is located at Pearce Shops, Shop 1a/70 Hodgson Cres, Pearce. It’s open from 8 am to 4 pm Monday to Thursday, from 8 am to 6 pm on Friday, from 8 pm to 3 pm on Saturday, and from 8 am to 2 pm on Sunday. Follow Eddie’s Organics on Instagram.
Original Article published by Lucy Ridge on Region Canberra.
