Bondi has just scored a new diner. ‘Flave’ features a plant-based menu created by Executive Chef Scott Findlay, a Gordon Ramsay-trained chef who has also cooked for celebrities like Rihanna, Beyoncé, Madonna, and Sir Elton John.
Former meat-lovers, Stuart & Samantha Cook hatched the idea for a 100% plant-based eatery after Samantha had a life-threatening bacterial infection while on vacation in Costa Rica. Upon doctor’s advice, she switched to a plant-based diet which her husband supported by staying away from meat products too.
Whilst they were getting used to plant-based eating, they also realised that vegetarian options are hard to find. And so, Flave was born with a mission to serve flavourful fare including burgers and bowls that even the hardcore meat eaters wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.
Behind the stellar Flave menu is Gordon Ramsay-trained Executive Chef Scott Findlay who was a private chef to several flexitarian celebrities including Rihanna, Beyoncé, Madonna and Sir Elton John. But he admits that his years of experience with Sir Paul McCartney, who is a vegetarian and founder of the Meat Free Mondays movement, had the most influence on his creations.
Photo Credit: Flave / flave.com
Take Ballsy Burger/Bowl for example, which drew inspiration from his recipe created to please McCartney’s taste buds. These Italian meatballs, slow-cooked in Napoli sauce, come with cheesy eggplant parmigiana, fresh pesto and rocket.
The Japanese-style So Su Me is also another McCartney-inspired recipe. The tuna tartare’s burger version is served in a toasted charcoal bun stacked with crispy sushi rice nori and sesame edamame patty, seaweed salad, pickled ginger, avo, red cabbage slaw & wasabi aioli.
The So Su Me Bowl option, on the other hand, comes with baby spinach, quinoa and rice, carrot and cucumber ribbons, pickled ginger, edamame and avocado. Balancing the tangy and spicy goodness are sesame seaweed salad, togarashi, Miso Ponzu dressing; wasabi aioli, crispy shallots and tempura nori for crunch.
Curious as to what Rihanna’s food preference is like? Then Wadda Jerk is for you. This recipe is based on Riri’s favourite dish from Barbados. Wadda Jerk is a spicy Jamaican Jerk chicken recipe in coconut-sweet potato gratin, complemented with cool mango salsa, coconut rice and beans along with Jamaican greens.
Sides menu includes light & crispy sweet potato fries with the perfect amount of crunch, lightly fried strands of ‘tato, and crispy golden onion ring-a-ding-dings fried in a spicy southern American batter.
Tasty desserts, coffee, tea and a slew of wines and beer options are also on offer.
Flave occupies the former St.George Bank site at 89 Hall Street in Bondi Beach. Hours of operation are Monday – Wednesday and Sunday from 11 am to 10 pm; Thursday -Saturday from 11 am to 11 pm.
Flave | 89 Hall St, Bondi Beach NSW 2026, Australia