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Canberra Today 19°/22° | Wednesday, March 20, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Friendly, cheap, relaxed Bite

SOMETIMES you want just a bite. Quick, easy, not expensive.

That’s what we wanted when out and about in Mawson recently and we got it, at “Just a Bite”.

Owned by Chittima Reed, this small, friendly, local cafe gives service with a big smile. Chittima worked for years at Abel’s Kopi Tiam in Manuka (still a favourite of mine) before opening her own eatery and she knows about customer service.

It was a chilly day and while we could have eaten outdoors (with throws available to put over our knees), we lucked into a seat inside.

Everything at Just a Bite is house made – honest food that hits the spot. Breakfast is served all day, including the big breakfast ($13) with quality bacon sourced from a local butcher, sausages, eggs – the lot.

A great choice that goes well with the coffee sourced from Kaldi Coffee (a local operation that roasts its own beans).

We were attracted to the range of spuds ($7 to $8), which included Italian, Texan, Mexican and Aussie versions – potatoes cut up in big chunks and loaded with different toppings depending on their nationality.

The Mexican spud, with cheese, chilli con carne and fresh sour cream, was yummy. The chilli was tasty, but not super spicy. The spud dishes are a lovely light lunch or a side for those with bigger hunger pangs.

My chilli con carne, of the “non-spud variety”, came with corn chips. It was piping hot and, while I wasn’t expecting the spice in the chilli to be on par with this famous dish as I’ve had it many times in Mexico, a bit more “bite” would have been nice. I know, I know – personal taste.

Homemade shepherd’s pie is on the menu, fresh sandwiches, melts and rotating specials, including, on our visit, chicken schnitzel and a steak sandwich. You can get smoothies and shakes, or grab a drink from the self-serve fridge.

Just a Bite has been open for seven months and we could tell, by the customers greeted by their first name, that there are loyal fans. It’s very relaxed, with a flat screen TV inside and newspapers and mags for those who like to read.

This cute eatery isn’t a gourmet destination, but a super little spot to visit if you’re in the area.

On our way home we whipped around the corner and, after drooling for several minutes, ordered hand-made chocolates at Bruno’s Truffles (Bruno’s café closed a couple of years ago). It was a special treat to end a special lunch.

Just a Bite, shop 9B, Southland Shopping Centre, Mawson. Call 6290 1122. Open breakfast and lunch, Monday-Friday, 7.30am-4.30pm and Saturday, 7.30am-4pm.

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Wendy Johnson

Wendy Johnson

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