Gather and Graze

Bre Parkes’s catering company Gather and Graze went from side hustle to full-time job in November 2017, after less than a year.

Then in October 2018 she moved into a space on King William Road that’s part cafe, part catering headquarters. Parkes has a list of hyperlocal, long-time suppliers: Say Cheese, Barossa Fine Foods, Bottega Rotolo and Rustico Bakery.

Her platter prowess is now on show six days a week. There are shrunk-down options for one or two – your choice of cheese, cured meats and dips comes with bread and in-season extras. Or rally the troops for a pay-per-head platter (there’s a breakfast version, too). The 60-person space also accommodates functions and workshops.

The menu’s Topped Turkish section is a “non-daggy” play on Billy Baxter’s doorstops, which Parkes recalls from the late noughties. There’s also a Reuben sandwich, Maine-style lobster roll and smoked-cheddar mini cob loaf. Everything can be made to take away, or there’s a fridge full of ready-to-go options.

Sweets-wise, go for From the Wild vegan desserts, house-made vegan cakes and Bircher muesli, or whatever else Parkes feels like baking. Caffeine comes courtesy of 1645 Coffee Roasters.

The relaxed, soft-toned interior is very easy on the eye, with peach and navy contrasts, handcrafted bench seats and a series of for-sale snaps of coastal Italy. There’s also “pooch parking” out front and free doggo treats.