“No matter how many times you’ve opened up a place and how long you’ve been in the industry, there’s still a lot of nerves – there’s always something new,” Jansen Domantay tells Broadsheet.

The seasoned cafe owner behind local favourites (Spilt Milk, One Misty Guy and Citizen) has just opened his fourth spot with partner Kate Jerrems: Mother.

After selling Citizen earlier this year, Domantay and Jerrems returned to a site in Caulfield North they’d had their eyes on six years earlier. “When Kate and I decided to sell Citizen, we came back here, revisited it, and it was free,” says Domantay. “So it was like the stars were aligned.”

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Set in a former milk bar, Mother’s welcoming, revamped interiors feature warm timber, terracotta tiles, as well as an original 100-year-old brick floor. Dogs are also welcome in the street-facing courtyard.

“We wanted it to feel like you’re at home when you’re entering the space. It’s not just a cafe,” says Jerrems. “We wanted it to feel like it’s got a bit of a soul, like Nonna’s house, or Mum’s house.”

The matriarchal theme can be seen in the menu, too. Order the Mother Nature for a plate of pesto scrambled eggs on dark rye sourdough, with feta, seasoned green beans, spinach, truffle oil and avocado. Go for the godmother and get eggs your way on toasted Turkish bread with pickled red onion, roasted tomatoes, chorizo, bacon, relish and rocket.

For something sweet, ask for the grandmother and enjoy a waffle sandwich topped with vanilla ice cream, caramelised apple, butterscotch and cinnamon. To drink, there’s Padre coffee and also a selection of teas, smoothies and fresh juices.

While opening a new venue is always an exciting endeavour, Mother is an especially meaningful one for the couple and their family. They plan to work hands-on in the cafe every day, with help from their children. “Kate’s got two kids, and I’ve got two kids, who worked in the last businesses,” says Domantay. “It’s going to be a family affair.”

Mother
26 Kambrook Road, Caulfield North
0413202418

Hours:
Mon 7am–3.30pm
Tue to Fri 7am–3pm
Sat 8am–3pm
Sun 8.30am–3pm

mother.bitebusiness.com