Bare Witness

Rhodes isn’t well known for its cafe culture, so when business and life partners Geena Cho and John Suh opened Bare Witness they decided to make a big impact. The vast 500-square-metre space has cement floors painted pink and views of the Parramatta River. Garlands of festoon lights and greenery hang from the ceiling of the eatery, which seats 300 people inside and outside.

Food-wise, the black Alaskan crab eggs benedict is one to behold. Nearly everything on the plate is black – the hollandaise sauce, the brioche bun – thanks to an infusion of “activated” charcoal. Purported health benefits aside, the charcoal gives the tasty dish a moody depth. Although it’s a simple dish, the truffle mushrooms is texturally complex. Seven different mushrooms, chosen for their diverse flavours and textures, are sautéed and served on toast drizzled with truffle oil.

Bare Witness serves Canberra’s Ona Coffee and collaborates with its founders to create seasonal blends that come directly from Ona-owned farms in Honduras. The cafe’s branding includes a series of illustrations by American artist Chris DeLorenzo. Drawings of joyfully nude women are featured on takeaway coffee cups and the menu.