The first Carrotsticks & Cravings outlet opened in Dempsey Hill in 2017 and quickly became popular. The cafe offers a laid-back, Aussie-esque ambience and a menu that accommodates most dietary restrictions, including vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and refined sugar-free options, while happily satisfying cravings.
The second opened in 2018 at Robertson Quay, and the third at Stanley Street in August this year. Designed by award-winning hospitality designer Isabelle Miaja, Carrotsticks & Craving’s Stanley Street interior injects tropical-beach cheer into the CBD area with a tactile material palette that includes Carrotsticks & Craving’s signature pink, teal and white. It seats 50 diners; 24 indoors and 26 outside.
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Founded by Melbourne-born Terri-Anne Leske, Carrotsticks & Craving is now owned and operated by hospitality group Foragers.
Isabelle has incorporated retro-inspired design elements and strategically uses curves to soften the overall feel in the dining area.
The curving coffee bar is finished with homogenous white tiles and vibrant green grouting, plus white terrazzo with a confetti-like pink and black pattern.
Arches lined with tropical wallpaper panels behind the seating area make you feel like you are peeking out into a lush garden.
The lighting inside is warm white, casting a golden glow that flatters both food and decor.
The loose furniture selection, comprising several models of wooden chairs with woven rattan seats and powder-coated metal chairs, from Bali, is deliberately varied to enhance the eclectic vibe.
The seat cushions also come in various textures and colours. As with Carrotstick & Craving’s other two outlets, the menu also comes with options for various diets.
The exclusive Stanley Breakfast for 2 is inspired by the owner’s Australian and Israeli roots.
The platter comes with a generous serving of Israeli salad, puff pastries filled with cream cheese and herbs, oven-roasted eggplant served with homemade hummus and whole chickpeas, bite-sized falafel patties, avocado with crumbled feta, a tangy cheese called labneh, and a side of smoked salmon or chicken leg ham.
All this is complemented by a sourdough bread basket, two eggs and two coffees. Customers can opt for alternative milk options such as almond, coconut, oat, and soya.
Dukkah Salmon ($28) is a hearty bowl featuring poached honey-marinated salmon, housemade dukkah, various grains and veggies.
Other recommendations include The Cravings Burekas (an Israeli pastry), and Red Shakshouka.
A selection of gluten-free, vegan and refined sugar-free desserts, including a guilt-free confection made with coconut oil, peanut butter, almond and cocoa called Keto Bomb, completes the offering.
Carrotsticks & Cravings is located at 5 Stanley Street.
Photos courtesy of Carrotsticks & Cravings.