Prospect Rd. north has undergone rapid change recently, it has been renovated and there are new opportunities for shop owners peddling specialty foods, ware’s and services. The resilient ability of shop owners to reinvent themselves after some horrendous introductions to this usually fair country is one that we should be applauding and supporting. The manner in which they contribute to the local community is of greater benefit than any large chain store, they maintain their traditions of culture through generating income. Their presence makes our cultural mix richer through their ambition to provide service and produce, each in very different ways.
I have been a loyal patron of the Lucky Asian Grocery, (412 Prospect Rd. Kilburn. 8262 3395) for many months now and I am amazed for several reasons: The price of grocery’s, the service, the range and the freshness. I have completely realigned my weekly menu in line with shopping at this eclectic little venue. I search in their freezer section and look closely at the ingredients, made in Australia – Mile End in fact. Noodles thin thick, pale, clear and ‘eggy’ – all freshly made locally! Gawler River birds in the fridge, fillets of beef so cheap you’d think the last 10 years had never occurred. I request guidance to the fish sauce or roasted soy/chilli paste (better than vegemite!) and receive it promptly and cheerfully sometimes with a cheekiness you might expect from an old friend. I return home laden with fresh supplies, I am always exclaiming to my partner the “usual” price of a large packet / jar / bag of... and asking her to guess what I paid. I know she knows the game, we play along so I get to make my point however diffused it gets. 
The Ghan Kebab House, (366 Prospect Rd. Kilburn. 82624042) is a unique eatery with every element checked and ready to create a success story. My first encounter was very early in their history and the flavour of the grilled kebabs and spicy sauces made me sit up and pay attention. A smokey char grilled kebab served with fresh salad and fresh Turkish bread. The servings were so substantial I thought that this could not last – well they have whipped their service into line and now have the product singing “eat me – but leave me wanting more!” I am pretty sure they buy their bread from the bakery down the road...
The Tasty Turkish Bread Bakery (Shop 4, 428 Prospect Rd. Kilburn) is a sort of throwback to days when a baker made one sort of loaf and that was good enough for everyone. This could be true or that I am always late on the scene and the alternative offering have been purchased – there never seems to be more than a few lengthy loaves on the shelves. Guaranteed they are fresh, two dollars ($2) two dollars ($2) will get you a bag so buy a few and freeze lest the rainy day cometh! A commitment to a cause such as baking your traditional bread in a land of water filled nonsense seems like suicide but I find it completely admirable their focus and determination to making great bread. I would call them craftsmen: skilful, focussed & unwavering.
Sunshine Vietnamese Meat Roll (Shop 4, 370 Prospect Rd. Blair Athol, 8349 8020) The humble Vietnamese elongated loaf didn’t make sense to me for so many years. I would stuff it with cheese, fritz, tomatoes and HP or homemade tomato sauce. Try it after a heavy night (I developed the recipe when I was 9) of cartoons and lollies! The Vietnamese Meat Roll is a true revelation of the working lunch trade which I am not completely sure has reached the CBD. If and when it does, be ready and get in line! The reason my fritz’n’sauce yumbo never seemed quite right was the lack of fresh herbs, chilli, sauces, shredded meats & vegetables. Coriander, Spring onions, Cucumber slices and julienned carrot are fresh sweet and fill out the crispy nothingness that is the 20cent loaf. Add a little fish sauce/ soy / Chinese vinegar and fresh chilli and my golly gosh it is heaven on a dirty industrial estate! Oh! Have I mentioned the price $3.50 for a grilled chicken with all the trimmings!? I tend to steer clear of indiscernible meat products on offer, tread the new path and you may find joy as I have.
I think Prospect Rd. (north) has certainly moved well beyond its far richer and affluent southern neighbour in terms of culinary diversity and accessibility. The Prospect (south) Fashion, Food and Wine Affair was a complete culinary farce and should be relocated a few K’s north. Recent beautification efforts in Kilburn have worked and now hopefully the community will respond with enthusiasm, pride. Yes I look to incite rivalry between north and south because often it is the best remedy for inaction.
I have been a loyal patron of the Lucky Asian Grocery, (412 Prospect Rd. Kilburn. 8262 3395) for many months now and I am amazed for several reasons: The price of grocery’s, the service, the range and the freshness. I have completely realigned my weekly menu in line with shopping at this eclectic little venue. I search in their freezer section and look closely at the ingredients, made in Australia – Mile End in fact. Noodles thin thick, pale, clear and ‘eggy’ – all freshly made locally! Gawler River birds in the fridge, fillets of beef so cheap you’d think the last 10 years had never occurred. I request guidance to the fish sauce or roasted soy/chilli paste (better than vegemite!) and receive it promptly and cheerfully sometimes with a cheekiness you might expect from an old friend. I return home laden with fresh supplies, I am always exclaiming to my partner the “usual” price of a large packet / jar / bag of... and asking her to guess what I paid. I know she knows the game, we play along so I get to make my point however diffused it gets. The Ghan Kebab House, (366 Prospect Rd. Kilburn. 82624042) is a unique eatery with every element checked and ready to create a success story. My first encounter was very early in their history and the flavour of the grilled kebabs and spicy sauces made me sit up and pay attention. A smokey char grilled kebab served with fresh salad and fresh Turkish bread. The servings were so substantial I thought that this could not last – well they have whipped their service into line and now have the product singing “eat me – but leave me wanting more!” I am pretty sure they buy their bread from the bakery down the road...
The Tasty Turkish Bread Bakery (Shop 4, 428 Prospect Rd. Kilburn) is a sort of throwback to days when a baker made one sort of loaf and that was good enough for everyone. This could be true or that I am always late on the scene and the alternative offering have been purchased – there never seems to be more than a few lengthy loaves on the shelves. Guaranteed they are fresh, two dollars ($2) two dollars ($2) will get you a bag so buy a few and freeze lest the rainy day cometh! A commitment to a cause such as baking your traditional bread in a land of water filled nonsense seems like suicide but I find it completely admirable their focus and determination to making great bread. I would call them craftsmen: skilful, focussed & unwavering.
Sunshine Vietnamese Meat Roll (Shop 4, 370 Prospect Rd. Blair Athol, 8349 8020) The humble Vietnamese elongated loaf didn’t make sense to me for so many years. I would stuff it with cheese, fritz, tomatoes and HP or homemade tomato sauce. Try it after a heavy night (I developed the recipe when I was 9) of cartoons and lollies! The Vietnamese Meat Roll is a true revelation of the working lunch trade which I am not completely sure has reached the CBD. If and when it does, be ready and get in line! The reason my fritz’n’sauce yumbo never seemed quite right was the lack of fresh herbs, chilli, sauces, shredded meats & vegetables. Coriander, Spring onions, Cucumber slices and julienned carrot are fresh sweet and fill out the crispy nothingness that is the 20cent loaf. Add a little fish sauce/ soy / Chinese vinegar and fresh chilli and my golly gosh it is heaven on a dirty industrial estate! Oh! Have I mentioned the price $3.50 for a grilled chicken with all the trimmings!? I tend to steer clear of indiscernible meat products on offer, tread the new path and you may find joy as I have.
I think Prospect Rd. (north) has certainly moved well beyond its far richer and affluent southern neighbour in terms of culinary diversity and accessibility. The Prospect (south) Fashion, Food and Wine Affair was a complete culinary farce and should be relocated a few K’s north. Recent beautification efforts in Kilburn have worked and now hopefully the community will respond with enthusiasm, pride. Yes I look to incite rivalry between north and south because often it is the best remedy for inaction.
Giles
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