Bondi café Shuk is set to expand into Chatswood and Elizabeth Bay in the new year.
The venue, which centres around Israeli and Middle Eastern-inspired dishes, opened five years ago with owners Ariel Hefer, Erez Beker and Yonatan (Yoni) Kalfus waiting for the right venue before expanding the business.
“Finding the perfect venue for Shuk to grow was more important than how quickly we could expand,” says Kalfus. “We absolutely love our two new spaces and look forward to bringing the specialities that Shuk is known for to two new areas”.
The renovations will encompass the signature Shuk style with a refined twist. “We wanted there to be a familiarity between the venues, the single round table upon entry and the long share style tables seen in Bondi will feature in our new spaces,” says Kalfus.
A 100-seat venue on Chatswood’s Victoria Avenue was the first to launch, swinging open its doors on Monday 10 December. Diners can expect an adapted version of the al fresco dining style of Bondi with breakfast and lunch served daily and evening dining to come in the new year. The venue also boasts 40 outdoor seats offering.
The Elizabeth Bay café located on Roslyn Gardens will follow suit in early January. The 50-seat venue comes with a street level terrace bathed in sunlight, as well as a private dining room and a space to host intimate events.
Head chef, German Sanchez will continue to lead the team in the kitchen focusing on Shuk favourites such as Shakshuka, Teff pancakes, hummus with lamb and grilled haloumi salad.
“Shuk is known for its Isreali/Middle Eastern classics, we want to hero these and continue to push the boundaries with new dishes,” says Sanchez, “[But] we want each venue to have its own personality.”
Shuk Bakery will feature a selection of signature daily baked bread and pastries including challah, bagels, sourdough, muffins and more across both venues.
Shuk Chatswood and Shuk Elizabeth Bay will trade from 6am Monday to Sunday for breakfast and lunch, with evening dining from Thursday to Saturday in the new year.