GROWING up in the hospitality sector, Jordan McNamara has lived and breathed it from a young age.
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His parents, David and Rox, have run cafes on the Border for three decades.
Having spent seven years managing cafes in Albury-Wodonga himself, Jordan worked in the real estate industry for four years.
However, he said everything aligned for his return to the hospitality sector in February.
He took over Cafe Elmwood Wodonga about five weeks ago.
"I decided to give real estate a go," he said.
"But I always wanted to do something of my own in hospitality; Cafe Elmwood is my first cafe."
MORE CORONAVIRUS NEWS:
In view of the closure of cafes under public health orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Jordan was now only offering takeaway food and delivery of home-cooked meals.
He said the home-cooked meal side of the business had grown 40 per cent in recent weeks.
"I have a large client base for the home-cooked meals with people in aged care or National Disability and Insurance Scheme (NDIS) clients," Jordan said.
"Roast chicken and pork are popular as are fresh salads.
"We make everything from scratch including our own gravies."
A Coeliac himself, Mr McNamara said there were plenty of gluten-free options on the takeaway and home-cooked meal menus.
He said he had extended trading hours to now open on Saturdays from 7.30am to 1.30pm.
MEET MORE HOMEGROWN CHEFS:
What is your favourite dish?
Our homemade arancini balls
What is your favourite season?
Spring. Especially this year!
What are the staples in your pantry?
I used a lot of fresh produce. I'm a Coeliac; I'm all about fresh food made from scratch.
What is your earliest cooking memory?
Growing up on the Border with Dad being in the kitchen a lot; he's a chef. He was always making chicken laksa or satay.
Which ingredients do you grow yourself?
We have a herb garden at the cafe.
What are you bingeing on TV? If anything.
I don't have time for TV.
What did you have for dinner last night?
Roast chicken
What are you drinking at the moment?
Almond milk lattes
Details
Cafe Elmwood,
291 Beechworth Road, Wodonga
Phone: 0419 642 686
Open Mon-Fri 7am to 4pm; Sat 7.30am to 1.30pm
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