There's an alluring little cafe on Goolwa's main street called Motherduck. If you are lucky enough to live here, and you can't find your best friend on any given day of the week, chances are they will be at Motherduck. You see, since opening two years ago, the cafe has become something of a gathering place for locals, and visitors, to idle away time for a higher good; wellbeing.
You'll find Motherduck on Goolwa's main street
Motherduck staff say that around seventy percent of their customers are locals who go there to meet up with friends as well as for the great coffee and luscious local food. But before I tell you about all that, let me set the scene.
Inspired by the Slow Food movement, Goolwa signed a pledge, in 2007, to resist the high-speed frenzy of the modern world and maintain a sense of calm in the community. The movement is known as
Cittaslow, meaning Slow Cities, and Goolwa was the first town in Australia to join this global movement. It aims to create an environment where people resist the pressure to live by the clock, and give preference to good living practices.
The original Cittaslow manifesto declared "We are looking for towns where people are still curious about times past, towns rich in theatres, squares, cafes, workshops, restaurants and spiritual places, towns with untouched landscapes and fascinating craftsmen, where people are still aware of the slow passing of the seasons, marked by genuine products, respecting tastes, health and spontaneous customs…."
Choose to sit outside or inside
And so, in keeping with Cittaslow philosophy, locals linger over coffee at the sidewalk tables, chatting with friends, gathering their thoughts or watching the world go by.
Locals linger over coffee at the sidewalk tables.
Inside, the 105-year-old stone walls of the building have been enhanced with a mix of new and recycled building materials, resulting in a unique yet welcoming ambience.
The friendly staff, including the owner's daughters, are Fleurieu locals themselves, which adds all the more to the cafe's nurturing feel.
Inside Motherduck cafe
So imagine yourself lingering over breakfast here. It's offered from 8.30-11.30am, Tuesday to Sunday with all dietary options, including paleo, available. The pièce de résistance is the Motherduck Big Breakfast for $21.00. It comprises free range eggs, bacon, pork sausage, Swiss mushroom, sweet potato rosti, sautéed spinach served on toasted sourdough with tomato relish.
Lunch from 12-3pm sees a changing, seasonal menu but always features a duck dish. The current, winter menu includes chinese five spiced confit duck breast, served with crispy potatoes, broccolini, pickled ginger and corriander for $25.
There are local, seasonal and house-made specials available too, depending on what is fresh and abundant locally.
Specials feature local, seasonal and house-made food
The coffee is good, with a 'Bullet Proof' variety available. You can even upgrade your Bullet Proof coffee with Brain Octane oil. There's a range of teas, hot chocolates, juices, milkshakes and nutritious smoothies. There's a kids menu, of course, and cocktails and local wines for grown-ups inclined to imbibe. Why not? There's time.
Mother duck Cafe in Cadell Street
Actress Lily Tomlin is credited for saying 'For fast-acting relief from stress, try slowing down'. Wonderful advice, and Motherduck is one good place do it.
