Tango Turtle Café in Willunga: Lisa enjoyed the retro décor and groovy laid-back feel and the foods good too in the Fleurieu Pensula region of South Australia
There's a funky new eatery in the High Street of Willunga. If you are into retro - you'll love Tango Turtle. In here, the laminex tables, colourful couches and plastic light fittings set the tone. Not surprisingly, the couple behind the Tango Turtle is a creative pair. Glass artist, Mark Thiele and clothing designer, Nicki Senior wanted a café that offers good local fare in a comfortable, lived-in atmosphere.
Mark Thiele, 'Tango Turtle': "We love the reto feel and we get a lot of people coming in and reminiscing and going 'wow I love the furniture, it brings back memories of when I was a kid'. So it has this real warming feel."
The retro décor and groovy laid-back feel is reflected on the menu too - with a popular special being the aptly named Bamboozal - so named because it's a bamboozling combination of fresh, local ingredients. It's a great dish for breakfast or lunch and it's part of a new life for this landmark building in High Street. When the brand spanking new Shell service station opened back in 1955 - the adjoining roadhouse was a popular meeting spot. Half a century later the petrol pumps have been replaced with colourful umbrellas and shade sails and it's again a local eatery.
Nicki Senior, 'Tango Turtle': "It was my shop for two years. I'm a clothes designer - so we're both artists. When I got pregnant I thought I don't want to continue in clothes and Mark said 'let's open a café' - so we went to Melbourne to get inspired and came back and opened it."
Mark's glass-work is displayed around the café and they regularly hold exhibitions of local artists. Friday's Curry Night at this retro-Indian café - complete with live music.
Mark Thiele, 'Tango Turtle': "Where does the name come from? I thought people could 'come tango with the turtles for some cool beats and cosmic treats'. We're not fast food but the turtle gets there in the end."
And that's what matters. Tango Turtle is at 30 High Street, Willunga and is open 8 until 4.00 daily - closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays during winter. If you have any further questions please email then to info@postcards-sa.com.au
Tango Turtle Cafe
30 High St, Willunga
Ph 8556 2735Published 24th July 2010
