Become Bewitched at The Witchin' Kitchen
- ThisIsRyssa
- Feb 4, 2020
- 6 min read
Updated: Feb 27, 2020
Tucked in the corner of Rainbow Street and Palm Avenue, where Sandgate meets Shorncliffe on the north side of Brisbane, rests a little oasis.
I first went to The Witchin' Kitchen around mid 2019 for breakfast with my housemate who had been there once before. When you walk through the doors it doesn't feel like an ordinary cafe. There is a feeling of warmth and a calm that falls on you as soon as you cross the threshold.
These magical doors first opened on April 1st, 2019. As hilarious as it sounds to have opened on April Fool's Day, it wasn't planned. The incredible force behind this endeavor are the lovable Kratzmann women, mother Debra and daughters Karlea and Emilie.
Safe to say that after that first visit, I have been back many times since. I am a huge fan of mushrooms and on their menu at the time they were serving up Mushrooms on Brioche with poached eggs, ricotta cheese, sauteed greens and hazelnuts. I would add bacon on the side because breakfast is always better with bacon!
And believe me, it tasted more amazing than it looked. I like to think of myself as a bit of a foodie, but like a safe choice kind of foodie. The delectable delights coming out of The Witchin' Kitchen had every taste bud singing praises to the beloved Goddess. And it made me feel full in more ways than one. This little nirvana became my favorite place and I even grab a bite by myself because when the food is this good you really can't afford to wait on people to have time to go with you.
The business began to thrive and build up popularity with its customers. But it wasn't always smooth sailing in the first few months of opening. In mid October, 2019, Debra Kratzmann passed away unexpectedly. Her daughters decided to close the cafe doors for a while so they could mourn their mother and figure out next steps.
"The first few days after her passing we were all in a very deep shock and couldn't really comprehend how we were going to continue on with the cafe without her. The heart and soul behind the business," Karlea said to me as we sat at a table outside the cafe.
Not long after, Karlea and Emilie were contacted by a Medium through social media. She did not know Debra or the Kratzmann family but said that she needed to meet with the two sisters. Through the Medium, Karlea and Emilie were able to receive messages from their mother, giving them the strength and motivation to continue with their work and with the cafe so that they could serve others.
For the skeptics, I must disclose that the Medium did not charge Karlea and Emilie a dime and felt that she was doing Debra a service making sure that the girls were doing ok and that everything is on track.
The Kratzmann sisters decided to get back to work and open the cafe with a new full blown menu, which was launched on November 15th, 2019, that would make anyone's stomach rumble! November 16th, 2019, was business as usual and I remember walking in the day before the new menu came into affect, and seeing everyone in the kitchen cutting up what looked to be one million pumpkins (I'm exaggerating, obviously, but it was still a s*%t load of pumpkins).
Although Debra has passed from this life, she is still working hard in the afterlife, sending through inspirations for the cafe and messages of love and support. Karlea told me that her mother's favorite juice combo was pineapple, strawberry and mint. It was important for them to have that on the cafe menu but were drawing a blank when it came time to give it a name. From beyond the veil, Debra wanted it to be named Karma Juice because, like me, she believed in the power of the Universe and that what we give out, is what we get back.
As delicious as the Karma Juice sounds right now, I've only ever tried one juice off the menu and that would be the Elixir of Life. This is also Debra's handiwork. The mixing of orange, celery, carrot, ginger and turmeric may seem like an odd concoction, but it sure as hell gives you one heck of a pick me up and has become a favorite of mine to order after a meal so as to cleanse the palate and the soul.
The name "The Witchin' Kitchen" is Karlea's brainchild, who is in her final year of study to become a naturopath, "Many traditional 'witches' were simply natural healers who used food and herbs as medicine and were very connected to natural cycles and the laws of nature. "
There is something spiritual about this place. Not in an 'in your face' kind of way, but more along the lines of feeling at peace when your life is spinning out of control and you need that moment to breathe.
"We wanted to create a space where food can be used as medicine by using fresh and whole food ingredients in dishes that are as natural and delicious as possible. We wanted to create a relaxing space that encourages connection for all people, whether it be with themselves, with friends and family, with the wider community, with nature and natural foods, and connection with the spirit," Karlea highlights with a bright smile.
That is what The Witchin' Kitchen is like for me. It's more than just a place to eat.
On Thursday (30/01/2020) when I found out that my Uncle Richard passed away, I had a difficult time coming to terms with this information. My initial plans for that day were to run errands and do grocery shopping and adult in general but after the first stop I made that morning I was struggling to focus. I jumped in my car and headed straight for 227 Rainbow Street (Sandgate 4017) and ordered the Smashing Pumpkin Benny (of course with my side order of mushrooms) which is now my go-to.
This meal is special. When you take your first mouthful, it's as if the smashed roasted Japanese pumpkin is giving you a warm hug on the inside and it is very comforting. This meal helped to steady me and my emotions so that I could get through the day and tick off everything on my To-Do List.
Another reason to visit The Witchin' Kitchen is the wonderful atmosphere and friendly staff. I said to Karlea that it feels like a very family-oriented working environment. She smiled and said that two of her cousins work there too. Right on the money I was! I guarantee that you will always be greeted with a smile when you visit this cafe.
You'd be surprised to know that they don't actually serve coffee. Oh no. For some real caffeinated goodness you have to pop over next door to The Wired Owl!
Don't panic. It's not like it's a long walk away. The Wired Owl and The Witchin' Kitchen are literally side by side. They share customers, seating space and great customer service. The Wired Owl serves some excellent coffee for all you caffeine enthusiasts, and they also sell reusable take away coffee cups, pastries to satisfy your sweet tooth and coffee beans to take home.
If you now find yourself curious about this nugget of gold in the northern suburbs of Brisbane, it's roughly a 40 minute drive from Brisbane's CBD and you don't have to worry much about parking because you will have no problem finding one close by.
The heart of this magical cafe beats steady and strong. The Kratzmann sisters are pushing forward and taking on everyday as it comes and to carry on their mother's legacy. Even though I never got the chance to meet Debra, I know that she is proud of her girls and what they are achieving everyday.
"I'd love to do more for people in disadvantaged situations in the future. I guess the first goal is to build the business back up to what it was and then see how we can use this to help others and benefit the wider community," Karlea says with a passion I had only seen in a person with a mission. This hub of delicious food and good vibes is not even a year old yet but it gives the impression that it's been there for years.
Family is important and this establishment feels like it treats everyone who walks through its doors as family. When the days are feeling grey and your heart is heavy, having a meal at The Witchin' Kitchen, a meal that is made with love, feeds you in more ways than one. When you're there, they really do take care of you.
You can find them on:
Instagram: @thewitchin_kitchen
Additional Info:
- Open from Tuesday to Sunday between 6:30am to 2pm.
- They are dog friendly.
- Vegan and vegetarian options available.
Address: 227 Rainbow Street, Sandgate 4017 QLD.
If you're not convinced yet, enjoy this gallery of food porn.
#InTheLifeOfRyssa #TheWitchinKitchen #Foodie #PlacesToEat #FeelingAtHome #NorthBrisbane #Brisbane #Sandgate #Shorncliffe #Family #Queensland #Blog #FoodBlog
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