We all know that Melburnians love their coffee!<\/p>\n
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Well, luckily for Westbrook residents in need of a little caffeine fix, Degani Bakery Caf\u00e9 just down the road in Tarneit Central serves some of the best coffee in the Western suburbs!<\/p>\n
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A favourite with locals \u2013 and especially the team at the Westbrook Land Sales Office, Degani is our go to caf\u00e9 of choice for its perfectly blended house-roasted coffee, not to mention mouth-watering sweet treats and light meals \u2013 just the place for a pick me up, no matter what time of day.<\/p>\n
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We thought we would take the opportunity to chat with owner, Rick Dhot, to learn a little more about Degani Bakery Caf\u00e9 and how he is tackling the challenges of lockdown head on\u2026<\/p>\n
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How \u2013 and why \u2013 did you get started?<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Well it\u2019s funny how things work out. When I first started working, I didn’t ever imagine I would end up owning my own caf\u00e9. In fact, I actually started out life as a butcher and worked in the industry for over a decade. But when our second child was born, I decided I needed a change. I wanted to open up my own business and the hospitality industry really appealed to me. And because I love coffee \u2013 and good food (who doesn’t!!), it felt like opening up a caf\u00e9 was an obvious choice.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n How long have you been running the Caf\u00e9 for?<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n We were actually a foundation tenant of Tarneit Central. We opened up and the same time the shopping centre did back in October 2017. So, in October this year, we\u2019ll be celebrating our third anniversary! <\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n How many employees do you have?<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Including me and my wife, there are 8 of us all up. We\u2019re really lucky to have assembled a great team around us, and I love working with them. If you like your fellow workmates, it makes your job that much easier!<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n What do you love most about your job?<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n That\u2019s easy! The social aspect, hands down. I really love getting to know my regulars and enjoy having a chat with them every day. <\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n We\u2019re also located in a great spot in the Centre, right near both Coles and Aldi, which means we get a steady stream of people stopping by all day \u2013 there\u2019s never really a quiet moment, even now, as we are still doing takeaways. People still definitely need their COVID caffeine fix! <\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n What is the most unusual thing that has ever happened to you at Degani? <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Well nothing really sticks out as truly ‘odd’. However, during holiday seasons like Easter and Christmas, Centre Management always organises for performers to come through. And it\u2019s quite funny to be working away and minding your own business, when all of a sudden you see a Santa on skates whizzing past the Caf\u00e9 handing out candy canes!<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n What is your \u2018go to\u2019 Degani coffee brew of choice?<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n I definitely like a strong coffee hit \u2013 a Long Macchiato (AKA a double espresso with a dash of milk for the uninitiated).<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2026and your favourite dish on the menu?<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Tarneit Tower! Sourdough toast, with guacamole, grilled tomato, bacon and halloumi, topped with capsicum, onion and spinach and finished with a poached egg. It\u2019s not for the faint-hearted, but it keeps me going all day! <\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n What are your 3 favourite things to do in and around Tarneit?<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n One upside of Lockdown is that it has made many of us appreciate things we probably used to take for granted. So right now, I am really loving the simple things like the chance to go for walks with my kids. I am definitely looking forward to parks being reopened so we can go and have a family barbecue. And I always enjoy coming to work, as I really love what I do.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n What are your top tips for surviving lockdown? <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Obviously, staying at home and practicing social distancing as much as possible. I\u2019ve been keeping myself occupied \u2013 and possibly keeping my wife amused, doing chores and projects around the house. But most importantly… staying caffeinated! <\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Get your Degani\u2019s Lockdown Fix\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Need a coffee fix or some delicious food to tide you through lockdown?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Well, luckily Degani is offering a range of breakfast, lunch and cakes during the lockdown period. They\u2019re available to purchase from the store. Why not order ahead on the Degani App. Or you can order delivery through UberEats, Menulog or DoorDash.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n