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Just Open: Mjr Tom

Sofia Levin
Sofia Levin

Mjr Tom eatery and bar in Collingwood.
Mjr Tom eatery and bar in Collingwood.Darrian Traynor

There's an inside-out vibe at Mjr Tom, the cafe-slash-bar that just opened next to Huxtaburger on Smith Street. Harry Tsiaples, co-owner alongside Nick Tiktikakis​, grew up in Fitzroy and has had Cafe Paradiso in Hawthorn East for 27 years.

Over six months they worked closely with Brolly Design to perfect the refreshingly original interior. Everything is framed in raw materials, from plywood nooks through to booths in the back beside the rectangular 20-person bar. There's also a bluestone pool den downstairs.

Head chef Sam Kearney (Gill's Diner, Mr Miyagi) was a first-year apprentice with Tsiaples a decade ago and has come full circle. His menu exudes fun: there's a banana hotdog with bacon lardons for brekkie, fish tacos for lunch and slow-roasted pork knuckle with chestnuts and chimichurri in the evening.

The banana hotdog.
The banana hotdog.Darrian Traynor
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Drinks-wise, locals can wake up to hearty Italian coffee and wind down with a succinct wine list or craft beer on tap.

If you're trying to figure out how the same individual is responsible for a family restaurant in the 'burbs and an à la mode Collingwood eatery, you're not alone. As Tsiaples' 13-year-old daughter asked her dad on Mjr Tom's opening night: "You did this? Who ARE you?"

Open daily, 8am to 1am.

Mjr Tom, 108 Smith Street, Collingwood, 03 9419 8048, mjrtomcollingwood.com.au

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Sofia LevinSofia Levin is a food writer and presenter.

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