Kickstart for Kellett

Kellett Street, like Donald Trump’s hair, had its best days in the 1980s. But the food strip, which has fallen out of favour in recent years, is set for a rebirth courtesy of a couple of high-profile chefs who remember the leafy Kings Cross strip at its peak.

“I had my first nachos on Kellett Street at Deans,” says Onde founder and former Berowra Waters Inn chef, Laif Etournaud. The talented pan-rattler opened a restaurant mid-year at the Windsor on Park, but has already departed the CBD pub Ben and Simon Tilley sank millions into remodelling.

Etournaud is partner in a new catering company, Darren Taylor Catering, based in the former site of Deans on Kellett, with former Buon Ricordo and Brass head chef Darren Taylor. Taylor has gambled big on Kellett Street, also opening Café Boheme in the former site of defining 80s restaurant The Third Man.

“We’re selling some of the stuff we produce [at the catering business]. Kellett Street lost its way, the bohemians that wanted a late night drink and a nibble moved on, but new apartments are going in around the corner and a new generation is moving in,” Taylor says.