July 5 2013. There is a new team at the Gallery Cafe at the Tweed River Art Gallery in Murwillumbah.

Peter Clarke and Charlie Ebell are well-known in the region for their successful, award-winning restaurant Mavis' Kitchen at Wollumbin / Mount Warning. Since re-locating their heritage Queenslander house from Labrador to the Tweed almost seven years ago, they have established their restaurant as a popular dining destination.

"The Mavis' Kitchen duo was successful in their submission to tender for the licence to operate the cafe at the Art Gallery and Tweed Shire Council and the team at the Tweed River Art Gallery welcome Peter and Charlie to their new venture at the Art Gallery," Gallery Director, Susi Muddiman, said.

Peter Clarke said that after considering the tender advertisement, they thought it was an opportunity too good to miss.

"We are excited about working on this new challenge in such beautiful surroundings," he said.

"The context is different to our slow food approach at Mavis' Kitchen, where we vary the menu based on what produce is ready to be harvested from our garden," Charlie Ebell said.

The restaurateurs are committed to preparing fresh, seasonal and locally-grown produce. They source their produce from growers' markets in Murwillumbah and New Brighton, with their menus championing the produce. Their philosophy and that of their chef Thomas, has been to serve their customers delicious, nutritious, fresh and seasonal fare.

"Charlie and Peter have an established reputation, and I am thrilled that they are joining the Gallery's operations. I have no doubt that their menu selection and quality produce will attract visitors to the Gallery. Peter and Charlie are also great business operators, and they see the opportunity for the growth of their business with the extension of the Gallery to include the Margaret Olley Art Centre," Susi Muddiman said.

"I'm also looking forward to seeing the Gallery Cafe operating for weekend breakfasts and some evening trading. As an example, the Gallery Cafe will be open for dinner on Friday 12 July. This will be a lovely opportunity for our guests, especially those who will be attending the Special Event in conjunction with the exhibition Ben Quilty: After Afghanistan."

The Gallery Cafe will be trading to all guests on the evening of 12 July. To make a reservation, please call the Cafe on (02) 6672 5088.

Tickets for the 'In Conversation' event with Captain S, a Special Forces soldier depicted in the Ben Quilty exhibition, are selling quickly. To secure your booking, please contact the Gallery on (02) 6670 2790.
The Gallery Cafe is open Wednesday - Sunday, from 10am to 5pm. The menu will be developing over the next few weeks. Bookings available on (02) 6672 5088. Private functions are available.