Two close, one opens in Melbourne

MELBOURNE’S kosher landscape is changing yet again with news that two kosher establishments have closed.

Fine-dining restaurant My Flame shut its doors for good at the end of June.

The Caulfield-based eatery, which offered modern French, North African and Middle Eastern dishes including grilled meat and fish, temporarily closed last year following what was believed to have been a dispute between the owners.

According to Kosher Australia, the restaurant will be replaced by a non-kosher Asian establishment.

Also ceasing operation at its Elsternwick premises last week was Lamzinis 2. However the owners of Lamzinis 2 hope the kosher Chinese restaurant will shortly re-open “in newer, bigger premises just down the road”.

Providing some positive news for kosher diners is recently opened Balaclava cafe Nogga.

On the menu is all-day breakfast, including eggs, pancakes and muesli, a variety of pastas, baguettes, sushi and daily specials for lunch, and a dessert window with muffins, cakes and pastries. Just like Glick’s bakery down the road, Nogga also serves only chalav Yisrael cheeses and milk.

Kosher Australia also announced last week that due to changes in ingredients and processes, Nestle products Milo and Nesquik are no longer acceptable for those who keep kosher homes.

“Nestle appreciates that the changes which they have implemented will have significant impact on the kosher consumer, however, they have advised the changes are unavoidable at this time,” general manager of Kosher Australia Yankel Wajsbort said. “Kosher Australia has attempted to find an acceptable solution to ensure that Nesquik and Milo remain kosher, however, despite our best efforts this has not been possible.”

While existing packages may still be used, all varieties produced after July 1 that were previously listed as kosher, are no longer certified.

Aware of the inconvenience to many, Kosher Australia is encouraging members of the community to share their feelings with global giant, Nestle.

DALIA SABLE