I try to eat fairly healthily most of the time (*cough*), but I must admit to not having embraced the raw food concept quite yet. However, if anything is going to win me over, a raw Snickers bar has got a great chance — although I am very attached to the real thing, so Jeffrey and Kerry Chew’s innovative creation is going to have to be pretty damn tasty to usurp the full-fat full-sugar version.

The Chews run Hunters’ Roots on Flinders Lane, Melbourne, and judging by the literature knocking round (including a copy of the smash-hit bestseller The Art of Fermentation) they are dedicated students of health food. While their superfood-stuffed creations are bursting with colour, their café is natural and neutral — as calming to the system as a cup of mint tea. Kerry’s background in architecture must have come in handy when designing their place, and there will be a joiner somewhere with a smile on his or her face as smartly-made wooden frames or boxes form the basis of the whole interior. Jeffrey comes at the project with a wealth of experience as a personal trainer, so he knows what keeps folks in good shape. As well as that re-invented Snickers, you can pick up a cold-pressed juice to order, or sample one of the tried and tested ingredient combos. There’s also vegan ice-cream, smoothie bowls, and homemade muesli slices on the menu.

Hunters’ Roots Melbourne
Photography, Adam O’Connor