Smorgasbord of surprises

Yarram Standard News
Wednesday 27/9/2006, Page: 10

BE immersed in a pantry of culture in the heart of Toora by simply following one's nose to the Windmill Café and Toora Bargain Centre. Danish pastries and German specialities offer a unique dining experience in the centre of town, created by Europeans Karen and Erwin Reschke.

Consider Bratwurst or bean schnitzel for lunch, and beautiful coffee, always. The café can seat up to 40 people, so is ideal for functions such as birthday parties, and is now open from Wednesday through to Sunday.

"We can make special meals to suit people's dietary requirements and allergies if we are informed beforehand," Karen said.

Community Internet facilities are available and a popular tourist attraction is the Toora Wind Farm information booth, featuring technical information about the benefit of the nearby wind turbines to the environment.

"All together, we like the idea of green, renewable, clean energy. We do have our own opinions but we accept people that are for or against wind farms:' Karen said.

Discover that each turbine stands 67m tall, plus three blades each spanning 33m. Together, the 12 turbines save 48,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases each year and power 6600 homes.

Wind turns the turbines that in turn spin a generator to produce electricity that travels through a transformer and into the local electricity network. The Toora Bargain Centre will entertain anyone with a fascination for all things old and intriguing.

"We've got a variety of antiques and collectibles, from old books to old china. It's always a worthwhile visit' Erwin said. A cabinet-maker by trade, Erwin has plans to set up a full sized display kitchen in a corner of the bargain centre.

"The kitchen will have two pack spray painted doors and panels, and granite benchtops," Erwin said. He also repairs antiques, no matter how tricky.

"We buy secondhand goods and items from deceased estates and pay cash when we pick the goods up' Karen said. The café and bargain centre are located in the former Great Southern Co-operative building, just on the top side of the central business district. Pop in and say 'g'day' or ring ahead on 5686 2417.