Wild about bread

By Kath Gannaway
YOU just have to walk through the door of Healesville’s new Wild Grains Bakehouse to know it’s a popular addition to the town’s great mix of main street eateries.
Since owners Marnie and Joe Kruyer and Julie Demanuele opened the doors on Saturday, 20 March, locals and visitors alike have kept them and their friendly staff as busy as bees.
Wild Grains Bakehouse offers a great range of breads, cakes and pies, all baked fresh in the bakehouse, and an equally tempting selection from the sandwich bar.
With tables and seating available both inside and alfresco, Wild Grains Bakehouse is a great place to sit and relax with a coffee and a light lunch or delicious cake.
Chief baker Joe did his training in Holland and honed his baking and pastry skills in the kitchens of Europe before migrating to Australia.
His work will be familiar to Yarra Valley residents as he and Marnie owned Yarra Glen Bakehouse, Yarra Junction Bakehouse and Yarra Junction Café before leaving the valley to establish Grainstore Bakehouse in East Doncaster in 2002.
They lived in Chum Creek for seven years and are delighted to be now part of the Healesville business community.
Julie was a vital member of the East Doncaster team for eight years and is also very much enjoying the move to Healesville in her new role.
Joe, who may also be known to some for his skill with the round ball as a former Healesville Soccer Club member, said they were passionate about all the delights Healesville had to offer and keen to support the local community.
“We’re happy to be back working in the Yarra Valley, and Healesville in particular where the locals are so friendly and engaging,” Joe said.
Joe, Marnie and Julie say they were also very pleased to have some of the staff from the former AJ’s Bakery on board … familiar faces for their customers.
“We are keen, as part of our new Healesville enterprise to be able to offer job opportunities to local people,” Joe said.
Wild Grains Bakehouse, at 201 Maroondah Highway, Healesville, is open seven days a week. Phone 5962 3325.