By now, we all know that Rays by Out in the Paddock is expanding its offering to the East but we can finally reveal when the much-loved venue will be opening in Eastwood.
July 6 won’t be like any other day, it’s more like christmas for the lovers of the Ray’s kiosk that takes centre stage in Burnside Shopping Village because their second home is opening.
Ray’s by OITP is the café arm of Out in the Paddock, the Adelaide events, catering and styling company led by Ray Dahdah and Ally Aoukar, known for its polished hospitality, lush floral displays and high-end event production.
Opening inside the luxe 90 million Eastwood Private Hospital, the new hospital was completed at the end of last year, and offers 51 inpatient beds and six operating theatres.
“It’s state-of-the-art and really high-tech, and it’s a beautiful hospital,” said Ray.
So when the Ray’s team were approached to expand their offering, it was a no brainer to start the planning process following the great success of their Burnside venue.
While the new venue will sit inside Eastwood Private Hospital, Ray’s vision is much broader than a standard hospital cafe.
The aim is to bring the same polished, produce-driven energy as its Burnside sibling.
Set on the ground floor with direct access from both the hospital and Greenhill Road, the venue will feature large glass windows looking out towards the parklands, including windows that open up to create an indoor-outdoor feel in the warmer months.
“It’s a stunning spot, with big, beautiful glass windows that face out to Greenhill Road.”
“The (hospital) visitors can come and grab a great coffee or beautiful food,” Ray said.
Images: Tom Lane
The menu is similar to the Burnside Ray’s OITP, because why mess with a good thing?
“Food-wise, we’ll be offering more of a casual approach, but with delicious local produce,” Ray said.
“With a selection of our famous sandos and paninis, beautiful salads and amazing Rio Coffee, as we do here in Burnside.”
The menu will also feature salads, poke bowls, granola and grab-and-go options for hospital staff, visitors, nearby workers and locals. Think less hospital kiosk and more neighbourhood café, with the added Out in the Paddock touch of flowers, styling and beautifully presented food.
The offering will go well beyond coffee and cake, with Ray’s bringing much of its Burnside personality to the new space.
“We’ll also have flowers bundles there, as well as some gifting opportunities, like scented candles and little bits like that they can take in with them if they want to.”
The floral element has become a signature part of Ray’s, with the Burnside kiosk known for its ever-changing displays that draw people in almost as much as the food and coffee.
For Ray, the new venue is not just about serving the hospital. It is also about becoming part of the wider Eastwood community and Parkside neighbourhood.
“The biggest thing for us is that we want to become one of the locals there,” Ray said.
“There are a lot of residences behind us in that Eastwood and Parkside area, but there are also a lot of offices we want to target. We want to offer catering options for them as well.”
The cult favourite cafe will be opening in just a under a week and it’s all we can think about but for now we’ll just have to wait a little longer for Ray’s by Out in the Paddock Eastwood edition.
“We’re proud to be partnering with Eastwood Private Hospital and can’t wait to welcome you through our doors.”
Ray’s at Eastwood
Where: Eastwood Private Hospital, 204 Greenhill Rd, Eastwood
When: next week
For more info and updates, click here.
