It’s been 12 months since husband-and-wife team Danny Kane and wife Rebecca Grey launched Aquafab – an egg-white alternative intended for cocktail use. The idea was born while running their bar; Luton Lane in Melbourne, and the rest is a foamed-up staple that can be found behind most bars right now.
The couple were looking for a new business venture when they created a plant-based cocktail mix that’s made 100% from Victoria faba beans grown in the Wimmerra region of western Victoria. This drought-tolerant legume has become the unlikely hero behind Australia’s favourite foamy cocktails – with more than 400,000 cocktails mixed, shaken and sipped at various rooftop bars, 5-star hotels and the Sydney Opera House so far.
The Write Drop spoke to Danny Kane and Rebecca Grey for our At The Bar series.
MY CITY
Rebecca and Danny: Balwyn, it’s 20 minutes to the ocean or the bush. You can see the city, hear the occasional concert – last night AC/DC at the MCG, see the NYE fireworks with champagne in-hand.
FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY
Danny: The gnocchi I made from Stephanie and Maggie’s Tuscan Adventure. It was the first time I learnt to make gnocchi without egg. Delicious with any sauce you create. I have made it so many times over the years, must be made with a glass of Soave while cooking and Chianti while eating.
Rebecca: Growing up my dad’s spaghetti bolognese/ragu on a Sunday night.
FAVOURITE BAR
Danny: Movida Next Door always spot on. Cava to start or maybe a sherry to go with whatever amazing jamon they are serving. If I can throw in a second, Mill Place Merchants so cool amazing fit out and service, and they use our Aquafab in so many cocktails.
Rebecca: Luton Lane Wine Bar in Hawthorn, we have just passed the baton but for 5 years it created memories and Aquafab.
DRINK THAT DESCRIBES YOU
Danny: A Whisky Sour. This drink takes you on a journey, it has so many layers and can change if you alter the ingredients. It’s textual, delicious and fun, but if you change up the whisky you can move from the Highlands to Japan from Tennessee to Tasmania. You must use Aquafab for fabulous foam.
Rebecca: Champagne – bubbly, talkative and cheeky.
BEST HANGOVER CURE
Rebecca and Danny: Eggs Benedict with a glass of Prosecco, best enjoyed looking over a beach, hopefully in Spain.
BEST INTERSTATE BAR
Adelaide: Mother Vine and East End Cellars – always spoilt for choice with great drinks and food. Sydney- Bar Copains, Surry Hills -great sherries and tapas every time.
FAVOURITE WINE
During Covid we shared a bottle of 2017 Jean Noel Gagnard Chassagne Montrachet. On a boat on the Sydney Harbour with a group of friends, we shared several bottles of Levantine Hill Sparkling Rose. Perfect match perfect setting.
FAVOURITE WINERY
In Queenstown, New Zealand we loved Mora Wines and Artisan Kitchen.
NEXT DESTINATION
Miami for the F&B@Sea and International Cruise Industry Trade Show, then hopefully onto the Bahamas for some rest and relaxation.
