Healthy living on the Central Coast.

Founder and owner of Jasmine Green's Café in Umina, Gabby Greyem, opened the brightly-coloured doors of her café in August 2005.

Her inspiration came from watching Jamie Oliver's television program on school kitchens and how he revolutionised menus to provide healthy food for kids. With childhood obesity a rising factor, Gabby became determined that she too could provide delicious but healthy alternatives for kids and adults alike.

This is not surprising taking into account Gabby's background as an environmental activist from an early age, her vegetarian macrobiotic upbringing and an ongoing focus on sustainable farming and organics.

With a dad who ran a vegetarian restaurant in Sydney and an introduction to the best of European food as a young traveller, it all contributed to Gabby's passion for community solutions for a sustainable food culture. Hence, Jasmine Green's Café was born.

However, environmental sustainability doesn't come cheap.

The cost factor in supporting healthy soil and healthy farming is challenging as it can cost Gabby three times the price. Organic exotic fruits and berries are as rare as hen's teeth. Staples are easy, but also very seasonal. However, this all adds up to seasonal eating and food guaranteed to make you feel great for just a small extra cost.

While not everything is organic, Gabby has now built up a good network of top quality suppliers which include the best of the best – Simon Johnson, Maggie Beer, Simone Logue, Leichhard's A.C. Butchery to name a few – and scrumptious items such as French, Italian and Tasmanian cheeses that are also perfect for gifts.

Gabby's Hub

The café for Gabby is not only a hub where people come for great food, shopping and coffee, but a meeting place for people to feel welcome and part of the community.

She's hosted meetings on climate change, there is a children's play corner, market days, a sewing group and in summer the Tapas nights are a must.

The congenial atmosphere and delicious food are also a result of the passion and commitment of Gabby and her cafe team. How could you not enjoy a visit when you are left with such a feeling of vitality and goodwill in supporting such a special place.

And of course, it has grown to such a point where Gabby and her team are now catering for weekenders, dinner parties, weddings and other functions as well as providing hampers and home cooked meals for lucky locals and visitors.

So, drop in for a coffee or smoothie or just to browse the selection of gifts, children's toys, organic skincare items, gourmet treats, yummy pastas and sauces and place your order. See you there!