James Zhang from Uptown Vibes is a health-conscious family man, restaurateur and chartered accountant. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
Who are you?
James Zhang, owner of Uptown Vibes. We also own a couple of other places in Canberra – five venues total. I’m also a chartered accountant, which people find is a surprising combination, but I’ve always loved hospitality.
Tell me about your businesses.
Uptown Vibes is a spin-off from our Fyshwick bakery, Coco & Rye. We wanted to bring that to Braddon as there was a lack of bakery options.
But we also wanted to capture the vibrant nightlife scene so we decided to serve modern Australian cuisine with great wine pairings for our evening offering.
How did you get involved in the hospitality industry?
I’ve been in hospitality since middle school because my parents ran restaurants. And in my final year of university, we started our first takeaway business in Civic.
When I was working in accounting firms, I was ambitious, moving up the ladder and eventually becoming an audit manager. But I also wanted to step out of my comfort zone, challenge myself and see where I could take hospitality businesses in Canberra. And I love it! It’s amazing, and there’s a lot of hard work that goes on behind the scenes. It’s a good challenge for me.
Did you have a dream job as a kid?
Don’t laugh, but I wanted to be a real estate agent! I like to think of myself as a good salesman, and I think real estate agents also have that passion, ambition and drive, which suits me!
I think at the end of the day, selling doughnuts and selling houses is the same thing.
What is your food philosophy?
Very simple: healthy, delicious, comfort food. Nothing too fancy, just simple.
Upstairs at Uptown gives you picture views across Braddon. Photo: Uptown Vibes/Instagram.
Do you cook much at home?
Yes! I do meal prep every Saturday. I’m health-focused, which is why I go to the gym and want to be on top of my diet. I also cook for my two little kids, who are fussy eaters, so I have to prepare something different for them.
What’s an underrated Canberra venue that you love?
Recently, we’ve really fallen in love with Compa: good wine, good service and their food is really nice. It’s simple with nice flavours and it’s not overwhelming – they really let each ingredient speak for itself.
Who do you admire in the Canberra food scene?
Fish Zafar, who owns Good Neighbour in Kingston. My wife is a big fan and goes there every week. Their niche is really nice matcha. They’re always busy!
Good Neighbour Cafe. Photo: Lucy Ridge.
Where’s the best place for a coffee in Canberra?
I’m biased (because it’s one of my businesses), but Cafe Gather. They have their own blend of Lonsdale Street Roasters coffee. It just suits my palate!
Where’s the best place for a drink in Canberra?
Bar Rochford. They’ve got that nice European bistro vibe. You can sit around the bar and it feels really classy to be there.
Who is your dream dinner party guest, and what would you make them?
Warren Buffett [American investor and philanthropist] because I’m an accountant and I’m also very keen on investing and the stock market. I think he’s a very wise man and it would be really nice to have a meal and discuss anything in the world with him. Growing up, I always looked up to him.
I know he likes eating Maccas, so I’d probably make him a cheeseburger, maybe with Coca-Cola or some homebrewed kombucha.
What is your current food obsession?
Ramen. I’ve tried a lot of ramen places in Canberra and they all have their own niche. I think each venue brings its own personality to the bowl of ramen. That’s my go-to comfort food: it’s warming and delicious.
The exceptional falafel at Med. Photo: Region.
What’s the best thing you ate this week?
We had dinner at Med in Barton. Really nice food, a really warm atmosphere, and we loved the Mediterranean influence in the fit-out.
What’s a food that reminds you of your childhood?
When I was growing up, we would eat lots of different seafood. I’m a big fan and I eat everything: oysters, scallops, mussels, prawns, octopus. My wife is mildly allergic, though, so I only get to eat it when we dine out.
What’s a normal breakfast for you?
Breakfast is my favourite meal of the day. I’m very excited about breakfast!
Every day I make three scrambled eggs with extra virgin olive oil on sourdough toast from Coco & Rye. I have a glass of orange juice, a glass of milk for calcium, a handful of nuts – brazil, pistachio and macadamia – and I also have vitamin supplements. I can never skip breakfast: it’s the most important meal of the day!
And it’s really nice to sit down together as a family and spend time with my kids. It’s one of the rare chances we get to eat a meal together.
Start your meal off right with Coco and Rye’s signature sourdough at Uptown Vibes. Photo: Uptown Vibes/Instagram.
When you can’t be bothered to cook for yourself, where do you go and what do you eat?
Sammy’s on the Kingston Foreshore. They’ve got really good food: my son loves the fried rice and my daughter loves their noodles, so we all have our favourites there.
Where are you travelling next?
I’d like to travel to Japan with my family – I just need to free up my schedule! This year we haven’t had a chance to travel yet, but hopefully by Christmas we can fit a trip in.
Tell me something you love about living in Canberra?
I love Canberra, it’s very peaceful and quiet. I love the seasons, I even love Winter! I love how Canberrans are so supportive of local businesses, and people help each other out. We have a really nice community here in Canberra.
What TV show are you enjoying right now?
I often start TV shows, but I never seem to have time to finish them! But I really like Prison Break: I’ve seen it all before and I’ve just restarted watching the first two seasons.
An easy one to finish – what’s your go-to coffee order?
Just a piccolo with oat milk.
Uptown Vibes is located at 3/7 Lonsdale St, Braddon. Follow them on Instagram.
