Maryke and Mark moved down to the Mornington Peninsula from St Kilda in 2007.
Soon after Fishermans beach became their favourite spot to take the kids and they were always frustrated that the beautiful old building on the corner opposite wasn't a lovely café where they could get a good coffee or a nice lunch.
At that time, Mark was commuting to his bar, Platform 3, in Richmond and Maryke to her producer/writing role at Sense Advertising and Design in Fitzroy.
When they sold the bar, and baby number two was born it was time to start a business closer to home.
Various offers and negotiations later they bought the old business in that beautiful old building on the Esplanade and set about a massive overhaul.
Weeks of stripping, cleaning, rebuilding, painting and restoring ensued and Lilo was born. Having spent some holidays with her godparents floating on a Lilo out in the bay Maryke thought the name apt.
A homage to the wonderful summer holidays we all enjoy down the Mornington Peninsula.
Mark has spent all his life working in restaurants. Originally from New Zealand, he has mastered his culinary skills in the kitchens of Punch Lane, Italy 1, France Soir, Tolarno's, Jacques Reymond, and his own Platform 3.
Mark has more or less stepped out of the kitchen and mastered the coffee machine working alongside the lovely Jess as Barrista.
He is an astute business operator with a passion and drive to make Lilo the best café on the Peninsula.
Maryke has spent the last 6 years writing and producing lifestyle features which gave her the opportunity to study many of Melbourne's fine cafes and restaurants.
In addition her background in design, event management and homewares gives her a keen eye for the layout and design of Lilo. Her attention to detail is remarkable.