I first became interested in Moroccan food when I travelled to Marrakech in 2006. I still have fond memories of walking through markets intoxicated by the spices and exotic aromas, watching recipes used that are hundreds of years old,that have slowly been perfected over time.

After the success of Mamasita I was lucky enough to visit Morocco again and relive my experiences from many years ago. Thankfully, not much had changed, I was still fascinated with their food and spent some time learning about cooking methods from locals that treated them like sacred rituals.

I feel, the most important thing about Moroccan food is the balancing sweetness, spices and textures. What I’m currently trying to achieve with B’Stilla is testing these ideas on a daily basis and respectfully energising them to become modern, healthy and delicious for the diner.

Moroccan food has such a large scope of interesting ingredients. By using a few fundamental building blocks such as preserved lemon, cous cous,flaky pastries, nuts, grains, fruits, seafood and meats, we are able to create a variety of combinations, which are light, easy and fun.

The tagine is also a really great way of cooking, I love the way food is kept moist from the steam that gets trapped inside the funnel. We have a lovely goat and quince tagine that is one of my favourites and after cooking for 2hrs the goat is unbelievably tender. There’s also always plenty of quince sauce at the end that mops up well with couscous.

Traditional Moroccan classics are also respected and we have only slightly modernised these in order to suit the Australian palate. The B’stilla is actually a pigeon pie (we use a little duck in ours to give the dish some depth) – it’s mixed with soft egg and sprinkled lightly with icing sugar and cinnamon. Such an unusual combination of flavours but for me the epitomy of Moroccan dishes.

Above all, Moroccan food is meant to be shared, which I love because you have the opportunity to sample many different dishes, which makes dining more enjoyable!

Can we start by talking a little about your mum? Tell us about her.
Mum is a caring person. She is hard working and tough but at the same time very sensitive to other peoples problems. She is well respected for her kind nature and outgoing personality and let me tell you, Mum certainly knows how to throw a good party!

What were you like as a kid?
I was very sporty and played cricket, football, rugby, baseball, basketball and boxing. But, I was also quite and I spent a lot of time with mum going to the markets and helping clean the house on the weekend.

Is your relationship with your mum different now to what it was when you were a kid?
No I don’t think so. I still look to her for advice now

How did you celebrate Mother’s Day when you were a kid?
We didn’t really celebrate it when I was growing up because we were always playing football on the weekends. Mum was very selfless and lived to support us with our dreams.

What’s the best gift you ever gave your mum?
That is easy, it would have to be 2 beautiful grandchildren.

What’s the most important lesson your mum has ever taught you?
To be independent. If you get knocked down, you need to pick yourself up and dust yourself off and get on with it.

What did she want you to be when you were growing up?
IT professional and make a fortune but clearly that wasn’t to be!

What would your mum be most proud of?
She is proud that I am such a passionate chef and that I have sacrificed a great deal for my profession.

What should we cook for our mum this Mother’s Day?

Roast Chicken crown with red wine braised marylands

1 size 18 chicken, broken down to marylands and crown (both breasts on the bone)
6 pine mushrooms, quartered
4 shallots quartered
1 large carrot diced
1 leek diced
2 cloves garlic
Few sprigs of thyme
1 bay leaf
125ml brandy
125ml port
Sherry vinegar to deglaze
1 btl of red wine
2 litres veal stock
100g smoked belly bacon

Marinade legs with the bacon and the vegetables in the red wine for 24 hours.

Next day, preheat oven to 180.

Strain the wine (reserve for later) and separate the legs from the vegetables.

Pat dry the legs and roast skin side down in a pan, remove from the pan when skin is crisp and add the vegetables and bacon to the pan and caramelise.

Deglaze with brandy and port and reduce to glaze.

Deglaze again with a splash of sherry vinegar.

Add the red wine and reduce to a glaze.

Add the stock and the roasted chicken legs and simmer for 30 minutes then allow to cool in the sauce.

Meanwhile season the chicken crown with turmeric, smoked paprika, salt and Extra virgin olive oil.

Roast in preheated oven for 20 mins, the skin should be crisp and golden, then allow to rest.

To serve roast the mushrooms lightly then add the sauce from the chicken legs allow to reduce to a light glaze and serve.

Our top three.

High Tea at Saigon Sally
Mothers Day high teas are aplenty this time of year but we do think this one is rather cool. Saigon Sally is re-inventing the traditional high tea with a three tiered Vietnamese feast paired with cocktails and exotic tea.  One look at the dessert and we’re there.  Golden. Gaytime. Lamington.
$45pp, book on 039939 5181.

Taxi Dining Room
Every seafood loving mum should be wined and dined at Taxi. This Sunday they’ve designed a delicious five course menu that features Morton Bay bugs and yabbie dumplings. Oh and glass of Louis Bouillot Blanc de Blanc Cremant de Bourgogne on arrival.  $95pp. Call 9654 8808 to book.

Gladoli
If you really want to treat mum then head out of town to Inverleigh. But why? Because it’s the home to the newly hatted Gladoli. The very talented Matt Dempsey is doing a 6 course tasting menu that’s sure to be special.  $90pp and $135pp with matched wine. Call 03 5265 1111 to book.

Working with renowned chef Stefano Manfredi for over thirteen years now, we have created three coffee blends which have enabled us to take the diverse and changing flavours of various beans from around the globe to create three blends that are consistent in flavour every time.

Developing the blends, Chiaro and Audacia, Stefano provided a fantastic taste description of the blends. It provided me with an inspired direction to take for I saw immediately in his words the flavours of certain ‘hero’ coffee types which would ultimately combine to make the new blends.

Stefano’s taste profile for Audacia expressed a ‘rich and full aroma of hazelnuts, light spices and raisins. The texture is rich and smooth, body not unlike gianduia (nutella) and moderated by good acidity. The taste recalls dried fruits, some spice/pepperiness and a persistent finish.’

Chiaro was to reflect ‘an elegant coffee with smooth notes of sweet citrus and honey on the nose. The mouth-feel is medium bodied hinting sensations of milk chocolate and vanilla, and top notes of orange peel, all perfectly balanced. Finishes gently with sweet vanilla and chocolate balanced with a cherry-like acidity’.

In creating the blends, as Master Blender I developed a recipe and process brief; a complete description of the desired flavours; what the coffee should taste like. For a brief like this to be truly complete, they need to include some key information like: what kind of brewing method will be used, will it be an espresso coffee, 25 to 30 millilitres brewed in 25 to 30 seconds, made by an expert Barista, using a commercial espresso? Or is the coffee intended for the home coffee market, to be brewed in a plunger? We also need to consider who will be the consumer, and what they like. All of these factors influenced the development of the Espresso di Manfredi blends!

By understanding all of that information, this enabled me to create not only one recipe, but also to develop a number of other varying recipes to deliver the same taste consistently all year round. This involves considering all the differing single origin types available, and in what quantities they are needed to ensure a consistent product no matter what occurs in the world of coffee.

The challenge was then to source the right single origin types. The brief for the “big” tasting Audacia coffee as we called it, shouted to me Mandheling, a coffee from Sumatra which has a big character, a bit spicy, a bit fruity (sometimes very pronounced fruit) and a syrupy sweet finish. Using a high roasting degree the coffee develops a richness of flavour and character second to none.

The Chiaro brief was even more challenging as at the heart of the briefing was the need to be delicate but full of flavour. By definition the coffee was to be a lighter style. High quality Washed Arabica coffee from Papua New Guinea provided the desired combination of power, smoothness and controlled acidity. Adding some smooth sweet soft tasting Brazil coffees and the blend starts to resemble our target taste.

Part of the product development in creating a coffee is also to understand what processing parameters are required to hit the target taste. Processing parameters include how light or dark the roast is, do we roast the coffee faster or slower, what roast curve do we use to heat the coffee, and how much moisture do we leave in the coffee? All these have an effect on the final taste.

I primarily paint portraits using both life models and photographs.  I work best when I paint fast at first, trying to capture the essence of the figure added with my own emotions at the time.   I first take time in setting up the canvas: preparing it with gesso, sketching up the image with pencil or gouache and making sure the dimensions and composition are correct and in balance.  Having this secure ground to work from, knowing that I’ve taken my time in preparing a solid foundation, I then feel at ease to paint freely and spontaneously.  I find it important to take your time to research and prepare your first steps rather than rush into it.  When I have rushed into it in the past, I have often ended up with a confused picture that is not in harmony with itself. This is spotted straight away! The viewer can tell that it’s rushed.  My advice: surround yourself with images that inspire you, decide on what you want to paint, spend time working out a composition that will suit the image best, prepare the canvas and sketch up a draft… then the creative juices will be ready to flow at their best!

As for supplies, good quality paints, brushes and mediums can be found in art stores dotted around the city.  My local is Newtown Art Supplies.  Here, I find the cheapest materials used to create a good quality canvas (e.g. stretcher bars, canvas rolls and gesso).  And if they’re missing anything, they can usually get it in within 24 hours. Don’t be afraid to use brushes and tools from craft or hardware stores.  Bunning’s have great, thick brushes that work just as well as brushes found in art stores.  The problem with art supplies is how expensive they can be, so don’t be afraid to branch out and experiment with other tools.  Brushes that I always keep on the ready include different sized hog hair brushes, and one or two sable brushes.   Sable brushes are good for soft, delicate touches whereas hog hair produces more of a rough, full-bodied stroke.

In order to paint using oils, it’s important to first understand what kind of substance you’re working with and how to manipulate that substance best in order to suit your style.  Oil paint is made up of pure pigment and an oil-based binder.  One drop of oil paint goes a long way because there is such a concentration of pigment. To begin painting, I use an odourless solvent (usually very similar to turpentine, yet less harsh and odour free).  I then build upon that layer with linseed oil.  This medium is the safest out there because unlike lean medium or fat medium, it does not contain other nasty chemicals.  It also creates a rich, glossy texture that creates a lot of depth and scope to the painting.  When using mediums, it’s important to work from thin to thick while building layers.  I use the Art Spectrum brand, but there are many out there (such as Windsor and Newtown) that are also fine quality paints.

To see Caryn in action join us at the Art Battles finals weekend on Saturday 4^th and Sunday 5^th May at Circular Quay, in front of the Overseas Passenger Terminal, in conjunction with Tiger Street Football.

Upstairs and in the Atico (Windsor)
More from the team behind ‘Mi Casa, Su Casa’, recently opened Atico (Spanish for attic if you hadn’t already guessed) is above the new Fonda in Windsor. More than just a holding station for people awaiting a table downstairs, it’s an intimate little cocktail bar, with tequila a clear focus and a cute little Mexican bar menu.
Upstairs at 144 Chapel Street Windsor

Dinner and an ‘ode to the good ole South East USA
The third instalment of Fog Bar & Restaurant’s monthly dinners to showcase American Regional Cuisine will take place this Thursday 2^nd May, this time focussing on the South East featuring staples from Virginia, Kentucky, North and South Carolina. The 3 course set menu is $75, and with matched wines $125.
142 Greville Street, Prahran

Get your burlesque on
The market at House of Burlesque is hidden away on Brunswick Street, above Calico House. From corsets to stockings and other lingerie Minsky’s Market, on every Sunday, supports local artists and enables you to purchase designer and hand-made items. Open from 11am-5.30pm on Sunday 5^th May.
397A Brunswick Street, Fitzroy.

A sale for stationery lovers
Designer stationary brand NoteMaker is having their annual sale beginning this Thursday and running until Saturday 4^th May. Save up to 70% off on some of the best designer brands including Moleskin, Rhodia and Rifle Paper Co.
Thousand Pound Bend, 361 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne

It is however beautiful and so the chants for Lorne, Lorne, Lorne or Portsea, Portsea, Portsea can be replaced with the Macedon Ranges. The whole ranges shines with its triple-treat of viticulture and agriculture.

Use Daylesford as a base to explore the ranges, where bikeable roads are dotted with must see, must eat, and must drink locations. Lavandula’s Autumn Harvest Festival on this Sunday 5^th May, is a favourite among locals and will be showcasing sausage making, olive picking, fruit bottling, jam making, honey extracting and tastings of top local wines.

Head east of Daylesford to the sprightly town of Trentham. Annie Smithers of Kyneton fame has opened du Fermier (from the farmhouse) which will kick you off in French country-style fashion. If you head there the weekend of The Great Trentham Spudfest (18^th May 2013) you’ll be part of Trentham’s potato-growing heritage. A range of local growers selling an array of varieties will be on show.

Our Victorian favourite though has to be Kyneton – Victoria’s hottest foodie town (still!). Piper Street’s Flouch’s, Mr Carsisi (Turkish), and The Royal George Hotel are our picks. Better still, the township is surrounded by a wine region as beautiful, as diverse and as successful as any other. Over 15 wineries plot the Macedon Ranges; try wines from Five Star Winery’s Curly Flat and our own favourite, Paramoor. At Paramoor sit down in the heritage style barn, originally a working Clydesdale horse farm with Dr Will Fraser, formally Managing Director of Kodak Australasia and try his gorgeous Cabernet Merlot and award-winning Joan Picton Pinot Noir.

The Macedon Ranges makes for an outstanding getaway. Try our version of the region and come back to us with your thoughts. Happy autumn forking.

Amare’s new project, Si Señor Pop-Up Art Taqueria, is a window to the street culture in Mexico. We had a chat with him about pop-ups, Mezcal and the real Mexico.

You moved to Melbourne nine years ago from Mexico. Are there any similarities between the two places?
Mexican people come from a very passionate culture. I believe we make visitors feel at home, and I get a similar feeling from being in Australia. The culture here is very welcoming and kind, especially in Melbourne. It’s the reason why I became a Melbourne boy at heart.

Why is Melbourne so obsessed with Mexican Food, and how does it compare to back home?
I think Mexican food was misunderstood for many years in Australia and around the world. Now, after trips to Mexico, restaurateurs and chefs have discovered how Mexican cuisine is in fact an entirely different culinary culture from hyped-up dude food. It’s fresh and healthy, full of different textures and flavours, and served ‘al minuto’. The cuisines and styles of Mexican food change dramatically between regions, from our delicious yucatan to our moles in Oaxaca. I think Melbourne has fallen in love with the tacos, however we also have tlayudas, tostadas, sopes, tortas. What you eat depends on the region you’re in. That’s why at Si Señor we’re trying to introduce people to regional Mexican food they might not have tasted before.

Can you tell us a bit more about Si Señor Pop-Up?
We want to give Melbourne the opportunity to experience what’s happening today in Mexico, in the underground contemporary Mexico City. There will be a mix of talented Melbourne street artists creating inspiring Mexican pieces, Aztec-electronic DJs and Mezcal and tequila cocktails. And all of it over four weeks in Somerset Place, the perfect callejon (laneway)! I’m especially excited to see a real “Hombre Azteca” in Melbourne, who will be performing typical traditional dances and ceremonies.

We’ve heard that Mezcal and organic tequila are the new trends in the USA and Mexico. Can you tell us what Mezcal actually is?
Mezcal has been described as “tequila’s darker, smokier brother” and it’s become really popular in mixology bars in New York. It’s made from the agave plant and cooked in a fire pit for a number of days before it’s distilled in barrels. It’s amazing, and because Melbourne has become my home, I want to share it with everyone here and educate people about Mezcal. We’ll be hosting Mezcal masterclasses at Si Señor Pop-Up. Tequila drinkers might not look back!

What do you miss the most about Mexico?
I miss my family. Back home we’ll have a sit-down dinner for 50 of us. Both of mi abuelitas (grandmothers) are nearly 90 years old and they get really excited when I go back home to visit. They spoil me rotten. Aside from my family, I miss drinking Mezcal cocktails at Playa del Carmen and walking at Tulum during the evenings. These memories are never far from my thoughts.

Si Senor Pop-Up Art Project runs every Friday and Saturday night for 4 weeks, starting Fri 26 April. For more information, visit the Facebook page: facebook.com/siSenorPopUp

Publicans around the country are having them every day.

Mine happened as I was cleaning our beer lines in November, pulling through a big brewery’s lager whose badging told me it was made in a 150 year old family owned brewery in Eastern Europe.

I knew it was really made at a multinationals brewery in suburban Australia.

When you’re part of a business where the chef visits the farm to get his pork and the wine buyer is on a first name basis with winemakers around the country then pouring beer with that sort of identity crisis just doesn’t fit.

In the weeks after calling my existing suppliers to tell them there would be no more orders I had the opportunity to discover, research and taste dozens of beers from around Australia and beyond then choose five to fill my taps.

First came one of the elder statesmen of the scene in Mountain Goat Brewery in Richmond. This is a brewery that blossomed from backyard home brewing, into one of the industry leaders. Their original beer, Hightail Ale that was launched in 1997 is still being served on tap in bars around the country.

Stone and Wood brewing based in Byron Bay has produced a beer whose success has taken everyone by surprise. Using all Australian ingredients their Pacific Ale is a landmark beer that captures the essence of the environment around them perfectly.

Moorabbin isn’t the type of place where you expect quality craft beer to come from, but in the backstreets of an industrial lot is 2 Brothers Brewery. The brothers bought the equipment from a bankrupt brewery in New York, shipped it over and started making immensely drinkable beers like the Growler, an American Brown Ale filled with dark fruit and biscuit aromas.

A big part of Hobart becoming a tourist hot spot is MONA, the Museum of Old and New Art. Moo Brew was born inside that complex and has developed some of the most balanced artisan beers on the market, their Pale Ale a standout.

The search was not limited to our own shores and Trumer Pils landed on the coveted last tap. A crisp clean pilsner which actually is brewed in an old family owned brewery in the Austrian Alps.

Now it’s your turn, whether you’re a craft beer newcomer or a self-proclaimed beer nerd, our beer degustation showcasing these beers, matched with an indulgent five course menu from Head Chef Emile Avramidies will be a night not to be missed.

Full event details on Facebook
Wednesday April 24th 7:30pm
5 courses matched with beer
$60 per person
For bookings call
(03) 9531 1542
Or email info@grosvenorhotel.com.au

Hams and bacon | 77-79 Nicholson Street, Brunswick East (03) 9387 3313
I worked with Matt Wilkinson at Circa and I love his new produce and take away store. They have one coffee machine doing take-aways and there is produce all up the walls. There is balsamic, pasta and the organic potatoes. You can also get take away meals and sandwiches.

Mediterranean Wholesalers | 482 Sydney Rd Brunswick 9380 4777
We shop here a lot! They have a beautiful fresh section, and nice cheeses and salumi.  They also stock some great locally and imported pasta, olive oil, balsamic vinegars as well as coffee, nuts and spices.

Milk The Cow | 157 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda | milkthecow.com.au

Milk The Cow just recently opened in St Kilda and they have over 80 cheeses on offer. What’s nice about this place is you can get four cheeses and four matched wine tastings for just $18 and the wines are really beautiful. You can also get the cheeses to take away.

DOC Delicatessen | 330 Lygon Street, Carlton docgroup.net
This is a great deli serving Italian imports as well as some good quality local finds. The mozzarella bar and the amazing selection of cured meats are my favourites. Imported wine and beer is available and you can take pasta home to cook up yourself.

R & A Selected Meats | 785 Nicholson Street, Carlton North
We have been shopping at R & A Selected Meats for the restaurant for years; it is definitely one of our ‘go-to’ venues for cured meats like prosciutto.

It has been shown that the grass fed beef industry has less of an environmental impact in comparison to grain fed beef production, through using less crude oil associated with grain production and transport. Greenham Tasmania, who takes care to work with local producers and farmers, processes our beef, resulting in low cartage distance from the farm to the factory. Our cattle are also raised without the assistance of hormone growth supplements or therapeutic antibiotics. The cattle are bred using animal welfare best practices.

Of course, this all impacts the beef, in a good way. Robbins Island Wagyu Beef is a wholesome, juicy steak that balances grass-fed flavours and intramuscular fat. Robbins Island Wagyu features distinct marbling characteristics. Whilst typical grain-fed Wagyu marbling has a ‘vein-like’ appearance, Robbins Island exhibits a fine and delicate marbling, with a beef marble score of 5-9.

We started producing Wagyu a few years before it took off in Australia, and by the mid-nineties, Wagyu was attracting more commercial interest. This can be attributed to the quality of the product, and the propensity for the Japanese to take everything to extremes. Wagyu is one of their favourite dishes to eat, and it wasn’t long before Japanese tastes travelled to Australia. The distinctive flavour of Wagyu is predicated by the the environment the cattle are raised in, and the bloodlines selected for breeding. Robbins Island is the ideal location to raise beef, due to its location on the Northwestern tip of Tasmania, in a cool climate of salt air, regular rainfall, lush pastures and pristine environment. Our cattle are grazed naturally on grass and forage along the seashore, rather than being raised on feedlots.

Our program started in 1993, with progeny from Michifuku, one of the most famous Tajima sires, known for their prize-winning genes and high marbling characteristics. The presence of the soft fat gene in our beef improves meat flavour and taste, and is traditionally sought after by the Japanese. As our cattle are grass-fed, they bear a clean taste, as opposed to the richness of a traditional grain-fed steak.

Beef is typically only ever as good as the management of the farm. Pasture management is critical and even to the extent that the fluctuating growth rate of grass is considered, as are protein levels.

For us, these sustainable practices mean that our production is still boutique. Robbins Island Wagyu is available at Melbourne CBD grillhouse Little Hunter, as well as at organic butchers including Cannings Free Range Butchers in Hawthorn, and Gary’s Quality Meats in South Yarra.

Next month, on April 28th we’re participating in The Producer Dinner at Little Hunter so come along. Guests will be educated in the organic production at Robbins Island and offered the opportunity to sample our all-natural Wagyu. Dinner includes four courses with matching wines. Little Hunter mirrors our philosophy with a menu that features like minded producers, artisans and farmers that favour organic, natural and humane treatment.

Guests can book dinner with Robbins Island direct from Little Hunter.

Bookings via -
Little Hunter
195 Little Collins Street
$150 – four courses with matched wines
littlehunter.com.au
03 9654 0900

It’s true that over the years I needed to be convinced about the wines made by producers that farm with sustainable practices. Initially I came across a few poor examples of these [mainly natural] wines. I tasted many wines of organic and biodynamic origin and I think these movements at large are to be applauded ideologically and indeed for causing us to think about our role as sommeliers, producers and lovers of wine. A sense of place rather than uniformity is sought by any lover of wine. That said, deliciousness is to be prized over a wine that rouses interest yet tastes poor.

Many years later, and certainly once there were a few more of these wines to choose from, I started to change my opinion on these wine styles. Albeit some of them ‘look’ undrinkable or just like fermenting barrel samples, the expression of purity of fruit and indeed the taste is rather inviting and importantly a pleasure to drink. Last year I attended a rather large wine tasting held by a group of producers that farm their land with bio/organic principles during the Melbourne Food & wine Festival and I was astonished by the high number of wine lovers and people alike filling the massive room. Australia has now purportedly absorbed a great deal of biodynamic, organic and natural wine production. Something we didn’t see 10 years ago when this was nothing but the beginning of a trend. These wines have now taken a reasonably high percentage of occupancy on Australia’s best wine lists and consumers are definitely enjoying drinking them.’

The basis for this process was started by Rudolf Steiner, 1924 who lectured in Germany before the principles evolved into a form of farming. This has been taken further by various wine makers including Ray Nadeson, of Lethbridge Wines in Geelong (guest speaker at Bistro Vue’s Bidodynamic & Organic Wine Dinner – details below) and put into practice in vineyards throughout the world. The process was pioneered in France, by several people, one being Nicolas Joly in the Loire Valley at his family estate Chateau de la Roche. Joly sees himself as ‘Nature’s Assistant’ in working with the land and soil as one living organism, ‘helping vines catch the climate and soil in the wine.’ Also embracing biodynamics are Leflaive, Leroy and Domaine de la Romanee Conti. Sounds like a good club to be part of! Several wine enthusiasts are now seeing the influence of the terroir showing in the wine with extra intensity and complexity of flavour, maybe there is something to stirring cow manure according to the moon?

The menu served at Bistro Vue’s Biodynamic & Organic Wine Dinner has been designed to echo the same aforementioned ideologies. Head Chef Chris Bonello says ‘the dishes on the menu incorporate local, sustainably sourced, organic and where possible biodynamic produce. We use vegetables from our own gardens at Burnham Beeches, a very rare breed of red snapper from Port Lincoln (which is ethically and sustainably caught), and yoghurt from Schulz in Timboon.’ The grandfather of current operator Simon Schulz was one of the pioneer’s of biodymanics in the 1920s and they remain committed to these practices to this day. It’s going to be a really feel good night that’s for sure!!

The event will take place on Thursday 18th April Bistro Vue at 430 Collins Street.

Reservations:
03 9691 3838
$175 per person
4 courses with matched wines

I definitely have loved chocolate from a very young age and as I got older my love of chocolate became a passion. I wanted to learn all about it and what its limitations were when it came to design. When you appreciate the journey of the cacao bean to the premium chocolate we work with today you get a sense of being a part of something special. To be able to design, make and present chocolate in an art form and to create an experience for our clients is a highlight for me. We predominately use fine couverture chocolate from Spain and France but also enjoy couverture from boutique chocolate makers in the USA and Australia.

2. What is the indicator of really good chocolate?

Fine chocolate is known as couverture chocolate and contains no substitute vegetable fats as found in the inferior compound chocolate.

It’s an exciting time for the chocolate industry and therefore consumers in Australia. The quality and availability of fine couverture chocolate is growing. People are starting to understand that just like wine, cheese, coffee and other products made from natural ingredients, the quality and also the taste of chocolate can vary considerably. For example, chocolate can have fruity, floral, earthy, smokey, citrusy or even chocolatey tones/characteristics as a result of where the cacao is grown, the variety of cacao and the yields from each cacao tree.
As a result, what makes a good chocolate can be subjective, but they should all have the same characteristics: the chocolate should not have a dull appearance, but instead have a sheen. When it melts slowly (to experience fine chocolate at it’s best) in your mouth, it should be silky smooth with no pronounced lumps. It should not be gritty. The finish should be long and clean and definitely not waxy.

3. Sisko is truly designer chocolate. Tell us all about it and your inspiration behind the designs.

We love to produce designs that are elegant and interactive. We want people to be wowed by the design aspect but to also love indulging in the fine couverture chocolate. Therefore our designs have an overall philosophy that they not only have to look pretty but also taste amazing as this will be the most memorable feature. I am inspired by many elements of design in every day life, fashion, furniture, homewares and even metal work.

We also have a quirky side and love having fun with our concepts. Take this years Easter range Cluk, Pek, Hopp and Buk as examples.  We find them quite elegant and quirky at the same time.  The story that they have and the idea that our eggs have a personality make them part of our Sisko Chocolate family

4. I hear Ian Burch is now with Sisko. What his involvement there?

Ian Burch has always had a passion for excelling in whatever he does and we found this the perfect quality to join the Sisko Chocolate team. His role at Sisko Chocolate is to bring his new passion for chocolate into our kitchen. We look forward to developing new concepts and bringing forth a new range of products blending his past experience in the pastry world and our combined passion for designing with chocolate. New sweet table installations and celebration cakes with chocolate features are already in the works.

5. Members of uTaste are receiving a decadent flat chocolate egg. Tell us all about it.

Easter is a fun time for us, and the Flat Egg is our favourite concept. I love the fact that it can be bright and colourful with the edible prints rather than a plain egg with bright wrapping. We really do love thinking outside of the square and breaking the rules on traditional designs. Why not start our own new traditions. We have converted many clients who can’t go back now    The flat egg is a chance to share fine quality chocolate with friends and family…and it is all about the quality chocolate rather than the air within:-)

Sisko
330 Auburn Road
Hawthorn VIC 3122
9818 5772

The cuisine has gone through a renaissance here in old Melbourne town; the openings of Rosetta, then Orto and Baby have brought Italian back to the front pages.

Being the modern Melbourne food lover that you are, we know you’re under a lot of pressure to try all these places and still get home in time to watch the cats fight on MKR (it’s ok we won’t tell).

We’re adding another to the list.

In December Remo Nicollini of +39 fame together with co-owner Lino Maglione opened Itali.co.

Itali.co highlights Melbourne’s Italian traditions. Pastas are home-made (as we’ve come to expect) and all sauces are made in house.  There are tessellated black and white tiles and stone floors plus you’ll notice a feature wall of hanging salami, legs of ham and cheeses.

The Nicollini’s continue their march to Italian dominance with Itali.co. Remo’s brother is the owner of D.O.C Carlton, D.O.C Mornington and Carlton Espresso and you’ll notice similarities…

Staffers are Italian, the pizzas are best in class and they’re loud boisterous places encouraging celebration over food.

Sound Italian enough for you?

Itali.co
1/173-177 Barkly Street
St Kilda
9537 5300
italico.com.au

Is tea really that good for you?
Tea is soothing and sipped rather than gulped. It’s full of antioxidants (that’s a molecule that inhibits the oxidation of other molecules) protecting the body from (over) aging, it’s got less caffeine and one you probably didn’t know, it’s good for your teeth. Better than an apple-a-day apparently. Tea contains fluoride and tannins keeping the plaque at bay.

And lastly but definitely not the end of the list, tea is said to reduce your body’s levels of cortisol, a prominent stress hormone. Sleeping better already aren’t you.

Where is the best tea from?
The answer is that it depends on the tea. The most popular tea sources are Asia and Africa and typically the best loose leaf teas come from India, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and Japan. But where is the Champagne of Tea? Most connoisseurs say it’s Darjeeling in India.

Cool factor
It must be cool. The industry averaged growth of about 5% over the past five years. Lady Gaga is even fielding enquiries daily from tea companies determined to sign her.

And, did you know that the top four tea makers control 90% of the industry yet the 10% specialist market still represents a $264m market meaning it’s a hot pot of new entrepreneurial activity.

Plus, the best tea shop in the world Mariage Freres is in Paris where the most esteemed Parisians shop from over 500 varieties of tea and where the French Art of Tea was born. They’ve even written a book to take you from leaf to lip.

Is all that the definition of cool? Well probably not but it is fun to think of tee-totallers as the new hip things.

Want to drink tea in?
Get enough for 30-40 cups delivered monthly from My Tea Ritual. $25 monthly including postage.

Want to drink tea out?
We had main man Paul Bennetts from Tomte Tea talk about the Five Best Places to Support Your Leaf Habit.

We’ve been to L’Esquina. It’s an icon, it’s been one of the best venues in NYC for years. It gets it right. What is it that makes this place so good?
I think its a combination of location, the romantic mysterious vibe of the lower dining room.  I think the fact that we sourced most of the artwork and atmospheric elements in Mexico City and that from the beginning my intention was to show NY’ers the cool cosmopolitan side of Mexico City, beyond the sombrero cliche. The food is innovative re-interpretations of Mexico City staples. The new Chef in La Esquina is an incredibly talented individual that has take the restaurant to new heights.

In our opinion, Mexican food still has a long long way to go here in Australia. Let’s start simply, what’s a taco (street style) and what makes these the heart and soul of Mexican street food?
A taco by definition is anything that you eat with your hands and is wrapped in a corn tortilla.  Corn was the staple of the mesoamerican diet, it is the defining element in most of our street food, tacos are cheap & portable and regardless of your socio economic standing in Mexico; tortillas speak straight to your soul. (if you grew up there). The key challenge is the ingredient availability in Melbourne or anywhere else in the world.

We all know it’s not just about the Taco’s. You’re at home and it’s winter, what are you cooking? It’s summer, what are you cooking?
 If its winter, I love to make braised short ribs Stew (mole de olla) serve them with rice and black beans. If its summer…. to me its all about ceviche, aguachile and micheladas.

Can you set us straight. Are burrito’s actually Mexican or are they just a gigantic taco invented for the stomach’s of Americans?
Burritos are actually derived from a dish that was eaten in Northern Mexico, they were called “Burritas” and they are very different from anything you’ll see coming out of a restaurant in the USA.

As you correctly define it, it is now a gigantic carbohydrate bomb and you will never see anyone in Mexico City eat one, though they do deserve their honorable place in the world of California- Mex food.

Mexico City is one of the best food cities in the world. What’s your take on the food scene there?
Thank You. I agree with your assessment of eating in Mexico City. The food scene there is very vibrant at the moment, with many young chefs exploring and pushing the traditional techniques into new places. It is a source of pride for all of us” Chilangos” (Mexico City natives) and it has also fueled new business and attention to old school restaurants and traditional eateries that had been forgotten. Young people now are proud of their heritage   and willing to rescue and support all these local urban eateries and step away from the chain driven fast food joints. It is a great moment for local chefs.

EVENTS

• 6th and 7th March – Touché Hombre dinners open to the public featuring dishes served up by Richard Ampudia, along with existing Touché Hombre dishes.
• 8th March – Rooftop Mexican Party with Mexican street food served up by Richard Ampudia with live music, magician, dancers and much more.

What is Ras El Hanout?
The word is Arabic and literally translates to ‘top of the shop’. The spice originates from the villages of Morocco and surrounding North African countries. and is prized for its aphrodisiac properties.

Sounds great. But what’s in it?
No two Ras El Hanouts are identical each spice merchant would traditionally have it’s own special blend which showcased the best the vendor had to offer.

So what’s in your Ras El Hanout?
That’s a secret! I can tell you that The Hidden Souk’s Ras El Hanout is a complex blend comprising of mellow base notes, warming mid notes and floral top notes.

We promise a good dose of aphrodisiacs and rare spices in this versatile blend.

How can we use it?
Here are a few of my favourite uses:

Stir 1- 2 tsp into 4-5 cups cooked couscous for a lightly spiced side dish.

For chicken with a difference, dust 1 tsp on 2-3 fillets and grill. It’s also fantastic paired with grilled vegetables including eggplant, zucchini, capsicum.

Add it to your homemade pumpkin soup to really spice it up. 4 tsp to 3 litres of pumpkin soup

Add to taste in lentil stews, casseroles and tagines.

Or simply add some extra dimension to your homemade houmous!

SUBSCRIBE TO THE SPICE BOX BY THE HIDDEN SOUK HERE!

Milk the Cow is all about cheese, and booze. In that order, and preferably all at once.

Sneaking open its doors early last month while Melburnians were enjoying the summer holidays, this all day to late-night venue is taking cheeseboards to a new level.

No longer are you to make do with a brie, a blue and a cheddar. Choose from dozens of cheeses, shipped in from all over the world and cared for lovingly by cheesemonger Laura Lown. She nurses them as if they were her babies.

Laura herself has been imported from the UK where she previously worked at Paxton & Whitfield, one of the country’s most established cheesemongers with a 200-year history, and the very place the Queen herself sources her cheese.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the selection, never fear. Laura will walk you through it, unravelling stories of monks in caves, al vino washed rinds and rare white truffled cheeses. Opt for a wine flight be treated to four tastes of cheese and tipple to match before you commit to an entire cheeseboard.

Once you’ve sampled the wares, you may not be able to resist taking home a goody bag, Luckily, takeaway cheese boxes are readily available – board included!

Where: 157 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
Phone: 03 9537 2225
Open: Tuesday-Saturday 12noon – 1am, Sunday 12noon-11.30pm
Details: MilktheCow.com.au

NEW

Saigon Sally
What do you get when Chin Chin and Hanoi Hannah elope to Windsor, make wild, passionate love, and then have a baby? You get Saigon Sally. And she’s beautiful. Well, at least she looks it. This newborn is so fresh it’s not even open yet. In fact, Saigon Sally opens tonight. Brought to you by the boys behind Southside Vietnamese favourite Hanoi Hannah, Saigon Sally is like its older brother but in a bigger space with a different menu. We can’t wait to see what she has in store.
2 Duke St, Windsor | Check Facebook for more details | facebook.com/saigonsallywindsor

DO STUFF

NGV Summer Sessions
Everyone loves a Sunday sesh in summer, and the National Gallery of Victoria are hosting Sunday sessions for the reminder of Feb in their statue garden. Picnic on the lawn, kick back and listen to DJs, and get involved with the family-friendly activities while sipping sangria and enjoying an Aussie BBQ from the NGV’s Peter Rowland team. Choose from bratwursts, lamb burgers, veggie quesadillas and corn on the cob before digging into some Movenpick ice cream. It’s so good they’ve got their own hashtag, #ngvsummer.

NGV International, 180 St Kilda Road, Grollo Equiset Garden, Level G | 1-5pm, every Sunday in Feb. | FREE |ngv.vic.gov.au

FREE STUFF

Intrepid Free Food Truck
FREE FOOD. Now that we have your attention, Intrepid Travel has jumped on the food truck bandwagon and they’re dishing out street food all over Melbourne… for FREE. Expect chaatis, tacos, po’boys and a range of Spanish, Vietnamese and Turkish cuisine to boot. The whole thing’s to celebrate the launch of Intrepid Travel’s new international Food Adventures, but you stopped listening after ‘free food’, didn’t you?

Around Melbourne, see website for locations and cuisine | 12-2pm every day until Feb 11 | intrepidtravel.com

NEED IT

Yuzu
Hey, yuzu! That’s right, yuzu! We’ve been looking all over Melbourne for yuzu and until recently, we didn’t know where to find it. Those into home cooking and Japanese or Korean food will know it’s a zesty, yellow citrus fruit. Our mates over at Chefs Armory are selling yuzu juice by the bottle. Use it in sauces, dressing and desserts, or mix it with vodka, sugar syrup and soda for an instant cocktail.

Available in store at Chefs Armoury or online at: chefsarmoury.com

CHINESE NEW YEAR

Claremont Tonic
Claremont Tonic is not your average Asian restaurant, which is why they won’t be having an average Chinese New Year celebration on Saturday night. Instead, their 6 course pan Asian banquet includes dishes such as lucky rice crackers with tuna tartare, chicken wing dumplings, suckling pig in burnt orange and cold salted chocolate and beetroot fondant with pomegranate and raspberry. Of course, there will be firecrackers and a lion dance, but you should always expect the unexpected at Claremont Tonic.

15A Corner Claremont Street and Yarra Lane, South Yarra | Sat 9^th Feb, 6pm | (03) 9827 0399 | claremont-tonic.com.au/

It’s only a week away and we’re guessing you’ve left it until the last minute… again.

Panic rising…

Settle yourself. We’ve found the perfect romantic dinner to help you win Valentines Day.

Hobba. You know Hobba. The place in Prahran that serves up ridiculously good food and drink? Well for $60pp you and your lover will dining on a four course set menu of decadence.

What’s so special?

Oh… a few members of the Melbourne Sympony Orchestra playing just for you (and perhaps a few others).

We recommend you book now as there’s only a few spots left.

V-Day victory assured. We accept thank yous in the form of chocolate and hugs.

What: $60 gets you a romantic four course dinner with a glass of champagne on arrival.
Where: Hobba | 428-430 Malvern Road Prahran
Bookings: Bookings are a must. Call (03) 95108336 for bookings.

Another cafe opening? Well, it is Melbourne.

And it’s from the team behind Two Birds One Stone…

Now that got your attention.

A former car park, a business hub and a main road don’t necessarily sound conducive for a successful cafe; more like a recipe for disaster. Add the Midas cafe touch (sans the foolishness) from the team behind Apte, Liar Liar, Three Bags Full, and afore mentioned, Two Birds, and you just know you’re in for something special.

But do they deliver?

Pft, of course they do.

The 140 seater pays homage to its predecessors in the decor, most notable in the lighting and table tops, with the layout designed to accentuate the grassy nature strip and surrounding trees. There’s talk of a monthly fresh produce market on this strip, which is the perfect segway to introduce Head Chef, Jesse McTavish.

Fresh from Byron Bay, Jesse doesn’t just bring a golden tan and love for surfing to the kitchen. Expect the finest fresh locally sourced produce on the menu, accountable all the way, served with an emphasis on flavour, not frills. His modern take on the KISS acronym is proof that dishes work best when kept simple and flavoursome, not complex and overloaded. 5 Senses coffee and a concise wine list, craft beer and cider are a welcome addition, with the all-day menu replaced Friday evenings by tapas offerings, designed for sharing.

So yeah, another cafe opening, but one we think is well worth the hype.

Where: 658 Church Street, Richmond
Phone: 03 9429 4332
Open: Mon-Thurs 7am-5pm , Friday 7am-9pm,  Sat-Sun 8am-4pm
Details: www.toppaddockcafe.com

NEW

Pawn & Co.

Enter Pawn & Co. through the bookshelf door and tell us, is it a bar or a shop? Well, it’s both. Absinthe cocktails, New Orleans sliders and a taxidermy kangaroo. Sure, it’s an eclectic mix, but it scores points for uniqueness. Don’t grow too fond of the décor here – everything you see has a price tag and may be gone the next time you visit. Party like it’s the Prohibition and then invest in a vintage piano. You’ll think it’s a good idea at the time.
Upstairs at 402 Chapel St, Prahran | (03) 9827 0608 | Thu-Sun 7pm-7am | pawnandco.com.au

POP UP

Shophouse Ramen
Is there anything more attractive than a $10 Japanese feed with the words “available for a limited time only” tacked on the end? Of course not, which is why we recommend getting down to Shophouse Ramen ASAP. It’s a temporary noodle joint inside Storm in a Teacup, but it’s only around for the first 10 days of Feb. Stuff your face with pork tonkotsu with whole wheat noodles, steamed pork buns, soy crisps and chilled peach and ginger pie.
48a Smith St, Collingwood | Feb 1-10, 12-10pm | facebook.com/ShophouseRamen

NEED IT

Mörk Specialty Hot Chocolate
Hot, cold, hot, cold. That’s Melbourne for ya. Luckily, our favourite drink at the moment has all bases covered. You may have met Mörk already at Auction Rooms, St. Ali or Proud Mary. It’s the best chocolate powder we’ve come across and it works hot, cold or straight from the spoon. If you don’t love it, you can’t call yourself a chocolate lover. Yeah, yeah. It’s a big call. But Mörk’s made from the finest cocoa powder, pure cacao liquor and natural coconut blossom sugar. There are no nasties in it at all, so that practically makes it healthy, right?
In Melbourne’s best cafés and available online | contact@morkchocolate.com.au | morkchocolate.com.au

SOMETHING DIFFERENT

Broga: yoga for bros
Would you rather take your mother-in-law to high tea than touch your toes? Does the thought of wearing lycra make you vomit a little in your mouth? Introducing Broga, yoga for bros. Ladies are welcome too, but there’s extra support for the testosterone-inclined. If nothing else, you’ll be able to claim you’ve bent over ‘downward dog’ style in a room full of fellas.
School House Studios, 97 Nicholson St, Abbotsford | Feb 2, 11.30am-1pm | $15 for 1 session or $65 for 5 sessions upfront | book by emailing brogamelbourne@gmail.com or texting 0410 828 157 | facebook.com/pages/Broga-Melbz/

To Marketto, to Marketto to buy a fat pig; home again, home again, jiggety-jig. Okay, so you won’t find any fat pigs at Marketto, the bi-monthly organic market out the back of Sweet Caroline in South Yarra (unless you count us), but you will find homegrown groceries and hair cuts.

Sweet Caroline hair salon has always been pro organic while stylin’ and choppin’ away, so it made sense to plop a market in their unused courtyard space mid last year. Marketto is Italian for ‘little organic market in the courtyard of a hair salon*’ and it happens on the first and third Saturday of every month.

So whose idea was it to create Marketto anyway? Well, it was a joint effort between Sweet Caroline Co-Owner Jamie MacFarlane and salon client Dori Ellington from Markin Groceries. No doubt while they were chatting and exchanging secrets as one so often does when they’re getting a trim.

Now, smack bang in the middle of South Yarra, you’ll find fresh fruit and veg, beautiful meat, boutique olive oils, homemade preserves, crusty baked bread and more. We’re looking forward to checking out Bike n’ Blend’s pedal powered smoothies and slurping a spoonful of honey from The Urban Bee Keeper.

Even if you usually do your grocery shopping earlier in the week, it’s worth checking out Marketto for the vegetarian-friendly BBQ. You haven’t lived until you get your mouth around those tofu burgers.

Sweet Caroline is keen to fill more unused urban spaces with Marketto goodness, upping sustainability and lowering the cost for communities. For this local hairdresser, it’s all about going back to their roots (see what we did there?).

Need to Know

When: 1st & 3^rd Saturday of each month | 9am-3pm or until sold out
Where: Sweet Caroline’s courtyard, 40 Caroline Street, South Yarra
Phone: 0430 488 001
Details: sweetcaroline.com.au

NEW

Lolo & Wren
Lolo & Wren is set to make Brunswick West the next ‘go to’ destination. It’s a café and it’s good at food. Food like bread crumb coated fried Crispy Croque Monsieur and Hogs Pudding with trotter and black pudding, sage and onion relish, green onion relish green apple and parsley.  We dare you not to make Lolo & Wren your new local.
484 Albion Street, Brunswick West | (03) 9383 3712 | Mon-Fri 7am-4pm, Sat-Sun 8am-4pm | facebook.com/LoloWren

DO STUFF

The Garden Party
If it’s cucumber sandwiches and tea from a china cup you’re after, stop reading now. This Garden Party is an outdoor music venue showcasing local and international indie artists. Add rolling lawns, food pop ups and beverage bars, and voila, you have an authentic summer festival, in the heart of Southbank.
Rear, Melbourne Recital Centre, cnr Southbank Boulevard and Sturt Street | 25^th Jan – 17^th Feb, Fri-Sat 5-11.30pm, Sun 2-9pm | tickets $35 plus booking fee | thegardenparty.info

Chow Town at BDO
This Australia Day, chow down at Chow Town, The Big Day Out’s foodie distraction where culinary cuisine meets festival fare. Work your way through offerings from Golden Fields, Anada, Cookie, Huxtaburger, St Ali and RB’s Fried Chicken, whilst waving your Australian flag. Apparently they have bands there too…
Flemington Racecourse | Saturday 26^th January | Tickets $165 | bigdayout.com/chowtownmelbourne

CONTINUE THE WEEKEND

Honey We’ve Got Hives
Melbourne City Rooftop Honey, the guys behind the hives taking over Melbourne rooftops, have joined forces with Arintji to celebrate the first harvest of Federation Squares rooftop honey with a four course dinner and matching wines. Sweet tooth essential.

Rooftop Honey also offer a subscription through AgendaSelects. Subscribe and get honey delivered monthly from a new rooftop each month.

Arintji, Main Square, Federation Square | Wednesday 30^th January, 7pm | Tickets $70 per head | Bookings (03) 9663 9900 | www.fedsquare.com/events/honey-weve-got-hives/

PLACES

NBHD Neanderthal 
It’s a totally unexpected opening in polished South Yarra and we love it. NBHD (Neighbourhood) Neanderthal is part bar, part café, and a whole lotta grunge. It opened in December and is owned by two brothers who believe in a simple equation: good food + good friends = good times. Then there’s the cocktails, beer garden, band room, shit hot motorbike and the metal pole where you can get involved in their ‘chin up challenge’.
153 Commercial Rd, South Yarra| (03) 9826 4880 | nbhdneanderthal.com.au 

Baked goods from Candied Bakery
“Condensed Milk is in the soft serve machine this week…..Enough said!” That’s the latest Facebook post from Candied Bakery and really, what else needs to be said? Ok we also know this: you can buy organic bread, soft serves, slabs of gourmet foccacia, choc chip marshmallow cookies and apple pie shakes. That’s right. APPLE PIE SHAKES.
81a Hudsons Rd., Spotswood| (0 3) 9391 1335 | Wed-Sat 7:30am-5pm, Sun 8am-4pm | candiedbakery.com.au 

DO STUFF

Sugar Mountain Festival 
If you don’t know about Sugar Mountain by now, you’re out of the loop. Not to worry, we’ve got you covered. It’s a music festival that kicks off this weekend and tramples all over Melbourne with its tunes. The big one takes place at the Forum, but there’s also plenty for the artistically inclined. The lineup includes Boomgates, Collarbones, Woods, Dirty Projectors and more. Check the website for deets.
The Forum, 154 Flinders St, CBD | Sat 19 from 5.30pm | Tickets $122 | http://sugarmountainfestival.com 

So Frenchy, So Chic
27 and sunny is the perfect summer day. Lucky for you So Frenchy,So Chic is on. The only time of year you can frolic the surrounds of Werribee Mansion and pretend you’re in the South of France. The who’s who of up-and-coming French musique will be there, including Revolver, Melanie Pain, Nadeah and Carmen Maria Vega. Take a  picnic and rug or leave the Tupperware at home and go all out on the stalls selling cheese, macarons, pastries and tarts.
Werribee Mansion, K Road, Werribee Park, Werribee South | 20 Jan, 12am-8pm | $77pp, kids under 12 free | cartellmusic.com.au/sfsc/ 

OUT OF TOWN

Harvest ‘n’ Graze Festival
Harvest ‘N’ Graze Festival has taken to the Bellarine Estate this Sunday and it’s bring with it our three favourite things: music, food and wine. Feast on everything from paella and dim sims, to Maldon yabbies and fro’ yo’ (from the Yogurdicction food van). Knock back a drop or five from the likes of Scotchman’s Hill winery and Lindenton Wines. By the end of the day, you’ll be well and truly ready to go riding with the horses when Daryl Braithwaite headlines the event.
Bellarine Estate, 2270 Portarlington Rd, Bellarine| Jan 20th, 10am – 6pm | Tickets $29 pre purchase or $35 at the gate | harvestngraze.com/current-events/bellarine/ 

NEW

Babu
It’s a new burger joint that’s set up shop recently across the road from Grill’d in Prahran. Awkward. The difference is Babu has balls (homemade meatballs) as well as burgers. Choose whether you want your patty to be 150g, 220g or 300g, then undo your pants, prepare the serviettes and try the No. 1 Babu’s Favourite with a 220g medium cooked beef patty, cheese, bacon and a fried egg. Vegetarians can eat at Babu too, and you can build your own with blue cheese and onion puffs. There’s plenty of beer and wine, so you won’t get thirsty either.

 156 Chapel St, Prahran | (03) 9510 6485 | Mon-Sun 11am-11pm | facebook.com/BabuBurgerWithBalls

DO STUFF

Hip Hop Hooray Beerfest
Three days. 34 hopped up beers match to food. Live music. Now that’s our kind of challenge. It’s called Hip Hop Hooray Beerfest and it’s on at The Alehouse Project this weekend. And if simply indulging in the nectar of the gods is not enough, there will be beer prizes too. Hooray!

The Alehouse Project, 98-100 Lygon St, Brunswick East | (03) 9387 1218 | Jan 11-13 | thealehouseproject.com.au

Midsumma Carnival opening day
This Sunday Midsumma Festival is celebrating 25 years of being out, loud ‘n’ proud. Doesn’t matter if you’re straight, queer or something in between, everyone is welcome. The teaser performances on the main stage will help you decide what you want to see over the three week Midsumma calendar. We’ll see you at high-camp iconic Dog Show. Expect music, stalls, alcohol and eye candy. Win.

Birrarung Marr Park, Batman Ave, Melbourne | (03) 9415 3600 | 13 Jan, 11am-6pm | midsumma.org.au/event/carnival

GET OUT OF TOWN

Trevor Music Festival
A music festival on an island, off an island. Wait a minute… But what’s even more amazing is it’s the first festival we can remember that’s under $100. The line up’s not too shabby either: Icehouse, Ash Grunwald, The Bamboos and more. Apparently there’s heaps to eat. Everything from tacos and swirly spuds to cheese platters and burgers. We reckon you should try a bit of everything, and then work it off in a circus or African drum and dance workshop.

Churchill Island, Phillip Island | Sat 12^th Jan – Gates open 11am | under 15yrs free, over 15yrs $99 | Bookings online: whoistrevor.com.au

Portarlington Mussel Festival
If you’re into mussels, of the aquatic variety that is, then you’ll be heading to the  Portarlington Mussel Festival this weekend at the Bellarine Peninsula. Of course there will be mussels – the festival started to promote the mussel industry, but now there are also cooking demos, entertainment, exhibits, vintage car displays, and stacks of food and wine producers. Bring an empty stomach.

 Newcombe St, Portarlington | Jan 12, 9.30am-5pm | portmusselfestival.com

Something new

Shawcross Pizza
Pizza by the slice. Nothing over $16.50. BYO. Welcome to Shawcross Pizza.

The sausage lovers at Phat Brats opened this NY-style pizza joint just before Christmas. Inside it’s all timber, tomato tins, pac man and neon. Outside, well it’s just next door to Phat Brats. Silly or smart? We’ll go with the latter since their slices – cooked in massive custom-made 22 inch pans – sell out to inebriated and pizza-deficient weekend crowds. Try The Mexicutioner or the Nutorious P.I.G. There’s even a pizza dedicated to those “Bloody Vegans”.

 324 Brunswick St, Fitzroy | (03) 9419 9596 | Weekdays 5pm-late, Weekends 12pm-late| facebook.com/ShawcrossPizza

Hugo First
Werribee is a place where only sewage goes.

Wrong.

Oh how wrong you are my friend.

Hugo First opened just shy of Christmas and is just what Werribee was missing – an all-day eatery and bar, displaying all sorts of amazing art. Who is Hugo? Hugo’s a bloke and he’s enigmatic, but a bit of a softie – a cross between Sam Sparrow and Johnny Depp. No one tells Hugo what to do. He’ll whip you up a mean brekky on the weekends and has an awesome balcony overlooking the river – perfect for an evening beverage. It’s in high demand though so you’ll have to book.

 98 Watton St, Werribee | Wed – Sun 1100:am – 11:00pm | hugofirst.com.au

Do & See 

I, Animal at Melbourne Zoo
Explore the zoo after dark without screaming children… Genius.

Part multi-media, part theatre, this tour – which uses custom iPod touch applications – questions the boundaries between human and animal.  You can choose between the giraffe, monkey, elephant or penguin tour and there’s booze and food at the end. Word of advice, apparently the elephant one is a real tear jerker.

Elliott Avenue, Parkville | 1300 966 784 | Nightly, 6.30pm sharp | Tickets $35 members, $39 non-members | zoo.org.au

The People’s Market
Even if you’ve already checked out The People’s Market, you’ll need to head over again. Why? Because as of yesterday, all the vendors changed over, and the market’s novelty value has been reinstated. The Meatball Company is hitting the shipping container stalls, along with Paperboy Kitchen (Vietnamese), 5 & Dime bagels, while South (Vegan Soul Food) is holding fort.

64-68 Stanley St, Collingwood | Thurs-Sun until April 28 | peoplesmarket.com.au/

Out of Town

Movies in the Vineyard
Movie. Vineyard. Friends. What more needs to be said? Just shut up and take our money. This Saturday you can get your Bond on with Skyfall, or wait until Friday next week and do the Time Warp with the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Booking ahead is recommended.

Cnr Maroondah Hwy & Hill Rd, Coldstream | Until early March, gates open 6pm | (03) 5962 2119 | rochfordwines.com.au

Just in case you blinked or fell off the radar for a moment, here’s some of the best from the year.
Merry Christmas. Love Agenda.

MATTEO BRUNO SHOWED US HIS BALLS
Meatball and Wine Bar

Our penchant for balls… ahem meatballs was never higher than it was in 2012. Matteo Bruno first showed them to us in September and from then on it’s been happy days down on Flinders Lane. They’ve also launched a new late night menu of cocktails and cheese. Win.

135 Flinders Lane, Melbourne  | Weekdays 7am-late (breakfast 7am-11am) | Weekends 12pm-late (brunch 11am-3pm) meatballandwinebar.com.au

FITZROY GOT A CIDER HOUSE
Brunswick St Cider House

Cider House, a place where cider can be itself.  These guys have been serving the biggest range of cider in Melbourne, matched with a smashing gastro-pub menu, since June… but feels like they’ve been there forever. If you haven’t been there, you just don’t know cider.

386-388 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy | Tues-Sun 12pm-late  theciderhouse.com.au

EXCLUSIVE DINING
Secret Dining Society

Covert and coveted. Sounds like something we’re in to. When Jude Smith launched Secret Dining Society back in July he couldn’t predict the love and adulation that was coming his way. “It’s clearly a great concept. We even have people creating an alumni…”. Two successful events later we’re still unsure of who this Jude Smith is. But one thing’s for sure. He’s a mover and a shaker.

Facebook.com/SecretDiningSociety

DOCKLANDS FOUND GOOD FOOD
Pok Pok Street Food

Face it. Pok Pok is the best thing to happen in Docklands since… um ever. They’ve been serving perfect coffee and tasty Thai street food to relieved Dockland workers and residents since July. And they’ve been consistently packed Mon-Sat. Fair effort.

801-803 Bourke Street, Docklands  | Mon-Weds 7am – 4pm, Thur- Fri 7am – 10pm, Sat 6am – 10pm | pokpok.com.au   

It was the ‘drink naked’ that first caught our eye.

Dare we?

The warm, sultry bar area with its dim lighting would certainly paint ones nakedness in a good light, but everyone else appeared to be dressed, so we ventured outside.

Gorgeous views stopped us in our tracks; to the right the cityscape in all its glory, and to the left, a seemingly never ending Brunswick Street. Next we took in the brightly coloured metal chairs resting under outdoor fairy lights, beckoning to be sat on, but once again, only fully dressed patrons to be seen.

Resting above above Naked for Satan, the pintxos and vodka destination we already know and love, hop into a lift to the rear of the venue and be transported to a hedonists dream.

As with its sibling below, the basque influenced comfort food continues at Naked in the Sky with a dozen tempting offerings designed to share on the bar, lounge and terrace menu . We snacked on eggplant chips with honey and blue cheese whilst downing a Naked for Satan Ale and then one of their alcoholic slushies – brain freeze central.

But did we drink naked? No, not on this visit, we feared that the metal chairs would be far too hot on our supple buttocks’. Do we plan to drink naked on our next visit? Depends how much we drink.

Where: 285 Brunswick St, Fitzroy
Phone: 03 9416 2238
Open: Fri-Sat 12pm-1am, Sun-Thurs 12pm-12am

Details: nakedforsatan.com.au

We like what they’ve done to the place.

You’ll enter a bright and airy space with fresh natural colours throughout and full views of the St Kilda foreshore.  Opt to sit outside and you’ll enjoy the breeze on your face whilst munch on Head Chef Nick Mahlook’s European inspired nosh. There’s also a large bar area with beer, wine and quirky beach-inspired cocktails (Sex on St Kilda Beach anyone?).

With a focus on classic beach inspired dishes cooked in the brand spanking new charcoal oven, or the open flame spit and coal pit grill, this is taking beach party cuisine to a whole new level.

Simple, tasty breakfast options are offered select mornings, or “Don’t be selfish – share” from the all day menu with cuttlefish skewers, lemon, chilli and parsley a must, and the daily spit roast offering with chermoula and herb salad essential.

It’s like a beach shack only fancier.

Where: 30 Jacka Boulevard, St Kilda, 3182
Phone: 03 9525 5555
Open:  Tues-Fri noon-late; Sat-Mon 7.30-late
Details: stokehousecafe.com.au

NEW

Huckleberry Finn Café
Remember the Tram Stop Café on the corner of Glenferrie and Riversdale Roads? Neither do we. The once greasy corner store has completely transformed into Huckleberry Finn, an airy café with simple, homely decor and a turquoise coffee machine to boot. You’ll be tempted by the pulled pork sliders (in brioche, of course). There’s also Allpress coffee (Supremo Blend or single origin), perfect with a homemade cake. Nice one Huck.

538 Glenferrie Rd, Hawthorn | 0400 532 650 | Mon-Sun 7am-4.30pm| facebook.com/pages/Huckleberry-Finn-Cafe/527389870607012

REVISITED

Dinner at Il Fornaio
Hey there cheese lover!
Old Italian favourite Il Fornaio finally opened their doors for dinner service this week, launching with it the brand new Mozzarella and Cheese Gallery. Despite their locally sourced ingredients Il Fornaio have imported two sisters from Italy as the venue’s on-site cheese-makers. Half of the new dinner menu is built around their cheesy skills. We’ve been told the pizzas rival Melbourne’s best. Cheese and Italian women. What’s not to love?

2 Acland St, St Kilda| (03) 9534 2922 | from 5pm | ilfornaio.com.au

DO STUFF

See a movie outside this weekend
Bands, ice cream, fish and chips and cinema under the stars. This weekend, Moonlight Cinema in the Royal Botanic Gardens is showing Ted, The Twilight Saga Part 2 and Arbitrage; Rooftop Cinema on top of Curtin House in the CBD is showing Alien and Prometheus; and Open Air Cinema at the St Kilda Sea Baths is featuring Two Little Boys, On The Road and Top Gun. Seeing Top Gun on Sunday will even get you free Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.

moonlight.com.au/melbourne | rooftopcinema.com.au | openaircinemas.com.au/stkilda/home

FOR THE LAST MINUTE SHOPPER

The Tasting Table Market
Admit it: you haven’t finished your Christmas shopping. Never fear, The Tasting Table Wine Shop is here! Or at least it’s in Armadale. From 1- 5pm tomorrow they’re setting up a one-off Christmas wine and produce market for you lazy, last minute shoppers. Pop in and pick up a hamper, or simply partake in tasters of local and international cheese, fruits, meats and wine.

1219 High Street, Armadale | (03) 9822 6754 | 15 Sat, 1-5pm | www.thetasting-table.com

Makers’ Market
We know you consider yourself quite the arty type so you’ll want to check out the Maker’s Market at the Abbotsford Convent. Held in a former nunnery, the market showcases local artists. It’s the perfect opportunity to cross those last few people off your Christmas list. Expect jewellery, clothing, stationary and more. We’ll catch you at the free face painting at midday.

Community & Linen Rooms, Ground Floor, 1 St Heliers St, Abbotsford | (03) 9415 3600 | 16 Dec 10-4pm Mon-Sat 10.30am-4.30pm| http://www.makersmarket.org.au/

La Passeggiato is the Italian social ritual where walking and talking in the early evening is the norm and gelato is the accessory of choice. Summer is here in Melbourne and Spring Street Grocery, with its Gelataria Primavera gelati and juice bar, is your new favourite hang out.

Massimo Bidin is your new best friend. He’s a native of Friuli in Italy’s north and uses real and fresh ingredients to create seasonal gelato that is high in flavour, low in calories and (yes, it’s really true), good for you! “When you taste the gelati it soothes your mind as well as your soul,” he says, and who are you to argue?

An offering of ten milk based gelatos and six fruit based sorbets ‘hide’ beneath prozetti’s which ensure the gelato stays safe from its altering enemies, air and light, while a roll of paper lists the day’s offerings, such as chocolate and pistachio, turmeric, cardamom and rose, and, our favourite, watermelon, pomegranate and molasses.

A European inspired grocery store is set to open behind the gelataria in January, offering freshly made to order sandwiches, take home meals, organic fruit and vegetables and pantry staples, and in late February the downstairs cheese cellar will open to educate and stimulate on all things fromage.

So as the day softens into dusk you’ll recreate this Italian ritual safe in the knowledge that you’re indulging on some of the finest (if not ‘the’ finest) gelato Melbourne has to offer…

Where: 157 Spring St, Melbourne
Phone: 03 9654 0811
Open:  Mon-Fri 7am-midnight, Sat-Sun 9am-midnight
Details: springstgrocery.com.au

‘…what is the use of a book,’ thought Alice, ‘without pictures or conversations?’ Surely that would be like a cafe without coffee or sweet treats…

Opening an Alice in Wonderland inspired cafe is an unusual choice for a chemical engineer. ‘I have an affinity with rabbits,’ jokes owner Janet Wong, by means of an explanation. ‘I was born in the Chinese horoscope year of the rabbit and they’re known for bringing good luck.’

While completing her five year double degree Janet worked with Kris Wood, who she sites as her mentor, and was able to utilise her science skills to master the perfect coffee. It inspired her to open her own place which is how Alice Nivens came to be. ‘It’s a fragment of my imagination,’ smiles Janet, who further explains that the lesser obvious ‘Nivens’ is the name of the rabbit in Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland adaptation.

Offering a small selection of simple breakfast and lunch offerings, the emphasis here is on the sweet treats, baked fresh every morning in Alice’s kitchen by pastry chef Jean Cleary. Mini cupcakes, cookies and brownies are on the menu, and when we visited there was white rabbit cake and mini Christmas pudding red velvet cake pops. Barista Emily Ch-Ng pulls a mean cup of Clement Coffee through the Spirit, or allow your Storm in a Teacup tea to brew whilst taking in the quirky Alice mural by illustrator Sam Octigan.

‘I asked for a big Alice shrinking to a small Alice,’ grins Janet. ‘But Sam heard a big Alice spitting on to a small Alice and I didn’t correct.’ Curiouser and curiouser!

With indoor outdoor seating and an espresso bar in the works, we recommend you hop foot it to Alice Nivens sooner, rather than later …

Where: Port Phillip Arcade, Shop 13, 228 Flinders Street
Open:  Mon-Fri 7.30am-4pm
Details: alicenivenscafe.com

Something new

Fergus Café | 301 Wattletree Road, Malvern East | (03) 509 8351| Weekdays 7am-4pm, weekends 8am-4pm| ferguscoffee.com.au
Until Pat Horan (ex Chez Dré) and his fiancé opened Fergus café a couple of weeks ago, this little strip of Wattletree Road wasn’t worth visiting. Now, with a chef formerly from Eau De Vie, cakes from Little Bertha and a bright fit out crafted from scratch by Pat himself, Fergus is the Southside’s latest coffee hot spot. There’s house blend coffee roasted by the Maling Room, a rotating single origin and even a cold drip. Try the broad bean and Meredith goats curd smash with eggs for brekkie, or the pulled pork roll with cabbage and chipotle crème fraiche for lunch.

Do & See 

Free masterclasses at Chef’s Armoury | 22 Church St, Richmond| (03) 9429 1139 | Mon-Sat 10.30am-4.30pm| http://www.chefsarmoury.com/
You may know that Chef’s Armoury, which is new to Melbourne, sources knives from small, artisan craftsmen in Japan. You probably don’t know that they are holding a series of events and masterclasses from now until January. Tomorrow, get involved with the free ‘Decoding Japanese Ingredients’ class at 11am, or pay $95 for a professional Knife Sharpening class later on at 1pm. Keep an eye out for the tofu making demonstration and Knife Skills 101, perfect for those who want to improve their knife handling skills. Did we mention some of them are free?

The Alliance Française de Melbourne 9th Annual French Xmas Market | 51 Grey Street, St Kilda| (03) 9525 3463 | Sat 8th 10am-9pm, Sun 9th 1pm-6pm| afmelbourne.com.au/news/french-xmas-market-and-open-day-2012/
The Alliance Française de Melbourne is holding its 9th Annual French Xmas Market this weekend, which will be a sneak peek into the prestigious Alliance Française’s ‘Eildon Mansion’, as well as an entertaining day with everything from French language classes and film screenings to arts and crafts and story telling. Let’s not forget the French food and wine! Who doesn’t want a glass of red while trying their luck at pétanque?

Garden of Eden pop up bar | The West End at Crown| Fri & Sat night, 8pm-2am until Jan 5| crownmelbourne.com.au
If you saw any photos from Spring Racing Carnival in the Birdcage, you would have seen Johnnie Walker’s Garden of Eden marquee with chandeliers, extravagant cocktails and metallic hanging fruit. Now, that same marquee is a pop up bar at The West End at Crown. It celebrates Johnnie Walker’s Gold Label Reserve with cocktails infused with fruit, honey and spices. Think Whisky Sours with stone fruit and ‘White Gold’ with white grapefruit and a hint of thyme-honey water.

Featured Tables

Get 30% off your entire bill at Red Spice Road QV | Book Now

Same same but different. Red Spice Road QV is more of the same high quality South-East Asian fusion that we’ve grown to love from the McKillop Street venue (which is still there).

Spaciousness and bustling bar makes your pre-dinner drinks choice easy too. Try the Tang Dynasty where European flavours meet Asian flair.

Chef John McLeay’s trademark fresh, flavoursome menu is designed to share. Creative appetitisers include Betel Leaf with Chicken, Crab, Coconut, ChillI and Kaffir Lime and our favourite Twice Cooked Lamb Ribs with a Tamarind and Coconut Relish; and for main we couldn’t go past Quail Jungle Curry with Apple Eggplant, Bamboo and Green Peppercorns, and Yellowfin Tuna with Chilli Jam, Cucumber, Hot Mint, Peanut, Lime and Chilli Salad.

A bike riding caffeine addict like yourself would already know about the new St Ali North and its bike friendly pick-up window.

Tucked behind Velo Cycles on the corner of Park and Nicholson Streets, you’ll fine the coffee crew of 2012. Coffee king Matt Perger is leading the bean team, which includes Jamie Thomson as Head Barista (Three Bags Full), Milla Vainikinen (Johan and Nyström, Finland) and General Manager Adam Del Mastro (Auction Rooms).

So maybe you’re not that into coffee? The sweets by pastry chef  Shaun Quade will be your cup of tea then  (the man behind the Monday dessert evenings at the Duchess of Spotswood. He’s also had stints at Quay and The Royal Mail).

The menu goes beyond usual café standards, which probably has something to do with co-owner Jesse’s influence, along with Head Chef  Chris Hamburger (could a chef wish for a better name?). The kitchen cures, smokes, bakes, pickles and preserves everything; Jesse was even planting a garden when we visited.

Everyone’s talking about ST Ali North, and so they should be. Dinner service and a liquor license will soon be added to the mix and if the bike theme  –  complete with roving bike mechanics – isn’t enough for you, there’s also a beard trimming service.

There’s also a Twitter lottery that could win you and two others a personal post box with a year’s supply of St Ali coffee. Just follow @ST_ALi and proudly announce #iRideNorth by Friday to be in the running.

Location: 815 Nicholson St, Carlton North
Open: Seven days 6am-6pm
Details: http://stali.com.au/

The name comes from a succulent foraged along the Cretan coast. It features in the restaurant’s specialty, the Kritamos Salad, an attractive pile of red and green goodness sprinkled with pinenuts and olives in a homemade bread bowl. Let the dressing soak into the bread and then break it apart with your hands.

Owner Sifis Tsourdalakis (say that five times fast) decided to share his love of food with Melbourne after a promising musical career led him to sample food from all over Greece. If you’re lucky, he might even pull the lyra off the wall and play you a tune.

While the interior of Kritamos is nothing to write home about – aside from the stunning vintage photographs of Sifis’s relatives – its simplicity places the focus on the food. Kritamos hasn’t been Australian-ized, either. Ninety per cent of the dishes are prepared daily by Sifis’ mother in the kitchen, and she’s hardly about to modernize her cuisine. Even the leaves wrapped snugly around the dolmades are grown in her garden.

Of course there are hearty Greek dishes, such as slow-roasted leg of lamb with oregano and lemon, but what sets Kritamos apart are the authentic mezethes. Order the fava, a traditional split pea puree dip made fresh daily and drizzled with Cretan olive oil, or the Ntako barley rusks topped with fresh tomato and crumbled feta. Make sure you save your dessert stomach for the giant plate of Greek doughnuts, which arrive drowning in honey.

When you’ve had your fill – so by Greek standards, when you can’t walk – Sifis will toast to your health with a shot of sweet Rakomelo. There’s nothing quite like Greek hospitality.

Location: 280 Bridge Rd, Richmond
Open: Lunch Fri-Sun, 11.30am-3pm, Dinner Mon-Sun, 5.30pm ‘til late
Phone: (03) 9428 2222
Details: kritamos.com.au

Something new
Captain Baxter | Above Republica 10-18 Jacka Boulevard St Kilda | (03) 8534 8999 | Thur 5pm-late, Fri-Sun 12pm-late| captainbaxter.com.au
A few weeks ago, St Kilda scored a beachside cocktail bar and lounge. Captain Baxter, named after one of St Kilda’s founding fathers, is all about plush couches and seaside views… not to mention an incredible selection of cocktails, Spanish-style nibbles and live music. Enter past street art of Captain Baxter wrestling a giant squid, then order a drink at the long bar and take in the floor-to-ceiling windows. Try The Lady Grange, a straight up martini “with seductive pomegranate and sensual Swedish rose vodka and realise why she was locked away for 17 years on the Isle of St Kilda.”

Oldie but a goldie

Dinner at Hobba | 428 Malvern Rd, Prahran | (03) 9510 8336 | Thurs-Sat until 11pm | hobba.com.au
If you’re sick of lining up for Prahran’s favourite brunch spot, we’ll let you in on a little secret: Hobba now serve dinner Friday to Saturday. Josh Powell’s new dinner menu focuses on big flavours, local producers and honest cooking, with highlights such as Chermoula roasted market fish, tahini yoghurt and coriander, as well as smaller share plates such as chorizo and octopus toast with black olive. Perfect with a glass or three of top quality wine.

Do & See

Sunday Sessions at Orto | Level 1, 302-320 Burwood Rd Hawthorn| 2 Dec from 1-6pm | $15 | (03) 9819 2200| orto.com.au
There isn’t a better place for a Sunday Session than on Orto’s brand spankin’ new deck, complete with gumboot pot plants and herbs in planter boxes. From 1pm, listen to tunes from Your Music Radar while getting your Summer on with burgers and ribs on the BBQ by Hopkins River Beef. Wash it all down with Brown Brothers prosecco and a beer.

Out of town

Milk it, Pick it, Cook it, Eat it | 2255 Main South Rd, Poowong East | Bookings: Online or call Tamsin on 0422 976 540 | Saturdays in Dec | from 10am until 2pm | $95pp | eyeandleaf.com.au/milk-it-pick-it-cook-it-eat-it/
Eye and Leaf is a self-sufficient, family-run farm that opens to the public on Saturdays for seasonal lunches. But here’s the twist – you get to forage for seasonal ingredients from the farm, garden and dairy, before teaming up to cook and eat a delicious three course meal with local wines. You’ll also milk one of the house cows (the animals, you silly thing). Every lunch is different depending on what nature provides. There’s even a kid’s version in the school hols! Each session only takes 8 people. Book now to avoid disappointment.

Featured Sale

A Phat Dogustation matched with boutique brews | $55 | 11 December | Buy now
What the hell is a Dogustation? Easy – it’s a degustation of gourmet hotdogs matched to craft beer. We’re partnering with Fitzroy legends Phat Brats to bring you some serious sausage. The deal is this: four top-notch dogs professionally matched to four brews. Keep in mind this event is strictly limited to 40 people.

Komeyui | 396 Bay St Port Melbourne | komeyui.com.au
Chef Motomu Kumano looks more like a Japanese pop star than a sushi chef but the talented Kumano’s food stands proud and strong. The menu houses all the usual suspects but we’re most impressed by the regional Hokkaido dishes from Chef Kumano’s homeland. Matching sake suggestions are sprinkled through the menu making decisions less daunting for the uninitiated.

Tempura Hajime | 60 Park St South Melbourne | tempurahajime.com
One thing I love about Japan is the focus on specialty restaurants and the pursuit of excellence in their chosen path. Tempura Hajime is one of those places. Their light crisp tempura magically dissolves on the palate leaving you wondering if it was deep fried at all. Plan ahead and book early as Hajime only seats 12 people a night. The only disappointment is walking out the front door to discover you aren’t in the middle of Shibuya 1-chome.

Izakaya Den  114 Russell St Melbourne | www.izakayaden.com.au
Still the coolest of the izakayas in Melbourne, Izakaya Den serves tasty Japanese food and beverages that never disappoints. Match that with the enigmatic brand of hospitality that is Simon Denton and you’re guaranteed an enjoyable night out. If only you can find where – they’ve hidden the front door. Must haves are the Sweet Corn Kaki-age and Kurobuta pork belly.

Ajisen Ramen, 367 Burwood Rd Hawthorn | ajisenramenmelbourne.com.au
Sometimes you just want a totally reliable bowl of raamen. Ajisen, a global chain of raamen-ya specialises in tonkotsu (pork bone broth). Big ticks for the firm noodles, flavoursome broth and delightfully under done eggs. Thin slices of chashu (roast pork) are beautifully tender. Add to that happy smiley service and Ajisen delivers all you really need from a raamenya. The Hawthorn branch tends to be better than the city and I love to terrorize the genteel residents with my exceptionally loud slurping that can reach well over 85 decibels.

Hanabishi | 187 King St Melbourne | hanabishi.com.au
The last time I was here, a group of Japanese businessmen were nutting out the details of a billion dollar mining deal with their local counterparts. Hanabishi is a corporate entertaining powerhouse with authentic Japanese fare that’s still going strong. It has been 13 years since my first visit to Hanabishi and it’s good to see that things have only changed for the better. Love the dessert tasting plate with a choice of up to 9 items that are proudly made in house.

Read more about Chef’s Armoury chefsarmoury.com

The new QV venue is a new and improved offering all that the original does but with the added bonus of a massive function space and room to expand both venue and menu wise.

Initially you’ll head here for a drink at the Ginger Bar. You’ll be sipping on a refreshing Tang Dynasty and next thing you know you’ll be munching on Chef John McLeay’s trademark fresh, flavoursome shared dishes (he’s looking to expand on the menu soon).

If you’re after a quick bite move on to the communal dining mezzanine level and opt for the express banquet menu. Two appetisers and a choice of 3 main to share for $25 (or five for $30) from a selection that might include Pork Belly with Apple Slaw, Chilli Caramel and Black Vinegar, or Prawn Calamari and Fish with Lemongrass, Snake Beans and Hot, Sour Broth.

We all know that Red Spice Road is best shared with friends. So opt for the round room with six of your mates and make a night of it.

Where: 31-37 Artemis Lane QV, Melbourne
Phone: 03 8660 6300
Open: Mon-Fri 12-3, 5-late; Sat-Sun 12-3, 6-late
Details: redspiceroad.com

New

Downstairs Bistro & Lounge | 215 Sturt Street, Southbank | (03) 9686 5015 | Mon-Fri 7am-late, Sat-Sun 8am-late | downstairs.net.au
At the end of October beneath the Southside Tower in Sturt Street, Downstairs Bistro and Lounge opened. The clean, white space with rustic wooden finishes is decorated with flowers, and coffee flows out the door with nearby workers who stop in for their fix. Executive Chef Steven Tann has split the dinner menu into smaller plates, larger plates, sides, pizza, pasta and risotto, and desserts. Try the Crumbed camembert and cumberland coulis apple “Jerky” for nibbles, then move onto the roast lamb shoulder with eggplant cream, spring vegetables and coffee mint sauce. If you don’t work nearby, you’ll want a lazy weekend breakfast complete with miracle hangover cure: the Big Breaky: eggs, bacon, mushrooms, tomato, gruyere and chive rosti, chipolatas and sautéed spinach will do the trick.

Do & See

Where?House | The Argus Building, Cnr Elizabeth and Latrobe Sts| 16-25 Nov | see website for program | where-house.com.au
On the corner of Elizabeth and Latrobe Streets is a giant, abandon building. Or at least that’s how it looks. As part of Melbourne Music Week, the space has been transformed into Where?House, “the pulsing core of Melbourne Music Week”. Where?House has brought together engineers, architects, and lighting and sound designers to create a performance space like you’ve never experienced. Throw in a bar, workshops, vintage market, multimedia experiences and food from Melbourne’s best (Phat Brats, Huxtaburger, Touche Hombre, I Love Pho and Fancy Hanks BBQ) and you’ve got yourself a top-notch weekend. It all finishes up on the 25th, so head to the website and check out the program of legendary DJs, up-and-coming bands and innovative artists.

Paris to Provence | 23-25 Nov | Fri 4-8.30pm, Sat 10-6pm, Sun 10-4pm | Como House & Garden Cnr Williams Rd & Lechlade Ave, South Yarra | paristoprovence.com.au
From today until Sunday, the iconic Como House will undergo a startling transformation. The manicured green lawns will be peppered with stalls and scattered with gourmet food. Why? Because it’s time for the annual Paris to Provence French Festival. It’s the perfect excuse to pretend to be a sophisticated Frog, but the event, which attracts thousand of people, is not limited to francophiles. Expect everything from caviar and champagne to can-can dancers and celebrity cooking demos.

Out of town

A Day on the Green | Rochford Wines, Cnr Maroondah Hwy & Hill Rd, Coldstream | 24 Nov, 3-9.30pm | (03) 5962 2119 | rochfordwines.com.au
If you’re a lover of all things Aussie rock, get down to a Day on the Green in the Yarra Valley tomorrow. The Hoodoo Gurus, The Angels with Dave Gleeson, Baby Animals, James Reyne and Boom Crash Opera will smash out the classics at Rochford Wines, surrounded by the stunning scenery, good food, and – of course - amazing wine. Bring a picnic blanket and start summer early. Rock’n’Roll.

Continue your weekend

Prawns and Prosecco at Mama Baba | 21 Daly St, South Yarra | Every Monday from 6pm | 9201 7421 | mamababa.com.au
A new tradition started last week, and it’s right up our alley. From 6pm every Monday evening at the Mama Baba bar, the Calombaris crew will be cooking up juicy deep sea jumbo prawns, accompanied by bottomless prosecco. That’s right, bottomless. It will only set you back $25 for two jumbo prawns and never-ending prosecco, with an extra $6 per prawn. Throw another shrimp on the barbie, George.

Sale of the Week

The Bottom End | Burger Degustation with matched cocktails | Book now
You best sit down. We have good news. The burger degustation is back… But better. We’re keeping some old favourites and mixing it up with some new ones as well. You’ll get to munch on a Bingle Burger, Rueben Burger, Classic Cheesy Bacon burger, Chocolate Fried Chicken Burger, and most importantly, a dessert burger. Same deal: five decent sized burgers matched to five cocktails. Come and taste the best buns in town.

Table of the Week

Mr Mason | 30% off your entire bill | Book now
A little slice of Lygon Street transplanted to the CBD, Society combines familiar Italian favourites with a glammed-up-fit-out. Rooted in simple and fresh ingredients, Society serves up an unpretentious selection of traditional Italian fare. The portions are unfailingly generous. The atmosphere is energetic, exuberant and has a homely feel. You won’t be disappointed.

Somewhere in Melbourne, a vineyard is hidden. So let your curiosity grow and discover this place where summer is in the air and Prosecco flows.

Based on classic Italian sparkling, the Brown Brothers new release of their NV Prosecco, grown in Victoria’s cool King Valley region; is true to style, being vibrant and refreshing – set to be the perfect sparkling to enjoy over these warmer months.

“We like to think we share the same passion for food, wine and entertaining as the Italians and what better way to kick-start a Sunday brunch, cocktail party or summertime soiree than with a glass of Prosecco,” says Katherine Brown; representing the fourth generation of this winemaking  family.

“It’s light and delicate with delicious apple and pear characteristics, making it the sparkling wine choice for summer,” she said.

Prosecco is so zesty and fresh it can be enjoyed as a pre-dinner drink or over the entire course of the meal, offering a more refreshing and lighter style partner to food. Prosecco complements food flavours that range from smoked salmon brioche, Vietnamese chicken salad to a relaxed antipasto platter.

Make this summer all about ‘Prosecco Time’ and come and find the Hidden Vineyard for yourself. 
Register now to receive an invitation and priority entry. All will be revealed once you do.  Registrations for the Sydneyevents close on November 30^th.

Register Now.

Share your ‘Prosecco Time’ adventures this summer! #proseccotime

Penny Blue | 2 Driver Lane, Melbourne | Mon-Fri 9am-1am Sat 6pm-1am | pennyblue.com.au
It’s one of the city’s best kept craft beer secrets. It’s right in the middle of everything, but tucked quietly down a laneway so you wouldn’t even know it was there. With three beers on handpump and fridges full of beers from all over the world, there’s something for everyone. The staff are incredibly helpful and they won’t let the selection overwhelm you!

Déjà vu Bar | 525 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne | Tue-Sat 4pm-late | dejavubar.com.au
If you’re looking for the most affordable way to try some craft beers, Déjà vu does $6 pints every Wednesday. Grab some friends and a couch at the back of the bar and settle in for a mid week session.

Slowbeer | Bridge Road, Richmond | 7 days 12pm-9pm | slowbeer.com.au
One of Melbourne’s best bottle shops, but with four taps and a charcuterie selection, it has a lot more offer than your average liquor store. And if something on the shelf takes your fancy, just grab it and let it chill while you finish your first beer. Though you may end up walking out with your arms full of treats for later…

Rockwell and Sons | 288 Smith Street, Collingwood | Open Mon 12pm-10pm Wed-Fri 12pm-10pm, Sat-Sun 10am-11pm | rockwellandsons.com.au
With Mountain Goat on tap and a steadily rotating list of bottled beers, you could easily spend all night here. Especially if you consider that the beer snack options range from hush puppies to amazing (and cheap) burgers.

Beer Deluxe | Fed Square | 7 days 11am-11pm | beerdeluxe.com.au
There isn’t a better meeting place than Fed Square, so you might as well meet at Beer Deluxe. There’s always something going on, and always a good mix of easy drinking lagers and interesting ales. Sit in one of the beer gardens and watch Melbourne go by.

The iconic Smith Street music venue is gone, as are the beer-soaked couches and shoe-stealing sticky floorboards. Taking over the shell of Suede with a gorgeous new fit out just begging to be touched is Agent 284. And she has much to offer.

Split over three distinct levels; you enter at the street level into a warm and welcoming space where tables and chairs are set and the staff are quick to offer a menu. Take the stairs down to the Gallery Room, a contemporary space with chesterfield-esque banquettes, a fully stocked bar and a DJ booth to get your party started. Head up to the top level and discover a cocktail lounge where opulence prevails.

“Upstairs is my lounge room,” jokes owner Daniel Lemura of the relaxed and luxurious space that he and his wife Kristin created. And what a lounge room! There are lush velvet chairs and all the fixings for some seriously enticing cocktails, such as the Bond Girl, a margarita that can be shaken or stirred. Thursday to Sunday nights, this lounge area is a must.

The Modern Australian “keep it simple, satisfying and affordable” menu does just that, with breakfast served ‘til 4pm, snacks, more substantial offerings from noon, and a take away cabinet with sandwiches and cake offerings to go.

With all this to offer, we’re certain that Agent 284 will have the best possible effect on all who visit.

Need to know

Where: 284 Smith Street, Collingwood
Phone: (03) 9416 0058
Open: Sun-Wed 8am-5pm, Thurs-Sat 8am-late
Details: agent284.com.au

New

Captain Melville | 34 Franklin Street, Melbourne | (03) 9663 6855 | Daily 11am-11pm | captainmelville.com.au
The crew behind Miss Libertine reopened Melbourne’s oldest public house today as Captain Melville, your new favourite spot to grab a casual bite in the CBD. Head chef Shayne McCallum (ex The Botanical, The Graham and more) is on a mission to up the standard of pub meals with local produce sourced from areas the Captain once traversed. Expect dishes like slow cooked lamb in brik pastry with smoked yoghurt, as well as mini bratwurst with sauerkraut and German mustard. Not your average pub grub. Sip on Victorian and international wines and beers, as well as cocktails such as the “Nuggety Gully” with paperbark infused rum, mint, fresh lime, syrup, ginger beer and bitters. Sit at the casual front bar area with banquettes beyond the Victorian façade, or at the large communal dining hall under steel tent structures. It all pays homage to the Gold Rush era and legendary bushranger Captain Melville. Check it out and “live for the day and let tomorrow take care of itself,” as the Captain used to say.

Do & See

Taste of Melbourne | Pelican Lawn, Albert Park (off Aughtie Dr)| 15-18 Nov | see website for opening times | tasteofmelbourne.com.au
Movida. Mamasita. The Aylesbury. Albert Street Food and Wine. These are just some of the top restaurants involved in Taste of Melbourne this year. For the first time, the event is set overlooking Albert Park Lake, outside at Pelican Lawn. It kicked off last night and is on all weekend. Other restaurants involved in Taste of Melbourne include: The Point, Taxi Dining Room, The Botanical, The Atlantic, Mr. Hive Kitchen and Bar, Mahjong, Saké, Libertine and Livingroom. You can also expect to see chefs such as Ben Cooper (Chin Chin), Frank Camorra (Movida), Matt Wilkinson (Pope Joan), Philippa Sibley (Dessert Queen of the World) and more. The featured restaurants and chefs will create special menus of starter-sized dishes. There are also interactive masterclasses, demonstrations in the Taste Kitchen, and over 100 producers selling the best the food and beverage industry has to offer. Keep an eye out for the free samples.

Johnston Street Fiesta | Johnston St, Fitzroy | 16-18 Nov | from midday | see website for details | hispanicfiesta.com.au
It’s that time of year already, where all things Spanish take over Johnston Street. Now in its 34th year, The Fiesta is coming to town again to celebrate Hispanic Latin American Culture. It’s the perfect excuse for a massive street party. From midday on Saturday and Sunday, expect plenty of food stalls offering Spanish delights (including local favouritePhat Brats, who are putting together some special Spanish snags), as well as free dance classes, DJs and live entertainment.

Out of town

Phillip Island Jazz Festival | Bass Room, Ramada Resort, 2128 Phillip Island Rd, Cowes| 16-18 Nov | phillipislandjazzfest.org.au
If you felt a pang of rage when Veronica Corningstone told Ron Burgundy in Anchorman that the “jazz flute is for little fairy boys”, then boy, do we have an event for you. This weekend at Phillip Island, the 8th annual Jazz Festival is paying tribute to the red hot jazz era. If you love hearing that horn scream, getting dirty with the bass and swingin’ those hips, head to Phillip Island and travel back to the roaring ‘20s. Band such as Andrew Nolte & His Orchestra, New Melbourne Jazz Band, Little Tabasco, Hot “B” Hines and more will be making an appearance. Set times on the website.

Table of the Week

Mr Mason | 30% off your entire bill | Book now
Mr Mason is a touch of France without the fuss. Their menu is produce driven and changes depending on what’s available (with a few French classics that always remain), focusing on rustic sensibility. Mr Mason boasts a boutique one page wine list; everything is by the glass, which means you can sample a few drops. Check out the outdoor terrace, a winner for after work in the summer sun. There are also heaters outside for when that unpredictable Melbourne weather kicks in.

Baby Pizza | 631-633 Church St, Richmond | babypizza.com.au
Meet Chris Lucas’ new pizza joint, Baby Pizza. It opened last month where Pearl used to be in Richmond. Like it’s popular older Asian cousin, Chin Chin, Baby Pizza doesn’t take bookings, but if you can’t get in for dinner or lunch, they’re open for breakfast and there’s always takeaway. Aside from their pizza (try the Fior di Zucca with fior di latte, zucchini flowers, anchovies, chilli, Parmesan and fresh mint), Baby Pizza also shows off their pink genital-shaped neon signs. Yep, you heard us: glowing gonads and fluro fannies.

La Svolta |3-5 Cecil Place Prahran | lasvolta.com.au
Pizza doesn’t get much better than at new Italian restaurant La Svolta, in Prahran. La Svolta is as authentic as Italian gets in Melbourne. The staff refer to you as signor or signora; the sound of a shattering glass is followed by applause; and the pizza is perfecto. La Svolta is one of three restaurants in our city that’s been awarded the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana accreditation, which means their pizzas are made genuine Naples-style. La Svolata also took out Melbourne’s Best Pizza, Melbourne’s Best Pizzeria, Best Service and Public’s Choice in this year’s Pizza Festival. We dare you to go past the ‘Bufula’ pizza; a simple combination of tomato, buffalo mozzarella and basil… although we’re told La Svolta is famed for their Nutella pizza.

Feldman’s Bar | 350 Nicholson St, Fitzroy | (03) 9416 2300 | feldmans.com.au
Bocconcini, Gorgonzola, semi dried figs and prosciutto. That’s what Italian pizza master Alessando D’Auria, formerly of Pizze e Fichi, is famous for. He’s perfected his pizza recipe just in time to hop over to brand new wood fired pizza joint Feldman’s Bar, which opened last month. Feldman’s, named after former ‘80s child star Corey Feldman, is the love child of Jason Pitt (ex Gertrude’s Brown Couch, Hektor Woodley’s) and brothers Damian and Chris North. The drinks list continues the Feldman’s theme, with cocktails paying tribute to his acting roles. Stay for pizza and kick on for drinks at this new Fitzroy haunt.

Cantina Centrale | 11 Hamilton Street Mont Albert | cantinacentrale.com
Mont Albert locals rejoice! It isn’t often that something opens in your hood, but recently Cantina Centrale opened its doors in Hamilton Street. It’s by the same team behind Café Bedda in Northcote, which means they use the same incredible pizza dough recipe. Expect pizza flavours from all over Italy and pizzas that are cheap and delicious. For a taste of the ocean, try their Adriatica pizza with tomato, mozzarella, calamari, prawns, clams, mussels, garlic and chilli. Just don’t go kissing anyone after it.

Kaprica | 19 Lincoln Square, Carlton | (03) 9639 6222
Have you heard of Pietro Barbagallo? He’s the man behind Barbagallo (obviously) and I Carusi. If you can’t remember all of that, just call him ‘The King of Pizza’. In this small pizzeria with a simple interior and wooden tables, you can visit for a breakfast pizza, as well as for lunch or dinner. Even though the menu is varied, you can’t not order pizza from The Pizza King. The classic capricciosa is a safe choice, made with leg ham, artichokes, black olives, mushroom, mozzarella and a pinch of love. But as the saying goes, ‘life is short, eat dessert first’, especially if it’s a belgian chocolate pizza from Kaprica.

La Svolta is one of three restaurants in our city that’s been awarded the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana accreditation, which means their pizzas are made genuine Naples-style. In other words, they’re bloody delicious. It also took out Melbourne’s Best Pizza, Melbourne’s Best Pizzeria, Best Service and Public’s Choice in this year’s Pizza Festival. How bad can it be? Agenda were glad to be the guinea pigs on this one, all for the greater good of your palate, of course.

Start with ‘Calamari Fritti’, fried calamari with rocket and homemade mayonnaise, or the ‘Corstini di Polenta Tartufati’, lightly fried squares of polenta topped with truffle oil and mushrooms. La Svolta’s gnocchi is up there with the best we’ve ever sampled. Each forkful is a battle with stringy trails of melted mozzarella. But we dare you to go past the ‘Bufula’ pizza; a simple combination of tomato, buffalo mozzarella and basil… although we couldn’t resist adding prosciutto to ours. We’re also told La Svolta is famed for their Nutella pizza, but the silky vanilla panna cotta with berries had us moaning for more.

Specials are written in chalk on a blackboard next to a hand-drawn sketch of ‘The Boot’. Dark wooden chairs complement raw brick walls and light streams from the kitchen in the evening, drawing attention to the impressive pizza oven. A display cabinet with cheese and charcuterie sits at one end of the bar, and the staff urged us to come back for a takeaway ciabatta during working hours. But if you simply want to sit at the bar, drink red wine, eat antipasto and pretend you’re in Italy, we won’t judge you, and neither will they.

Need to know

Location: 3-5 Cecil St, Prahran
Open: Mon 12-3pm | Tue-Sun 12-3pm & 5.30pm-late
Phone: (03) 9510 3001
Details: lasvolta.com.au

When you own Cupcake Central, you get pretty damn busy. All that baking and taste testing requires a lot of coffee to stay awake, balanced with plenty of time outs. We asked Cupcake Central co-owners Thin Neu and Sheryl Thai where they go to escape from the hustle, bustle and icing sugar that makes up their lives. Here are their top five chill out joints where they go to forget about work.

League of Honest Coffee | 8 Exploration Lane, Melbourne | padrecoffee.com.au
Just love this place – the atmosphere, the design, the people and service. The coffee is as perfect and consistent as you can imagine. You can chill at the communal table, read some mags, and on the way out pick up a bag of their special roasted beans like “Daddy’s Girl”.

Fugazza | 31 Equitable Place, Melbourne | fugazza.com.au
So this is what a real focaccia tastes like! Made with delicious sourdough focaccia bread and fresh ingredients and fillings (ranging from pulled pork and sausage to eggplant with melted stracchino cheese) it’s a match made in heaven. A small place with a big heart, we love to stop by if we have time for a lunch break in the city. The people are friendly and their own roasted coffee blend pairs well with the food.

Miss Frank | 200 Through Rd, Camberwell | fb.com/pages/Miss-Frank
A small cafe in Camberwell with a sleek design, we love the coffee being served up here. Even though there’s not much room to sit, there’s just something unique and fun about sitting on a beam and chilling out with a good coffee as the natural light shines through the windows.

High Tech Burrito |838 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn | hightechburrito.com.au
Forget the odd name for a second, if you’re riding that Mexican wave, you need to try this place. With its franchise feel, you might overlook High Tech Burrito when driving past, but the food here speaks for itself. We became fans of this place the first time we had the Thai Chicken Burrito and the most amazing baked tortilla chips with freshly made salsa, not that store bought stuff. We’re always raving about the food here because it really is a gem on Glenferrie Road.

Twenty and Six Espresso | 594 Queensberry Street, North Melbourne | twentyandsix.com.au
A laid back place with a well designed courtyard, you just feel right at home here and can relax in an instant. The food here is just superb. Try the “The Hunter” – whoever invented their brunches is a genius. The attention to detail is what we love the most about this place.

Italian is taking over Melbourne at the moment and it’s difficult to know which places are actually decent. You don’t want to waste a meal guessing. Agenda has gone straight to the expert, Ladro’s executive chef, Niko Pizzimenti, to find out where he eats when he’s not working. Niko was born and raised in Sicily in a small fishing village. Since moving to the land down-under, he has eaten his way around Melbourne to see if our Italian food matches his standards. Here are his top five Italian joints that serve food “just the way nonna used to make it”.

LADRO | 162 Greville Street, Prahran and 224 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy |  ladro.com.au
When I saw the job going at Ladro, I just had to have it! I’ve been in the kitchen since July and it already feels like home. Besides rotating pizzas in our wood-fired oven, we also serve traditional Italian style dishes, like my favourite, pasta al forno (baked pasta), that’s actually an adaptation of my mum’s version that she used to make every Sunday morning. We also have our own “zia Piera” who comes to Ladro every day and hand-makes all of our pasta. Every meal that comes out of my kitchen is cooked from the heart.

SARTI | 6 Russell Place, Melbourne | sartirestaurant.com.au
I have always been partial to Sarti because of their fresh approach to Italian food. I met Riccardo Momesso through a friend who was working at Sarti seven years ago and it turned out we both knew the same chefs in Italy. Almost every dish I have tried at Sarti – and trust me, I have tried a few  – surprises me by combining smart and interesting flavours together to create a well-executed plate. I highly recommend the suckling pig, I have it almost every time I’m there. I would also never skip dessert because the pistachio panna cotta with caramel salted popcorn is excellent!

SCOPRI | 191 Nicholson Street, Carlton | scopri.com.au
When I visit Scopri I sit down and let chef Salvatore Caccioppoli do his job. When Salvatore and I get together we don’t talk about anything but food. We have a similar style of cooking, at Scopri you will find traditional Italian food but with a bit of an edge. I recommend allowing the talented chef to cook for you instead of ordering off the menu.

CATERINA’S CUCINA E BAR | 221 Queen Street, Melbourne | caterinas.com.au
Caterina’s Cucina E Bar is not only one of my old favourites because I used to work there, but also because the floor staff pay close attention to every diner. I usually dine there on my days off and tend to order the same thing – the capriccio and the risotto. The pasta is great too as it’s made fresh every morning. I recommend topping off an evening at Caterina’s by sipping on a glass from the Terlaner region.

ENOTECA SILENO | 920 Lygon Street, Carlton North | enoteca.com.au
The owners of Enoteca Sileno are some of the largest importers of authentic Italian products and wine in all of Australia, so it is one of the first places I go to try food that tastes like home. This is the “go-to” place for all Italian chefs living in Melbourne craving a piece of home. They use the menu to showcase what they are importing from Italy at the moment so the menu is constantly changing which keeps things interesting.

Adopt the Italian spirit this summer – live the ‘good life’ and find your own way to enjoy ‘Prosecco Time’ with Brown Brothers Prosecco.

“We like to think we share the same passion for food, wine and entertaining as the Italians and what better way to kick start a Sunday brunch, cocktail party or summertime soiree than with a glass of Prosecco,” says Katherine Brown, Brown Brothers.

“It’s light and delicate with delicious apple and pear characteristics, making it the sparkling wine of summer,” continued Brown.

Prosecco is so zesty and fresh it can be enjoyed as a pre-dinner drink or over the entire course of the meal, offering a more refreshing and lighter style partner to food.  Prosecco complements food flavours that range from freshly shucked oysters, smoked salmon brioche, Vietnamese chicken salad or an antipasto platter.

Produced in Victoria’s own Prosecco region, the King Valley, Brown Brothers have released two styles of this wine, Brown Brothers 2011 Limited Release Prosecco and Brown Brothers NV Prosecco; true to style, being vibrant and refreshing it’s the perfect sparkling to enjoy in the warmer months.

How will you spend your ‘Prosecco Time’ this summer?  #proseccotime

This summer Brown Brothers will celebrate ‘Prosecco Time’ through a very special series of Hidden Vineyard events in Melbourne and Sydney. Curious? Find out more at f/brownbrotherswinery.

Brown Brothers NV Prosecco (RRP $17.90) and the Brown Brothers 2011 Limited Release Prosecco (on premise only) are available nationally.  For stockist and distribution information phone 1800 440 545.

Please drink responsibly.

This approachable wine bar is a welcome addition to this Swan Street strip, known for its rowdy pubs. There are no pints here. You can’t order shots, Jim Beam or tequila. You won’t see a television or hear people shouting over sports results and racing fixtures. Instead, you’ll find a welcoming wine bar with a relaxed and casual atmosphere.

Swan Street Social boasts large floor-to-ceiling windows and the sun streams in until it retires for the evening and the stars put on a show. There’s a select cocktail list with tempters like the Swan St Socialite, a refreshing mix of 666 Vodka, Chambord and pineapple juice, along with a well thought out wine list (all drops available by the glass) and a selection of boutique imported and local beers and ciders.

Roddy, who’s worked with the likes of Gordon Ramsey and Michel Roux, has put together a tapas-style menu. You can nibble on a salt cod croquettes, share some charcuterie, or feast on a main of rib-eye steak with fries, watercress and Paris butter.

Swan Street Social is how a wine bar should be – approachable and welcoming with quality food, top-notch service, and of course, a killer wine list.

Where: 177 Swan St, Richmond
Phone: (03) 9428 3585
Open: Seven days, 4-11pm
Details: fb.com/SwanStreetSocial 

Mr Burger | Around Melbourne | Twitter @mrburgertruck | fb.com/mrburgertruck
“Mr Burger sells burgers. From a food truck in Melbourne.” That’s what it says on Mr Burger’s Facebook page. It’s simple enough, but aside from the fact they sell burgers from a truck, we can’t tell you much more – they only opened yesterday. Check it out before the queues start. They’ll be spending the weekend Therry St down the lane, opposite the Vic Market Deli. Keep an eye out for the white and orange truck, follow them on Twitter, or head to wherethetruck.at to find its location.

Oldie but a goldie

The Hungarian | 362 Bridge Rd, Richmond| 0421 993 132| Open 7 days for lunch & from 6pm “until the last guest leaves” | thehungarian.com.au
Don’t let the awful website fool you, this place is the real deal. Think red checked tablecloths, plush couches, mismatched picture frames and – most importantly – authentic Hungarian food. There’s ‘Das Monsterschnitzel’, sztrapacska dumplings, roast pork knuckle, stuffed cabbage, beef goulash and surprisingly, a vegetarian menu. Try one of their famous crêpes for dessert, perhaps the diólikőrös-diós, with walnut and walnut liquor? Or if crêpes aren’t your thing, order the gesztenyepüréchestnut, chestnut meat cooked, slightly sweetened, compressed, frozen, then grated and served with cream.

Do & See 

Summer Sunday Party on the Aylesbury Rooftop | 103 Lonsdale St| 4 Nov from 3pm | theaylesbury.com.au
Party? Rooftop? Sunday session? Sold. The Aylesbury is combining this delightful trio, as well as chillaxed beats by The Love Hotel District, Spanish paella, and “flamboyantly served” cocktails. We’re not entirely sure what that means, but feel free to join us while we sip on a Sir Earlton John this Sunday. Or maybe a Berlin Baller (Sailor Jerry’s snow cone with liquid nitrogen) is more your thing. Can’t make it? It’ll be on again on the first Sunday of next month too. Stunning city views are complementary.

Out of town

Toast to the Coast | $40 for the weekend, inc. a commemorative wine glass 103 Lonsdale St| 4 Nov | from 3pm | winegeelong.com.au/toast_to_the_coast
If you’re not heading to the Cup this weekend, you can still get your drink on. You might as well make a weekend of it like everyone else and head to Geelong’s annual wine festival. Raise your glasses and ‘toast to the coast’, as more than 30 wineries showcase their premium cool climate wines, with a side of food and tunes. Did we mention there are free wine tastings? Just make sure you organise a designated driver, or get involved with the shuttle bus.

Table of the week

Seamstress | 30% off your entire bill | Book Now
Seamstress was once a Chinatown warehouse servicing the rag-trade, hence the name and the decore. We simply can’t get enough of this place! The kitchen shuns the traditional division of entree and main, instead offering most menu items at small, medium and large dishes. It changes daily and is decidedly Cantonese focused with a contemporary twist.

Meet Dalmaine Blignaught, Mr Hive Kitchen & Bar’s new pastry chef. He’s in charge of their dessert bar, so we think he knows a thing or two about sweets. Mentored by pastry legends in some of London’s best hotels and restaurants, Dalmaine’s fresh out of the oven from England. But this sugar daddy has already had time to explore Melbourne’s sweet spots. We cornered him for his Top 5.

Cioccolatolombardo, Prahran Markets | Stall 117 163 Commercial Road South Yarra | cioccolatolombardo.com
I met the owners of this great place at a seminar on Fechlin Chocolates in Switzerland last year, so when I arrived in Melbourne it was first on my list of places to try. His salted caramel frogs are to die for. I spent a day working for him when I first arrived in Melbourne and I think I ate about five.

Chez Dre | Rear 285-287 Coventry Street, South Melbourne | chezdre.com.au
Another person that I met in Switzerland last year was Andreas Reiss. Her range of sweets are delightful, especially when matched with their single origin Madagascan blend that I have come to crave. This place is a definite must.

Journal Canteen | 253 Flinders Lane, Melbourne | journalcafe.com.au
There seems to be an eclectic mix of Melburnians here, which is what initially attracted me to the place. There’s a takeaway window in the library corridor, the canteen upstairs and an antique-like espresso machine at the main counter… and their tiramisu is one of the best I’ve had.

French Fantasies | 15 Toorak Road, South Yarra | frenchfantasies.com.au
This French bakery is a few doors down from France Soir, which I’m told is one of the best French restaurants in Melbourne. Their mille-feuille is made perfectly with flaky, crisp puff pastry and silky custard. They make bite-sized versions of all their desserts too, so you can try more!

Mr Hive Kitchen & Bar | Level 1 Crown Metropol, 8 Whiteman St, Southbank | crownmetropolmelbourne.com.au/mrhive
Of course I have to give this one a mention! The chocolate bar dessert was modelled after the snickers bar. It’s a chocolate bar with peanut and caramel, and it’s a favourite on the menu. I’m a fan of all desserts that have caramel.

That’s right, the man behind Chin Chin has opened his new Italian restaurant called Baby Pizza, where Pearl used to be in Richmond. Even though service only started a couple of days ago, the crowds are already onto it. Like it’s popular older Asian cousin, Baby Pizza doesn’t take bookings, but if you can’t get in for dinner or lunch, they’re open for breakfast and there’s always takeaway.

We popped in on Saturday night to suss it out. Baby keeps things simple with pale timbers and neutral colours, adding sparkle and shock value via the use of genital-shaped neon signs. Yep, you heard us: glowing gonads and fluro fannies. But it’s the kitchen/bar that commands attention, where you can sit on stools (careful not to bump your head on the hanging cacti) and watch your food being prepared by a herd of chefs moving at lighting speed. There’s also cushioned banquette seating for those with sensitive bums, as well as chairs wrapped in bicycle grip a little further away… just in case all of those chopping knives scare you.

Pizza is the hero at Baby, with an entire side of the A3 menu devoted to them. Our favourite was the Fior di Zucca with fior di latte, zucchini flowers, anchovies, chilli, Parmesan and fresh mint. But if you can’t have pizza without meat, try the Salumi with fior di latte, prosciutto cotto, spiced sausage, borgo hot salami, pancetta, oregano and san marzano tomatoes. There are specialty pan-fried and grilled pizzas, as well as pasta, salumi, spezzatino, and a selection of seasonal sides and salads. Can’t decide? Order the ‘banchetto’ for $66pp and the Baby staff will mother you with an assortment of plates.

We’ve never drunk booze with a baby, but it’s hard not to when all cocktails are $15. Try the Torino with two scoops of lemon sorbet, citrus vodka and prosecco, or the Pisa with Limoncello, ginger and citrus vodka and chai syrup. The beer and wine lists also have a strong Italian focus but feature local producers as well. The verdict? As Austin Powers would say, “yeah, Baby, YEAH!”

Location: 631-633 Church St, Richmond
Open: Seven days 7am-11pm
Phone: (03) 9421 4599
Details: babypizza.com.au

Something new

Cellar Bar | 34 Inkerman St, St Kilda | (03) 9537 1777 | Seven days 7pm-1am
Once upon a time we stepped into palace like opulence, ate a whole goat (in Taco’s), were surrounded by bourgeoisie and watched a bit of burlesque. Introducing you to the  Cellar Bar; it’s below the Newmarket Hotel and absolutely nothing like the Newmarket Hotel. It opens tonight and it’s for those of you who want fine dining, Latin, burlesque and ballroom (all in one). What? Yes, we don’t know what that means either but they’ve achieved it (we witnessed it all last night). You should know that the Cellar Bar is HUGE; it’s far more restaurant than bar (can we say 90/10) and in anyone’s language it is something very different. Try it though; it’s a story to tell…

Brother Fox | 648 Glenferrie Rd, Hawthorn | (03) 9819 0948 |
Chashar Bliss on Glenferrie road has undergone a rebrand. It’s now Brother Fox. The interior has been spruced up, as has the menu. Breakfast is served from 7am-11.30am on weekdays and all day on weekends. Get around the Merguez Scrambled special of North African lamb sausage, Spanish onion, mushrooms, cherry tomato and spinach, or the jumbo toasties, buttermilk pancakes and other classics. Lunch ranges from fish tacos and burgers to curries and pulled pork quesadillas, while seafood features heavily on the dinner menu. They pump John Legend over the speakers and are in the perfect spot for people watching AND they offer complementary Hershey’s Kisses at the counter. Welcome to the family, Brother Fox.

Oldie but a goldie

Supper Inn | 15 Celestial Ave, Melbourne | (03) 9663 4759| Seven days 5.30pm-2.30am
It’s past midnight in the city. Let’s face it; you’re pretty tipsy, and very hungry. Where in this forsaken concrete grid are you going to get a decent bite to eat? Why, Supper Inn, of course! The joint has been feeding the drunk and disorderly (as well as the sober and serene) flavoursome Cantonese chow for over a quarter of a century. Regardless of your blood alcohol reading, you won’t be disappointed by your meal here.

Do & See 

24 hour Impossible Orchestra| Arts Center Melbourne, Hamer Hall| Sat 27 Oct to Sun 28 Oct, 5pm-5pm | artscentremelbourne.com.au
We know you love a free gig. Everyone loves a free gig. This weekend, we’ve found a free gig, and it goes for 24 hours. The Impossible Orchestra will take the Hamer Hall stage this weekend to raise awareness for Australia’s 2.6 million unpaid family carers. If you pull an all-nighter, you’ll see over 270 of our best Aussie musicians as well as special guest conductors such as Colin Lane and performers such as Charlie Pickering and Josh Thomas. Tickets are available in three hour sessions. Seats are limited, so booking online is recommended.

Day of the Dead Festival | 26^th to 2^nd November | Venues around Melbourne | DotDFestival.com.au
Melbourne’s first, this is a celebration of Mexico’s finest party day (or in this case, week!). It’s associated with the dead but certainly not morbid or depressing, rather it’s a major celebration. There are 12 events ranging from a Warehouse Pop-Up Fiesta, Maya Tequila Bar’s Dia de Muertos dinner party, and the Newmarket Hotel’s Mexican Fiesta on Wednesday the 31^st. Clichés yes but aren’t they grand; taco’s, mariachi, margarita’s and always a cold cerveza.

Out of town

Paella Feast at Brandy Creek | Brandy Creek Wines, 570 Buln Buln Road, Drouin East| (03) 5625 4498 | Oct 27, Nov 11 | brandycreekwines.com.au/paella
During lunchtime this Saturday, you could be feasting on unlimited paella. But you have to know how and where. Luckily, Agenda has the how and where covered. Here’s the how: ring Brandy Creek Wines and book a ticket for $68. The where? Don’t be lazy, check the website! When you arrive, be sure to scoff as much of the five regional variations of paella that you can manage before they hit your stomach, leaving you full and useless. This paella palooza also includes a glass of Tempranillo wine, Spanish guitar and flamenco dancers.

Particularly when you’re talking Italian restaurants, too much marble is simply never enough.

Pair two kinds of marble with huge hand-blown glass chandeliers, plush oversized velvet chairs and Pucci-print outdoor cushions and you’ve got yourself an Italian masterpiece.

This is Rosetta: the latest in a long line of establishments from all-rounder Neil Perry, bringing classic Italian to Melbourne.

You love Italian food. But only the way Nonna used to make it.

Good news. Perry is auditioning to be your new Nonna. Rather than being inspired by contemporary Italian cooking, Perry hopes to create dishes made the way you would want to eat them at the family table.

“People might say my weakness is not being Italian but it’s actually quite a strength in a way,” Perry tells us. “Because you know what the Italians are like – they honestly don’t even believe that anyone out of their particular region can cook good food. So we got to be inspired by all the regions, by the whole wonderful country of Italy.”

On your own little trip to Italy, peruse a selection of 700 Italian varietal wines, or perhaps choose a decadent martini to begin your night.

Then you’ll start with Carpaccio or some antipasti, eat wood-fired suckling lamb as Sophia Loren and Sly Stallone gaze at you from mahogany parquetry walls, or snaffle Spaghetti alle Vongole (14 different pastas are handmade and hand cut daily) as you soak up the action at the bar.

Naturally, you can’t pass this one up. Make a reservation; that’s a novelty around Melbourne after all.

Where: Crown Entertainment Complex, Southbank Victoria, 3006
Phone: 03 8648 1999
Open: Dinner 7 days, Lunch Tuesday-Sunday (lunch available from Friday 26^th)
Details: Rosettaristorante.com

Owner-manager Arianna Sutton knows what vegetarians want – she’s researched both locally and through her international travels.  Adrianna has collaborated with Diane Walsh, formerly of the Northcote Nursery cafe ‘Over the Road’ to create a concise menu of vegan and vegetarian dishes that go back to basics where food tastes like food.

Everything is made in house on the regularly and seasonally changing menu with entrees sitting around the $7 mark, mains around $14. Expect tempters like white lentil, sundried tomato, spinach cumin doughnuts with coconut chutney crumbed in physcillum husk, or blackened  tofu with Cajun spiced dahl, jambalaya rice and watermelon salsa. Alternatively opt for the mamaroots banquet comprising mint tea, a selection of tapas, mix of main meals and salad for $24.50 – a great way to sample the menu.

Currently only open for dinner from Tuesday to Saturday, mamaroots is planning to offer weekend brunch in the not too distant future, something we await with glee.

Where: 599 High St, Thornbury
Phone: 03 9481 5558
Open: Tuesday – Saturday 5.30pm to late

Something new

Cafe Dulcita| 413 Brunswick St, Fitzroy | (03) 9419 0088 |Seven days 8am–3pm What do juicy burgers and dulce de leche have in common? You can get them both on the corner of Brunswick Street and Westgarth Street, that’s what. Most of you have probably heard about Brother Burger and the Marvelous Brew, which opened back in August, but a couple of weeks ago an Argentinean bakery appeared at the front of the shop. It’s called Café Dulcita, and it’s here that you can nibble on sweets such as ‘facturas’, custard or chocolate cream-filled doughnuts and dulce de leche biscuits dipped in chocolate. Perfect with an Atomica coffee. Sweet stuff aside, there are also empanadas and tarts for lunch, or classics such as baked eggs for breakfast. There’s also plenty of outdoor seating, so you can satisfy your sweet tooth in the sun.

Oldie but a goldie

Cumulus for breakfast| 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne | (03) 9650 1445| Weekdays 7am-11pm, weekends 8am-11pm | cumulusinc.com.au
Cumulus Inc. is perhaps Andrew McConnell’s finest restaurant. Since it opened in 2008, many have visited for lunch and dinner, but did you know they serve breakfast until 11.30am every day? The CUMULUS INC. breakfast is a steal at $16 and includes a boiled egg, toast, preserves, yoghurt, an organic orange juice and a coffee or a tea. The grilled bratwurst sausage served with shaved cabbage, soft-boiled egg and relish is also a hit, while the bircher muesli with grated granny smith apple and almonds is perfect for the health conscious. Just make sure you save some room for a freshly baked Madeleine filled with lemon curd.

Do & See

Finders Keepers Market| The Royal Exhibition Building 9 Nicholson Street, Carlton| Fri 19 Oct 6pm-10pm, Sat 20 Oct 10am-5pm| thefinderskeepers.com
As of tonight, the Finders Keepers are back in Melbourne, bringing their quirky market to the Royal Exhibition Building. Expect Aussie designers selling clothing, accessories, hand made toys, stationary, jewellery, homewares and more, as well as live music, food and a bar. Did we mention entry is free?

An Act of Now by Chunky Move| Sidney Myer Music Bowl| 18-27 Oct, 8pm| melbournefestival.com.au
As part of the Melbourne Festival, audiences who attend An Act of Now will put on headphones and sit on the stage as eight contemporary dancers comment on the social, political and economic state of the world through their agility and grace. The dancers tell a story of isolation and allegiance, of leading and conforming, and ultimately, of death and survival. This performance, by Dutch dance guru Anouk van Dijk, is about the world in which we live. To get inside his head, attend the performance on the 23^rd, which will be followed by a Q&A session. Ticket details on the website.

Out of town

Gourmet Living | 17A Anderson St, Templestowe| (03) 03 9846 5375 | facebook.com/GourmetLiving
Okay, so Templestowe isn’t really ‘out of town’, but it sure as hell ain’t in the city. We just want to get the message across that Gourmet Living, a new one-stop-epicurean-shop that opened last week, is worth checking out… even if you’re a city slicker. Gourmet living is run by the crew behind local restaurant The Living Room. It specialises in premium products from suppliers such as Meredith Dairy, A Wolf in the Kitchen, Maggie Beer, Mount Zero, King Valley Fine Food and more. With Christmas around the corner, you’ll want to keep their hampers in mind for someone special… or just for yourself.

Sale of the Week

Day of the Dead Degustation & Cocktail Fiesta | $75 | 1st November, 7.00pm | La Mesa –  9 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
James Black is considered one of the best by Day of the Dead Festival Director and connoiseur of all things Mexican, Ricardo Amara. His experience cooking in Private Residences in Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta reflect on his dishes presented here in Melbourne. This is part of the relaunch of James Black’s restaurant La Mesa and this dinner degustation is a one-off event for the festival.

Table of the week

Meat Market | 30% off your entire bill
Although the name would frighten most vegetarians we were surprised at the “made for you” style here which included accommodating food for a vegetarian colleague.

Situated on the new south wharf promenade dinning precinct, Meat Market has a lovely waterfront position and is easily accessible from the CBD. Oh and they get pretty sunsets.

Best bets: Take a look at display fridge where you can view the cuts available. We love the 200g Eye Fillet or if you’re after something bigger go the 450g dry aged Rib Eye. For something a little more adventurous, try the Chefs Selection – a 5 course tasting menu.

Tom Merkli – mountain climber, high seas sailor, Swiss native and a passionate artisan cheese lover. He turned his love for cheese into a life and launched Australia’s only artisan Swiss cheese import business, The Red Cow.  They import delicious raw milk cheeses. Who better to ask for advice on the best places to buy artisan cheese. Here’s Tom’s selection.

Queen Victoria Market | 513 Elizabeth Street Melbourne | qvm.com.au
Melbourne’s flagship market has been around for 130 years and you’d expect them to know one or two things about artisan produce. And they do. For artisan cheese go to the Delicatessen hall where there is no shortage of cheese supply. To find the real treasure, ask the cheese mongers for their personal favourites from their artisan collection. They’ll happily talk to you. My favourite is Bill’s Farm with a large selection of artisan European cheeses.

Richmond Hill Café & Larder | 48-50 Bridge Road, Richmond | rhcl.com.au
This place has been around since the early days of Will Studd’s movement to legally import and sell raw milk cheese. Today it’s probably my favourite walk-in cheese room. Simply standing in there and breathing in the humidity and the various cheese smells is heaven for me. Ask them for the lesser-known varieties and you can find some fine artisan cheese.

Jones the Grocer, Chadstone | Shop F032 Chadstone Shopping Centre
Chadstone | jonesthegrocer.com
It was surprising to me that within the compounds of the mass-market glut of the shopping centre a tiny oasis of great, artisan products exists. Jones the Grocer at Chaddy is a great spot to sit down, rest your feet and taste some of their beautiful cheeses. Plus since they are importing many of their produce themselves, you will find some artisan specialities others don’t carry.

Delicatess, Prahran Market | 177 Commercial Road, South Yarra | prahranmarket.com.au
In my view, the key to finding real artisan cheese is the cheesemonger itself. These guys know best which importer or distributor has the real and differentiating artisan cheese. Peter from Delicatess is an excellent cheesemonger who knows his produce. He stocks a great range of imported and local artisan cheeses.

Leo’s Food & Wine | 26 Princess Street, Kew
Like Peter, Leo’s cheesemonger Bernard knows his cheese and is more than happy to help you build a fantastic cheese board of artisan cheese. The key at Leo’s is to look beyond the flashing display. If you’re open and willing to try something new, this is a great place to experience some new artisan varieties.

Virginia Plain will host a special evening to explore six artisan Swiss cheeses, matched to wine and beer, bread and a mix of condiments made by head chef Andy Harmer.

Date: Thursday 20 November, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Where: Virginia Plain, 31 Flinders Lane Melbourne
Bookings essential: theredcow.eventbrite.com.au

Feldman’s, named after former ‘80s child star Corey Feldman, is the love child of Jason Pitt (ex Gertrude’s Brown Couch, Hektor Woodley’s) and brothers Damian and Chris North. You’ll find pizza pro D’Auria in the front window, shovelling pizza in and out of the huge wood fired oven that serves three dining spaces separated by red brick arches. Local street artist Monkey has jazzed up the white walls, while a faux antler chandelier and dark wooden beer add a masculine charm.

The drinks list continues the Feldman’s theme, with cocktails paying tribute to his acting roles. Take The Teddy Duchamp for example, a concoction of apple liqueur, Cariel vodka, elderflower cordial and soda. Other options include a selection of Australian wines and beers, with 2Brothers pear cider and American amber ale on tap.

But let’s get back to the food. Snack on buffalo wings or salmon carpaccio, olive oil, capers, fennel and rocket from the ‘small share stuff’, or if you feel like ‘being selfish’, the wood-fired lasagna is a must. Kiddies can also get a $12 ‘din-dins’ with a refillable soft drink, a pizza or pasta and a frog in the pond or ice cream. Adults must stick to the grown-up menu, but desserts such as calzone with peach, white chocolate and ice cream are available to all.

Feldman’s is a bit of everything: a place to catch up with mates, a local haunt to enjoy craft beer after a hard day, a last minute family dinner spot or simply a place to reminisce about The Goonies.

Location: 350 Nicholson St, Fitzroy
Open: Closed Mon-Tue | Wed-Fri 4pm-1am | Weekends 12pm-1am
Phone: (03) 9416 2300
Details: feldmans.com.au

Something new

Station Street Trading Co.| 166 Station Street, Port Melbourne| (03) 9646 6663|Mon-Sun 7.30am–4pm | fb.com/StationStreetTradingCo
The crew who started Coin Laundry opened Station Street Trading Co. in Port Melbourne this week, opposite – you guessed it – the station. The charming corner café is churning out Allpress coffee as well as hearty dishes from a seasonal menu. We could hardly get our gob around their juicy burger and would have polished off the decadent baked goods in the display cabinet if we hadn’t been so full. As for brekkie, there’s avocado and feta to please the masses as well as zucchini fritters for those craving something different. Sit in the window and watch Port Melbourne go by, or slouch on the banquette seating with comfy cushions beneath shelves of pot plants and cacti.

Oldie but a goldie

Gigibaba| 102 Smith St, Collingwood | (03) 9486 0345 | Tue-Sat 6pm-late
Look no further for the ultimate date place: this is it. Gigibaba is an old Turkish favourite with a wire jungle of light bulbs and a contemporary Middle Eastern interior. Start with the likes of hummus, broad bean salad and halloumi with dates, before sharing signature dishes such as the sea salt and wild oregano lamb cutlets or BBQ whole baby snapper. Save room for the baklava at the end though, and make sure you get there early to avoid disappointment with their no-bookings policy.

Do & See 

Lorne Film Festival Weekend | October 12th-14th | Lorne Theatre – 78 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne | movingclickers.com.au
If, like us, you heart a bit of movie watching then you should know that Moving Clickers are holding their 46th Film Festival at Lorne this weekend. It’s a social affair held in the beautiful, heritage-listed art deco Lorne Theatre. Starting today, they’ll be screening seven full length 35mm feature moves from USA, Spain, USA, Australia and Israel over the three days. They’re also having a pizza dinner tonight, cocktails on Saturday night and a good old fashioned barbecue to finish on Sunday.

Out of town

Warburton Pantry ‘Chocolat’ Dinner | Shop 3383b Warburton hwy, Warburton| Sat Oct 12, 11am-7pm | (03) 5966 9688 or info@warburtonpantry.com.au | warburtonpantry.com.au
On the second Saturday of every month, the Warburton Pantry holds exclusive dinners. But their dinner this weekend may just be the best yet, with a menu inspired by ‘Chocolat’ the movie. While Johnny Depp politely refused an invite, we have heard rumours that a dish of duck leg with chocolate, pomegranate and red wine will be making a guest appearance, as will a dark chocolate salted caramel tart. Bookings essential.

Featured Table

The Wylde | 30% off your entire bill at this one hat restaurant | Book now

Laid back and very Gertrude Street cool. The Wilde has a pub feel in a bar/restaurant shell. As welcoming as your own living room it’s the type of neighborhood restaurant you’ll be spending lots of time at.

The menu is seasonal. Very winter warming at the moment with decadent pork belly with the some of the best roast carrots you’ll find and perfect mash; there’s also a nightly special which may read something like 8 hr Roast Otway Pork w Brussel Sprouts & Chestnuts.

Go for the meal and stay for some drinks. Equal part place to relax over a couple of drinks as it is to fill the stomach with hearty but certainly top notch pub classics and sometimes pub creative.

Lake House| 4 King Street  Daylesford | lakehouse.com.au/
Alla Wolf Tasker’s commitment to the industry and her status of matriarch of the Melbourne food and wine scene imbues every aspect of the venue, from the restaurant, the staff, the retreat. From the greeting at the door, to the wine list, the ambiance and the lake environment, the Lake House is of the very best international standards.

Stefano’s | 27 Deakin Avenue, Mildura | stefano.com.au
Stefano Di Pieri’s approach to authentic Italian cuisine is masterful and even now, as he’s appointed a new chef to take the reins, Stefano’s commitment to local produce, with a global outlook remains the same. Stefano’s robust, happy go lucky personality can be felt throughout the restaurant and the hotel, and it’s not to be missed.

Dispensary Enoteca | 9 Chancery Lane Bendigo | thedispensaryenoteca.com
Immaculate attention to detail filters throughout this local laneway venue. Tim Baxter and Hayden Winch took a major punt by bringing that city feeling to the country, in a reversal that still confounds people. I love the fact that they carry 50 boutique beers, 80 different Whiskys and a smacking cocktail list. It’s the regime of a control freak right down to the toilet door.

Wye River General Store | 5 Great Ocean Road, Wye River | wyerivergeneralstore.com.au
Here they bake their own bread that rivals D’Chirico in a Six Degrees fit-out with a crew who are all sun kissed and fun loving. This all comes through in the service. Wye River has a real locavore vibe, with open hearts that makes every diner want to adopt Wye River as their second home.

The General Food Store Emerald | 377 Belgrave-Gembrook Road  Emerald | thegeneralfoodstore.com.au
I have a personal connection with the General Food Store in Emerald as chef and owner, Dougie, was the head chef at St ALi. We always talked about food and his childhood dream to be a cheesemaker. In Emerald, he’s brought a little inner city vibe to the hills, particularly with the coffee. The menu changes regularly and with the seasons and showcases Dougie’s talents. Did I mention the locals absolutely love it as well?

‘Whenever you see a smiley face you can’t help but smile,’ says General Manager, Geremy Lucas, by means of explanation, and you can’t help but smile when you look at the menu either. It’s no secret that Melbourne’s prices have escalated of late, but at Lot 7 they’re committed to keeping the prices down and the quality up (so much so they even have a mantra, ‘If the people keep coming, we’ll keep the prices down.’).

It was the Lunch Meal Deal that had us grinning from ear to ear. $16 buys you parmesan and herb crumbed chicken breast topped with smoked ham, mozzarella and tomato and a side of chips and salad. Excellent value, no? But get this, not only is the portion size what a portion size should be, you also get a glass of wine or a bottle of Peroni! Specials aside, the entire menu created by Head Chef Darron Paul (formerly of Cecconi’s, Circa and Livebait) is filled with tempting options that are all excellent value and all made in house using quality produce.

Lot 7 will surely have you revisiting time and time again for breakfast, lunch and dinner!

Where: 95 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Phone: 03 96547772
Open: Breakfast 7am-11am Mon-Fri, Lunch 12pm-3pm Mon-Fri, Dinner 6pm-Close Tues-Sat
Details: lot7.com.au

Something new

Once a Tailor| 727 Glenferrie Rd, Hawthorn| (03) 9818 2224|Mon-Thu 6.30am-4pm, Fri 6.30pm-late, Sat 7am-late, Sun 8am-4pm
Cute little coffee joints are popping up all over Hawthorn at the moment. Most recently, Once a Tailor opened it’s doors to the public, paying homage to one of the Italian owners’ fathers. You can tell they’ve invested in the décor: an impressive marble bar separates the coffee and service area from a rustic communal table, with a faux antler chandelier suspended above it. There’s also a well lit courtyard out the back, scattered with vintage sewing machines. The menu has the usual suspects, plus a few Italian-inspired items, such as the Sicilian sausage baked eggs. For lunch, there’s a selection of paninis, salads, pasta and cured meats. Once a Tailor boasts their own house blend of coffee, as well as a Single Origin option, both perfect with one of the sweet treats on display in the glass cabinet.

Oldie but a goldie

Miss Spelt Pizza| 157 Fitroy Street St Kilda | (03) 9534 1344
Formerly Café a Taglio, this family-run Italian institution has been serving square pizza by the slice to Melburnians for years. Although under new management, you can still stuff yourself on thin crust, gourmet pizza with toppings from potato to pancetta, as well as antipasto and homemade pasta (try the lasagna, you won’t regret it). Benissimo!

Do & See 

High tea in the State Library| Cowen Gallery Level 2a, Main entry, Swanston St| Oct 13 & Nov 17, 2-4pm| booking: 03 8664 7099 inquiries@slv.vic.gov.au | slv.vic.gov.au/event/high-tea-gusto
Imagine indulging in a high tea surrounded by beautiful oil paintings in the middle of the State Library. Can you picture it? Looks pretty impressive, doesn’t it? Well you can make this picture a reality in one of two special sittings, the first of which kicks off next weekend. Enjoy sparkling wine, savoury delights and sweets to finish in the Library’s Red Rotunda room, an impressive space with polished floors, red walls and high ceilings. Once you’ve nibbled and sipped your way through high tea, check out Victoria’s culinary history, showcased in the “Gusto!” exhibition.

Out of town

Beer & Brats Oktoberfest | 88 Shoreham Rd, Red Hill South, Vic | Oct 13-14, 11am-7pm | (03) 5989 2959 | redhillbrewery.com.au
Pull out your lederhosen and find a designated driver; next weekend Phat Brats is partnering up with Red Hill Brewery to celebrate Oktoberfest. This is a free event; just pay for booze and brats on the day. Expect five Red Hill brewed German beers matched to Phat Brats top-notch hotdogs. There will also be oompah music, brewery tours and all-round Bavarian fun. The best dressed visitor will also win a free stein full of beer and a case of Red Hill’s new Pilsner between 12-1pm on each day. Prost!

Featured Sale

 A night of top shelf cocktails at The Understudy (1806) | Buy Now

We’ve arranged a unique demonstration of 1806′s greatness in their downstairs funhouse – The Understudy

$80 buys you access to this exclusive event. See top mixologists stir, shake and concoct cocktails, enjoy world class molecular cocktails over three (3) perfectly matched courses. You’ll also go home with a copy of 1806′s cocktail book.

Tickets valid for Friday 26th October, 7pm – 10pm

Featured Table

30% off your entire bill at Henry and the Fox | Book now
Paul Mathis and 2011 Age Young Chef of the Year, Michael Fox are behind this impressive restaurant. We love the marble communal table which sits opposite the open kitchen. Here you can watch Fox and his small team meticulously plating up food.

We shared the zucchini flowers and the rabbit terrine for starters. For mains we loved the crispy pork belly and if you’re a pizza fan, there’s also a pork belly pizza! For dessert the steamed honey & hazelnut pudding was delicious and we’ll definitely be back for the passion-fruit cheesecake!

Meet Paul Raff, he’s the owner of Mayver’s Health Foods; a local family company that offers natural, table-spreads made from just one, pure ingredient. He’s offered to point us in the right direction when it comes to sourcing healthy food in Melbourne.

Lentil as Anything | Three locations – St Kilda, Abottsford and Footscray | lentilasanything.com/
These guys offer all vegetarian meals while supporting the local community at the same time. Their produce is from Ceres; an organic urban community farm right around the corner and they even use organic soap and washing liquids. Situated in the old Abbotsford convent, this not-for-profit restaurant serves their meals for donation only and the people watching is as much fun as eating the food.

The Green Grocer North Fitzroy |217 St Georges Road Fitzroy North | thegreengrocer.com.au/
A grocer and café all in one, this place is hard to beat. They even have a wine shop. All the produce is organic and the food is tasty and modern. Breakfast is particularly good and a great place to go and sit in the courtyard and read the newspaper at the weekends.

The Green Refectory | 115 Sydney Road  Brunswick | (03) 9387 1150
Travel a little further and head to Sydney Road in Brunswick where you’ll find this trendy, modest little café. A great spot for lunch, the food here is inexpensive and the staff friendly and casual. The all-day breakfast is a winner and their coffee, baked goods and desserts offer a cheeky afternoon treat.

Glo Health | 358 Glenhuntly Road, Elsternwick| glohealth.com.au
Over the other side of town in Elsternwick is Glo Health another café that doubles as an organic grocer and a natural therapy clinic. Serving delicious organic and biodynamic food, Glo Health also offer gluten and dairy free specialty dishes. Try the vegetarian breakfast on weekends until 2pm and their delicious freshly squeezed juices.

Loafer | 146 Scotchmer Street, Fitzroy North | loaferbread.wordpress.com/
Another North Fitzroy institution, Loafer is the place to go for naturally leavened organic bread. All their products are made on-site and their hand-shaped sourdough breads are made using certified organic stoneground flours are unbeatable. This bread is amazing! Loafer also makes pastries using all certified organic eggs, sugar and flours but you have to get in quick before the sell out.

We met Bernard and Yen of LuxBite to hear their story and chat about the desserts that make them (and us) smile, the renovations, those oh so delicious macarons and our own dreams of opening Melbourne’s first dessert bar.

Agenda: LuxBite is considered to have some of the best macarons in town. What makes them so good?

LuxBite: We’ve put a lot of thought into the authenticity of our flavours. We combine the freshest ingredients with a unique mix of quirky Asian flavours. The inspiration we take from our travels to Europe and Japan has a great impact on flavours, colours and ingredients. It’s one of the best ranges in Melbourne and sweet lovers are spoiled for choice.

Agenda: Where did you and Bernard learn the art of the sweet?

LuxBite: Originally from Malaysia, we moved to Australia to refine our craft and have been lucky enough to work with Michael Moore (Summit Restaurant), Peter Gilmore (Quay) and Katrina Kanetani (Pier) in Sydney before moving to Melbourne. Here we’ve worked with Catherine Adams (Rockpool), Robert Marchetti (Giuseppe Arnaldo and Sons) and Daniel Southern (Comme Kitchen). These experiences helped us gain the knowledge and creativity we have now.

Agenda: Which desserts make you smile and why?

LuxBite: The Meringue Monster never fails. It’s got a vibrant exterior  that captures the excitement of flavours hidden inside. It comes in rich flavours of green tea, pistachio, watermelon, and strawberry covered in meringue; flawless and a real surprise to the taste buds. It’s one of our best sellers and is here to stay.

Agenda: LuxBite just undertook some renovations. What was the thinking behind that?

LuxBite: It’s been two years so it was time for a new look. We’ve revamped the menu, introduced new sweet masterpieces and refurbished the store. There’s now a big communal table – a very welcoming addition to the space. We wanted to encourage people to use us as a dessert bar. It’s now more efficient for us and refreshing for all of our regulars. Feedback has been wonderful.

Agenda: Where else can I get a LuxBite sweet fix?

LuxBite: We do supply our macarons to a few cafes in the CBD however the full range can only be found at LuxBite. We’d like to maintain our exclusivity.

Agenda: If I’m not eating dessert at LuxBite, what am I eating?

LuxBite: Come and indulge on our new brunch menu. It’s a menu inspired by our favourite flavours from the West and Asia. The menu includes the Pandan Chicken Burger with tamarind chilli mayo and Asian slaw and a Caramelized Eschallot Tart with truffled salad of shitake, shimeji, enoki and oyster mushrooms.

Agenda: Any plans for LuxBite no. 2?

LuxBite:  No plans as yet though we are most certainly not dismissing the idea. We would love to expand our business here locally and maybe even look into opening stores OS. However, we still consider it early days and we’re fortunate enough to have a loyal customer base here and we’d love to continue to be their chosen dessert café.

Go and visit Bernard and Yen at 38 Toorak Road, South Yarra. These great purveyors of the sweeter things in life would love to see you.

Note: LuxBite is currently offering all AgendaCity members a 2-for-1 Brunch offer and additionally, is one of our featured providers in the upcoming uTaste box.

Formerly Chester White, Orto boasts an impressive deck garden with a BBQ rotisserie, lemon tree and giant crates of herbs. Kitchen staff dash outside for fresh ingredients under the watch of Head Chef Luigi Buono (ex Café e Cuccina and Enoteca Vino, and Bond Street Wine Bar founder). Buono has based the menu on his childhood memories of his Grandfather’s lemon farm in Sorrento, Italy.

Start with golden arancini with smoked mozzarella, peas and tomato; fluffy hand-stretched pizza bread with chunks of mozzarella, tomato and basil; or zucchini flowers filled with herbed ricotta, tomato coulis and saba. Families can share thin-based pizzas, while pasta dishes and hearty mains are also available. You’ll be stuffed regardless of what you order; yet somehow, that second stomach won’t be able to turn down hot Italian doughnuts with Nutella.

The wine list has an obvious Italian influence, but sommelier Hazel Benson-Dawe (ex Union Dining, Hellenic Republic) is happy to match your BYO bottle to a dish. Not a vino lover? There’s imported beer, cider and cocktails such as the ‘Six over Six’: Amaretto and Amaro Montenegro, served neat.

“The beautiful thing about Orto is finding that big open space in Hawthorn where you can actually sit down, have a drink and relax and enjoy the sun. There are not too many place like that in this area,” says owner George Sykiotis of Made Establishment.

This summer, Orto will be the place to be south of the river. Now all we need is a tan.

Location: 302 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn
Open: Mon-Thu 5pm-late | Fri-Sun 12pm-late
Phone: (03) 9819 2200
Details: orto.com.au

Something new

Mamak | 366 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne| (03) 9670 3137 | 7 days 11.30am-2.30pm & 5.30pm-10pm | mamak.com.au
You don’t visit newly opened Mamak for the vast, cafeteria hall space; you visit for the roti. Already a successful Malaysian hot spot in Sydney, Mamak just opened on Lonsdale Street and it already has the crowds packing in. The expertly made roti with everything from satay to sambal is nothing less than addictive, and all the more delicious thanks to the cheap eats price tag. There are other Malaysian dishes such as fish curry, noodles and nasi lemak and you can subdue the spice with a glass of teh tarik, milk tea made with condensed milk. If you’re not all roti’d-out, finish with a sugary cone of buttery dessert roti.

Oldie but a goldie

Danny’s Burgers | 360 St Georges Rd, Fitzroy North| (03) 9481 5847
Danny’s Burgers were cool long before the dude food movement took over the world. They’ve been banging out burgers since 1945, so they’ve obviously nailed the formula. This retro burger joint will bring back nostalgic memories for anyone who used to binge on burgers in the good ol’ days. Chose from beef or chicken, then add all the usual suspects like cheese, tomato, egg, bacon, pineapple and onion. Did we mention they do “double lot” and “triple lot” hamburgers? Bring a bib.

Do & See 

Monochrome| No Vacancy Gallery, QV Building, 34-40 Jane Bell Lane | Oct 4-14 | nickthomm.com
After showcasing his unique style in London and Hong Kong, young talent Nick Thomm is bringing it home in his first solo exhibition in the city. His work blends digital, print and traditional mediums to create a colourful collection of mixed media artwork. The name of the exhibit is ironic indeed: expect large scale neon pieces, limited edition prints and sculptural installations. The official opening is at 6.30pm this Thursday. All the cool kids will be there.

Unplugged at Touché Hombre| Cnr Lonsdale Street and Tattersalls Lane, CBD| Sept 24-29 from 8pm-late | (03) 9663 0811 | touchehombre.com.au
One of our favourite Mexican restaurants (and easily the coolest), Touché Hombre, is going all ‘community’ on us, in a good way. Tonight and tomorrow night are your last chance to check out the second series of Unplugged, which supports local musicians. Tonight you can get your groove on to Gaz Kempster on percussion, while tomorrow Son3 will be in the taquería. Tunes, tacos and tequila… what’s not to love?

Out of town

Yarra Valley Spring Graze Farmers Lunch | Oakridge Wines 864 Maroondah Highway, Coldstream | Sept 29, 12.30pm-4pm | (03) 9738 9900 | $55 per person | oakridgewines.com.au
If you want to escape footy fever in Melbourne this weekend, head to the Yarra Valley for the Spring Graze Farmers Lunch. Perhaps you prefer regional produce matched to Oakridge Wines to meat pies and cans of VB? Either way, we won’t judge. On the menu are seasonal tasting platters followed by locally bred beef from the Little Creek Cattle Company & rare breed pork from The Good Life farm initiative in Chum Creek. Finish with house made petit fours, and no checking the footy score on your phone during lunch, thank you very much. Bookings essential.

Featured Sale

LuxBiteBrunch: 2 people $15 | plus 50% off macaron | Buy now|
When Yen Yee and Bernard of LuxBite do something they do it well. This sweet filled South Yarra favourite has recently renovated and with that renovation we bring you this exclusive offer – valid for the 1st 100 buyers only and designed to show off their inspired treats of both the sweet and savoury kind.

Featured Table

Jorg | Get 30% off your entire bill with AgendaTables

Why we love it:

Jorg is a joint venture between the ex-head chef of Jacques Reymond, Michael Smith, and ex sous chef of Church Street Enoteca, Bryce Bernhardt.

The share-style entrees here are very impressive. Winner dishes include zucchini flowers, flior di latte, white anchovy, heirloom tomato salad as well as the fig carpaccio, prosciutto di Parma, gorgonzola panna cotta and crystalised walnuts. For mains, the twice cooked half duck with porcini fregola, cherry jus and caloro nero is the pick. Finish off with the dessert of bomboloni, with lemon custard and stewed plums.

“I’m inspired by the creativity, diversity and warmth of these special places”.

BRILLIANT BRUNCH
Chez Dre | 287 Coventry St (rear), South Melbourne | chezdre.com.au/
Only open since April, Chez Dre in South Melbourne is a bustling hub of great vibes and fabulous food. A short stroll from South Melbourne market, this café/patisserie has a super breakfast menu and lovely lunch as well. Some of the highlights include Moroccan baked eggs, creamy scrambled eggs, goats cheese salad and the immaculately presented cakes, pastries and macaroons to be devoured in-house or taken away. I am not a coffee drinker but I am told the coffee is also first class.

NURTURING LUNCH
Tofu Shop International | 78 Bridge Rd, Richmond | facebook.com
Run by the energetic Malcolm for around 30 years this is an iconic cafe in Bridge Rd, Richmond. I’ve been going there for about 25 years and the food is vegetarian, creative, often organic and very tasty. The menu is always changing. Try the soy’vlaki of pita bread, felafel, salad, tabbouleh, garlic sauce and pickled ginger, or a mixed platter where you get to pick your favourites. Yummy soy icecream and cakes also on offer. And you can always get some health advice from the maestro Maclolm.

ARTFUL LUNCH
Persimmon at the NGV | 180 St Kilda Road Melbourne | ngv.vic.gov.au
Step into the National Gallery of Victoria and enter into what feels like a beautiful European restaurant. Persimmon is a wonderful retreat from the city with open views to the sculpture garden. The service is very professional and friendly. The food is delicious – the fish dishes are always perfectly cooked with creative matched condiments. There is also great bread and some very decorative desserts. On a lovely day in winter it’s bright, open and just a really nice place to nurture and be. I do lunch here at least every two weeks and it’s where I take important clients and visitors from abroad. It never fails to impress.

SING FOR YOUR SUPPER 
Melbourne Sings Choir at Sofitel Melbourne On Collins every Tuesday 5:30-7pm | 25 Collins St, Melbourne |  creativityaustralia.org.au
Singing is good for you and will fire up your neural pathways. There’s plenty of research to prove it. It’s even better when you can be part of Creativity Australia’s With One Voice choir programs which brings together CEOs and executives with asylum seekers, people with disabilities and the unemployed to sing on a weekly basis. A glorious supper at the end of the rehearsal proves that you really can sing for your supper and make a difference. The program aims to help people find their voice, new skills, jobs, joy and improve well being. The conductor Shaun Islip is awesome! And you will have the opportunity to perform in public at meaningful events. You can walk in feeling grumpy and within five minutes you will feel transformed! There are 13 With One Voice programs in Victoria at a range of locations.

HEALTHY YUMMY DINNER
Shakahari | 201-203 Faraday St, Carlton | shakahari.com.au
Another Melbourne institution… I have been having dinners here for about 18 years! Passionate chef Beh Kim Un uses totally organic ingredients in this Carlton vegetarian restaurant. Shakahan approaches vegetables as a cuisine, and each dish is artfully designed, from my favourite tempura-fried avocado rolls to tamarind laksa, vegetarian satay and luscious desserts. Who knew that vegetables could taste this good?

“..cutest range of products ever seen in a box! Well sourced!!”

“Just received our very 1st uTaste gourmet goodies box…….it is always fun when receiving a delivery at work, making your workmates very jealous…….opening the uTaste box was a delight, an amazing mix of goodies…”

“Whoop! Happy Monday to me – my uTaste box just arrived! Great value for under $30!…”

Subscriptions close on the 1st of each month. Now is your chance to get in on Australia’s best box of decadence delivered.

Subscribe at www.uTaste.com.au

Still need encouragement? The first box included ten items. Each deliciously different to the next. The menu was:

Rhu Bru | Rhubarb Compote | rhubru.com.au
Ready to serve rhubarb compote prepared using premium Tasmanian Rhubarb, cooked
in the bag and ready to use. Delicious served on-top of ice cream or yogurt. Sprinkle some crumble over the top for quick and easy desserts that taste wonderful!
Rhu Bru is based in Scottsdale, Tasmania. Their focus is on producing unique rhubarb based products. 

Camilo Olives | Olive Salt | camilo.com.au
An Olive salt that adds a zesty zing to fish and chicken dishes. It’s also a delicious addition to salads.
Camilo Olive Grove is located near Teesdale between the grassy woodland of the Inverleigh Flora and Fauna Reserve and the Leigh River, among rolling hills in South West Victoria.

Old Mout Cider|  Scrumpy Cider | oldmoutcider.com
Old Mout’s take on the traditional Scrumpy recipe. It’s got gutsy apple favour.
Old Mout Cider is based in Nelson, NZ. They’ve been making pretty good cider and generating a few yarns, since 1947.

Tomte Tea | LaKyrsiew Spring Tea | tomtelife.com
The tea starts with a rich, deep, inviting sweetness on the nose with aromas raw dark sugar and toffee. The initial taste is very subtle. The finish is notably smooth and long lasting as the flavours remain on the palate.
Tomtelife.com founder and chief taster, Paul Bennetts, is bringing together a community of tea lovers. His mantra is that “Our best thinking and creativity come when drinking tea”. Tomte scours the globe to discover great teas created by small “artists of the leaf”.

Somage Fine Foods | Kali Premium Chocolated Coated Coffee Beans | somage.com.au
Delectable, Indulgent & Irresistible. Kali Chocolate covered coffee beans are made from premium dark chocolate and specialty roasted peaberry coffee beans from Papua New Guinea.
Based in Melbourne, Somage Fine Foods pioneer specialty foodservice products made from organic tea, cocoa, spices, honey and organic whole sugar. 

Chapman Hill | Frantoio Extra Vergin Olive Oil | chapman-hill.com
The 2012 Frantoio has wonderful herby aromas with hints of sweet clover. On the palate, cut grass flavours are underpinned with white pepper and rocket characters. The oil has a mild peppery, linear finish with lingering pungency.
Chapman Hill is located at Glenaroua on the Northern slopes of the Great Dividing Range in Central Victoria. This is an Australian region synonomous with fine food and wine production.

Seatonfire Chilli Chocolate | Drinking Fondue | seatonfire.com
A rich, indulgent blend of pure cocoa, cinnamon, maize (corn) and just a little bit of Seatonfire chilli for warmth. No artificial colours or flavours. Sugar, dairy & gluten free.
Seatonfire’s boutique operation actually grows their own chilli in the Lockyer Valley QLD,  using organic methods, picks by hand, molds and wrap every bar by hand. The result is luxury chilli chocolate. There is no other company in the world that does this, from plant to product

The Fudge A’fare | Handmade Fudge | thefudgeafare.com.au
Smooth, textured, beautiful to the eye and technically perfect. This fudge is creamy with high chocolate content.
The Fudge A’fare are a boutique, specialist company located in Lutana, Tas. All they do is fudge – handmade and decorated to perfection. Their philosophy is to do one thing, but to do it better than anyone else.

Burch and Purchese | Choc Pop | burchandpurchese.com
A dark or milk chocolate shell filled with decadence, dipped and freeze dried.
Walking into Burch and Purchese Sweet Studio in Melbourne is unlike anywhere else you’ve been, a place where you can always expected the unexpected. You may find edible bubbles, a chocolate flower garden, a half chocolate and half jam spread, exaggerated raspberries or rich smoked chocolate, not to mention a magnificent selection of seasonal individual desserts or larger cakes all designed to take home for that special night in. 

James Halliday Wine Companion Magazine | www.winecompanion.com.au
James Halliday’s Wine Companion magazine takes a fresh, stylish and uniquely approachable take on wine, food and travel. Enjoy this addition while you’re munching.

And guess what? Box two is looking equally tasty!

Inspired by diners from the 20s and 30s, owners Reno Pontonio and Bridget Absalom-Wong opted for an organic fit out using warm timber and natural woods throughout, with contrasting white tiles; the curved ceiling above the back wall pays homage to diners of the day, as does the ever lit Diner sign that proudly hangs behind the bar.

‘We wanted to open a good place to eat as opposed to somewhere to go out to dinner,’ Bridget says. ‘Somewhere that is comfortable, relaxed … not fine dining.’

Catriona Freeman, fresh from a visit to New York where she had a stage at Five Leaves in Williamsburg, has put together a menu of tempting American favourites – there’s Country Ham and Cheese Biscuits for breakfast, Pulled Pork with Coleslaw from noon and Southern Fried Chicken, First Lady Ribs, Three Bean Chilli with cornbread and sour cream.  Be sure to leave room for pie.

John Chalker can be found manning the bar which offers a concise list of local wines along with some quality liquor. Cocktail specials are offered but we recommend asking for the mint julep, a southern favourite.

Where: 150-156 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy
Phone: 03 9077 0788
Open:  Tues-Fri 8am-11pm, Sat 9am-11pm, Sun 10am-11pm

Saké Restaurant & Bar| Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne| (03) 8687 0775 | sakerestaurant.com.au
Saké Restaurant & Bar opened last month, bringing a touch of contemporary Japanese dining to the riverside promenade at Melbourne’s new and improved Hamer Hall. For pre or post theatre dining, nibble on something small that’s big in flavour, such as sashimi ‘tacos’ matched with ‘sake shots’. Alternatively, stop by for a romantic lunch or dinner on the terrace as the experienced kitchen team (including Executive Chef Shaun Presland and Head Chef Rose Ang) serve up signature dishes such as Double Kingfish Crunch and Pan Seared Ocean Barramundi. You’ll be blown away by the impressive selection of traditional Japanese sake and shochu varieties, as well as the array of interesting cocktails. Irrashaimase, indeed!

Oldie but a goldie

Dench Bakers | Around Melbourne| Details and stockists at denchbakers.com.au 
Here at Agenda, we think Dench bakery is the best thing since sliced bread, so we’re giving a shout out to our old favourite. Dench have been baking artisan-style since 2005 and you’ve no doubt enjoyed their wonderful loaves across Melbourne’s best cafés. Stop by Bread and Jam for Frances out the back of Readings in Hawthorn to sample the full range of Dench artisan sourdoughs, pastries, and cakes; or pop into the original café in Fitzroy North for breakfast, lunch, Veneziano coffee and organic juices. Beware the homemade bomboloni: they’re addictive.

Do & See 

The Tastes of Victoria Pavilion| Melbourne Show Grounds Epsom Road, Ascot Vale | Sept 22-Oct 2 | royalshow.com.au/tastes-of-victoria.asp
This year, the Royal Melbourne Show is going gourmet with The Tastes of Victoria Pavilion. Celebrating all things local, seasonal and delicious, this specialty produce pavilion has plenty to offer, including the opportunity to meet Australia’s best chefs and TV personalities, free cooking demonstrations from celebrity chefs, intimate masterclasses, prizes and food trucks. Rub shoulders with the likes of Guy Grossi, Dani Venn, Matt Wilkinson from Pope Joan, Scott Eddington from Mamasita, Travis McAuley from Hellenic Republic and many more. This year, skip the sweets and get your show bag from The Royal Melbourne Fine Food Deli. We’ll take cheese over chocolate any day.

Greek Film Festival| Palace Cinema Como, Cnr Toorak & Chapel Streets, South Yarra| Oct 17–Nov 4 | Program & tickets greekfilmfestival.com.au or (03) 9827 7533
Tickets are on sale today for the 19th annual Greek Film Festival, which opens in Melbourne on October 17 with a program that will see more than 30 films screen at Palace Cinema Como over two weeks. The Festival opens with the larger-than-life comedy Nisos 2 (The Island 2: The Hunt for the Lost Treasure), filmed in the picturesque Greek islands. Other highlights include Yorgos Lanthimos’ Alps (Dogtooth, GFF ’10) from the Greek Weird Wave, an inventive, deadpan story about loss and grief that won the Official Competition at the 2012 Sydney Film Festival; and Giorgos Georgopoulos’s psychological thriller Tungsten, a multiple award-winner at last year’s Cyprus International Film Festival. Jump online for the full program.

Out of town

Tinamba Hotel | 4-6 Tinamba Seaton Road, Tinamba, Gippsland| (03) 5145 1484 | Wed-Sat lunch & dinner, Sun lunch only| tinambahotel.com.au
Established in 1874, Tinamba hotel boasts shining reviews in The Age Good Food Guide and completely lives up to it’s hillside hype. Visit for lunch from Wednesday to Saturday for a two course lunch for $30 (or three courses for $39.50). Local produce is showcased in dishes such as the pan-fried Black Dory on a salad of poached salmon and potato, topped with ribbons of pickled pumpkin and surrounded by a green moat of salsa verde. Dessert at Tinamba is perfection. After tasting the white chocolate and passionfruit mousse resting in a pool of passionfruit pulp and surrounded by toasted Italian meringue, you’ll want to visit on the way back to the city as well as on the way there.

Featured Sale

An introductory wine course with the Humble Tumbler| September 9 | $220 | Buy now 
Clare Burder is the brains behind The Humble Tumbler. She’s here to teach you everything you want to (and need to) know about tasting and understanding wine. Clare is now offering AgendaCity members $80 off a 4-week introductory wine course and we suggest you take her up on that offer.

Featured Table

Richmond Oysters | 30% off your entire bill | Book Now
Oysters by name, seafood by specialty. Richmond Oysters supplies seafood to some of Melbourne’s best restaurants and if you didn’t already know, is one of Melbourne’s premier seafood restaurants.

For us, it’s the Seafood Linguini that steals the show. Tiger prawns, scallops, calamari, mussels, extra virgin olive oil, white wine, tomato, garlic & chilli. If you’ve got a love of all things seafood (not just oysters) this Richmond icon is your place.

The Little Mule | 19 Somerset Place, Melbourne | thelittlemule.com
Eat, drink, buy a bike. Hidden down a typical Melbourne laneway off Little Bourke Street, The Little Mule is a great pit-stop if you’re riding through the CBD. They make colourful custom-made fixies in their small workshop and the bikes provide eye-catching wall hangings for the warehouse aesthetic of their small adjoining cafe serving fresh, seasonal food. In the evenings they also host Laneway Learning – cheap, fun classes on all sorts of random topics ranging from make your own beauty products to 80s musicals.

De Clieu | 187 Gertrude Street,  Fitzroy | sevenseeds.com.au
The bike path along Napier Street Fitzroy is one of the busiest in Melbourne for commuters. Parallel to Napier Street is De Clieu on George Street, an unofficial fixie hangout for the hipsters (and otherwise discerning citizens) of Fitzroy. De Clieu is the brainchild of the coffee maestros behind Seven Seeds and Brother Baba Budan and it serves one of the most excellent coffees in town.

Carolina | 11 Nicholson St, East Brunswick
Bounce down a cobblestone alleyway just off the Capital City trail and enter the back entrance of Carolina. You can store your bike in their spacious courtyard and enjoy a creative menu of breakfast and lunch options. There’s even a kiddie sandpit if you’re riding en famille.

Kanteen | 150 Alexandra Avenue  South Yarra | kanteen.net/
So you’re cycling along the Yarra and you need to make a loo stop. Well, don’t mistake this old toilet block in South Yarra for public amenities – it’s been converted into an cafe with river views (though it does have facilities you can use). Kanteen has an awesome breakfast and lunch menu which can give you decision fatigue but my recommendation is just go with the pides and Genovese coffee.

St Ali North | Nicholson St, Carlton
OK so this hasn’t opened yet but I’m pretty sure that any cafe that has a bike-through will be worth a visit. Salvatore Malatesta and Jessie Gerner (Anada, The Aylesbury) are taking the raw space behind bike shop Velo Cycles on the Capital Trail in North Carlton and transforming it into a café backed up with the pedigree of South Melbourne’s excellent St Ali.

Read Joyce’s blog here http://cyclestyle.com.au/

The contemporary Nordic bar looks more like a designer’s living room than a watering hole, with natural light flooding through the massive windows and casting shadows on the blonde oak floor. The small space also boasts high ceilings, exposed beams and Danish designer furniture. Red Borge Mogensen sofas add splashes of colour, while a copper ‘Artichoke’ feature light is suspended from the ceiling. There’s even a reindeer pelt that adds an extra component of Copenhagen cool.

Get a taste for Denmark and wrap your lips around imported Tuborg, Carlsberg, Sommersby Cider and seasonal house-infused schnapps. For something more authentic, try some Aquavit, a traditional flavoured spirit that has around for centuries.

To soak up that European booze, devour gourmet bar snacks such as ‘Pork Bubble’ and house-salted nuts. For something more substantial, there’s a crispy free-range pork belly burger or ‘ribbenste’, served on a soft Brasserie Bread bun with a secret homemade remoulade, cucumber salad and pickled red cabbage. There’s also a traditional hotdog and BBQ chicken. One thing is for sure; you won’t find another joint in Melbourne with ‘Danish pastries’ on the bar menu.

Alternatively, patrons can opt for a sit down dinner across the hallway at Restaurant DANSK. Executive chef Bente Grysbæk is reinventing the classic Danish smørrebrød. She was Princess Mary’s personal chef when her Majesty visited. Hell, if it’s good enough for her, it’s good enough for us.

Skål!

Location: Level 3, 428 Little Bourke St, CBD
Open: Mon-Tue 11am-4pm, Wed-Fri 11am-11pm (subject to change)| Closed weekends
Phone: (03) 9600 4477
Details: denmarkhouse.com.au

Prospect Espresso | 2a Prospect Hill Rd, Camberwell| (03) 9882 7359 | Weekdays 7am-4pm, weekends 7am-5pm| fb.com/ProspectEspresso
Prospect Espresso opened their doors just this morning in Camberwell. The three owners — Mitch Haworth (ex Espresso 3121, Fifteen, Orange), Matt Ward (ex Coin Laundry) and Ramez Abdulnour (owner Rosso Coffee) — have as much hospitality experience as their Mistral Coffee Machine is sexy. Chef Will Manning (ex-Money Order Office, The Deanery, Verge) is serving favourites with a twist for breakfast (think banana bread with espresso butter and bircher muesli with cinnamon yoghurt), as well as hearty lunches such as sandwiches with house corned beef or roast pork belly. All of this in an earthy space complete with timber tiles, hanging moss balls and an impressive 16-seat communal table made from recycled wood. It might just be the best café prospect in Camberwell.

Oldie but a goldie

Glick’s Bakery | Around Melbourne, details online| glicks.com.au
Glick’s was founded around the same time as sliced bread was invented and The Beatles were in their prime. The Kosher bakery started off serving the Jewish community before quickly becoming a favourite for all who visited. Their bagels and Bubka cake are always crowd pleasers, and you can taste the love in their homemade dips. With bakeries from South Melbourne to Southland (including in the CBD) and a café in Balaclava, it’s best to check out their opening hours online. Keep in mind Jewish New Year is on the 16-18 of September, during which time Glick’s will be closed.

Do & See 

Mexican Independence Day at Señoritas | 16 Meyers Pl, Melbourne | Sun 16, 1pm-4pm | $55/$85 with drinks | bookings (03) 9639 7434
Each year on September 15th and 16th, every town square in Mexico is buzzing with music, dancing, food and festivities for Mexican Independence Day. Can’t make it? Señoritas is celebrating with a special four course lunch featuring dishes from the regions of Oaxaca, Jalisco, Puebla and Guerrero matched with Mexican booze. ¡Viva Mexico!

Baroq Fridays | 9-13 Drewery Lane, CBD| Fridays 9pm-5am| (03) 8199 3735 | fb.com/BaroqFriday
Put on your dancing shoes, Baroq Fridays has officially launched. Inspired by lavish European lifestyles, creative directors Ricardo Amare and Velco Dolcevita are working alongside promotion directors James Carlo Sherwood and Stephen Musca to bring you a mixed bag of high fashion, glamour and design. This weekend, the place will transform into a Russian Palace with ‘Moscow Never Sleeps’. Check out their Facebook for upcoming event details.

Out of town
High Tea on the High Sea | Sorrento Pier, Sorrento, Vic | 16 Sept, $35 | bookings (03) 5258 3244| Departs 12pm & 2pm | searoad.com.au
Fancy a high tea on the high sea? This Sunday, you can indulge in finger sandwiches, pretty cakes and sparkling wine, while dolphins play in the sunshine beside you (if you’re lucky). Served in the Portsea Lounge on board the Queenscliff to Sorrento Ferry, it’s “a better way to cross the bay”, darling.

Featured Table

Jorg | 30% off your entire bill | Book Now

Jorg is a joint venture between the ex-head chef of Jacques Reymond, Michael Smith, and ex sous chef of Church Street Enoteca, Bryce Bernhardt.

Share-style entrees are impressive here as is the customer service. Winner entrees include zucchini flowers, flior di latte, white anchovy, heirloom tomato salad as well as the fig carpaccio, prosciutto di Parma, gorgonzola panna cotta and crystalised walnuts. For mains, the twice cooked half duck with porcini fregola, cherry jus and caloro nero is the pick. Finish off with the dessert of bomboloni, with lemon custard and stewed plums.

1. France Soir | 11-13 Toorak Road, South Yarra | Open 7 days 12 Noon – Midnight  | www.france-soir.com.au
I love the noisy community feel of France Soir – from the French accents through to the French wines – oh and the steak and frites are simply the best in Melbourne.  A little bit of old school Paris in Toorak Road.

2. Caffe e Cucina | 581 Chapel St South Yarra| Open 7 days: Mon – Sun: 12pm – 11pm | caffeecucina.com.au
A Chapel Street institution: small, intimate, moody but really, its all about the food.  Must have: the calamari.  Its the best I have ever eaten.. anywhere!  Reliably excellent and their attention to detail is second to none.

3. 38 Chairs | 4A Bond StreetSouth Yarra | Open: Tue-Fri 7.30am-11pm, Sat-Sun 9am-11pm |  thirtyeightchairs.com.au/
I hope a new institution in the making.  Wonderful selection of great food to share or gorge on the incredible meats and cheeses.  Service is faultless – its like being looked after by your long lost Italian family.

4. Cosi | 68 Toorak Road South Yarra | Open Mon – Fri  10.30am – late Sat – Sun  9am – late | cosirestaurant.com.au
Day or night, inside or out, brunch, lunch or the perfect place for a late dinner any night of the week.  Wonderful fresh, home-cooked food.  Comforting but beautiful.  Leave room for dessert.  You’re welcome.

5. Bistro Gitan | 52 Toorak Rd West, South Yarra | Open Monday: 5pm till Late, Tuesday to Friday: 12pm till Late, Saturday: 5pm till Late | bistrogitan.com.au
Another soon-to-be-institution.  Bistro Gitan’s menu is incredible… breathtaking.  Warm, gentle lighting sets the mood.  The whole experience is absolutely charming.  I’m still dreaming about the Delice Soufflé!

The place was built back in 1875 and the new Normandy has managed to create a warm and welcoming café without erasing the heritage. The family pulled back the grimy old walls to reveal rustic brick, before adding polished wooden floorboards, arched doorways, communal and individual seating (we love the colourful ‘screw’ stools) and more importantly, a glass display cabinet chock-full of the Chimmys treats we know and love.

Di Bella coffee is churned out from two shiny white Wega machines that are almost as good looking as the pastries. French Head Pastry Chef Laetitia Bremaud and her team bake everything fresh at Chimmys before the goodies are transported to the café each morning. Executive Chef Richard Lawrence (ex St Katherine’s and the Calombaris Group) has designed the menu, and he had us at ‘all-day breakfast’. Highlights include Habibi fried eggs with mint, cumin and lemon butter on toasted sourdough and the ‘Eggs Benny’ with sautéed spinach, blue royal ham and poached eggs on brioche, drizzled in hollandaise sauce (smoked salmon optional).

For lunch, it’s hard to go past the 12-hour slow cooked lamb on grilled pita with a salad of tomatoes, shallots and parsley with garlic labnah, or the twice-cooked pork belly served with an Asian-style salad and chilli jam. But be sure to check the daily specials blackboard above the kitchen. There’s also a small list of wine and beer, should you need a little extra help relaxing.

But the cakes, oh, the cakes! These artisan beauties don’t win awards for no reason. Sticky date cupcakes, colourful macarons, chocolate cream eclairs, raspberry lemon curd friands, apple and raspberry crumble tarts and even something called a ‘white heaven’ kept staring at us when we visited for lunch.

We would tell you more about Clifton Hill’s newest asset, but we have to do something about these sweet cravings… To the Normandy!

Location: 139 Queens Parade, Clifton Hill
Open: Seven days, 6.30am-5pm
Phone: (03) 9482 4001
Details: www.thenormandy.com.au

He Says, She Says | 1101 Toorak Rd, Camberwell | (03) 9077 7866 | Breakfast daily 8am-4pm | Dinner Wed-Sun 6pm-9.30pm | Bar open ‘til late | hesaysshesays.com.au
Camberwellians rejoice! He Says, She Says is a brand spankin’ new dining venue in the ‘burbs. Part cafe, part restaurant and part bar, you could easily hang around all day. Take in the artistic light fixtures, mix ’n’ match wooden chairs and timber finishes while Head Chef Michael Harrison (ex Attica and Syracuse) serves wonders from the menu. For breakkie, try the zesty sweet corn & Manchego fritters with slow cooked egg, avocado and chilli jam. Later on, attack the Wagyu Beef Burger with rosemary salt and then stay late for the snapper tartare with puffed rice, chive dressing and shaved foie gras. Be sure to wash it all down a glass of wine (or two!).

Oscar Cooper | 160 Greville St, Prahran| (03) 9529 5670| Tu-Sat 7-5, Sun 8-5 | fb.com/oscarcoopermelb
Oscar Cooper opened just this week and is the latest offering to hit Greville Street. It’s aim? Honest food, perfect Small Batch coffee and quality booze. Local suppliers are the heroes behind the menu, including the wine and boutique brews. We especially love the ‘damn fine jaffles’ that rotate daily. With a license until 3am, Oscar Cooper is available for functions. Dog lovers will also be pleased to hear that ‘Oscar’ and ‘Cooper’ are the names of the owners’ best four-legged friends.

Oldie but a goldie

Coffee Darling| 2 Darling St, South Yarra| (03) 9867 2488| Daily 6.15am-5.30pm South
Yarra residents are practically family at this local favourite, where owners Bill and Faye Colls always remember your name and — if you’re lucky — greet you with a kiss. The light-filled space is beautiful in the springtime, when the decorative lattices and windows open up to let in the sun. The focus on fresh produce and warm service is obvious, but it’s difficult not to be distracted by the giant glass counter stuffed with goodies and topped with cakes. Try their famous ‘Full Eggs’, and if there are any left, Coffee Darling’s homemade macarons are some of the best in town.

Do & See 

Markets of Melbourne at Taxi Dining Room| Level 1 Transport Hotel Federation Square, Melbourne | 9 September, 12.30pm-3.30pm | $85, bookings (03) 9654 8808
Taxi Dining Room is hosting a special lunch to celebrate the Markets of Melbourne (Queen Victoria Market, South Melbourne Market and Prahran Market). Take in the view of our amazing city while enjoying a specially crafted five course degustation, incorporating seasonal market produce. Highlights will include salmon sashimi with kombu dressing, ‘Blue Zarr’ gnocci with braised rabbit and pepper grass puree, and roasted saddle of lamb with young spring vegetables and rosemary jus.

Photo for Freedom Expo| Michael’s Photographic Gallery, Cnr Lonsdale & Elizabeth Sts, Melbourne| Display from 7 Sep – 1 Oct| Details & hours (03) 9672 2222 or www.michaels.com.au
In this photographic exhibition for social change in Ghana, award-winning photographer Tom Goldner aims to raise awareness of human trafficking and slavery. His black and white collection captures the essence of life in Ghana, where children as young as three are sold into slavery by their parents. All proceeds go to ‘Art Effecting Change’, an organisation that helps communities directly affected by modern day slavery in Ghana.

Out of town

The Produce Store | 68 High St, Mansfield | (03) 5779 1404| Tue-Sun 9am-5pm, Fri dinner| theproducestore.com
If you’re ever in the High Country, this local favourite is a must visit. The rustic building dates back to 1895 and boasts high ceilings and a homely atmosphere. It’s known as the place to meet and eat in Mansfield. You’ll find all of the regions best produce on the seasonal blackboard menu, a wine room with over 70 varieties from the area, and art works by local artists. Can’t get enough? Regional goodies and coffee are available to take back to the city.

Featured Table

Taxi Dining Room | 30% off your entire bill | Book Now

A legend of the Melbourne dining scene Taxi outshines most for food, service and the views. In 2012 it seems to be getting better and better and remains one of Melbourne best restaurants.

The restaurant has been no stranger to awards and most recently chef Tony Twickett was awarded an Excellence in Service award while the Wine List ranks as one of the country’s greatest with a 3-glass rating and securing a place on the Gourmet Traveller Wine List of the Year Awards Hall of Fame. Very much worth every tipple!

1. Andrew’s Burgers | 144 Bridport St, Albert Park | andrewshamburgers.com.au
Andrew’s Burgers is one of the original burger joints that has lasted the test of time. They have great vegetarian options. Their face-meltingly delicious ingredients will have you driving from the north side to grab a burger!

2. The Merrywell | corner of Clarendon St and Crown Riverside | themerrywell.com.au
The Merrywell is another great dude food destination with a cheerful ambience. Go for the “Bangin’ Banh Mi” fish sandwich, the most delicious onion rings and alcoholic milkshakes and spiders for grown ups.

3. The Napier | 210 Napier St Fitzroy | thenapierhotel.com
The Napier is my favourite watering hole in Fitzroy, because it’s a great place to catch up with your mates. For a challenge, ask for the “Bogan Burger”, a big turkish bread roll topped with a steak, a chicken schnitzel, a potato cake, bacon, egg, cheese, onion, pineapple and beetroot.

4. Pizza Meine Liebe | 231 High St Northcote | pizzarocks.com.au
This joint has the best pizza bases on earth, and a delicious selection of toppings, such as Smashin’ Pumpkin and Fondue. Combined with a great beer garden, you’re set for an enjoyable meal.

5. Trippy Taco | 234 Gertrude St, Fitzroy, Melbourne | trippytaco.com.au/
Go for the all-vegetarian Mexican street food menu of tacos (and brekky tacos!), nachos, quesadillas and sweets offering simple but delicious flavours, and value for money with generous portions, as well as the old-school Fitzroy vibe.

The main chef, Ashlee Connell (ex Collins Quarter) is a chick with balls. In fact, she has five: pork, beef, chicken, fish and vegetable. The choice of red, white and green sauces mirror the Italian flag, while the balls come in sliders (a ball in a mini brioche buns) and heroes (a ciabatta with three balls). Breakfast options such as egg, charred corn and aged cheddar prove it’s never too early to nibble on some balls, and if two 60g balls in your mouth don’t wake you up, the Dukes Coffee certainly will. If you can’t handle the balls, the ‘whoopie macs’ (homemade ice cream sandwiched between two oversized macaron shells) are proper naughty.

When the team was putting together the menu, Matteo regularly called his Venetian mother with questions about traditional recipes (who is apparently even more reliable than friend and celebrity chef Stefano de Pieri). His father inspired the wine list, which features a range of Italian and Australian varieties, with a focus on Prosseco and Grappa. Aussie craft beer, cider, specialty cocktails, bellinis and spritzers also make an appearance.

Inside MWB, Eades and Bergman have created a contemporary setting with a nod to rustic Italy, thanks to exposed brick walls, a lengthy copper bar and communal seating. The Anatomy design studio has put the cherry on top with a custom made ‘MEAT DEPT’ sign that sits atop a display cabinet stuffed with legs of ham, mozzarella balls and Wagyu 9+ Bresaola.

MWB is a whole new ball game. Instead of the off cuts traditionally used in meatballs, expect beautiful produce from Sydney’s Victor Churchill butcher, rare-breed Kurobuta pork from Byron Bay (the Wagyu of pork) and pasture-fed Black Angus beef from Gippsland. Meatball recipes have also been recruited from Australia’s top chefs as specials. Soon, you’ll be able to put Neil Perry and Guy Grossi’s balls in your mouth, too.

Location: 135 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Open: Weekdays 7am-late (breakfast 7am-11am) | Weekends 12pm-late (brunch 11am-3pm)
Phone: (03) 9654 7545
Details: meatballandwinebar.com.au

Oldie but a goldie
Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar| 66 Bourke St, Melbourne| (03) 9662 1885| Mon-Sat 8am-11.30pm, Sun 12pm-8pm
The words ‘traditional’ and ‘authentic’ get thrown around a lot these days, but if there’s an eatery that deserves the title, it’s Pellegrini’s. Hungry customers sit on red vinyl stools while waiters in crisp white shirts run around the checkerboard floor. The best seat in the house is at the communal kitchen table, where you’ll be thrust bowls of Mama’s spaghetti bolognaise, minestrone of the day, pizza napoletana, risotto, ravioli and rich lasagna. Try and save room for an Italian sweetie after your meal—just to clarify, we mean the edible kind.

Do & See 
Jazz at Prahran Market |  2 September | 163 Commercial Road,Prahran, |marketsofmelbourne.com.au/event/enjoy-jazz-at-the-market/
Celebrate the start of Spring with a glass of chilled wine and some live jazz at the Prahran Market. The weather is supposed to be sunny and 20 so we couldn’t think of any better way to spend our Sunday.

Out of town
Wild Dog Winery | Warragul Korumurra Road, Warragul| (03) 5623 2211| Wed-Fri 11.30am-2.30pm, Sat-Sun 10am-3pm, Fri-Sat 6pm| wilddogwinery.com
With views of the Strzelecki Ranges and picturesque vineyards and olive plantations, Wild Dog Winery is the perfect place to spend an indulgent day. Aside from pizza and charcuterie, the menu is divided into ‘sea’, ‘meat’ and ‘earth’. There’s also a degustation available, as well as a separate, six course dessert degustation. The cellar door is open 7 days a week as part of the restaurant, so make sure you have a designated driver!

Something to buy
Style Rocks | stylerocks.com
Style Rocks lets you build your own bling from scratch – it’s high-end tailor-made jewellery at its best. Select your own metals, finishes, engraving, embossing, charms and gems – something that’s distinctly ”you”.

Table of the week – AgendaTables – Get 30% off your entire bill
Madame Sousou | 231 Brunswick St Melbourne | Book Now
Madame Sousou is a slice of Paris right in the heart of Fitzroy. The old-world interior, ornamented with gilded mirrors, antique posters and wooden champagne crates makes it cosy and romantic.The menu includes classical bistro fare made of local, seasonal and sustainable produce.

“If eating and drinking were only about satisfying our basic needs, we would all stay home. The décor, music, service, presentation, atmosphere, entertainment and the element of surprise are all part of the experience.”

DER RAUM  | 438 Church Street, Richmond  derraum.com.au
Way back in 2003 I was a sales rep for an alcohol company and  Der Raum was one of my first “cocktail bar” accounts. This venue is the godfather and pioneer of the molecular experience. Its reputation is globally recognised and the experience cannot be replicated anywhere else.

The Velvet Frog (created by owner Matthew Bax) optimises their creativity and can only be experienced to fully appreciate:

Base:60ml Tanqueray
10ml Lemon
10ml Gomme (1:1)
5ml Der Raum Crème de Violette
Dash Dry Champagne
Garnish: Lemon Twist & Flavour Fog

The Understudy | 169 Exhibition Street, Melbourne | 1806.com.au/understudy

Upstairs, 1806 is a classic cocktail bar but in contrast The Understudy is an engaging environment rich in theatre props with air of derangement, almost Alice in Wonderland-esque. The best way to experience this space is to join “Odyssey in The Understudy:
A Cocktail Degustation”

Thursday-Saturday,  7pm-10pm | 5 Courses -$75 (without food ), $90 (with food)

Burch & Purchese Sweet Studio | 647 Chapel Street, South Yarra | burchandpurchese.com
I love Heston’s Feasts – particularly the Willy Wonker Dinner Party – this is as close as you can get to that experience. I love the magnificent selection of seasonal desserts with unique flavour pairings such as chocolate, bacon & pumpkin. If you have ever taken a trip to Prahran, you would know how frustrating it is to find a park close to where you want to go. Luckily now for all you sweet tooths, you can experience some amazingly innovative sweets without leaving your car: simply call from your mobile, quote your order name and number and voila! – delivery straight out to your car. Brilliant!

Attica Restaurant 
| 74 Glen Eira Road,
 Ripponlea | http://attica.com.au/
Attica is the go to place for most hospitality workers who really appreciate perfection. This is a “3 Hat” experience second to none without the OTT stuffy, uncomfortable, old school service on the side.

Whilst they do not classify the cooking style as strictly molecular, they do utilise elements of the avant-garde Spanish style of cooking in some of the dishes. An example of this the mulled wine, which takes various spices distilled down to a strong reduction, and utilised as a sauce in such dishes as of beef tongue, chive, lettuce stems and freeze dried blackberries.

Mixology Management  | 169 Exhibition Street, Melbourne| mixologymanagement.com
After working your way through all the venues listed above, perhaps you might be interested in trying your hand at a bit of mixology yourself…!

Breaking down quintessential recipes and exploring how each spirit can be matched and why flavours work together. From classic to modern molecular concepts this is a must for anyone who just wants to know more.

1. Denial. “Whoa,” you exhale, “this place can’t possibly live up to the hype, it’s huge!” The last part of that sentence is right. Virginia Plain is 440-square-meters-huge. Despite its size, it maintains a sultry modern feel with its 18.5 meter granite-topped bar, black banquette seating, and artistic light fittings of blown glass and bulbous copper.

2. Anger. “How ridiculous,” you fume, “I’m never going to be able to pick from this menu!” Fear not, you can always ask the wait staff to “bring it on”. This will result in either four or seven courses from part owner and Executive Chef Andy Hamer, formerly of Vue de Monde (Marco Santucci, who established the Carlisle Wine Bar, is also at the helm). The menu is an eclectic mix of re-interpreted European classics, with each section named after a song. Highlights from “the thrill of it all” include scallops and sliced pigs’ trotters stuffed with black pudding and foie gras mousse with four-year-old jamon. From “the main thing”, try the roast barramundi three cheese crust with baby calamari and vongole sauce, but save room for hot chocolate fondant with milk ice.

3. Bargaining. So you can’t decide on what to eat, but you’ll settle with deciding what to drink. That’s until you realise the extremely comprehensive beverage menu has 50 wines under $65 and has been assembled by former Vue de Monde and SOS sommelier, Raul Moreno Yague. The wines are indexed by their characteristics, such as “oak and ambition” and “plush and juicy” (including “orange and grippy” amphora wines). At this point, the fourth stage kicks in…

4. Depression. “Don’t look at me,” you tell your dining partner, your head in your hands. All you wanted was to do was impress them with your assertiveness and food knowledge. You’ve failed, outshone by a bloody restaurant.

5. Acceptance. “What are you on about? Virginia Plain is marvelous!” they exclaim, rubbing their belly. You sit up. Your plates are cleared with a smile. Bob Dylan on vinyl fills your ears and you order one last ‘blood and sand’ cocktail, with A Satisfied Mind.

Location: 31 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Open: Mon-Wed 11am-11pm | Thu-Sat 11am-1am
Phone: (03) 9290 0400
Details: virginiaplain.com.au

Gardiner and Field | 43 Union St, Armadale | (03) 9078 1125 | Weekdays 7am-4pm, weekends 8am-4pm| gardinerandfield.com
After gutting the inside of an Armadale milk bar with the help of family and friends, Nick Gardiner (ex The Maling Room) and Jess Feldy (ex 30 Mill) are now the proud owners of Gardiner and Field, a sunlit space decorated with daffodils and artwork that opened on Monday. Homemade conserves, eggs, Woodfrog Bakery bread, The Maling Room coffee beans and newspapers line the window, keeping the old milk bar spirit alive. There are daily rotating specials, an all-day breakfast menu that includes baked rhubarb and strawberries rolled in French toast tortillas, and our favourite lunch item, a lamb burger with roast capsicum, rocket and tzatziki on a sugary challah bun.

Oldie but a goldie

Ocha Japanese | 3 Church St, Hawthorn| (03) 9853 6002| Day: Wed-Sun 11am-3pm | Lunch: Tue-Fri 12pm-2.30pm | Dinner: Tue-Sat 6pm-late | ocha.com.au
Since 1994, Ocha has been serving the finest Japanese fare to locals and travelers alike. The contemporary menu is created with tradition in mind. Feast on the freshest sushi and sashimi, tonkatsu, udon, tempura and teriyaki, while sipping on imported beer and sake. You can also treat someone special to a 17 course Japanese degustation for $120 at 6pm on the last Monday of each month. Book in advance; places are strictly limited.

Do & See

Winter Rotisserie at Riverland | Vaults 1-9, Federation Wharf, Under Princes Bridge, Melbourne| 26 August | 2pm-5pm| fedsquare.com | booking (03) 9662 1771 or infor@riverlandbar.com
Here’s a thought: this Sunday is the last Sunday in winter. Riverland Bar and Café is celebrating with a tasty pig rotisserie on the banks of the Yarra as part of Fed Square’s program of food and wine events. Think warming cider and crisp pork rolls with coleslaw, hand-cut chips and live acoustic tunes. Pop down before the footy and get in early to secure a seat.

STREAT Café giveaways | various locations | 19-23 August | streat.com.au
This week, STREAT is celebrating serving 250,000 meals and coffees in the fight against youth homelessness by randomly giving $27 worth of ‘STREAT Cred(it)’ to lucky customers, which can be used at any of the STREAT cafés (Melbourne Central, McKillop, Flemington). Why $27? Because that’s all it took for social entrepreneur Professor Muhammad Yunus to start global microfinance and microcredit systems by lending $27 a group 42 of impoverished women in Bangladesh. It’s all they needed, but it made a world of difference.

Out of town

Loam | 650 Andersons Rd, Drysdale, Vic | (03) 5251 1101| Lunch: Thu-Sun, 12pm-3pm | Dinner: Fri-Sat, 6.30pm-9pm | loam.com.au
If you know anything about food, you know about Loam Restaurant. Especially since it took out the 2012 Good Food Guide ‘Regional Restaurant of the Year’. Set in an olive grove about an hour’s drive from the CBDin Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula, Chef Aaron Turner serves seasonal fare (two, four, seven or nine courses) inspired by his childhood growing up on farms. The menu is simply list of ingredients: let the staff know those that don’t tickle your fancy and the edible artworks will appear before you. At Loam, it’s all about unique food combinations and meticulous presentation. But most of all, it’s about the produce.

Featured Sale

Tequila Tasting at Senoritas | September 9 | $55 | Buy now 
Señoritas already offers a glimpse into authentic Mexican; now coupled with Tequila Tromba they bring you this exclusive Tequila appreciation for Agenda Members.
Tequila Tromba Co-Founder, Nick Reid, will take invitees on a tasting journey. Experience the origins of Tequila Tromba and taste your way through Tequila’s best known varietals. Together with Head Chef Hugo Reyes, formally of the exclusive “El Dorado Royal Hotel” in the Mexican Riviera Maya, the Tequila’s on offer will then be matched to Señoritas authentic cuisine.

Featured Table

Get 30% off at Society in the CBD

Rooted in simple and fresh ingredients, Society serves up an unpretentious selection of traditional Italian fare. The portions are unfailingly generous. The atmosphere is energetic, exuberant and it has a homely feel. Be sure to finish your meal with the Dolci Misti; a tasting plate of five decadent desserts.

They’ve kept the seamlessly endless stone bar, now lined with raised aqua bucket seats plucked straight out of the ‘70s. You can also sit at the communal wooden table, on the red cushioned seats beneath the golden feature wall, or outside when the sun appears. Wherever you plant your behind, you’ll catch the kitchen in action and the scent of sizzling meat.

Nine juicy burgers are available, from the ‘Plain’ with lettuce, pickles, mayo and sauce to the more gourmet ‘Royal Blue’ with blue cheese, bacon, pickles, onion and sauce. The patties are 100 per cent Mayura Station Wagyu beef, unless you opt for the crumbed ‘Magic Mushroom’ or ‘Fish Fillet’. There are also counter meals and old school hors d’oeuvres; think dim sims, mini Chick-O-Rolls and cheesy corn croquets. If you’re over the burger craze, pop in between 11am and 3pm to sip on bottomless Atomica coffee or a Bloody Mary while chowing down a nostalgic pancake stack or “brunch in a bun”.

Aside from the ten boutique brews, there’s a selection of wine and soft drinks. Instead of ordering that second beer, try the two shot ‘milkshake-a-holics’. The blue heaven and silver rum sounded almost as good as the chocolate with marshmallow vodka.

While we can go on about Brother Burger’s old school style all day, only you can decide for yourself whether it lives up to its marvelous title. Keep an eye out for the Argentinean patisserie opening at the front soon.

Location: 413 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
Open: Weekdays 5pm-11pm | Sat 11am-1am | Sun 11am-10pm
Phone: (03) 9419 0088
Details: http://www.brotherburger.com.au

Trocadero | Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall, 100 St Kilda Road | (03) 8698 8888 | Seven days 11am–11pm |trocadero.co
If you’ve walked by Hamer Hall recently, you’ll have noticed a lot has changed. One of the changes is the shiny new Trocadero brasserie and bar, the latest love child of the Van Haandles. The 60 meter space boasts views of the river, artwork by Japanese graffiti artist Jun Inoue, and Head Chef Nick Bennett (ex Cecconi’s) serving European-inspired dishes. It’s perfect for a pre or post show drink. Hell, why not just skip the show and come for dinner?

Oldie but a goldie

Mamma Vittoria’s | 343 Smith St, Fitzroy| (03) 9417 5414 | Wed-Sun 11am-3pm | Night: Tue-Sun 6pm-late| mammavittoria.com.au
Mamma Vittoria’s has been around for 30 years and is the ultimate Italian dining institution. It began as a small pasta factory before expanding into the local favourite it is today. We could recommend one of Mamma’s authentic pasta or pizza dishes, but why no let the family decide for you? Visit the website for a voucher for a free bottle of wine or sparkling before you go.

Do & See

FREE SHAKES | various locations | 19-23 August | healthybones.com.au
Every one loves free stuff and everyone loves milkshakes. So you can imagine our excitement when we heard that Dairy Australia is pairing up with Rowena Parade Corner Store, Jerry’s Milk Bar and Café No. 12 to promote National Healthy Bones Week by dishing out free milkshakes. Check the website for more details.

For the Love of Truffles | $120pp | Shop 10, 530 Collins St, entry via Little Collins St | 25 August | 7pm | mrmason.com.au | booking (03) 9614 4500
It’s truffle season, and what better way to celebrate than by indulging in an exclusive four course French degustation with matching wines at Mr. Mason. Chef Tanya Bertino will cook up a storm, while Simon Friend of Friend & Burrell will share his truffle tricks. The night will be worth its weight in gold.

Out of town
Coffee Traders | 3 Blake Street, Mornington, Vic | ((03) 5977 1177| Seven days 8am-4pm
Coffee Traders in Mornington take their reputation seriously. There’s the house blend or the feature blend, which swings between a special house roasts or an imported bean. Gobble down the turkey sandwich with crisp butter lettuce, thick rectangles of sticky Brie and generous chunks of turkey, but make sure you back it up with dessert; perhaps a mixed berry cheesecake or caramel and macadamia slice?

Something to buy

Svbscription | svbscription.com | $300 per quarter
They’re a new subscription service for men delivering luxury, curated products and experiences to your door. We subscribed and got a parcel with a thing-a-ma-bob in it saying “keep this, you’ll need it”. Ok we’re curious. Then a few days later came a bigger box (we needed the thing-a-ma-bob to open it) full travel themed goodies like a Steve Alan beach blanket, a leather passport wallet by Want Les Essentials De La Vie and a Mr and Mrs Smith hotel voucher, to name a few items. The next delivery is study themed. We think they make a great gift but get in quick as it’s only open to the first 200 people.

Sale of the week

50 People | 50 Dozen Oysters | 50 Bottles of Bubbles | Richmond Oysters | August 19 | $50 | agendacity.com/melbourne/sale/richmondoysters/
When you get 50 people together, pile on 50 dozen of the best Oysters in Melbourne and 50 bottles of the award wining Blue Pyrenees Vintage Sparkling you know you’re in for a good time.

Weekend Table

AgendaTables – 30% off your entire bill at Mr Mason  www.agendacity.com/tables/restaurant/mr-mason
It’s a touch of France without the fuss. Mr Mason opened at the end of last year and is brought to you by The Publican Group (Veludo, Campari House and Wharf Hotel).  We recommend the homemade chicken liver parfait, toasted brioche, chutney (even if you aren’t that keen on pate… trust us!). But make sure you save room for the chocolate souffle with milk sherbet and honeycomb for dessert.

We’re remembering:

- Lolly Bags at birthday parties
- Mums packed lunch boxes with a treat or two
- The sounds of the local ice-cream truck

Let us reminisce for a moment; how good was it when mum used to pack lunch and throw in a surprise? There was the Milky Way, the Wagon Wheel and even the odd Mars Bar slice freshly made the night before.

Well those days are back, announcing AgendaCity’s latest dose of epicurean goodness, uTaste.com.au.

uTaste is a decadent subscription for $29 per month. It’s quite simply a delicious collection of gourmet treats in one box. Instead of just talking about the food we’ve decided to deliver it to you direct. Each month we select the most amazing treats we can find, box them up and ship them to you direct.

We like to call it a tasty box of decadence. Would you like one?

Think chocolate pops, artisan olive oils, bags of chocolate covered coffee beans, macarons, fudge, teas, compote, cider, drinking fondue and organic olive and lime salt. Just a teaser.

All our partners are the best of the best and we can’t wait to reveal them to you.

And yes, you can even Gift them.  The perfect gift for a gourmand, partner or devoted employee.

How does it work?

1.      Jump onto uTaste.com.au
2.      Either Gift or Subscribe via Paypal ($29 plus shipping)
3.      Await your uTaste Box
4.      Open and SURPRISE
5.      Eat!

Over to you now – uTaste.com.au

First 100 buyers only!

Storm in a Teacup | 48A Smith Street Collingwood | storminateacup.com.au
I love this tea house.  They understand quality of produce and how tea should be brewed.  The best tasting tea is made for multiple infusions.  That is, use more tea, brew it for less time (~30 seconds), and re-steep it for multiple infusions, ensuring that you empty the liquid contents of your brewing device each time.  They also stock tea from my favourite tea region – Hawaii.  Hawaii is not known as a traditional place for growing tea, but after a decade of experimentation they are now producing some of the best artisan tea in the world.  It’s hard to get hold of though, with some Hawaiian micro-lot tea farms growing as little as 20kg a year.

Oriental Tea House | 378 Little Collins St, Melbourne | orientalteahouse.com.au
This is for your more traditional oriental tea experience.  I guarantee you will go away with at least one zisha pot as their selection is adorable.  For those who are a little more adventurous, I strongly suggest sampling their pu-erh tea (pronounced poo-air).  To me, pu-erh smells like dirt and is dark like an espresso but it tastes brilliant.  It is also the only tea that is cellared and aged with the most prized pu-erh cakes being aged 30-40 years.

Lui Bar, Vue de Monde | Level 55, 525 Collins St, Melbourne| vuedemonde.com.au
Vue de Monde was one of the first restaurants in Australia to value tea to the point that chef Shannon Bennett sourced a tea sommelier to join his team.  Enter Charlie Serveau who takes over the mantle from Sarah Cowell.  I’m excited to see where Charlie takes his tea menu.  Charlie shares my passion for teaching and will be hosting 5 classes on the different tea families in September.

Little Bean Blue | 15 Little Collins St, Melbourne | littlebeanblue.com.au
The path of a tea drinker is usually this – breakfast blend with milk and sugar, green tea, then inevitably after exploring the broad types of tea they gravitate towards the world of oolong.  Oolong is simple – add no milk and sugar (good for weight control), brew with boiling water, and look forward to multiple infusions from the one serving of leaf.  I call it the world of oolong because you will always find new varieties to travel to with oolongs.  I was extremely surprised to discover a great Wuyi Rock oolong on the menu of this top-notch espresso bar, but the word is that more and more baristas are cheating on coffee to learn about tea.

For more info on Tomte visit www.tomtelife.com

He’s not your average café owner but then again what is an average café owner?

And what the hell is a Mook? Even after he and those who gave him the nickname explained it several times, we are still at a loss.

By day, well on the days he feels like it, Mook owns and operates Mileto’s – a butcher turned deli café. Basically it’s like going to visit Nonna: Home style cooking and lots of friendly smiles, minus the irritable face pinching.

By night Mook finds his escape through music.

“I feel a deep sense of freedom through playing the drums.”

His band, plays both locally and throughout Australia – even supporting the Misfits at the iconic hifi bar in Melbourne, a gig that Mook cites as his most memorable.

Despite the fact that his customers would never be able to tell, the double life does take its toll from time to time.

“Usually after a show we like to party a little, and sometimes it can get a little out of hand. Working after that is very painful.”

So at least if we ever receive upside down eggs and toast, we know why.

Mook is also a big believer in the importance of taking time out to relax and restore his body, mostly through meditation.

“I believe in love and happiness, faith is very important to me, faith that we can transform our negative/ignorant patterns into positive empowering patterns. They are much more useful and enjoyable for all involved.”

He took part in Vipassana, a ten day, silentmeditation retreat – rather surprising for a manwho quite frankly, doesn’t ever stop talking. Looking back on it, Mook refers to the experience with only one word: Humbling.

Music, meditation, and Mileto’s. Life is good for Mook.

If you’re wondering where ‘Rockwell and Sons’ comes from, don’t: Wall and Potoi amused themselves creating names from thin air until Rockwell stuck. Then they added “and Sons” for extra flair. There may not be any method in the madness, but you can’t deny it sounds professional.

The place looks the part as well. Nicola Dovey has kept the interior simple, making effective use of the raw brick walls, wooden floors and sleek black bar. A geometric plywood frame separates the larger, raised tables from those made for two, the latter of which have a view of the kitchen. Spherical light globes hang stiffly from the ceiling and black plates add a touch of sophistication.

Although Wall likened his menu notes to the schizophrenic scribbles of Russell Crowe’s character less than two weeks ago, Rockwell and Sons now offers unfussy, hearty fare. Try the calamari roll made with kewpie tartar sauce and pickled celery; the braised pork rib baguette with BBQ sauce, smoked hock and slaw; or the ‘smash burger’, with not one but two juicy patties doused in a special sauce and layered with melted Kraft Singles. Wall says Kraft Singles are “the best burger cheese in the world”. Who are we to disagree?

Nothing quite complements burgers and pork like craft beer, and Rockwell and Sons boast an impressive list of half Aussie and half international brews. For non-beer drinkers, let’s face it, you’re missing out. But if you insist on non-beer boozing, there are simple spirits and a small but satisfactory wine list with drops from home to France. Rock on Rockwell (and Sons).

Where: 288 Smith St, Collingwood
Open: Mon, Wed, Thu, 11.30am-3.30pm & 5.30pm-11pm | Fri 11.30am-3.30pm & 5.30pm-midnight | Sat 9am-3.30pm & 5.30pm-midnight | Sun 9am-3.30pm, 5.30pm-10pm
Phone: (03) 8415 0700
Details: rockwellandsons.com.au  & fb.com/RockwellandSons

Oldie but a goldie
Borsch, Vodka & Tears | 173 Chapel St, Prahran | (03) 9530 2694 | weekdays 9am-midnight | weekends 10am-midnight | borschvodkaandtears.com
There are many reasons why you should visit (or revisit) Borch, Vodka & Tears: over 100 varieties of vodka, their lemon meringue pie cocktail, traditional Polish food, live Polish music, candle lit wooden finishes… but we had you at “over 100 varieties of vodka”, didn’t we? This Prahran institution is arguably the best thing on Chapel Street. Plenty of people know it, so you’ll need to book before you go.

Do & See
The Middle Fish Market featuring TheSuperCool | 122-128 Berkeley St, Carlton | 11-12 August | 10am-4pm | thesupercool.com 
What on earth is TheSuperCool? Why, it’s a mobile emporium crammed with a quirky collection of affordable goodies from the everyday to the unique, of course! If it sounds like your kind of thing, TheSuperCool are teaming up with Middle Fish Restaurant this weekend for a market extravaganza. Middle Fish will be dishing out street-style Thai food and cooking demonstrations. TheSuperCool will be contributing their vintage spinning wheel and handing out prizes. We will be bringing our good-looking selves. See you there.

Out of town
Raeshaws at Fullham | 10 Williams Dr, Fulham, Vic | (03) 5144 1672 | Thu-Sun 8am-late | raeshawsatfulham.com.au
Get out of town. No really, go. And when you do, head to Raeshaws at Fulham, a stunning ‘paddock to plate’ restaurant set in a former migrant camp. In the middle of the lush lawns is a magnificent oak tree planted at the end of the First World War by a returning solider. The produce on your plate either comes from the 76-acre property or from local farmers and suppliers. Be sure to order the ploughman’s platter with olives, homemade relish, charcuterie, a selection of cheese and more. Say g’day to the friendly family in charge when you visit.

Sale of the week
Bottomless mussels and a jug of ice cold beer | $45 for two | Richmond Oysters
Let’s say you’re struck by a craving for succulent mussels cooked in one of two ways (the French classic moules mariniere with white wine sauce or provencale with tomato garlic and herbs) and you’ve got to have them now (or sometime in August) than you’ve got to have this Private Sale.

Weekend Table
AgendaTables – 30% off your entire bill at:
The London | Port Melbourne
We love this place for its simplicity and eco ways. They’ve cut back on bottles and offer more options on tap (Coldstream Naked Ale, Kosciusko Pale Ale, Cricketers Arms Larger, Coldstream cider, etc.), including Hepburn mineral water. There’s also a barrel wall with four Victorian wines ready to be served by the glass, half litre or full litre.

Pizza is the hero at this beachside venue. Try the house specialty of Mozzarella, pfifferling mushrooms, pancetta and rosemary, or skip straight to a dessert pizza with Nutella and macerated strawberries. Or, share some small plates of antipasto before digging into a pasta dish, an Angus beef burger or a swordfish steak from the grill.

For Fun
http://unbaby.me/
Sometimes there are just way too many pictures of babies on Facebook. Don’t get us wrong, they’re chubby and cute and all that but… There’s this new Google Chrome extension that automatically deletes baby pictures from Facebook and replaces them with other pictures. Like cute animals and bacon. Enjoy.

After checking out the menu, the crowd is hardly surprising. Wonders such as pikelets with poached pear, cinnamon ice cream and pistachio praline, and poached crumbed eggs with a trio of mushrooms, soldiers, salsa verde, pickled capsicum and goat’s curd are served for breakfast until 12pm.

From the lunch/dinner menu, order the seared swordfish slider with wasabi mayo from the “nibbles” section, or try the quail schnitzel with beetroot slaw, candied walnuts and sauce gribiche from the larger plates. We’ll be back for the Turkish delight doughnuts with cinnamon ice cream & Allpress espresso syrup.

What was once a “disgusting” Chinese restaurant is now a welcoming contemporary space set in a charming old brick building. It’s all about the little touches here: decorative felt lights, vintage-inspired artwork (including the adorable toilet doors), deep blue water glasses and—of course—a brass horn.

Lil Boy Blue also caters for functions in their upstairs dining room, complete with a bright sunroom for six that looks out onto the street below. It’s the perfect place to quench your thirst with a little something from the proudly Australian wine, beer and cider list… but we recommend going straight for the cocktails. Go for the Morning Glory Fizz with Johnny Walker Black, Absinthe, sugar and soda, if you think you can handle it.

This new addition to Kew is full of character, refined yet rustic, and playful without compromising what’s put on your plate. Lil Boy Blue, you can blow our horn anytime.

Location: 309 High Street, Kew
Open: Tue-Sat 8am-11pm | Sun-Mon 8am-4pm
Phone: (03) 9853 5003
Details: lilboyblue.com.au

We went back on a Tuesday to find a delighted open cafe. Happiness.

We often wonder if Collingwood will run out of hip to dish out on a plate, yet with every new converted warehouse cafe, burger joint or kitsch emporium, it hits us that hip has no end point. Kinda like a Mandelbrot set, we guess.

The food and coffee was undeniably good, so much so that we found ourselves thinking about it for the rest of the day. And all we had was a muffin and a long black. Who thought flour and bits, and beans could be so good?

It looked like everyone around us was enjoying their time as well, until they saw us looking at their “Eat your soup” lunch for a minute too long. We couldn’t help it, and neither will you when you’re next to a hearty bowl of free-range chicken mince balls, with winter mushrooms and vegetables served with quinoa and green seaweed onigiri with lemon miso.

All this made us wonder, “Why aren’t you eating your soup, quicker?”

The name is also a mouthful, Japanese for ‘everyone’s home’. And home we did feel, surprisingly more than ever in the bathroom – of all places. With newspaper-lined walls and a radio documentary playing in the background, we had to convince ourselves to leave.

With six things on the menu, Mina.no.ie shows that the simplest things in life are often the best. We’ll give hipsters credit for that.

Where: 33 Peel Street, Collingwood
Hours: Tues-Fri 8am–4pm | Sat-Sun 9am–4pm
Details: minanoie.com

Grandma’s 8: scallop, shrimp, pork, chicken, chestnut, cashew, bamboo & shitake
In David’s homeland, every family has an adaptation of this spicy Shanghai medley; it’s kind of like the Chinese version of grandma’s chicken soup. David’s mum used to make it for the family, and now you and yours can chow down on it in Melbourne.

‘One bite’ soft shell river prawns
The shells of these sweet and crunchy beauties are full of calcium and can be made into congee as a natural pain remedy for teething children. David added them to the menu after visiting Zhouzhuang, a 1600-year-old heritage water village where fishing is abundant.

Peasant’s crab
Crab costs a claw and a leg and it’s not always in season. Shanghai locals who couldn’t afford the real deal tossed diced scallops, fish and egg in the wok to make a mock crustacean, and after some experimentation, they decided they preferred it to pincers anyway.

Spiced oolong tea quail eggs with bean curd & wolf berries
David has fond memories of his mother stewing this dish for hours and filling the entire house with mouth-watering aromas. The wolf berries are a miracle fruit; good for the liver, kidneys and eyes.

Country Comfort: sticky pork belly & chat potatoes
How can you say no to pork belly when it’s a replica of a homely dish served in China with tender meat, wok fried chat potatoes and sticky sauce? It’s simple really: you can’t.

Location: 4 Cecil Place, Prahran
Open: Mon-Wed 12pm-3pm & 6pm-10pm | Thu 12pm-3pm & 6pm-10.30pm | Fri 12pm-11pm | Sat 11.30am – 11pm | Sun 11.30am-10.30pm
Phone: (03) 9529 5199
Details: davidsrestaurant.com.au

“I struggle to still my mind.”

The warp speed at which Sal said these words was indicative of their truth.

Sal is a self-made businessman and like most entrepreneurs, his working day never really ends and his mind never quite stops. From his cult status cafes to a travel agency, a fashion label and most recently an architectural firm, Sal has tried his hand at almost everything – to great success.

“I’m generally obsessed with creating. Business gives me the opportunity to get involved in new projects and learn a lot.”

Sal is the first to admit to the stresses that accompany a life in the business world, so he finds balance through fitness. In fact he finished sweating it out in the boxing ring about 5 minutes before we spoke with him, a sport which he cites responsible for keeping his mind stealth and able to avoid trouble both in business and in his personal life.

On the other end of the spectrum is yoga, another practice Sal finds incredibly rewarding.

“My personal quest has always been to find inner calm, I’m nowhere near it but I always try. In an hour class I might still my mind for 5 minutes.”

Boxing, business, yoga, balance – it’s quite a mix but Sal insists that’s what keeps life interesting, referring to himself as ying and yang as he counteracts the business and hospitality lifestyle with a vigorous fitness regime. Healthy body, healthy mind right?

So what of all the money that comes with these successful business ventures?

“Money is a bi-product of what I do, I love it don’t get me wrong, but the people who go into business to make money generally don’t. I know it’s cliché but the most successful people are the ones doing what they love.”

Ah, our mantra.

Find a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.

Well it was, until Sal uttered the words “Coffee is my anchor.”

Silo by Joost is the latest venture by Joost Bakker, this time teaming with Danny Cols, a fellow eco-advocate and self confessed Joost lover. “My business partner is a genius,” says Colls of Joost. “He has the guts and passion to believe you can change the world.”

Colls passion is equally contagious and as he takes us through a tour of the recently opened ‘zero-waste’ cafe it becomes apparent that there really is a way to imagine a world without waste.

Chef Douglas McMaster, recent winner of the Young British Foodies award for most Irreverent Chef, is in charge of the seasonal menu made of locally sourced produce and in-house milled flour. “It’s like opening a cafe 80 years ago,” Colls says. “Back to basics.” Only 80 years ago they didn’t have the cool waste dehydrator that converts 100 litres of waste into 10 litres of clean nutrient fertiliser which is then delivered to the farmer to put back onto their crops. Shulz fresh milk is delivered in returnable stainless steel pails, Hepburn Springs in recyclable ego kegs. Coffee is made on a Wega Green Line coffee machine and the kitchen and dining come bar area share the same space .

It’s like going backwards to go forwards to create a world that truly is waste free…

Where: 123 Hardware Street, Melbourne
Phone: 9600 0588
Open: Mon-Wed 6.30am-3.30pm, Thurs-Sat 6.30am-10.30pm
Details: silobyjoost.com

1. Tits.
That’s right, boobs, breasts, knockers, jugs.They feature prominently on the menu. It makes it difficult to concentrate on ordering, but you’ll get there in the end. Make sure you order “King of the Chimichichangas”, which is quickly becoming Claremont’s signature dish. Raw king salmon, fish roe and other condiments are served in a wooden box with deep-fried nori on the side, so you can assemble your own Jap-Mex ‘tacos’. For a happy ending, you can’t go past the warm spiced carrot cake with salted caramel, sesame ice cream and pistachios.

2. Swears.
Claremont Tonic is full of four letter words, especially on their cocktail menu. They’ll happily drop a C-Bomb at your table (a whole cleaved watermelon filled with organic vodka, rhubarb juice and mint leaves) and tell you where to go, with their “F*ck You Eddie” cocktail.

3. Vices.
Claremont brings out the worst in us (or perhaps the best?). We giggled at the Andy Warhol-style ‘cream of sum yung guy soup’ print in the bathroom. We sang along to the rocking soundtrack. Now, we can’t wait to chrome white peach hakuto, gin, orange blossom, jasmine jelly and bubbles from a plastic bag with Claremont’s “Chroming with Keith Richards” cocktail, coming soon. Wok ‘n’ roll, indeed.

Location: 15A Corner Claremont Street and Yarra Lane, South Yarra
Open: Tue-Sat 5.30pm-midnight
Phone: (03) 9827 0399
Details: claremont-tonic.com.au/

Station Hotel – 59 Napier St, Footscray
thestationhotel.com.au
With eleven steaks on the menu and an “epic burger with bacon and gruyere”, people feel the pressure when ordering at Station Hotel. Once, Burger Mary witnessed someone devour the burger and then order a steak to follow after suffering some serious food envy.

Huxtaburger – 106 Smith St, Collingwood
huxtaburger.com.au/
Yeah, yeah. We know. Huxtaburger is brilliant. The reason we hear about it so much is because it’s true. According to Burger Mary, “this is how burgers are supposed to be: cheap, easy to eat with one hand and satisfying, without any compromise on flavour.” She would know.

Bistro Thierry – 511 Malvern Rd, Toorak
bistrothierry.com/
At Bistro Thierry, you can pretend you’re in Paris while the French waiters “deliver in the meat department”. We don’t exactly know what Burger Mary gets up to with those mustached marvels, but we do know she rates their steak tartare and traditional Le Steak-Frites highly.

Amsterdam Street Café – 1 Amsterdam St, Richmond
If you’re a true carnivore, you’ll incorporate meat into all three meals. Burger Mary recommends Amsterdam’s “ultimate weekend indulgence” of brioche French toast, dusted with cinnamon sugar, splashed with maple syrup and, of course, with extra bacon.

Red River BBQ ShortOrder – Wed 6-9pm, The Workers Club, 51 Brunswick St, Fitzroy
facebook.com/RedRiverBBQ
Do we sense a touch of bias? Perhaps. But Burger Mary will vouch for Red River. We didn’t just take her word for it; we popped down to check it out. After trying the pulled pork sandwich and the crispy fried habanero hot chicken wings, we can see why it’s in her top five.

More info at www.burgermary.com

Sure, you could drive all the way to the Yarra Valley but why bother when St Kilda launched its very own cellar door experience with the introduction of oenotecas at the new OenoViva Dining & Wine Room, Fitzroy Street.

What are oenotecas? Specially-designed equipment that houses red, white and sparkling wines created from some of the best vineyards around the world, available to taste right from the barrel.

Soon, full-scale urban wineries in the heart of the city – vine equivalents of micro breweries – will be ageing and producing wines using grapes that have been snap frozen in, say, Champagne, and sent around the world for production in these state-of-the-art facilities.

Tastings are on offer from OenoViva’s oenotecas – whether you pop in before your meal to sample a few reds before deciding on a bottle, or duck in for a guided tasting experience over a cheese platter.

Dining room chef Nick Reade has created a sensational menu full of traditional comfort foods.

Think rich Tarago River Camembert, fried in Panko and balanced with crisp apple, walnuts and Cumberland sauce, Singapore chilli prawns with crusty bread or seared scallops wrapped in local Prosciutto.

Meats are cooked perfectly – locally-sourced lamb neck, pork shoulder or even a Beef Wellington to share.

Do not pass up dessert here – at least try the house made ice creams, if not the Bourbon-soaked Chocolate Bocanegra.

We love that OenoViva has resurfaced the $30 lunch (inflation has rendered it the $35 lunch in most establishments these days) – two courses and a glass of wine, cheap as chips and available seven days a week.

Where: 79-81 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
Lunch:12-3pm, dinner 6-10pm, 7 days a week. All day bar menu available.
Phone: (03) 9534 5472
Details: oenoviva.com/

Siblings, they are rather annoying at the best of times. You have to spend the better half of eighteen years with them before you can break away and pick up the pieces from years of torment and angst. Or is it just us?

Matt & Kael are brothers. They are also the owners of Pillar of Salt in Richmond.

Family and business, that’s a tough one. The boys are adamant that they’ve always got along, sans the two-year period where Matt was a lost cause and known as Norman Bates around the household. Matt however, looked back on the period with affection.

“I do remember chasing Kael and my sister around the house with a kitchen knife on one occasion and a fire stoker on another…The good old days.”

We thought it would be nice to have a group healing session, in words.

Brothers, how do you feel about each other’s attire?

K: Matt’s shorts in summer time tend to rub me the wrong way. It’s not his white legs, just the shorts that bother me. They’re half flannel and half denim…the rest of the year he’s pretty well dressed…”

M: Kael’s “SUNDAY FUNDAY” t-shirt… That he only wears on Sunday’s. (Go figure.)

How do you guys deal with disagreements? Do you have a special spot reserved for punch-ons out the back?

K: There’s never been any confrontation; I just let Matt have his way.

M: There’s never any confrontation; I just let Kael have his way.

On friendship and love, the boys laughed, “We have many mutual friends but are YET to share girlfriends… We are both pretty open-minded though.”

Siblings, they are rather wonderful at the best of times.

Sometimes it can be a struggle to describe the taste of truffle so for us that are new to the world of truffle how would you describe the texture, taste and smell? 

Shannon: The smell is earthy, hypnotic and mystical  with a touch of kerosene.  The texture is firm but yielding – usually you eat them shaved so they feel deceptively light.  The taste mirrors the smell but has an unexpected sweetness – it is like the richest, sweetest, deepest mushroom you have ever tasted!

Truffle Oil seems to be the flavour of the month not too mention an ingredient which tips an affordable dish up a couple of bucks. Is truffle oil the real thing or is it a marketing gimmick? 

Shannon: Truffle oil is a total gimmick – it is made of fake polymers that are made to mimic real truffle.  Chefs and food have moved on.  It does come in handy when training a truffle dog though.  The only way to guarantee true truffle impact is to buy fresh and shave it yourself!

I’m about to cook my first dish with truffle. What should I cook? How much truffle do I need? And, where should I get it? 

Shannon: For your first truffle dish keep it as simple as possible and try cooking something you already cook well but add some truffle to it just as you serve it.  I would suggest a very simple pasta with some mushrooms and egg – shave fresh truffle over the top as you serve it.  You will only need a couple of grams per person and use a truffle slicer or a microplane so you maximise the yield.  Great providores such as Simon Johnson stock truffles when they are in season – for the ultimate in convenience (truffles delivered to your door) try www.truffleharvest.com.au.  

Where do you get your truffles and do you have plans for your own trufferie? 

Shannon: During the Australian truffle season we use truffle predominantly Manjimup in WA and from Mount Burnett in Victoria (from Chesnut Hill winery who also make great wine).

We planted our 5 acre trufferie last year so it will be at least another 2 -3 years before we can expect to harvest truffles.  Once we do have truffles of course we plan to serve these in Vue de monde and our other venues but we will also incorporate truffle experiences in to the stays of guests to our hotel property at Burnham Beeches (hopefully this will be complete before we are producing truffles).

What’s your favourite truffle dish on the Vue de monde menu?

Shannon: We are serving fresh truffles with a fried duck egg (which is actually a celeriac puree for the white with a perfect yolk sitting on top), this is accompanied by sweetbreads and caramelised onions – the flavours all marry together beautifully.

Greg’s seasonal menu uses the finest Victorian produce available and is a beacon of light on the otherwise stale Glenferrie Road strip in Hawthorn. The breakfast menu is a mix of classics and original dishes. For something different, order the ‘Jum & Bender Sarnie’ with H.P sauce, aioli, bacon and rocket in a sesame brioche bun, or baked eggs in a Northern Indian style curry with lentils and caraway seeds, heirloom carrots, spiced yoghurt and grilled wholemeal flatbread, a replica of a meal eaten in Jalandhar City in India.

Wine is served by the glass and features mostly Australian varieties, punctuated by a white from Austria here and a red from Italy there. Order a red to complement your charcuterie, freshly sliced by an original Berkel meat slicer. The Crabapple Slider with spanner crab, apple, radish, mustard cress and mayo in a baby brioche makes a wonderful snack, while dishes like slow-cooked pork with French lavender and four-cheese ravioli with truffled cauliflower are better suited to the hungry.

The décor at Crabapple Kitchen is decidedly homely: banquettes are highlighted with colourful fabric cushions, potted herbs sit next to a rustic redbrick arch, some seats are made from old cider crates and a sprinkling of flowers greet all who enter. Crabapple Kitchen is old school in a Provencal kind of way, cozy and nostalgic without compromising service (we were double checked, triple checked, and then offered more hot water for our teapots as soon as ours was out). It’s the ultimate spot to reminisce about the good ol’ days over beautiful food; so go on, pick up the phone and catch up with that person you keep meaning to call.

Location: 659 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn
Open: Seven days 7am-5pm
Phone: (03) 9078 5492
Details: crabapplekitchen.com.au/

The fresh interior is very ‘South Yarra’: bright and modern with an eco feel, thanks to the array of flowers on the tables, some of which are handpicked by the dear mother of Nathan Toleman, who owns the café along with Ben Clarke and Diamond Rozakeas. Behind the coffee machine, spherical terrariums hang from the ceiling in white rope hammocks and spindly lights by Christopher Boots add a contemporary, industrial feel.

Escape the lunch rush by sitting in a booth lined with blonde timber and patterned glass, or get amongst it at the raised communal table. The seats on the sidewalk will appeal to those who can’t separate their caffeine and tobacco habits, while tables for two with banquette seating provide another option away from the elements.

Coffee is served in pastel green china and the blend varies depending on whether you take yours black, white, filter or even aeropress. The main man in the kitchen is David Finlayson from the Press Club Group. He’s cooking as much as possible onsite and the menu includes old favourites with a twist. You’ll find a whole poached pear in your bircher, candied cumquats in your porridge and haloumi in your baked beans. Try the four egg blonde omelette with hot smoked salmon, fennel, chilli and coriander for breakfast, or the braised saltbush lamb sandwich with crushed peas, feta, chilli and mint for lunch.

Two Birds One Stone is a solid offering from a team of experts and yet another feather in their cap. Whether you’re happy as a lark, proud as a peacock or as silly as a goose, you’ll find something you like at Two Birds One Stone.

Location: 12 Claremont Street, South Yarra
Open: Weekdays 7am-5pm | Weekends 8am-4pm
Phone: (03) 9827 1228
Details: twobirdsonestonecafe.com.au/

It’s not unusual for us to sacrifice a meal to pay for a jacket we’ve been eyeing off for weeks. Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels – right?

Whatever.

We think that the big breakfast from Coin Laundry tastes pretty good, especially now that they’re using a special cut of Babe’s bacon and keeping the beetroot relish flowing. Take that, Kate.

Steve Rowley would agree, if he weren’t so busy shopping for a new white tee. You see Steve has a slight obsession, and why wouldn’t he?

They are the staple of everyone’s wardrobe, the go-to when you’ve got nothing else to wear. They are your friend when you’ve eaten three breakfasts the day before; a crisp white tee and jeans will flatter, the white will bring out a glowing complexion, and best of all, you look all tough, rugged, and dirty if you’ve been rolling around – that’s impressive, right?

As far as cleaning goes the jeans and tee combo is also a plus. Not too much bleach and not too often, a decent laundry powder, and tumble dry so you don’t need to iron; saving you time and a call to your mother.

While Steve likes to think that his white tee/blue jean combo isn’t much of a statement at all, his friends like to tell him it’s a direct indication that he is unimaginative and boring – what better company to keep.

Steve’s not about channeling James Dean or Michael Jackson, he really just thinks the V-neck is a win all round. There is however, a selection criterion:

“Better designers make a better cut and usually use better material, although it does seem strange to pay a lot of money for such a basic item. If I can tell you anything: Ralph Lauren, underwear range, V-neck white t-shirts (I’m a medium) $5.50 plus shipping. Best online buy on the market by far – thank me later.”

So Steve, how many is too many?

“Didn’t Michael Jordan have a new pair of shoes for every game…?”

A small victory is a success in a struggle against difficulties or an obstacle, such as renovating and opening a cafe in under a month; or being full for lunch service on a weekday that is also, coincidentally, your two week birthday. Actually, these would be considered big victories, but we don’t get the same word play enjoyment so let’s stick with small for now.

Taking over residence of the Rathdowne Street Food Store, and keeping their glass plate above the front door out respect, Small Victories is indeed a welcome addition to leafy Rathdowne Street. Owners Ben Farrant and Alric Hansen have created a comfortable space where the off-white walls and mirror lined banquettes make it feel bright and airy, as does the glass frontage. A fire place at the rear entices and is the perfect spot for unbuttoning ones top button and feasting on the European inspired menu, or, as chef Alric explains, ‘Is really just a menu of the types of things we like to eat.’

Breakfast on eggs any way with a selection of tempting sides (spinach, garlic and chilli, scallions and soft herbs for example) or sweet options such as the waffles with poached pear, chestnut butter, smoked muscovado and fenugreek syrup, with candied chestnuts. Indulge at lunchtime, as we did, on the BBQ pork belly sandwich with perfectly pickled vegetables, coriander, hoisin and kewpie mayonnaise, but be sure to ask for it to be cut in half because this is a two handed job indeed.

Where: 617 Rathdowne Street, Carlton North
Phone: 03 9347 4064
Open: Tuesday-Sunday 8am-4pm (dinners coming soon)

Translating to ‘Fresh Fresh’ in English, the concept carries throughout from the freshly made authentic Japanese food to the stripped back lime washed pine timber walls, bright yellow benches and minimal fuss fit out.

Lunch on the bento box made up of your own selection from each of the five Bento sections – salad, raw style, rice’n’roll friends, Japanese specialty and a main –or, if you’re feeling indecisive, grab the surprise bento to go! Become a bento member and you take your lunch away in a reusable bamboo box that can be returned for hand washing and sanitizing. If you’re good at returning videos on time then this is the way to go, plus you get a $1 discount on your bento lunch.

House made Udon noodles are a standout as are the eat-In, rolled to order nori rolls (in a crispy nori wrapper to take away). Then there’s the nama katsu buns that Simon happened upon whilst seeking out a hangover cure.

Speaking of hangover cures, upstairs is to open as a lounge bar area with a 70s feel and enticing dark banquettes. As Simon says, ‘Good down here; evil upstairs.’

Where: Ground floor, 31 Spring Street, Melbourne
Phone: 9639 9500
Open: Mon-Fri 7am-5pm, Sat 8am-5pm
Details: namanama.com.au

There are two varieties of coffee on offer which will change every three or so weeks. ‘This,’ Kris explains, ‘gives the customer a chance to sample and appreciate both. It’s also a great way to find out what they do or don’t like and then relay that information to the roasters, providing feedback.’ A single origin is also offered, the Pony Blend too, with French press and AeroPress favoured as they can be reproduced at home.

The Spirit Triplette coffee machine serves a dual purpose, providing outstanding coffee whilst also heating up the small space (it’s also rather easy on the eye and a great conversation starter). Stand inside sipping coffee and shooting the breeze with the boys, or opt for an outdoor seat when they arrive. A wee cabinet of sweet delights are available to enhance your coffee visit with offerings ranging from Anzac biscuits to Portuguese tarts.

Market day or not, Clement Coffee is an absolute must visit and no matter what your level of coffee knowledge you’ll leave inspired and knowing all the more.

Where: Stall 89, 116 Cecil Street, South Melbourne
Open:  Mon-Fri 7am-4pm, Sat-Sun 8am-4pm
Details: twitter.com/clementcoffee

Launching this month it’s an exclusive dining club that has plans to host coveted events in private homes, cellars, galleries and wineries. We’re told a penthouse is on the cards too.

Somewhat secretive but what we do know is that on Monday 23rd July 10 people will have the chance to dine with George Calombaris in his newly renovated Little Press Wine Cellar. He’ll design the menu and then sit down with 10 new friends for four courses with matched.

How does one get their hands on one of these elusive tickets?
Head to Facebook.com/SecretDiningSociety and register for the ballot which is scheduled to be drawn on Tuesday 17 July. If you’re one of the lucky ducks to be offered a ticket (for you and a friend), you’ll have 24 hours to take up the offer. If not then don’t worry, there will be future events in both Sydney and Melbourne.

Tickets are $145 and include 4-courses with matched wines.
Facebook.com/SecretDiningSociety

And, with a touch of excitement, that’s all we know!

Last week we tried making our own hollandaise – strangely enough it resembled scrambled eggs. Then there was that one time we made [watched as someone cooked us] Eggs Benedict with lobster and drank Verve at 4pm – because we were hung-over… and we could.

Let’s face it, building things – be it food or something else is not our forte. Assembling a tower of corn fritters, poached eggs, spinach, and hollandaise is one thing; building a cafe from scratch is another.

Ben, Nathan, and Diamond – the team behind Three Bags Full café in Abbotsford are a little different to us. They can handle both a knife and fork and a bucket and shovel. Their latest project: Two birds one stone on Claremont Street in South Yarra is the pudding.

“I am the eternal optimist, so I tend to underestimate how much it will cost and how long it will take,” Says Nathan.

Yes, we’re hungry. Hurry up all ready.

Whilst the building process has been incredibly satisfying and rewarding, just as we hope eating in the finished café will be, the trio tells us that it has not been without its hardships, including physical injury.

“I fell off a ladder and fractured my hand and wrist. I had to have plates, screws, the whole box and dice inserted… I wanted to insert them into the doctor, but not his wrist,” Nathan explained.

The team listed timber and strangely white-out as their favourite building tools, as well as insisting that lighting is key to the interior of a café, for several reasons – one shining as our favourite:

“Dim lighting is useful when the baristas come in after a heavy night. We don’t want to see how seedy they look.”

Bravo. Come next Monday morning we’ll be there with our flashlight to shine in their eyes. Meet you there.

Two birds one stone is set to open on 16^th July.

Such is Amelia Shaw, a bar and salon that has taken over the upstairs of a grungy, live music venue. The first hotel to open in Brunswick in 1842, it was licensed to a Miss Amelia Shaw for 50 years when it was rebuilt and opened as The Retreat Hotel. As a tribute to Australia’s first female licensee, the mid century modern cocktail bar has taken on Amelia Shaw’s name and we can’t help but wonder what she would think of the gorgeous art deco fit out with ornamental lamp fittings and New York City inspired wall decals.

Each of the four rooms have their own distinct personalities allowing for a variety of different moods and service is of the sophisticated unobtrusive style. The eclectic drinks menu combines cocktails, spirits and Australian wines (some French bubbles thrown in for good measure).A silver bowl of bar snacks are delivered to your table with your drinks, but if hunger prevails, tuck into a cheese and meat or desert platter, perfect for sharing.

Be sure to check out the peep show on the back wall of the main bar where every one of the five view finders gives you a naughty visual treat that might even bring a blush to Amelia Shaw’s cheeks. Then wander from room to room and see if you can’t work out which room was the scene of the unfortunate game of Russian roulette – we couldn’t, but maybe that’s just our excuse to return…

Where: 280 Sydney Road, Brunswick
Phone: 0412 907 847
Open: Thurs 6pm-1am | Fri & Sat 6pm-3am | Sun 6pm-1am
Details: ameliashawbar.com.au

The narrow space is split by the kitchen into two rooms, each decorated with various Penny Farthing ornaments paying homage to its namesake.  The four of us are seated at a large communal table to the front, which we have to ourselves for the evening.

We take no time at all agreeing on the “Feed Me” dining experience, which, at $45 per person (or $40 for vegetarians), includes four smaller dishes, one larger dish and a side, all to share. The catch is that you don’t get to choose your dishes.

Over the next hour or so we are served a selection of sharing dishes such as White bean & fennel croquettes served with chilli & lime dip, which are beautifully crispy on the outside and soft in the middle, and some extremely tasty Baked field mushrooms stuffed with ricotta, lemon thyme, olives & sundried tomatoes.

We sample the more unusual Rabbit rillettes with caramelised carrots & garlic brushed sourdough, and marvel at the visual combination of ‘Bugs’ and his carrots.

My favourite dish of the night is the Seared scallops served on a pea & sage puree topped with red garnet & chervil; plump scallops only lightly browned and complemented wonderfully by the creamy puree. Close behind is the Confit duck legs on orange & sweet potato puree with beetroots, candied walnuts & coriander, which isn’t as tender as perhaps it could be but proves an interesting and light combination of flavours.

Worth a special mention are the spectacular Crispy chat potatoes tossed with chives & served with a mint aioli we receive as our side dish, which we have to restrain from ordering a second serve of.

A fun nod to the evolution of this casual café-come-restaurant is the cocktail menu featuring various coffee-themed concoctions. Our favourite of the night is the Penny Farthing Espresso, made with Fernet Branca, Kahlua, PFE blend double ristretto, crème de cacao, cinnamon and egg white, served martini style.  This drink alone makes the trip worthwhile.

As tempting as the coffee-themed deserts sound, we resist, because our next stop is nearby LuWow for dancing.  We leave satisfied at having tried so many dishes, but not ridiculously full, which is refreshing for a banquet-style meal.

The table is divided and we each have a different favourite dish of the night.  The one thing we agree on is the value; $45 a head for six dishes of this variety is hard to come by.  And importantly, it helps justify splurging on those phenomenal espresso martinis.

A Bangkok native, Ethan felt that there was an interest in bringing the style of cuisine he’d grown up with to Melbourne. Encouraged by friends and confident in the knowledge that many Australians travel to Thailand each year and devour street food, he set about recreating some of his favourite dishes from different areas incorporating their distinct flavoursome influences.

The spice enriched Malay “Khao Mok Gai” (southern style Muslim chicken and rice) and the coconut based red curry of roasted duck are prime examples.  In fact the entire menu is a melting pot of dishes that are just waiting to be sampled.

The stripped back industrial space is as exciting as the food with colour abound. A gold bar area, to represent Thai culture and temples, sits at the base of the kitchen, while ‘deep blue sea’ bench and table tops were chosen to fit in with the crockery. Then there’s the hot pink stools designed by ‘Wonder’ to look like cotton reels and giant paper Chinese lanterns that hang from the main dining area.

When we visited they were waiting on signage, more tables and a few other ‘watch this space’ items. As for the need to improve upon…well…we couldn’t pick fault.

Where: 801-803 Bourke Street, Docklands
Open: currently Mon-Fri 7am-late

Reverence came to be because Annie and Andreas wanted somewhere in their hood that met their high coffee standards. Both come from a coffee background, Annie a former barista and then roaster, and Andreas currently the head roaster for Atomica. So with a simple yet welcoming fit out that incorporates brown and orange offset by black tabletops, some 6 months ago a local haven was born.

As mentioned, they specialise in coffee and roast their own beans. They’ve mastered teas too, with all teas served in a cup, pre brewed for your drinking pleasure. The food is equally pleasing. Breakfast on apricot and date toast with Ascot Vale honey, or choose from the specials board. The chicken and vegetable pot pie came with a crusty puff pastry top that, when torn & added to the bowl, soaked up the broth to perfection.

Locals tip: be sure to visit in summer when figs are season for the figs with goat’s cheese and bacon on sourdough; we know we will.

Where: 155 Union Road, Ascot Vale
Phone: 03 9357 2170
Open: Mon-Fri 7.30-4, Sat-Sun 8-4
Details: facebook.com/reverencecoffee

Taking up residence in a building that has seen many a change of venue, he, along with his wife and brother-in-law, have reinvented and rebranded a product which they believe Brunswick Street really needed.

As the name suggests, Cider House specialises in cider, concentrating on craft ciders from locally brewed and independent suppliers. But they also serve craft beer, wine, spirits (cocktail anyone?) and food. With a ‘social atmosphere’ in mind, the idea for a grazing menu came to fruition, a tapas style selection of modern Australian offerings. Choose individual grazing options such as the salt cod croquettes with garlic aioli, or perhaps the Cider House Burger (a felafel option the perfect alternative for vegetarians).

Ben describes the fit out as ‘modern industrial cellar door; a space that is approachable for everyone’, and it appears the locals agree. Heading into its third month, locals have been overheard saying that it is like Cider House has always been there.  And with their extensive cider knowledge, appreciation of craft beers, wine, quality food and an upstairs bar area with a more lounged based feel due to open any day, we think Cider House is taking up residence here for good!

Where: 386-388 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
Phone: 03 9415 6142
Open: Tues-Sun 12pm-late
Details: theciderhouse.com.au

Open since April 13, ominous for some but not The B.East crew, it’s the mastermind of owner Maz Salt and venue manager, Crag Carrick. Both come with a musical background, hence the focus on live music Thursday to Sunday evenings, filling a void left from the Brunswick Club’s departure.

A former Turkish restaurant, the entire place has been gutted, the bar facade reclaimed, and the walls smattered with art works from website submissions all the way from Kenya to the US of A. They’re still accepting submissions too so email something through to info@theb-east.com  and help add to the effortlessly cool and so very north ambience.

Then there’s the burgers. Undertaking extensive research (and tastings) the boys opted for a proper chef, as opposed to a ‘grill man’, hiring ex Silk Road and London’s Soho House Chef Paul Moloney. The signature burger, the Classic, is a bargain at $10 with the perfect proportions of cheese, pickled red onion, lettuce, tomato and chef’s own (secret) ketchup upon a 130g pattie and wedged between a brioche bun from Brassiere Bread, South Melbourne. This must be complemented with the House Made Triple Cooked Chips. Must!

Keep an eye out for the ever evolving back area with plans for a charcoal pit and movie screenings soon.

Where: 80 Lygon St, Brunswick East
When: Open 7 days 11am – late (licensed til 1am)
Phone: 03 9036 1456
Details: Theb-east.com or facebook.com/thebeastburgers

Chef Bec Kaye has put together a menu that is part sandwich bar and part cafe fare. But don’t expect your average sanga. Instead you’ll find a superb selection of smorrebrod, a Danish open sandwich. “Why cover up a beautiful sandwich with a piece of bread on top?” Luke says, and having sampled the roast pork smorrebrod with apple, braised cabbage, onion and fennel jam and pork scratching, we couldn’t agree more.

Then there’s the coffee. Head Barista Jackson Duxbury will meet your coffee needs with a Seven Seeds House Blend, Market Lane guest single origin or Proud Mary filter, all handpicked with you, the consumer in mind.

The fit out, taking its inspiration from Bauhaus design, is warm and welcoming and the right amount of quirky. Cutlery and menus can be found from hidden compartments either under the tables or from pouches on the side, and floor to ceiling window frontage allows for complimentary natural lighting. There’s an aerodynamic feel about it too, a clean finish with light timber and minimal fuss. But most importantly, this is a local cafe and, when we were there, was the perfect mix of new mums, suits, fellow coffee enthusiasts and locals. We’re officially fans!

Where: Shop 3, 130 Victoria Street, Seddon
Phone: 03 9689 0309
Open: Tues-Fri 7am -4pm | Sat-Sun 8am-4pm
Details: commongalaxia.com.au

It was 6pm on a Friday evening when we rocked up and the place was empty but within an hour it was humming. The first thing that we noticed when we entered was the multicolor bar, made up almost entirely of imported Lego. We couldn’t resist plucking a piece off the side and moving it across to a much more aesthetically pleasing position. There’s something about Lego that brings out the kid in everyone.

The menu is predominantly made up of sharing plates. You can choose from “small sharing”, salad, pizza and “large sharing”, all of which are for, you guessed it, sharing. The standouts from the small sharing section were the Rabbit and Cauliflower Popcorn, chickpea fries and the Crab Toasties (just like homemade toasties, but full of crabby goodness). We could only fit in one of the large sharing dishes so we went for the lasagne, which is a current winter special. It’s a pretty generous size, and could easily serve four as a main (with a side salad). It tasted just like mum used to make.

Unfortunately after working our way through a good portion of the small sharing section, none of us had any room left for one of the desert. On the bright side, it gives us an excuse to go back next week and complete the meal!

Tip: Watch out for the suicidal Lego men on the corners of the kitchen roof.

Tucked away in Melbourne University’s Burnley Campus is the Burnley Gardens Canteen. Fine dining legend Tansy Good and her partner John Evens run the café. He was formerly head sommelier at Pearl. She opened up Carlton fine dining institution Tansy’s. Too young to remember it? Put it this way, Tansy taught Phillipa Sibley and Karen Martini the ropes in her kitchen.

While students and nearby workers keep Burnley Gardens to themselves, the canteen is open to the public. The space doesn’t try to be flash. It’s low-key and utterly humble. Kitsch decorations are thrown about the room: a carpet hung haphazardly on a wall, a bookshelf of cookbooks and National Geographic magazines, red flower fairy lights, vintage tins, a cardboard grasshopper mobile.

People don’t visit the Canteen for the décor; they visit for the home cooking. The chicken and mayo sandwich is their signature dish and made it to The Age’s Top 10 Sandwiches last year. Other options on the small, blackboard menu include homemade sausage rolls, the daily Burnley Gardens salad, soup of the day with bread, and ‘Chef’s Whim’, which is whatever Tansy feels like cooking that day. When we visited, it was a curry of sorts — Tansy doesn’t like to be categorized. “It’s half way between a green and a red curry,” she explained.

Burnley Gardens Canteen use organic, fair trade Gravity Coffee, perfect with one of Tansy’s homemade pastries or cakes. Try the brownie, made from 85 per cent cocoa Lindt chocolate, a carrot cake muffin made from purple carrots or a fluffy raspberry friand.

So Melbourne, while you’re busy checking out that trendy new coffee spot, we will be at this hidden gem keeping our cool. Join us if you dare to enjoy the simple life. 

Location: 500 Yarra Boulevard, Richmond
Open: Weekdays, 9am – 4.30pm
Phone: (03) 9035 6828

At the moment, the burger menu is available every day for lunch and from midday until late on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. They’re expecting a 1am license soon, so you’ll be able to fulfill that midnight hankering. At Burger Joint, fillings are the hero. The word ‘wagyu’ is thrown around willy-nilly and there’s a choice of six beers to wash down those buns. Highlights include “The Somerset”, made with a Rangers Valley Angus Beef, English cheddar and house ketchup; the cheekily named “The Jerk”, a chicken option with Jamaican slaw and tomatillo, “Mr. Miyagi”, a burger with a Japanese twist featuring Blackmore full blood on a teriyaki base with wasabi kewpie mayo and daikon radish, as well as a veggie alternative, “The Gypsy”, with Hispanic bean cake, salted ricotta, avocado and tomato.

Of course there are house made chips, which come with a naughty ranch dressing, as well as spicy wings and the Ball Park Hot Dog. Those avoiding carbs can down one of the big salads guilt-free, but regardless of your diet you’ll want to check out the alcoholic shakes. We recommend the caramel with Joseph Cartron caramel liqueur, caramel sauce and ice cream.

Burger Joint serves food and drink that borderlines nostalgic, but it’s definitely reserved for big kids. The burgers are too good to waste on little mouths, while the milkshakes would have them climbing up the walls. The solution? Leave the kids at home and treat yourself.

Location: 194 Toorak Road, South Yarra
Open: Lunch seven days | Thurs – Sat, Midday – 10pm (days and hours extending soon)
Phone: (03) 9827 5058
Details: burgerjoint.com.au/

Dinner is a more robust affair (American portions, not the French ones we so often get) with six different cuts of steak for grill offerings like the 750g rib eye, and sticky tender pork ribs with a New York cheese cake to finish. These are big apple dishes with Chef Rodd Blutman’s unique Melbournian take.

The decor is NYC chic with white tiled walls offset by splashes of red and black finishes. There’s also a covered (heated) outdoor section and a cocktail bar, perfect for a pre meal martini or an after work Americano. Completely lacking a hotel feel, patrons will be forgiven for not realising it takes up residence in The Cullen, part of the Art Hotel Series Group, a collection of boutique hotels inspired by Australian artists, in this case, Adam Cullen.

But back to that Reuben; with layer upon layer of house made pastrami sandwiched between lightly toasted rye, with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and mustard, and signature dill pickle, did it live up to our high expectations? It did and then some! I’ll be back to finish the other half real soon.

Where: 162-164 Commercial Rd, Prahran
Phone: +61 3 9098 1155
Open: 6.30am-late 7 days a week
Details: www.gramercybistro.com.au

General Manager Roger Fowler is not unfamiliar to the dining-in-a-hotel scene (he was involved in Circa at Prince of Wales amongst others) and designed Hub to have an entity of its own. “The aim is for it to stand out and not get lost within the hotel attached,” he said. Mission accomplished.

Communal tables are perfect for larger groups or huddle in front of the fireplace under the story wall, a topical piece where staff have placed items of meaning, including a life sized replica of a fish Fowler caught and some works by local artists. Peruse the selection of second hand books from nearby Bookhouse, yours to purchase or simply flick through whilst sipping your Genovese coffee.

Chef Christine McCormack’s morning menu covers the breakfast basics well with eggs most any way and smoky char grilled bacon served with buttered Zeally Bay bread from Zeally Bay Sourdough Organic Bakery in Torquay. Stand out options include the house-made crumpets with lemon and honey, or the cinnamon porridge with caramelised pears and an oat crumble that will have you never consider plain porridge again. Heartier lunch options are offered, desserts too.

Where: 35-37 Fitzroy St, St Kilda
When: Mon-Fri 6.30am-5pm | Weekends 7.30am-5pm |Public Holidays 8am-3pm
Facebook: facebook.com/hubstk

“Why not?” respond Danny Berkovitch and Jarrod Hack, owners of four-week-old The Woodfrog Bakery in St Kilda.

There is an explanation. According to Jarrod, the fella responsible for all the baking (he’s done the rounds at Baker D. Chirico, Chimmy’s South Melbourne, Sonoma in Sydney and more), the wood frog has a unique ability: it freezes during winter and then thaws out when it becomes warm again. In other words, it’s resilient and more evolved than most frogs. How does this relate to a bakery? Well, the boys at Woodfrog are planning to always change with the times and grow their product range to keep customers excited and satisfied.

At the moment, they are sourdough specialists, and we can attest that their loaves are the best we have tasted in a long while. There are plans to offer a range of gourmet pies, pizza slices and sausage rolls in under a month. Expect to see (or is that taste?) interesting fillings such as beef cheek. A pastry chef is also about to start working alongside Jarrod, so sweets are on the way. But the boys know you can’t have cake without coffee, both of which you’ll be able to enjoy sitting next to the vertical garden out the front, which will sprout edibles from a custom-built wooden frame.

Inside Woodfrog, baskets heaving with fresh loaves, bagels, baguettes and ciabattas are fastened to an olive green wall. Ironbark wooden bench tops and window frames add a touch of homeliness, contrasting against the monster of an oven in the background. Behind the wall, the room opens up to reveal an enormous, warehouse space where all the magic happens.

At The Woodfrog Bakery, the bread never falls butter side down. Look out for the striped black and white awning and the white ‘BAKERY’ sign wired to the tree out the front.

Location: 108 Barkly Street,  StKilda
Phone: (03) 9077 5440
Open: Tue-Sun, 7am-4pm
Website: facebook.com/TheWoodfrogBakery

The concise menu currently boasts five options, each with a matching beverage from around the world. The Mexico City Chilli Dog with a Mexican beef, pork and beans sausage, spicy chilli con carne, cheese and jalapenos, is a perfect winter warmer, washed down with a Jarritos. Another winter fave is the London ‘Bangers and Mash’ Dog or the … you get the idea. They’re good! And they’re good for you! No really. All the ingredients used are not only traditional and true to that region, but they’re natural, right down to the sausage casings. Then there’s the hot dog roll. Crispy on the outside and soft in the middle, available in white, multigrain and Gluten Free coming soon, it’s the perfect sausage holder.

Taking up residence in a mere three square metre residence, Dognation is possibly the smallest food shop in Melbourne. Thankfully it’s big on taste with the addition of a side of potato and mash the perfect hot dog accompaniment. New menu items are currently in creation with mention of a Peking Duck Dog from China, an enticement to get us back there (like we needed one…).

Where: Shop 2, The Causeway, Melbourne
Phone: 0423 083 287
Open: 7 days, 11am-3pm
Details: dognation.com.au

Enter Spilt Milk.

These guys are new to the block and doing everything they can to impress the locals – not that they need to. Right before the main street this cosy and impressively small cafe proves that good things do come in small packages, and to those who wait.

For those who are happy to brave the cold this winter there are several outdoor seats to hang out with the dog – or child. Alternatively you can venture inside to the box like setting, small enough for the barista to call over to your table from behind the counter but with enough space for you to enjoy your friend’s company without feeling like you’re enjoying the company of table next to you, too.

The converted space is simple in design with minimal aesthetics and a country chic vibe. The wait staff are so friendly it hurts. They are obviously new to the game and we found it quite refreshing to talk to people who didn’t think they were too cool – at least not just yet.

Coffee Supreme brought a smile to our face, which widened when it tasted perfect too.

The counter food includes baguettes, salads, and a small selection of cakes, whilst the hand written menu offers several ‘first’ and ‘second’ meal options with the dishes named after specific animals like ‘The Monkey’ or ‘The Sparrow.’

You can pick up a baked free-range egg served in a pan with sundried tomatoes, spinach, and fetta, a nice pot of chicken and corn soup or for an easy $10 a chicken salad with spiced aioli, cherry tomatoes, avocado, walnuts and a touch of honey.

Simple food with character. No tears.

When you’re next in The Neg, check out Spilt Milk.

Where: 288 Neerim Road Carnegie
Hours: Mon-Sun 7am-5pm
Phone: 03 9571 8880
Details: facebook.com/Spilt.Milk.Cafe

Hidden mysteriously behind butcher-papered windows for months, the space has finally revealed itself to be a large, airy café complete with full-wall feature works from local artists, blonde timber tables and top-notch coffee.

Its pedigree is sound: this is the crew-of-four also responsible for The Little Ox in Brighton and catering company Tommy Collins Events.

Hawk & Hunter houses a huge, shiny catering kitchen that will churn out the yummy morsels for Tommy Collins Events and a second exposed kitchen servicing the café and making the likes of Mexican breakfast corn fritters, deconstructed Eggs Benedict and delectable-sounding sandwiches (hello, pulled pork and Manchengo cheese) and pastas.

The vibe inside is fun-industrial, with polished concrete floors, a recycled timber wall feature and matching table, brightly coloured light fittings and mismatching Tolix stools.

More than anything, it feels homely right away even though it’s brand new. You could easily while away the hours at one of their communal tables with the paper and a latte.

Hawk & Hunter will open initially just for breakfast and lunch with a view to being an evening bar and noshery down the track (once their licence comes through).

For the fresh-from-the-commute train crowds, a selection of take home meals are available: The 12-hour slow cooked lamb shoulder will make you look very impressive, as will the ready-made Chacuterie and terrine.

Small batch runs of house made sauces and spices are also being bottled so you can take home the tastes of Hawk & Hunter.

Where: Glen Eira Avenue, Ripponlea
Phone: 03 9528 2719
Open:  7 days, 6.30am to 5pm (Kitchen 7am-4.30pm. Check for extended hours soon)
Details: HawkandHunter.com.au

Cheerio is the first café of Charlotte Deverauxand and Chris Handley, but the pair are hardly foreign to the hospitality scene. Charlotte (look out for the pink, frilly apron) is fresh from a two-year stint at Seven Seeds, prior to which she worked at Batch Espresso. Chris came from Wall Two 80 and Coffee Supreme.

Cheerio serve Seven Seeds coffee and ours was as smooth as silk and as sweet as caramel. The simplicity theme carries over to the modest menu. Try the toasted “briont”, a hybrid baked good somewhere between a brioche and croissant, served in a tin with house made lemon curd and Jam Lady jam. If it’s eggs you’re after, it’s hard to go past the poached option with pancetta, winter greens and hollandaise sauce. There are four sandwich options for lunch. The bread comes from Brioche by Philip and each one will only set you back a blue note. The pan-fried haloumi with vine tomatoes, greens, gherkins and herb and lemon cream cheese was our first pick.

The petite, white-walled space adopts a minimalist design with a few quirky features, such as the geometric pattern on the floor, which has been hand painted to look like tiles. Low hanging porcelain lights are suspended above pale wooden tables and aqua green coffee saucers match the legs of the wooden stools. The banquette seating with the navy blue cushions is definitely the ‘comfy seat’, but you can also sit at the bar in the window and watch the world go by. Cheerio is expecting outdoor seating soon.

There is something undeniably joyful about this quaint café and it’s not just because of the name. Pop in and hang out with the Lennox Street locals… we’ll give you a back rub if you can walk out the door without saying, ‘Cheerio’!

Location: 323 Lennox Street, Richmond
Open: Mon-Sat 7am-4pm |Sun 8am-4pm
Email: cheeriocafe@gmail.com

This brand new, Vietnamese fast food outlet already has queues snaking out the door, thanks to their focus on freshness. The limited seating inside, and the colourful red and blue stools that spill out onto Goldsbrough Lane, have been occupied since day dot. Even so, the Roll’d team manages to keep their customers happy courtesy of their quality fare and practical ordering system.

Place a tick on the menu next to the items you plan to munch for lunch, order at the counter, and then collect your food when you hear them yell your name above the collective chomping.

Choose from a selection of rice paper rolls, including lemongrass pork and prawn, soft shell crab and avocado, tofu and pickled carrots or BBQ chicken and sesame. Try Mama Hoang’s sloppy roll (bánh mì, a Saigon-style baguette) with pork meatballs in a tomato-based sauce, or order a gỏi salad if you’re on a health kick (the lotus stem and duck is a treat). There’s also the option of thin rice vermicelli noodles with a variety of toppings, and pho of course.

Like the food, the interior at Roll’d is fresh and simple. Wooden detailing sits beneath the glass lining the counter, showing off the staff’s preparation skills and flaunting trays of produce. A mural by street artist Drewfunk depicts a Vietnamese beach scene, complete with a replica of one of the Roll’d tables stretching towards the water.

With the hustle and bustle of this busy joint, the authentic Vietnamese fare on offer, and a mural of where you’d rather be, Roll’d is perfect for that lunchtime daydream.

Location: Goldsbrough Lane, Shop TG10, 181 William Street, Melbourne
Open: Mon-Fri 11am-3pm
Phone: (03) 9600 1088
Details: rolld.com.au/

For those of you who haven’t heard of MIISHKA, it’s just a wee online blog and store. When we say wee, we actually mean big – it’s Australia’s most successful Facebook business after all.  It was founded two years back by Michelle Glitman, a stylist in the advertising world who has an obsession with vintage fashion. From there it gained a die-hard following with 34,000 fans on Facebook in the first year with current fans around the 85,000 mark.

Miishka combines current and retro trends to suit your individuality, rather than dictating your style. Items are usually only sold through the Facebook store, but this weekend is your chance to browse, try on and purchase the current range all whilst enjoying a delicious coffee from St Ali.

MIISHKA pop-up store @ St Ali Next Door
Where: 12–18 Yarra Place, South Melbourne
When: Friday 8 June – Sat 9 June | 10am-6pm daily

The Allpress coffee is spot on, but for something different try a freshly brewed Lebanese coffee, poured from a long-handled pot called a ‘rakweh’. You won’t find the ubiquitous smashed avocado with feta or corn fritters here. Instead, the dishes are bona fide Lebanese brekkies with more than just a pinch of the Middle East. Bayte has the kind of menu that makes you uneasy, purely because you want to try it all. Go for the Beyd bil Zaatar: perfectly poached eggs coated in the herby Middle Eastern spice mixture and served next to a creamy, homemade babaganoush with pumpkin kibbeh and warm flatbread.

If you can’t decide what to gobble, order the breakfast mezze for either one or two people. For lunch, there is a mixture of wraps (think sardine with fresh tomato, babaganoush and Lebanese cheese, or grilled lamb kafta with hummus onion and tabouleh) and a selection of mezze.

The comfortable courtyard is begging to be used in the evening by local folk, who will definitely be craving some mezze and a glass of red after they visit. Inside, ornate light fittings from Istanbul are suspended from the ceiling and Middle Eastern objects such as shisha pipes and decorative plates are peppered around the room.

The main reason Bayte is so damn exciting is because it’s the most refreshing brunch spot to hit Melbourne for some time. As the Lebanese saying goes, “good food is good for your body, but it’s better for your soul”.

Location: 56 Johnston Street Collingwood
Open: Weekdays 7am-5pm |Weekends 8am-5pm | Closed Tues
Phone: (03) 9415 8818
Details: bayte.com.au

Less than a kilometre from Mexican hotspot Fonda, Chingón (pronounced “chin-gone”) is Spanish for badass or extremely awesome and it certainly lives up to its name.

It opened last month and doesn’t yet have a functioning website, but word has spread quickly and bookings are recommended.

The owners, brothers Will and Michael Balleau, are from Albuquerque, New Mexico, and wanted to recreate the northern Mexican street food they remember from their frequent trips south of the border.

And this hawker concept is carried right through to the table, with the food served on biodegradable bamboo boats and the drinks in paper cups.

The menu is limited – there is a choice of six tacos: pork, fish, steak, chicken, prawns or vegies (all served on soft, corn tortillas, made daily on site), plus corn chips with home-made guacamole, fire-roasted salsa or frijoles. But at three tacos for $15, you can afford to try them all.

You can’t go past the Taco al Pastor: char-grilled achiote pork with grilled pineapple, capsicum salsa and feta, or the Taco de Pescado: flame-grilled fish Serrano, red cabbage salsa, chipotle crema and feta.

Everything is made fresh, as if it were from the un-refrigerated trailers found on Mexico’s street corners, and indigenous chillies and native herbs and spices are sourced from a Sydney importer to make the flavours as authentic as possible.

There’s also a rooftop, perfect for enjoying a drink under the stars. The eatery is currently BYO, with corkage at $5 per person, but once the liquor licence is approved, there will be plenty of fancy cocktails, Mexican beers and wines to wash down the optional hot sauce. The Balleau brothers spent six months fitting out the interior, complete with Will’s 1964 Lincoln Continental (“just because it’s chingón,” he said).

Apparently chingón isn’t a word you’d say around your grandmother, but we think we’ll be hearing it a lot more often.

Where: 413 Swan Street, Richmond
Open: For dinner daily from 5.30pm-11pm
Phone: (03) 9429 5695
Details: facebook.com/ChingonTacos

A hyper-realistic gummy bear is riding an engorged Allen’s snake through a rainbow asteroid storm. What? No, bright coloured jelly babies are parachuting out of the sky. Huh? Yes, I think I just saw a hybrid candy-man playing with a kite. Well don’t worry, you aren’t crazy. You are just at an art exhibition.

At 6.30 pm on Thursday the 31st of May, Goodtime Studios will play host to the opening of ‘SEX, LIES & CANDY’ a collaborative exhibition by Melbourne artists Stephanie Mermigas & Steve Lees.

The 24 pieces on display will be manifestations of the artists’ experiences and observations of sexuality, betrayal and intimate desires with a playful edge and will explore society’s most intimate desires.

The exhibition will act as a loud war cry to Sydney who will this month host 206 exhibitions compared to Melbourne’s 150, a reversal in numbers since this time last year.

For something a little different, the opening will culminate in a live joint painting display by Lees & Mermigas accompanied by the sublime majestic beats of Melbourne’s DJ Prequel.

So tell whatever lie you have to and get there. Try one of these sexy servings before you go and enjoy the eye candy.

You’re move Sydney.

‘Sex, Lies & Candy’ will show at the Goodtime Studio
Where: Basement, 746 Swanston Street Carlton
When: 31 May to 2 June 2012. Open 1 to 6pm everyday
Details: goodtimestudios.com

It’s the telltale outdoor seating area, carefully camoflaged by citrus trees planted in wooden crate boxes that makes you realise you’ve arrived at SoJo. Venture inside via the airtight entrance room and be greeted with cheery tulips and soft lighting, leaving the cold and the worries of the world behind. Open the next door and step into a blissfully warm and cosy inner city retreat.

An abundance of black feature walls, muted lighting and a roaring wood fireplace helps to shrink the expansive space. Take your pick with several seating options to choose from. You can laze near the fireplace on comfy couches or dine more upright in banquette seating lining the walls either side. There are also large colourful communal tables, an enclosed outdoor area for winter or the option of taking in some sun out the front.

Sparking much intrigue is an image of a tractor on the menu, which we’re told symbolises SoJo’s approach of sourcing the best quality produce from the land and smaller scale suppliers. They use Dench Bakers bread, homemade cakes from  Castlemaine, Supreme Coffee, Rainbow Chai and T2 teas.

The breakfast and brunch menu, boasting dishes such as poached eggs served on a chorizo sausage, kalamata olive and napoli ragu finished with hollandaise sauce, torn basil and sourdough (or gluten free) toast is sure to impress.

Attention to detail is everywhere and doesn’t go unappreciated. We could spend hours enjoying the ambiance, delicious food, sublime coffee and chai but alas the day outside awaits.

Where: 46 Oxford Street, Collingwood, Vic
Hours:  Mon- Sun 7.30am – 5.00pm (Kitchen closes at 3.30pm)
Phone: 03 9417 2741
Details: facebook.com/SouthOfJohnston

Click here for a House of Maximón special offer.

House of Maximón is the illegitimate devil child of the owners of Eurotrash and Berlin Bar. They’ve created a neon-lit saloon where debauchery and alcohol are rampant. After all, Maximón is the saint of all things sinful, and therefore all things fun.

At the top of the stairs you’ll be met by two taxidermy chickens in glass boxes and an image of woman staring lovingly into the eyes of a Guatemalan zombie with the word ‘love’ displayed in neon lights. It only gets creepier. Bone chandeliers hang above a wooden table crafted from church pews. Around the corner, circular booths are presided over by the torso and head of a once-breathing bull, whose horns are adorned with golden skeletons. Day of the Dead-esque portraits are given an eerie neon twist and an array of Guatemalan souvenirs are scattered around the cavernous space. We especially love the glass gun tequila bottle.

House of Maximón is a wicked den full of temptation and indulgence. You simply can’t say ‘no’. Soon you’ll be able to book one of two exclusive rooms for eight, complete with a custom-made bar fridge stocked full of booze. You’ll probably want to venture out once in a while for some late night dancing to sexy lounge tunes, spun by a DJ in a decorative iron cage, complete with watchful biblical statues.

At this modern dive bar, you can nourish what’s left of your soul with cold cured meats, seasonal pintox platters, spiced popcorn and nachos. Maximón even has a cheese dispenser, which is either pure genius or pure evil. Wash it all down with some voodoo sangria or michelada (beer Bloody Marys). There’s also beer and cider on tap but you’d be loco not to try an imported Mexican brew or tequila. For vodka so smooth it is surely crafted by Diablo himself, get the bartender to pour you a shot from the crystal skull.

House of Maximón is a sneak peek into the afterlife. After visiting this portal of delicious corruption, we’ll be avoiding heaven at all costs. Join us.

Location: 16-18 Corrs Lane, Melbourne
Open: Wed-Thu 5pm-1am |Fri 2pm-2am | Sat-Sun 7pm-2am (Sun industry only)
Phone: (03) 9650 7663
Details: houseofmaximon.com.au/

It’s urban meets country inside with polished concrete floors, white painted brick walls with an orignal hand painting and a black timbre ceiling dangling crystal chandeliers. The carpentry skills of Sean and his cousin Steven are also on show with beautifully crafted Victorian Ash timbre stained tables paired back with farm house style chairs.

There’s a delightful choice of breakfast and lunch options from the Limited Edition Menu or Specials Board. The Brekkie Burrito was a stand out choice when we were there. For something a little lighter try the Brekkie Salad which mixes roquette, bacon, croutons, cheery tomatoes, roasted capsicum and poached eggs together in perfect harmony. We’ll definitelty be back to try the French toast made with Dench Bakers brioche and served with yoghurt and blakberry compote.

Sweet treats like homemade hedgehog, caramel slice, chocolate brownies and freshly baked gluten-free cookies are also up for grabs at the counter, but be warned these goodies sell-out fast.

If you need pantry suplies, Red Brick Café sells Baked by Mum and also gluten free cookie mix along with Dench Bakers breads and pastries, Veneziano Coffee and The Functional Beverage Co. organic fair trade tea.

Where: 215 Mont Albert Road, Surrey Hills,
Hours:  Mon- Sun 7.00am – 4.30pm
Phone: 03 9836 0009
Details: facebook.com/redbrickcafe

There are only 30 tickets available for the next event, held at Byblos Bar in the city, so it’s first in first served. The masterclass is lead by international sommelier Vincent Martel, who currently works at The Point in Albert Park and probably knows more about wine than you do.

Vincent picks boutique varieties for you to sip, the kind that you won’t find just anywhere. But Vincent is by no means the hero; the winemaker is the star. One of Vincent’s business partners, Alexis, said the trio considers “each winemaker to be an artist.”

The second Word of Wine event in Melbourne is on May 22^nd and will focus on vibrant Victorian vineyards. You’ll get to learn the inside-outs of seven wines over two hours, complemented by Victorian cheese and crusty bread. If you like the wine you taste, Vincent will tell you where to buy it, but you won’t be able to purchase any on the night — Word of Wine take their independence seriously.  

Word of Wine will flush your cheeks and fill you with adjectives to describe what you’re drinking. It will teach you wine etiquette, give suggestions on how to best cellar wine and help you decide what food is best matched to each bottle. Vincent will tell the story behind each wine: the soil it originated from, the weather it endured, the type of grape responsible for this drink of the gods.

Vino aficionados will be encouraged to interact and take part in blind tastings, and everyone is entitled to their opinion.

So what makes a good wine?

“A good wine is simply something you like,” says Alexis. Cheers to that.

Price: $60 for FACCI members, $75 for non-members
Bookings: contact@wordofwine.com.au or 045 256 9608
Details: facebook.com/wordofwine and wordofwine.com.au

Great email. “Yes, yes we will”, we replied.

Sunday morning rolled around, and with our winter woolies in tow, we braved the rain and set off to find our breakfast destination.

Located down an unassuming alleyway in Clifton Hill, Steven’s house is just that: Steven’s House. We pushed open the red gate, and wandered into his backyard which was littered with the usual inhabitants of small inner city backyards. A few more steps however, and an inquisitive look around the corner of his house, we discovered a backyard of a different sort.

Scattered throughout the courtyard, and spilling over into the lounge room were various pieces of makeshift furniture; milk-crate tables, floor cushions and park benches. On these pieces of furniture, were people. Steven didn’t know these people, or at least he hadn’t known them until they had turned up at his house for breakfast.

For those who haven’t heard of Steven, let us give you a quick run down. Steven is a young man who lives in Clifton Hill. He likes people and food. One Sunday morning a few months ago he decided to cook breakfast for some friends. The following Sunday they came back, with some tagalongs. The cycle continued to repeat it’s self, until one Sunday, the backyard was full of strangers. Steven liked the sense of community, and the opportunity to meet new people, so he continued to cook breakfast for new people each Sunday. That’s the twitter version anyway.

We got comfy on our milk-crates, and dug in to our first course – Bircher with coconut cream, berries, cashews and almond milk. Steven handed us mugs of coffee and smiled, before turning away to feed the other 20 people who had taken shelter from the rain in his lounge room.

Live music flooded the house; a young woman delicately plucked a harp and sung words as sweet as our muesli, while the man next to her piped in on the snare drum. This was Sunday morning bliss at it’s best.

Course two was an equally delicious serving of eggs, beetroot and potato rosti, spinach, zucchini and tomato. Yes, we were officially in heaven. BUT like all good things, the breakfasts at Steven’s house must come to an end. The end is unfortunately occurring sooner than we would like; this weekend.

The good news is that Steven is opening up his home this Saturday and Sunday. Breakfast, through to dinner. Live Music. Good conversation and hopefully, some new friends. Get out of your comfort zone, and into Steven’s house. It’s worth it.

Interested? Flick Steven an email to reserve a spot: provoke.designs@gmail.com.

Deprived of decent caffeinate beverages for far too long, the citizens of Yarraville and surrounding areas our now flooded for choice.

Our latest destination, a mere 10 meters from Yarraville train station is the aptly named Wee Jeanie, a delightful little coffee pit-stop slash eatery.

Owned and operated by Iain Munro, Wee Jeanie’s exposed brick wall and fireplace tie in well with the homely and simple menu offering. However don’t mistake the word simple, for anything other than its intended meaning. The homemade meals are delicious – you know the type you could just curl up in a blanket and devour? From thick toast with Jam and an All Press coffee on your way to work, to a healthy salad in your lunch break or a giant mug of hot chocolate, with rhubarb muffin accompaniment for those chilly days we are about to start seeing more of – this is a menu you will make your way through with pleasure.

The courtyard houses a large communal table, perfect for making new pals or people watching as the passers by make their way to and from the bustling station. A delightful and welcome addition to one of our favourite precincts, Wee Jeanie is a must visit as far as we’re concerned.

Where: 50 Anderson St, Yarraville
Phone: 03 9687 7187
Hours: Tues – Sat: 7:30am – 3:30pm

The raw brick bar is where all the magic happens. There’s 2 Brothers beer on tap, as well as Kung Foo rice larger, Taxi (a German-style Pilsner) and Gypsy Cider. The wine list has an Australian bias and the cocktails are a mix of old favorites. Blonde wood beams line the ceiling and birdcage light fittings are an eye-catching feature. Replica old-fashioned streetlights fastened to patches of quirky tartan carpet cast a sultry glow over the couples at the raised tables. The middle section of the spacious restaurant is the perfect place to pull up a chair with the family, or you can join your mates up the back in the ‘roped off’ section.

Pop in for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Share some small plates, such as compressed watermelon gazpacho salad and a ploughman’s platter, or larger plates, like The Corner Store Paella. The boys don’t blame you for not wanting to share, so they’ve given you five options you can devour without a helping mouth. Try the handmade ravioli filled with roasted pumpkin, ricotta and sage in brown butter sauce. Can’t decide? Just say “yes chef” and he’ll decide for you. There are also ‘Kid’s Korner’ menus available for the little tuckers.

The Corner Store may be Bayside’s blessing, but it’s still worth traveling for. The menu even encourages talking with your mouth full. Stop by and put it to the test.  

Location: 1 Swanston Street, Mentone
Open: 7 days from 7am until late
Phone: (03) 03 9583 6462
Details: facebook.com/TheCornerStoreMentone

The ceiling is all that’s left of the former London, a single tobacco stained globe here, a fluorescent light there. Beneath them, wooden and marble tables are paired with green and white metal chairs. There’s also bar seating and a raised communal table. If the weather permits, park yourself outside and take in the ocean view, but the water is best admired from the large square windows on the second level, which is available for functions.

Customised light boxes are fastened to white tiled pillars and match the light globes suspended by green wire above the bar. The green theme extends to The London’s environmental philosophy. They’ve cut back on bottles and are offering more on tap (Stella, Kosciusko Pale Ale, Cricketers Arms Larger, Coldstream cider, etc.), including Hepburn mineral water. There’s a barrel wall with four Victorian wines ready to be served by the glass, half litre or full litre. Soon, you’ll also be able to buy a bottle and receive a discount when it’s refilled from the wall.

Pizza is the hero at this beachside venue. Try the house specialty of Mozzarella, pfifferling mushrooms, pancetta and rosemary, or skip straight to a dessert pizza with Nutella and macerated strawberries. Finish a morning walk with a prosciutto, roquette, buffalo Mozzarella and tomato piadina, washed down with a smooth Allpress coffee. Later, share some small plates of antipasto before digging into a gourmet pasta dish, an Angus beef burger or a swordfish steak from the grill.

Test The London out on mum this Sunday with a $45 two course lunch ($55 with dessert), complete with a glass of Paul Louis French sparkling. Go on… London’s calling.

Location: 92 Beach Street, Port Melbourne
Open: Weekdays 11.30am-1am | Weekends 9am-1am
Phone: (03) 8747 1239
Details: http://www.thelondonpm.com.au/

This place looks like it’s inspired by a New York diner and cocktail bar mixed with a trip to the Hamptons. It’s a contemporary destination where you can relax and enjoy a classy cocktail or a classic burger at the same time.

Unlike anything else you’ll find on this famous Acland Street strip, expect to be charmed at Joe’s with the carefully considered red and white stripes and red one-of-a-kind vintage chairs (sourced on ebay), crisp white-framed photographs of beach life, blonde recycled timbre tables, textured wallpaper panels, leather bench seating and oversized lamps.

Helping to give things a shake up from behind the bar are some of Melbourne’s finest mixologists (including a few ex-Cookie crew). The bespoke cocktail menu features a range of house infusions and homemade syrups, which are used to conjure up drinks like the Mojito Bodeguita, named in honour of Hemmingway’s favourite bar in Havana.

If cocktails aren’t your style, fear not as there is a multitude of expertly selected Australian wines and local brews including Stone & Wood, Mountain Goat and St Kilda Brew to choose from.

Staying true to its roots, Joe’s continues to dish up the finest burgers in Saint Kilda. However, today the expanded menu also includes modern options including Tastes, Seasonal Starters, Slow & Low, Market Salads, Main Courses and Desserts. Be sure to try the popular Pulled Pork Rolls, BBQ Sauce, Apple Chutney & Crackling and Slow Cooked Pork Ribs with Summer Slaw from the Slow & Low menu.

A friendly team with impressive know-how, a stellar location, top-notch drinks and food combined with incredible style is a welcoming makeover for this old Joe.

Where: 64-66 Acland Street, St Kilda
Hours: Mon to Wed 5pm-12am | Thu to Sun 12pm – late
Phone: (03) 9525 3755
Details: Joesbar.com.au

Fabric hangs from the doorway in colours reflective of the venues name, making this place impossible to miss. An abundance of natural timber, low lying ceilings and cushion-covered bench seats give this eatery the authentic Japanese feel so many restaurants of this persuasion lack.

The open plan kitchen allows you to see the chef at work as he whips up any one of the nine drool worthy teishoku meals on offer. From slow cooked pork belly in soy and sake sauce, to crispy chicken in soy and ginger – this place is sure to fill your belly, without leaving your wallet hungry as all meals range between $15 and $18. In traditional teishoku style, you also have the option to add in some rotating side meals for an extra $3. The drinks menu is particularly interesting; with choices ranging from Karita paper drip coffee and specialty teas, to a rather oddly placed Turkish Lemonade.

Aka Siro is currently only trading for lunch, however the owner Maso, formally of Piadina Slowfood and The Grace Darling suggests that late night izakaya and sake sessions are soon to come.

Where: 106 Cambridge St, Collingwood
Hours: Tue – Sun: 11am – 4pm

Greco!

Together on rolling carts – certainly sounds yum…cha.

Mama Baba’s speedy rise to casual yet coveted dining destination continues with the launch of Roman Greco yum cha. Calombaris’ head chef Dominic Pipicellli will launch brand new creations and the menu will rotate weekly showcasing some traditional favourites and some modern abbreviations of classic Italian and Greek fare.

There was a soft launch last Sunday with the yum cha menu featuring 12 different offerings.

A pick of some of the flavours – it all comes in three waves:

The 1^st Wave included Terrine of pork, rabbit and prosciutto with giardinera AND Bruschetta of zucchini, marjoram, mint and lemon.

The 2^nd Wave included Ravioles of haloumi, ricotta and mint with raisins and radicchio AND Salad of fennel, orange and spring onion.

The 3^rd Wave included Bucatini Bolognaise AND Kritharaki with squid ink, vongole and bottarga.

Unique isn’t it? Swap the prawn and crab dumplings, steamed pork buns and chicken feet with a rolling spread of antipasto/meze, pasta and sweat treats and you’ve got Mama Baba’s Greco Roman Yum Cha. All served yum cha style to your table.

This Sunday is the real deal. And deal it is, $40 for 4 courses plus bespoke cocktail of the day at $8 a glass and $25 a jug to share.

Where: 21 Daly Street, South Yarra
When:  every Sunday, 12-3pm
Reservations: certainly, call on 9207 7421
Details: mamababa.com.au/

P.S. We’d be remiss not to mention Mama Baba’s Friday night drinks too. George is shouting everyone his Greek Sausage Roll (sounds a bit dirty actually) every Friday from 4-6pm when you have a drink or two.

The Tasting Table is the first child of Jack Mullard and his fiancé. Fresh from the UK, Mullard formerly worked for Corney & Barrow, wine advisors to the Royal Family. The store stocks European and Australian bottles ranging from about $18 upwards. Thanks to three shiny Enomatic dispensers — which store wine for up to three weeks by ensuring not an atom of oxygen seeps in — patrons are able to try before they buy.

It works like this: Select what wines you would like to taste or have a glass of out of the 24 available and you’ll get an electronic card which you can top up on the spot or pay off at the end. If you’d rather grab a bottle off the shelf they’ll dedicate a spot in the Enomatics just for you for the evening, perfect for sharing with friends. Mullard knows that Aussies don’t usually like to pay for samples, but the benefits are obvious. If you’re a wine connoisseur with shallow pockets, you’ll be able to taste vintages you otherwise couldn’t afford. If you’re a vino virgin, Mullard will show you the ropes and put your taste buds to the test.

What was formally Nick’s Wine Merchants is now an airy space with polished floorboards. A naked brick feature wall lined with sleek bottle racks sets the scene next to the centerpiece of the room: the long, wooden tasting table. The store hosts weekly events and if you’re lucky, there might still be a few tickets available for their Italian food and wine session on Thursday evening, otherwise pop in the Saturday before Mother’s Day to test out some champagne on the house. There are also local events to look forward to, such as a dinner at The Smith with matched wines.

At The Tasting Table, it’s all about education. What better way to learn than by doing… or should we say sipping?

Where: 1219 High Street, Armadale
Open: Tue-Wed11am-8.30pm | Thurs-Fri 11am -10pm | Sat 10am-7.30pm | Sun 12pm-6pm
Phone: (03) 9822 6754
Details: fb.com/thetastingtablewineshop or thetasting-table.com.au

Resident Chef Ewart Wardhaugh is in charge of the kitchen when the boys aren’t there, but listing his impressive resume would take up half of this article. The Pub Grub section of the menu is anything but ordinary and the grazing plates (antipasto, butcher block, cheese shoppe or seafood tower) are perfect to share. Smaller bites like lollipop buffalo wings with blue cheese will hit the spot, but if you’re up for a challenge, order The Caveman, a 1200g aged rib eye steak for two. During the day, breakfast gets fancy (125th St. crispy fried chicken & red velvet waffles with honey, anyone?) and the heat is turned up downstairs at the burger bar.

The huge space – designed by Mills Gorman — channels Las Vagas but without the fluff. It’s sharp without the snobbery and is as casual as a three level gastro pub with high ceilings, an upstairs restaurant area, a downstairs bar and an outdoor terrace can get. Inside, suspended glass lights litter the ceiling and illustrated posters remind patrons it’s okay to let their hair down. We’d love to know who emptied the 9000 beer bottles that make up the illuminated feature wall. As for the tunes, the DJ’s vinyl collection sets the mood, while the view from the heated terrace epitomises everything that makes Melbourne marvellous.

The “good times” start on tap with a choice of 8 beers and cider, then continues with 30 bottled beers, local and imported wine, and cocktails that will make your brain implode. But our favourite part of the beverage mix is the alcoholic floaters, especially the spider with root beer, vanilla ice cream and vanilla vodka. At The Merrywell, you’ll want to visit for lunch, stay for dinner and sip one of everything, so it’s little wonder the bill comes in a folder marked ‘damage’.

Location: Corner of Clarendon St & Crown Riverside
Open: Sun-Thurs: bar 5pm-1am, snacks 5pm-12am, dinner 6pm-11pm|Fri-Sat: bar 5pm-3am, snacks 5pm-2am, dinner 6pm-12am|Burger Bar 7 days, 11am-11pm
Phone: (03) 9292 7468
Details: themerrywell.com.au/

Moise Leouzon and Adam Diamond both quit their HR and consultancy jobs to open the warm café, which takes its name from the book written by French author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. It’s a nod to owner Moise’s background, and touches of home appear throughout the café. We love the ‘bonjour’ scrabble tiles above the coffee machine… and what a coffee machine it is! The shiny Slayer is almost too good to use, but it will be pumping out Supreme Coffee come tomorrow. The boys even took it to a professional motorbike finisher and had it painted baby blue under the judgmental gaze of tattooed bikies (perhaps they just couldn’t believe how much it complements Moise’s eyes!).

Inside the café are matching metal stools and cushioned banquette seating. Old-school classroom chairs complement the boxy tables, made from recycled timber from the floor of a church. Sasufi (a French born, Melbourne based designer who nailed the fit out of Slowpoke Espresso) was the obvious choice when it came to the interior. Bright flowers in jars hang from rustic coat hooks, wooden crates pose as shelves housing vintage tins, and plants and antiques are scattered around the small space.

The milk is Jonesy’s, the eggs are Green Eggs and the soft drinks are Capi. Breakfast ranges from smooth bircher and crunchy granola to baked and smashed avo eggs. The glass display cabinet tempts visitors with seasonal sandwiches and salads and there are plans to expand the menu — which is presented inside a copy of Le Petit Prince — once the place finds its feet. In the meantime, look for the black awnings and the tables of smiling faces out the front.

Location: 1A Mercer Road, Armadale
Open: Daily from 6.30am-4pm
Phone: (03) 9824 6404
Details: facebook.com

It’s hard to believe this spot was once Peter Rowland’s first kitchen. A couple of walls have been knocked down and the white tiles and concrete floor polished to reveal a shiny space with a touch of homeliness. You might recognize the rustic table splattered with paint from Paco’s Tacos, which has a view of all the baking action. Aside from that, there’s bench seating in the window or cushions and milk crates on the front decking outside.

Although the Bakery specializes in sourdough, the range will make your head spin. Think rye with caraway and sunflower seeds and gluten free varieties with linseed and Brazil nuts. But at this fully functional bakery, the hungry folk of South Yarra can also stay for a snack. For breakfast there are fresh pastries and toast with homemade jam, perfect with Lavazza coffee or an old-school spider. Gourmet pies, pork and fennel sausage rolls, veggie empanadas and Cornish pasties will be ready to eat at lunchtime, as will seasonal sandwiches. We’re most looking forward to kicking those winter chills with the daily soup or braise. And if we haven’t sold it yet, skip straight to the sweets: oatmeal and walnut chunk cookies, lemon tarts and salted caramel doughnuts. Or perhaps an entire chocolate and beetroot cake will suffice.

One thing’s for sure: MoVida Bakery is the best thing since sliced bread.

Location: 3 Tivoli Road, South Yarra
Open: Seven days 7am-6pm(ish)
Phone: (03) 9041 4345
Details: facebook.com/MoVidaBakery

The Char-Grilled Pineapple Julep is the perfect refresher on a sunny afternoon in the courtyard, while the delicate Earl Grey Martini is well suited as a romantic pre-dinner cocktail at one of the candlelit tables for two. But it’s not all about the booze at Kid Boston; the boys take their food seriously too.

Kid Boston’s Chef, Dylan Evans, has worked in kitchens all over the world, including Noma in Cophenhagen. He’s created the perfect menu to help you line your stomach. Snack on chilli, fennel and paprika spiced popcorn before sharing grilled chilli octopus, an explosion of textures served on a salad of cucumber ribbons, fennel and orange. If you’re after some dude food, there’s sweet and sticky pork belly, buffalo wings and beer hanger steak.

The place is sexy. There’s no other way to describe it. The soundtrack swings smoothly between jazz and hip hop, the display of bottles behind the bar makes your knees weak and the walls flaunt artworks by Melbourne street artists. Wooden finishes (many salvaged from the Black Saturday fires) and a generous scattering of pot plants add an ‘into the jungle’ feel — even the toilet continues the theme, with crickets chirping and birds singing through speakers as you inevitably break the seal after a few Old Fashioneds.

The verdict? We would give it two thumbs up… but then we’d have to put down our drinks. You’ll understand when you visit.

Location: 44 Chapel Street, Windsor
Open: Wed-Fri 4pm-1am | Sat 11am-1am | Sun 11am-11pm
Phone: (03) 9939 5256
Details: http://kidboston.com.au/

In the remains of an old barbershop, at the top end of Anderson St lies a small but well thought out enoteca named Barkley Johnson. Yes, we too first thought it was located at the intersection of these two streets, however as owners Prue Sadler and Jim Gridias informed us, the watering hole was named after their dearly departed Golden Retriever.

Space is of a premium here, with only about 8 stools available inside and a handful of chairs and tables in the mosaic tiled courtyard at the rear. If you fancy people watching and the window stools are taken try popping out front and enjoying your perfectly brewed coffee or glass of pinot in the Parisian style, outward facing chairs.

Ceiling high wine racks line the wall adjacent to the deli style counter, which offers a selection of cheeses, antipasti and sweets. The breakfast offerings are simple and understated, as are the lunchtime baguette choices – but hey, more often than not the simple things in life are the best. Speaking of best, did we mention the entire menu is available for takeaway? Perfect for those days when you feel like lounging at home or lazing the afternoon away in the park.

Modest in size, but not in quality – this charming addition to the village is one to add to your must visit list.

Where: 11 Anderson St, Yarraville
Hours: Tue to Sat: 8am – 11pm, Sun: 8am – 6pm
Phone: (03) 9687 6663
Details: facebook.com

This tiny hole-in-the-wall (or is that hole-in-the-convent?) café serves Japanese soul food. Delight in a bento box for breakfast and choose from a range of fresh and simple lunch dishes. You can sip imported beer, tea, Sake and guzzle local organic wine. Alternatively, skip straight to dessert; the green tea mousse is a hit.

2. Pizze E Fichi || 321 High St, Kew. Ph: (03) 9853 5155. pizzefichi.com.au.
This family-run pizzeria is a local gem. Ingredients are sourced locally and imported from Italy, while the wood-fire oven keeps Kew commuters coming back. Try the Fichi pizza with Mozzarella, Gorgonzola, semi-dried figs and prosciutto crudo.

3. Old Barber Shop Café || 251 Church St, Richmond. Ph: (03) 9421 6463. facebook.com.
What was once the Barber of Seville is now an airy café with an impressive front deck. Sit beneath the umbrellas and relax with a latte, or be swept to the States with their addictive New York deli corned beef bagel. It comes with tangy mustard pickle and potato crisps on a wooden board. Delicious.

4. Pireaus Blues || 310 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy. Ph: (03) 9417 0222. pireausblues.com.au.
An oldie but a goldie, Pireaus Blues is recognised as Melbourne’s most authentic Greek Restaurant. Dim lighting and a warm atmosphere accompany the traditional food; a selection of tasty homemade dips, char grilled seafood and braised meat. Just make sure you save room for halva ice cream. You’ll wish you were part of the family.

5. Horn || 20 Johnston St, Fitzroy. Ph: (03) 9417 4670. thehorncafe.com.au.
Over on the other side of the world, Horn does Ethiopian food with flair. It’s made to share, but the best thing about Ethiopian cuisine is that you eat it with your hands using injera, traditional flat bread. Expect full bellies, African beer and live music. Did we mention you eat with your hands?

6. Olio & Pane || 328 Auburn Road, Hawthorn. Ph: (03) 9818 2375. facebook.com.
If you’re a lover of fine food, specifically fine Italian food, this is the place for you. What started as a providore stocking artisan oils, pasta, bread and condiments is now a tiny café serving breakfast and light lunches. Join up for one of their cooking classes and learn the tricks of the trade.

7. Bomb Café || 229 Johnston St, Abbotsford. Ph: (03) 9486 0699.
Four words of advice: order the open omelette! A wonderful spot for breakfast and lunch in a somewhat grungier part of Johnston St. Don’t despair at the size of the front room, there’s more space through the corridor and a mystical garden out the back. It’s the bomb (sorry, we couldn’t help ourselves!).

8. Milky Joe’s || 228 Glenhuntly Road, Elsternwick. Ph: (03) 9077 3505. milkyjoes.com.au.
Milky Joe’s is the new go-to joint for a smooth Allpress coffee if you’re Elsternwick-way. Breakfast is a simple mix of muesli and eggs (not together of course!). They’ve also just extended their opening hours. Perfect if you’re craving something from their late night burger menu.

9. Veggie Kitchen || 159 St Georges Rd, Northcote. Ph: (03) 9489 2120. veggiekitchen.com.au.
If you want some yin and yang in your mouth, stop in at Veggie Kitchen. It’s a must-visit for vegetarians and meat eaters alike. Their balanced, healthy food is based on the five basic elements of Chinese therapy and there’s also plenty in the gluten free and vegan departments.

10. Daruma Japanese Kitchen || 845 Burke Rd, Camberwell. Ph: (03) 9882 4999.
This unassuming Japanese joint in the heart of Camberwell is surprisingly delicious. The service is efficient and the highly reasonable prices by no means reflect the quality of the fresh fare. Get into the gyoza, snack on some sashimi or go all out with spicy ox tongue and salmon steak with garlic butter.

Once a place where people would pick up a packet of cigarettes on their way to work – the run down Milk Bar situated on a quiet suburban street in Melbourne’s inner west has been given a new lease on life from owner Jess Tumbri.

Offering Padre coffee, complimented with Jonsey’s milk (and if you’re feeling cheeky one of Nana Milla’s shortbread biscuits), The Footscray Milking Station is quickly becoming the go-to spot for the savvy crew in the west.

The light filled space is warm and welcoming with just the right amount of industrial inspired add-ons to finish the otherwise chic fit-out: think country farm-house meets inner city warehouse, complete with courtyard and street tables.

The breakfast menu suggests a sago porridge that we will definitely be returning to try, and for those making lunchtime visits the small but delicious selection of paninis and wraps that fill the deli style fridge will surely satisfy, as will the lemon tart that could quite possibly start the third world war.

Catering for both vegans and gluten-free, The Footscray Milking station is yet another example of the caliber of cafes popping up in the Western Suburbs, and an exciting preview of what’s to come.

Where: 35 Bunbury St, Footscray
Hours: 7 days: 7am – 3pm
Phone: (03) 9029 9240
Details: footscraymilkingstation.com.au

After a six-month fight for a liquor license (major objections from the nearby brothels, we hear) you can now wash it all down with another kind of brew too – check out craft beers from Hawthorn Brewing Co, 3 Ravens and Hargraves Hill.

There’s four burgers on the menu – all made using local suppliers (naturally) including owner Luke Mutton’s mother’s home made relish and honey from their very own rooftop bees.

Our favourite is the Warialda beef burger with chorizo, pickles, onion rings and the aforementioned relish. There’s a beef, cheese, caramelised onion and beetroot option too.

Keeping the carnivore theme going is a lamb burger, pattie from Hook and Spoon, slopped with backyard fig relish (backyard being the owners’ backyard) and blue cheese. A veggie version with roasted field mushrooms, honey and cheddar is sure to please our herbivore friends.

Available from 5pm, all are sandwiched between soft brioche buns and served with a kitch bag of crinkle cuts – priced at a princely $10-12 each.

There’s not that many specialty cafes open after 5pm, but the Dead Man crew are happy to sacrifice their Friday nights for us, firing up the grill for a good old-fashioned bun fight. Now, about those Thursdays…

Where: 35 Market Street, South Melbourne
When: Friday from 5pm – Late
Phone: (03) 9686 2255
Details: deadmanespresso.com.au

True story. It’s called Northcote Bakeshop and having opened last month, it’s yet another reason to visit High Street – well, the ‘other’ bit of High Street not yet colonised by hipsters and bar hoppers – where Northcote meets Thornbury and local businesses have been around for decades.

Owners Arnold Salinas (ex-Convent Bakery) and Peter Byrne (La Paloma) took over the site from a Greek deli owner/baker who had been there 23 years. They’ve worked hard to create a small, homely and humble space, with timber furniture, polished concrete floors, white tiling, and window and outdoor seating that overlooks a decrepit building plastered in gig posters. “It’s all about good baking, good coffee making and good jazz,” emphasises Salinas, “without fuss and fanciness.”

The ‘Thornbury prices’ they offer are also a big draw card – raspberry and buttermilk scones are $3, for example, shortbread is $1.20 a piece and you can get a panino generously filled with pulled pork and pickles for just $6.50.

Everything is baked on the premises by the owners themselves, pastry chef Robert Ingritsen and Salinas’s Chilean mother, who help out with Latin delicacies like the miloja (similar to a mille-feuille) and empanadas.

Where: 571 High St, Northcote
Hours: Tues – Sun 6am – 4pm  
Details: northcotebakeshop.com.au

With a minimalist and industrial setting, featuring exposed brick and wiring, concrete floors, naked light bulbs and recycled timber furniture, Spout has been teaming with locals and commuters grabbing take-aways since it opened just a few weeks ago.

Co-owner Jonathan Dvash cut his teeth as barista at Pound (Elsternwick) and Miss Jackson (St Kilda), where he began his love affair with Allpress Coffee. And with the quality of brew he’s serving up, we give the union our full blessing. Chef and co-owner Ferris Khamsani (aka ‘Zul’), originally French-trained, developed a flair for Middle Eastern flavours as a breakie chef at St Ali. The short but solid menu reflects this, with a Moroccan chicken schnitzel sanga and a meatball and chorizo shakshuka starring at lunch. All-day brunch options include spiced bircher muesli, pan-fried challah with vanilla mascarpone and poached pears, and a one-pan sumac fried egg breakfast. Sweets and muffins are baked in-house daily and always changing.

While Spout may be a long way from its namesake, a cherished surf spot on the Great Ocean Road, it certainly has caused a splash in an otherwise quiet part of town.

Where: 48 Glen Eira Rd, Ripponlea
Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-5pm | Sat-Sun 8am-5pm
Phone: (03) 9523 8155
Details: facebook.com

Owner Lloyd Smith, who named the café after his much-loved dogs, is serving consistently smooth Allpress Coffee alongside a team of staff who know the meaning off good ol’ hospitality. The La Marzocco espresso machine fits snuggly into the miniscule open kitchen, where rusted green industrial lights contrast against shiny black tiles.

Make a friend and pull up a seat at the sizeable communal table or sit in front of the coffee machine and chat up the staff. Let’s be honest, they’re too polite not to oblige. The expected outdoor seating arrangement will soon be the perfect place to sip caffeine European laneway style—although realistically, the coffee will be decidedly more delicious and the people that walk by less interesting to look at. You can’t win them all.

If you need breakfast on the run, grab a mini BLT roll or a buttery pastry. Workers based in the city are quickly hearing about the hot duck baguette, where a baguette from the Convent Bakery in Abbotsford is stuffed with tender duck, slaw salad and doused with homemade plum sauce.

But it’s Oli & Levi’s signature egg tarts (a square pastry shell housing a whole baked egg, basil, feta and sundried tomatoes) that are stealing the spotlight. And at $1.50 a pop, they’re practically hatching and walking out the door.

If you need to escape the office, you won’t find a better excuse than Oli & Levi.

Location: Shop 2/20 Coromandel Place, Melbourne
Open: Mon-Fri 7am-5.30pm (soon opening on weekends)
Phone: (03) 9650 0501
Details: facebook.com

The beans are Espresso Syndicate and the cakes, muffins and biscuits are homemade. When we visited, a dreamy plum and polenta cake caught our eye almost as much as the pieces hung on the walls. There are also plans to introduce toasties and soups in the near future.

Seating is an eclectic collection of cushioned milk crates, old sofas, beanbags and chests. The vibe is somewhere between relaxed and inspiring—Sunday afternoon tunes ride the airwaves from nearby PBS Radio while artistic displays make our stick figures look very dull indeed.

The studios, which have been leased out since October last year, are a second home to some of Melbourne’s most talented up-and-coming creatives, from painters and designers to filmmakers and writers. The exhibitions in the adjoining gallery change regularly and anyone is welcome to submit a proposal to display their work. There are also screenings and launches that happen regularly, all of which are announced on the House of Bricks Facebook page.

Thanks to the recent addition of the tiny House of Bricks café, you can now drink coffee while drinking in the artwork. Oh, and did we mention they serve cake?

Where: 40 Budd Street, Collingwood
When: Tue-Fri 7am-4pm | weekends 9am-4pm
Details: facebook.com

At the helm of this landmark café is barista Sebastian Beard, who moved from his hometown of Sydney with ambitions to open his own café in Melbourne.  Joining Sebastian in the café are a circle of New South Welshman who bring with them their passion for café culture and their skills to make first class coffee using award winning Gridlock Coffee.

In the kitchen accomplished chef Jemma Doble, whose resume includes stints at Movida and De Clieu, creates a mothwatering and utterly satifying menu including a mix of breakfast and lunch dishes.

Try the grandmother ham, Yarra Valley goats feta, avocado, roma tomato and basil on thick sourdough toast or the fluffy USA blueberry pancakes with caramelised banana, maple syrup and whipped danish butter – simply divine. For something on the go, you’ll find a selection of freshly delivered pastries and muffins from Brasserie Bread to choose from.

The interior at The Victorian Cafe is sophisticated with black and white striped walls and a pressed tin paneled bar. A Victorian tiled floor, grand pillars and dining settings that look they belong outside a Parisian brassery all add to that coffee palace feel. Something that’s not true to the coffee palace ideal, however, is the well sourced wine list – this we are thankful for!

Sit back, relax and enjoy the bay all year round from the comfort of The Victorian Café.

Where: 123 Beaconsfield Parade, Albert Park, Vic
When:  Mon-Fri 7am-3.30pm Sat-Sun 6.30am-3.30pm
Phone: 03 9686 3232
Details: thevictoriancafe.com.au

The menu has a notable range of gluten free and vegan-friendly meals. About half of the dishes are faux meat, but not the tasteless, rubbery kind that so many vegetarians detest. It could fool even the most avid meat eaters. The juicy Massaman lamb curry is a perfect example: tender ‘lamb’ is made from slow-cooked mushrooms and served with a scoop of mashed sweet potato and a generous sprinkling of crunchy cashew nuts.

Everything is affordable, but not to the detriment of flavour. While Madame K’s is heavily Thai influence—a nod to the owner’s home—there are hints of Chinese, Indian and Japanese along the way. Snack on Tom Yum soup or soy ‘duck’ pancakes before moving onto a green tempeh curry, Pad Thai or a hearty laksa. Save room for the exciting desserts, such as pumpkin balls and taro pudding in coconut milk with soy ice cream. There’s also a modest Australian-New Zealand wine list and a selection of imported beer to complement the food. The coconut drink is the perfect non-alcoholic refresher after a hit of spice.

Blues, greens and dark wood dominate the neat space, where diners can prop themselves up with comfortable patterned cushions along the length of the banquette seat. Framed prints of vintage cigarette advertisements decorate the walls alongside delicate china, but the modern mingles with the traditional the most in the feature lights, constructed from traditional basket fishing traps.

Madame K’s Vegetarian has plans to expand if the price is right. We can only pray to the vegetarian gods that they venture south of the river soon.

Where: 367 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
When: Seven days 12pm-10pm (closed between 4pm-5pm)
Phone: (03) 94156099
Details: facebook.com

Franco Choo’s, Prahran’s tiniest Mediterranean dining room – modelled on an Italian trattoria, opened a year ago to rave reviews. It’s Mediterranean and Asian inspired but clearly with more Italian blood than anything else…but why the name? Simple really. Owner Steven Choo’s partner, movie director Franco Di Chiera, was the catalyst to Steven’s enduring passion for all things Italian. In Rome Steven immersed himself in the culinary world…as they say, “when in Rome”. Steven returned to Melbourne to create Franco Choo’s – a real “hole in the wall” gem.

Ordering is easy, the menu changes regularly as Steven presides over the day’s best market eats. There are always and only 2 entrees,2 mains and 2 desserts to pick from. It adds to that “home cooked meal” feel. When we were there we munched on pork, chicken & pistachio terrina with sweet and sour onions for entrée, roasted duck leg, chestnut stuffing, Brussels sprouts and risotto cake for mains and a delicious ricotta tart for dessert.. Yum.

Our verdict – Franco Choo’s is just like Nonna used to make it. Warm with love and on non-matching plates.

Where: 179a High Street, Prahran
When: Tuesday to Saturday 6pm – Late
Details:  francochoos.com.au

Click here to get 30% off Franco Choo’s with AgendaTables.

We did the rounds a few weeks back and now highlight our Top 5 experiences in the context of the up and coming High Country Harvest – 40 events across 10 days in one of the states best celebrations of food, wine and beer.

1. Bridge Road Brewers – Ford Street, Beechworth

Grab a beer tasting paddle (10 beers) and try one of their pizza’s. Consumate beer pro’s and award winners this is a place to watch the Beechworth local and tourist crowd do their thing in a relaxed and definitely not pretentious enviro.

The event — Brewer’s Beer & Breakfast — Head of Beer, Ben Krauss will run you through what he has made an art. Beer and Brekky included! ($65  || Sat 19th May)

2. Pfeiffers Winery – Distillery Road, Wahgunyah (Rutherglen)

The legendary Pfeiffers Winery is a James Halliday Red 5 Star Winery. Better than that we were enamored with the most romantic bridge for a smooch in Victoria.

The event — Picnic with Autumn’s Bounty — Expect hampers prepared by Pfeiffer Wines and The Pickled Sisters Cafe, to be laden with the season’s best produce and matched to the Pfeiffer wine range. ($75 per hamper – feeds two || 18- 27th May)

3. The Rail Trail - Rutherglen

The High Country Rail Trail is a refurbished (for you) historic railway line. It’s been stripped of rails and now offers 35km of trail for walkers and cyclists. Bike it between wineries, pack a basket and fill your water bottles with the good stuff.

The event — The Sweet Cycle —  Enjoy three leisurely ‘stages’ of cycling through the picturesque Rutherglen countryside stopping off for 1) a sherry and local charcuterie master class with Australia’s most awarded wine maker; 2) High tea featuring artisan sweet treats, and; 3) an unforgettable Muscat & Topaque tasting with matched regional lovelies. ($90 || Sat 19th May)

4. Milawa Cheese Company - 17 Milawa-Bobinawarrah Rd, Milawa

Some of the nations great cheese. Traditional methods and free of preservatives their cheese tasting room is a taste sensation.

The event – Cooking with Milawa Cheese -- A cheese platter is one thing but what about cooking with it?  Let the experts guide you through the different cooking methods to use when cooking with cheese.  ($75 || Thurs 24th May)

5. Pizzini Wines - 175 King Valley Road, Whitfield

Famous wines and famous for their Italian cooking. 25 years in the King Valley and one of the most respected grape growers in the region.

The event — The Dinner Party – Eight people will spend the afternoon in the kitchen with Katrina Pizzini preparing a four course feast. Also explore the vineyard before sitting down for the feast matched with Pizzini wine. ($155 || Sat 19th May)

For more information and tickets for the High Country Harvest Festival – HighCountryHarvest.com.au

It’s as if the café has been lifted from Fitzroy and plonked in the CBD. The space feels like a warm living room: exposed brick walls, an active fireplace, antiques scattered around the room. There’s also an ‘indoor laneway’ down the side of the café, where you can sit beneath suspended pot plants without being exposed to the elements. Paul Hyland of Glasshaus nursery and design is a friend of Chiaplias and has provided a touch of green. We especially love the mini garden in a jar on the display cabinet.

The coffee is Veneziano, the milk Jonesy’s and the eggs Green eggs. Brasserie brings the bread for now, but there are plans to bake onsite. The Workers’ Food Room encourages their business clientele to step away from the boring old sandwich. While there are gourmet versions available (Turkish sausage, onion, relish and Kasser cheese, anyone?), the daily specials from the wood oven are divine. Alternatively, small plates such as grilled Cypriot Haloumi, pickled octopus and pomegranate cured trout are perfect for sharing. Early risers can also visit for breakfast. We recommend the North African baked eggs and peppers.

The Worker’s Food Room is anticipating a liquor license, so soon you’ll be able to pop in for a glass of red after work and relax to the jazzy soundtrack. And if you’re based at the other end of Little Lonsdale, it’s well worth the trek.

Location: 472 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
When: Mon-Fri 7am-5pm
Phone: (03) 9602 3220
Details: facebook.com/theworkersfoodroom

Bringing this taste of goodness to life are friends Bronwyn Stuart and Emma Binks, who have known each other for 18 years and together account for a total of 45 years experience of cooking up a storm in the kitchen. Both were raised in the country and grew a love for food and cooking at an early age.

The name Priscilla Jones is after Bronwyn’s grandmother, Priscilla and her mother’s maiden name Jones. Bronwyn and Emma’s mother’s were wonderful cooks and Priscilla Jones continues the tradition of passing on their renowned recipe secrets.

Here you can enjoy alfresco dining with your four legged friend (who are catered to with doggy treats on the menu) or retreat inside where you’ll find a heart warming stone fireplace and freshly baked muffins, quiche and other tantalising treats cooling on the counter.

Rustic timbre floor boards, a green and white colour scheme, cuttings from a cottage garden, succulents growing in tea pots adorning the window sill and a pumkin head all add character and eminate an effortless country vibe.

With a neighbouring art gallery, theatre and park you can expect to find a creative mix of artists, actors, families and dog enthusiatis munching away at this much anticipated café.

If you can’t get away to the country, be sure to get a taste of its charm at Priscilla Jones. And beware, you may also find runaway dogs retreating from play in the park in search of more doggy treats.

Where: 21 Graham Street, Albert Park, Vic
When:  Daily 7.30am to 4.30pm
Phone: 03 9682 8255
Details: gasworks.org.au

The menu—inspired by ‘business trips’ overseas—is a classic demonstration of opposites attracting. Matt even says of Damien, “If he was a girl, I would have put a ring on his finger by now!” To distract ourselves from responding with a crass sausage joke, we’ll tell you about the food.

Everything from the snag to the bun is made using original recipes. The butcher down the road produces the gourmet sausages, free from preservatives and other nasties. In the meat corner, it’s hard to choose between the beer soaked bratwurst with sauerkraut, the cheesy smoked kransky with German potato salad and the Wagyu chilli dog with ground beef loaded on top. In the veggo corner, sausages are formed from pumpkin, ricotta and tarragon or black beans, lentils and veggies. Buns (classic, seeded or gluten-free) are baked around the corner. Beer battered fries come slathered in melted cheese or spicy beef (or beans). Alternatively, skip the carbs and risk being judged by ordering a naked dog, where salad replaces the bread.

The space itself is laidback but effective, probably because Matt owns food and beverage design company The Anatomy. Once a greasy late-night pizza shop, Phat Brats now has high ceilings, exposed brick and licks of red and gold along the white walls. There’s another project in the making next door, but if we told you, we’d have to kill you. Phat Brats is expecting a liquor license in the near future, but for now we’re more than happy to get drunk on those delicious dogs.

Location: 320 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
Open: Weekdays midday-11pm |Weekends midday-1am
Phone: (03) 9419 5526
Details: facebook.com/phatbratsmelb and twitter.com/PhatBrats

That to us, seems like a description which could be used to describe the relatively barren food and drink wasteland that is St Kilda Road. Despite it being Melbourne’s connective tissue between the CBD and much of Melbourne’s South East, it’s no secret that the hospitality kings of Melbourne have forever shunned it!

No more. We’re enamoured with the fine dining addition that is Bakini.

A ‘hatted’ chef and Michelin star duo are at the helm. Richard Wills hails from The Point and Sous Chef Simone Righetto comes from Tuscany’s Gambero Rosso.

They’re delivering modern Australian cuisine with classic Italian flavours and, with a refined service team, everything seems oh so right. Of course, it’s even better when your starter is a few premium ‘bubbles’ -there’s a slick, 5pm alarm, bar for that!

Oh, and you won’t see a more open view of the kitchen than here. It’s all there on show. The Bakini team say it’s intended to mirror a modern Italian apartment – it reflects a core tenet of Italian cooking: a largesse of heart is the soul of many an Italian kitchen.

Best Bets: It’s a menu that encourages sharing and all pasta is made in-house, including potato ravioli and spaghetti. For us though, it was the Beetroot Cured Ocean Trout with radish, avocado & orange vinaigrette that made us that little bit giddy. Then from ‘The Land’, Bakini dished up a wholesome Wagyu Beef striploin with sautéed pine mushrooms, pine nut and mustard fruits, expertly cooked and completely moreish.

Bakini is a gift to St Kilda Road and it seems that reflects Head Chef Richard Wills’ dedication to cooking: “Cooking is like giving someone a gift – you have the potential to make someone very happy with really good food”.

Where: 568 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
When: Mon 6.30am – 3pm | Tues-Fri 6.30am – late | Saturday 7.30am – late | Sunday 7.30am – 3pm
Phone: 9521 7774
Details: BakiniRestaurant.com.au

Like its more up-market restaurant comrade across the road, Huxtable, and it’s casual neighbour, Huxtaburger, Bill’s Bar pinches its name from the Cosby Show. But unlike the rather comical Bill Cosby, the barely lit Bill’s has a dark, cavernous feel. Individual candles are placed on each polished table and leather bucket chairs mean there won’t be arguments over the banquette seating. Custom made, wooden wine racks cover the right wall in a network of diamonds, matched by another opposite the bar.

There are nearly 100 wines on offer, with a focus on Victorian varieties. The Enomatic wine dispenser means you can sample some exciting drops by the mouthful, half glass or full glass. The drinks list declares “we decided that it would be a nice gesture to make all of our spirits ‘premium’ yet ‘affordable.’” It doesn’t get much nicer than spirits for a flat $9, including 12-year-old single malt whiskies. Alternatively, try the “this shits be nasty”, an “ever evolving combination of premium spirits” that resembles a high-class version of what you used to sneak from your parents’ liquor cabinet in a water bottle.

There’s a small bar menu with a big name attached to it (Daniel Wilson of Huxtable), which also channels affordability. We liked the look of the southern fried chicken ribs with jalapeno mayo and the pulled pork buns with pickles. If you can’t decide, order everything on the menu, it will only set you back $54.

So count to 100, shout ‘ready or not, here I come’ and we’ll meet you at Bill’s Bar. Don’t worry—we’ll keep our phone handy for when you get lost.

Location: 104 Smith Street, Collingwood
Open: Tues-Sun 6pm-11pm (pending late night liquor license)
Phone: (03) 9417 6320
Details: twitter.com

After graduating from a psychology degree, owner Timna realised that the only way to really fix people was to give them sweets. She didn’t actually use those words, but it’s a logical conclusion to draw. Her mother and grandmother were great bakers when she was growing up (both have had cook books published) and now some of the family recipes feature in the cabinet.

There are bite-sized delights for those faking restraint, such as cake pops and pillow-soft handmade marshmallows. We won’t list all 30 cupcakes, but the red velvet and salted caramel caught our eye. If you’re a macaron fiend, they come out of the kitchen in an array of flavours (try the hazelnut and the pomegranate), made by a chef who worked in Paris for seven years.

Inspiration for the patisserie came from top sweet spots in Italy, New York and LA, but it is the Parisian influence that really shines through. The décor is decidedly French provincial, with rustic tables, a grand banquette seat, basket chairs and an outdoor sidewalk perfumed with dried lavender. The wooden shelves are adorned with Bonne Maman jams, homemade preserves, toffees, artisan chocolate, glass domes and colourful cupcake wrappers.

Timna was raised in Kenya, so it makes sense that the coffee is an exclusive Kenyan blend. There’s also a catering service available and the patisserie is planning to host baking classes and children’s parties in the near future. Sweet Crumble is currently putting together a breakfast and lunch menu of French pastries and gourmet baguettes, but for now you’ll have to settle with sweets.

Location: 111 Glenferrie Road, Malvern
Open: Mon-Thurs 8am-6pm| Fri 8am-5pm|Sun 10am-4pm (Subject to change)
Phone: (03) 9077 6956
Details: sweetcrumble.com.au and facebook.com/SweetCrumble

If you don’t already know, New Generation Hunter Valley is a group of “new generation” winemakers making their mark in the wine world with their own style of wine making. The gang consists of six men, David Hooks (David Hook Wines), Andrew Thomas (Thomas Wines), Rhys Eather (Merrea Park), Nick Paterson (Mistletoe Wines), Mike D Iuliis Wines and Andrew Margan (Margan Wines). They’ve all cut their teeth making wine around the world before settling down in the Hunter Valley. All six work with old vineyards using contemporary methods and are of course passionate about the future of the Hunter Valley.

Tickets are only $30 and include the chance to try over 24 of the best Hunter wines and to also meet the names behind them. Expect some of sexiest Hunter Valley Semilon and Shiraz that you’ve ever tasted. Ticket holders will receive an email regarding the location a week before.

When: April 19 from 6pm – 9pm
Where: That’s a secret!
Tickets: stickytickets.com.au
Details: newgenerationhuntervalley.com.au

Welsh chef Dylan Roberts (ex St Jude’s Cellars and Ezard) is Touché Hombre’s tacotician. The Del Coronel (char grilled chicken, chimichurri and toasted pepitas) comes highly recommended but if you’re feeling daring, try the El Secreto—you won’t be told what’s in it until it’s eaten. Juicy, braised ox tail featured when we visited but the night before it was lambs brains.

Crisp tostaditos with soft toppings complement the rotating brews on tap from both near and far, while the chilli chocolate peanut ice cream sandwich is not to be missed. As for tequila, forget that nasty stuff that gives you a hangover and sample the real deal in flights of three. Can’t get over that bad experience? There’s also alcoholic horcharta and decently priced vino. Cocktails come in jars and margaritas—perhaps the best in town—in Salvation Army mugs.

Yu’s love of architecture and design is evident in the lofty, warehouse space. Punters lean on the wooden bar made from the old Princes Pier and chat to the friendly staff over the nightly DJ sets. Up the back, the ‘wrestling ring’ table (which seats 20 and takes bookings) is surrounded by walls pasted with pop art. There are plans for more street art in the adjoining alley, pending council approval. In the mean time, old-school arcade games beneath the neon Ghost Busters sign (complete with replica ghost machines mounted on the wall) will keep you entertained.

Touché Hombre doesn’t take itself too seriously, but it’s serious when it comes to modern street fare and authentic Mexican booze. Surely that’s worth a toast, salud!

Location: 233 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
Open: Wed-Sun 5pm-1am this week, then seven days from midday-1am (TBC)
Phone: (03) 9663 0811
Details: touchehombre.com.au and facebook.com/touchehombre

“Cave” is hardly the word to describe this Toorak corner shop. A white wall with characteristic arches divides the space down the middle. On one side is the custom-made cheese cabinet, on the other are ever-so-French circular tables and an espresso machine churning out Di Bella’s premium blend. The ceilings are high and sunlight drenches the black marble tiles. It’s an appreciated step away from the claustrophobic cheese rooms, where you have to close the door behind you and peg your nose.

Pop your head in the express window and grab a cheese-inspired muffin (mushroom, pinenut and parmesan today) or a sweet alternative baked fresh daily by chef Daniel Olszewski. Breakfast runs all day and includes Bircher muesli, eggs and French toast with orange, mascarpone and honeycomb. Grab a charcuterie board, cheese platter or a filled baguette from the display cabinet for lunch. There are also take-home meals and tiered cakes constructed from rolls of cheese, made to order.

Although The Cheese Cave is a fromagerie, the idea is that you can get everything you need for that perfect picnic platter. They stock Dench baguettes, quince paste, antipasto and oils. The Cheese Cave is the first fromagerie concept store and the owners hope to expand in the next couple of years. They’re also pending a liquor license, because let’s face it, you need a glass of red with that Camembert.

Location: 429-431 Toorak Road, Toorak
Open: weekdays 7am-5.30pm | weekends 7am-4pm (subject to change)
Phone: (03) 9826 1105
Details: thecheesecave.com.au

AgendaCity was invited for a sneak peak and we can honestly say we’ve never seen an afternoon tea like it! Sure there are the regular delights like fluffy scones and ribbon sandwiches but then enter Darren Purchese with his crazy spin on sweets and you have High Tea heaven! Marshmallows that explode raspberry goodness when bitten, little cups of avocado, mint cucumber and white chocolate or mango, milk chocolate and ginger cakes are a few of the goodies you could expect.

Simply describing this amazing display just won’t do it justice. Head there for yourself in April, May and June to experience your very own sugar coma.

Where: ARIA Bar & Lounge, Podium Level of The Langham, Melbourne
When: Friday 20 April, Friday 4 May and Friday 1 June 10.30am – 4.30pm
Cost: $69 per person
Bookings: Langham restaurant reservations on 1800 641 107 or ariabar.com.au  

“Henry”, is the surname of Mathis’ PA, while “Fox” can be traced to the 2011 Age Young Chef of the Year in the kitchen, Michael Fox. The name also references a book Mathis read to his kiddies (cue ‘awwws’).

Mathis has a thing for antiques and the environment, which shows in the modern fit out at Henry and the Fox. Even the friendly staff look good, donning black pageboy hats and buttoned aprons. The walls are decked in recycled timber from the South Wharf Promenade. Leather banquettes boarder the restaurant, while the windows above them open up to the faux-grass terrace outside. The marble communal table is long enough for royalty. It sits opposite the open kitchen, where you can watch Fox and his small team meticulously plating up food.

And what food! The breakfast menu has a contemporary twist. During March there’s a two-course lunch menu for $35 ($45 with dessert). But it’s worth visiting with a group so you can try the whole shebang. “Small dishes” such as crunchy jamon and Manchego croquettes are washed down well with beer. As for the wine list, it’s comprehensive without being intimidating. Fox’s penchant for seafood is clear in the “medium dishes”, like the seared scallops with roasted baby beets and pickled shallots. Under “large dishes”, poached chicken with quinoa, pistachios and fig challenge anyone who ever thought chicken was boring.

If nothing else, we’ll see you after work on Friday for the weekly BBQ… like a fox!

Where: 525 Little Collins Street, Melbourne
Phone: (03) 9614 3277
Open: Mon-Fri, 7.30am-late (kitchen closes at 10pm)
Details: henryandthefox.blogspot.com.au and facebook.com

Owned and run by Mexican expat Ricardo Amare and business partner Linda Temani Señoritas is home to the most impressive Mexican decor in Melbourne.The deceptively small venue pays a visual homage to Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) – from the little skull motif to mark the fill line on your wine glass to the saucy dead-lady logo – this place is pop, its neon, it’s loud and its bright.

Imported from Mexico and offering a modern take on authenticity is head chef Hugo Reyes. Tackling the well-known (fresh, limey tuna ceviche; succulent pork tacos with pickled onions and habanero and the best refried beans we’ve had outside of Mexico) and the lesser known (flautas of crisp fried duck; pozole blanco – hominy grits in pork broth) with his poster sized menu covering the nation from top to tail.

A kleptomania inspiring pocket sized drinks list is your passport to tipsy. Its a little thin on the wine front (an insight into the difficulties in importing Mexico’s excellent wines to Australia, one suspects) but otherwise overflowing with top shelf Mexican beer, tequila, mezcal and del maguey. You’ve got a good shot at getting a table too, they may only be small, but Señoritas has very sensibly opted for a half booking, half walk-ins system. Fantástico.

Where: 16 Meyers Place Melbourne
Open: from 5pm – late Tuesday – Saturday
Phone: (03) 9639 7437
Details: senoritas.com.au

Families from Greece and Italy to Africa and the Middle East have called Dandenong ‘home’ for generations. For one day only, as part of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, you’ll be able to travel from Thessaloncia to Turkmenistan with your tongue.

On Sunday 18^th, celebrate cultural diversity with your taste buds at Dandenong Market. Don’t bother renewing your passport; you won’t need it on this gastronomic adventure.

The Dandenong Market will represent fare from all across the globe, from traditional recipes handed down by great-great grandmothers to intriguing exotic delights. Of course there will be hawker-style stalls, but don’t be surprised if you encounter the odd canopied stand, wandering vendor, or a bike hurtling towards you with a basket full of food. Expect sizzling Singaporean satay skewers, gözleme stuffed with spinach and feta, Turkish treats such as baklava, buttery Greek shortbread biscuits and much more.

If all the feasting makes you thirsty, hunt down the Afghan teacart or head to the Boutique Brewers for a free tasting. Apart from stuffing your face, you’ll be treated to an array of cultural entertainment including music and dance performances. There will be cooking demonstrations by visiting chefs and a wide range of merchandise and food available to take home. You’ll even have the opportunity to kiss the camels, but be careful, they spit.   

Entry is free and the food is affordable.  So whether you say bon appétit, smacznego, selamat makan or いただきます, you’re sure to sample something new!

Where: The Dandenong Market, corner Clow and Cleeland Streets, Dandenong
When: 18 March | 11am
Details: dandenongmarket.com.au

Named after architect I. M Pei (responsible for the Louvre’s glass pyramid), the focus at Pei Modern is as much about design as it is about food. Helen Rice from Rice Architecture is responsible for the vaulted ceiling made from natural timber, which curves all the way down to the floor. A metal screen divides this area from the main dining room, where white furniture and marble surfaces add extra sophistication. The best seat in the house is in one of two individual couch chairs. You may never get up, but at least you have a view of the open kitchen.

Lubbock’s wine list favours smaller, natural producers and is cleverly divided into descriptions to make choosing easier (whites may be with “perfume and texture” or “depth and richness”). There’s Brunswick Bitter, Coopers’ Pale Ale and sparkling water on tap. The latter is courtesy of a machine that filters, chills and carbonates “Melbourne’s perfectly good water”.

The breakfast menu features croissants from the MoVida bakery. Lunch is available until the kitchen closes (pork terrine with port mustard anyone?), while a dinner favourite is the dry aged rump camp with dried carrots and beetroot. For dessert, it’s hard to go past the caramelised tomato stuffed with twelve flavours and served with star anise ice cream (pinched from Marque). Mackintosh and Bartholomew can’t name the twelve flavours off the top of their heads, but they assure us it’s the kind of dessert that makes you come back. The chef wrote them down for us, but you’ll have to taste it to believe it.

Where: Collins Place, 45 Collins Street Melbourne
Phone: (03) 9654 8545
Open: Mon-Sun, 8am-11pm for food | until 1am for drinks
Details: peimodern.com.au

After an initial successful stint online, Karton has unfolded in Chapel Street. People didn’t believe a cardboard stool would hold them until they sat on it, and now they believe. The furniture gives certain Swedish superstores a run for their money. Gone are the Allen keys, missing screws and the back-breaking task of constructing a simple bedside table. Karton equals simplicity. Well, simplicity and folding. Everything packs down flat with a few flicks of the wrist: tables, chairs, desks. There are even foldable sheep that can be used to store books and turtle pencil holders.

Despite the simplicity of the furniture, creating Karton was no simple feat and involved some of Europe’s brightest engineers. Designed by Hans Peter Stange, it’s no coincidence that the German furniture is “over-engineered”. Apparently ten heavy guys can stand on the cardboard bed frame (their best seller) without making a dent.

The Karton crew is currently collaborating with local designers. Come April, there are plans to fold-up shop and make an appearance North of the river. Whip up a spare bed when the mother-in-law comes for the weekend, move the dining room table outside by yourself, or get some mates together and paint an entire set. Just don’t go lighting matches in the store, it’s a recipe for disaster.

Where: 228 Chapel Street, Prahran
When: Until the first week of April
Details: kartongroup.com.au

This won’t be just any old flea market, the folk at The Peoples Market have created an open-air offering that will be part design, part gastronomic wonderland and a whole lot of vendors selling pre-loved, unique and quirky items. Stalls are made from an assortment of shipping containers that have been customized to suit vendors with the help of NH Architecture and Zunica Designs.

As well as regular food stalls, there’ll also be pop up restaurants accommodating some of Melbourne’s biggest names in food, as well as entertainment right up until 9pm. 1000 £ Bend will be there serving up magical beverages with their own custom container bar and Phat Brats (set to open on Brunswick St later this month) will be launching their flame grilled gourmet dog range.

A market west of the city is pretty damn exciting in itself but we also reckon this might be just the thing to bring some life into Docklands precinct.

Farmers market will be open until 2pm, vintage stalls until 4pm and food and entertainment until 9pm. You can also have your own stall starting form $35 per day.

Where: 453-507 Docklands Dr, Docklands
When: Every Saturday 9am – 9pm rain, hail or shine
Details: peoplesmarket.com.au

If you only every drink Rekorderlig cider, you are living inside a bubble of ignorance. Cider has become the drink of choice for many over the last couple of years, but how much do you really know about its appley goodness? Did you know that cider apples are the ugly ducklings of apples? Or that ‘Perry’ is pear cider? Or that cider was touted as a cure for gout in the 19^th century?

It’s time to pop the bubble. Enough of those sugary drinks full of preservatives and flavours like ‘raspberry, lemon and mandarin’. You deserve better than those posers. In a one-day-only event, Bress Wine & Cider has partnered with the good people over at the Fringe Food Festival for a day of intensive cider education.

Start from scratch in the orchard, identifying and tasting the nine varieties of cider apples (Bress also grows four types of pears). Next, learn production techniques and traditional methods adapted from the French and English. They’ll even show you how to make cider at home. After your crash course in apples, lunch will be provided, and nothing quite matches cider like pork spit roast. They’ll even fire up the pizza oven and throw in some veggies from the garden.

Get ex-cider-ed to sip Bress’ French dry, Normandy-style refined cider, made using biodynamic farming practices. They supply some of our best restaurants (think Cumulus Inc. and The Commoner), but you’ll get to taste it from the tree to the tap. And as the saying goes, a cider a day keeps the doctor away… or something like that.

Where: Bress Winery & Cidery, 3894 Old Calder Highway, Harcourt
When: 25 March
Details: fringefoodfestival.com.au
Tickets: $100 inclusive, online at trybooking.com

From April until November you can mingle with epicurean big wigs like Philippe Mouchel (PM24), Adam D’Sylva (Coda) and Scott Pickett (Estelle Bar & Kitchen) to name a few, who will be overseeing starstruck cookery students to produce three course lunches and four course dinners. Each course is expertly matched with wines from the day’s/night’s sponsor with a presentation by the maker towards the end of the meal as well as a Q&A session with the guest chef.

The Great Chefs program is not a new comer, having been around since 1993, but is a fantastic initiative. It provides top chefs with an opportunity to give back to the industry and the final year William Angliss cookery students with valuable scenario experience and the chance to work with their idols.

At a mere $50pp for lunch and $80pp for dinner (incl matched wines) you can taste the gastronomic splendors from the best of today paired up with the best of tomorrow.

Where: Angliss Restaurant, 550 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
When: April – November
Bookings: [03] 9606 2108 or goodfood@angliss.edu.au
Details and program: angliss.edu.au

A stone’s throw away from Wattle Park Primary School, it’s a given that Foodrinkery is child friendly. Parents can sip organic Map coffee in the sunny courtyard while keeping an eye on the playground next door, and tantrums are put to a stop by $2 ‘pops’, fruity icy poles in mini takeaway cups. Doors officially open at 9am, but you’ll find one of the good-looking staff on-site to cater for the school drop off.

Andre De Laine is the man behind the menu (ex Coda, Libertine, and regular guest chef on The Circle). The unfussy, seasonal food is terribly affordable (everything is under $10) and can be easily ordered to go. A number of dishes are served in plastic cups, including coconut tapioca with kiwi and mango. Toasties range from plain to gourmet, eggs make a brief appearance and salads are prepared fresh. Little Bertha brings the sweet treats and the white chocolate passionfruit cheesecake in a cup is something of exotic dreams… but we’ll keep this one G-rated for the kids.

The rustic décor is an eclectic mix sourced from auction houses. Wooden buckets planted with mint sit on the impressive communal table, a ladder hangs from the roof intertwined with exposed light globes and cups attached to the chain of an old wheel chock are suspended above the coffee machine.

Although it’s only in its infancy, Foodrinkery already feels like the kind of place you can pop in for a chat as well as a coffee. Now where did we hide that cheesecake?

Where: 22 Banksia Street, Burwood East
Phone: (03) 9808 2468
Open: Mon-Sat, 9am-5pm
Details: facebook.com

Less than two months old, this Korean char-grill restaurant is easy to miss. From the outside, it’s a tiny hole-in-the-wall. Out the front, wooden bench seats line the open kitchen, where you can see your food prepared fresh in front of you. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see a flame shoot up. Controlled, of course.

But as soon as you walk through the ivy-green front door, the restaurant stretches further back. Elongated, white tiles line the walls while raw concrete surfaces and suspended, caged light globes give the space an industrial feel. Owner Insu Kim is an architect by trade, which explains the sleek design. The narrow space features three giant, black vents positioned above three communal tables with multiple grills built into the centre.

Seoul Soul specializes in Korean street eats. Cold dishes are served in authentic speckled and patterned bowls, while the BBQ share plates arrive literally sizzling hot. Start with “Korean Tapas” such as scallop skewers and deep fried dumplings before moving onto mains. Meat lovers will be impressed with the pork belly and a selection of marinated ribs, while vegetarians are catered for with spicy tofu ‘bulgogi’ and teriyaki mushrooms.

‘Dosirak’, or meal buckets, are a great lunch option and include rice and salad. Then of course there is ‘bibimbap’, a signature Korean dish where spicy pork or beef are sautéed with chilli paste and seasoning and served with vegetables on top of a bowl of rice, topped with a fried egg. The idea is to mix it all together yourself.

Seoul Soul is awaiting a liquor license, but until then, you can sample traditional Korean drinks such as ‘sikhye’, an authentic rice punch… or you can be a prude and order a coke. Spots are limited, so we recommend you book ahead. Go on, we dare you.

Location: 323 Victoria St, Abbotsford
Phone: 0432 206 404
Open: Mon to Wed, midday-3pm, 6pm-9.30pm|Thurs to Sun, midday-3.30pm, 5.30pm-10pm
Details: facebook.com

Every Thursday starting tonight, Style After Dark will be conquering South Melbourne Market. If the market stayed open until sunrise, Style After Dark would still be stylish in the morning. But seeing as it’s strictly nocturnal, you might as well make a night out of it.

Eat and drink your way around the wine bars and restaurants in Cecil Street, chow down on affordable octopus skewers from Claypots’ seafood peddler, or munch on paella, tapas, Italian and Mediterranean from the hawker-style food stalls. Just make sure you’re not too full to shop. Stalls will be parading locally made clothing, jewellery and accessories (check out Vinyl Cuts, handmade jewellery made from—you guessed it—old records) and an eclectic collection of artisan products.

Resident band Hi Fi Lounge Lizards will put their mixed bag of experience musicians together each week, fusing the acoustic with the electric. Launching Style After Dark from the stage will be Melbourne based band Dancing Heals. If Arcade Fire and Nick Drake had three illegitimate sons, and those sons formed a band, it would sound like the Dancing Heals. Musicians rotate weekly: soul, folk, rock, strings, funk, pop.

You don’t need an excuse to get out of the house for an evening in Melbourne, but just in case, we’ve given you one anyway.

Location: Under the verandah, Corner Coventry and Cecil Streets, South Melbourne
When: March 1 to April 19 | Thursdays 5.30pm-9.30pm
Details: styleafterdark.com.au

Named after a popular Vietnamese radio personality during the Vietnam War, the restaurant has been open less than a month, and yet it feels like it’s been on High Street for years. You can order take-away, but it’s worth sticking around. The fellas did the décor themselves. Almost everything in the intimate space is recycled, from the lengthy timber bar and food crates housing spirits behind it, to the secondhand stools from Byron Bay.

A rustic brick façade was unearthed a week after chipping away at the plaster behind the bar. Colourful photographs of Vietnam hang from the walls and sheets of floral material from the ceiling. An antique bicycle wedges the door open, while a collection of kitsch tin objects, including a cow and a Vietnamese rickshaw, add some quirk.

But is it as cheap as Victoria Street? You bet. Phở with meat will set you back $9. There’s also a modern take on hawker-style food, and nothing is over $13. Munch on balalot (crispy betel leaf beef cigars), 5 spice quail or chilli prawns. For lunch, there’s also banh-mi, French baguettes with Vietnamese fillings such as lemongrass beef and pork belly.

Hanoi Hannah is as serious about booze as it is about food. There’s a variety of hand selected beer (including one from Vietnam’s North and another from it’s South), wine and cider. But we recommend trying a fresh young coconut with a shot of rum for an authentic buzz. The kitchen closes around 9.30pm, but you can hang out ‘til late with a ginger and chilli mojito in hand.

Still not convinced? The Vietnamese tailor next door gives Hanoi Hannah the tick of approval, so you should check it out, phở sure.

Location: 180 High Street, Windsor
Open: 7 days, 11am-11pm
Phone: (03) 9939 5181
Details: hanoihannah.com.au

While still maintaining its basic structure, the venue has received a makeover and a number of enhancements. Dark timber tables, cookbook filled bookshelves, copper pots and pans, wooden honeycomb features and dim lighting help to create a warmer more intimate experience in the expansive dining space.

Executive chef John Lawson has stayed on from Maze and created a menu that showcases his traditional French cooking techniques in a modern context.

Like it’s preprocessor, the dessert bar is still a hot favourite. Designed by chef Daniel Fletcher, the dessert menu features classics and modern desserts that will satisfy even the most adventurous of dessert lovers. The chocolate bar with peanuts and caramel (otherwise known as a taste of heaven) features prominently. Making the dessert bar even sweeter, it offers home-made candies, serves chocolate milk with dessert and gives you a lollie bag to take home. Talk about a sugar high!

Where: Level 1, Crown Metropol, 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank
Hours:  Breakfast daily from 6.30am -10.30am, Lunch from noon until 2.30pm, Dinner from 6.00pm – 10.30pm
Phone: 03 9292 8300
Details: crownmetropol.com.au

It’s an initiative by those crazy folk at the Melbourne Museum to attract a younger adult crowd to the museum, firstly luring with the “pop up bar” line and then subtly introducing some good old fashioned science.

You may not know but behind all the elaborate exhibitions, the Melbourne Museum also conducts ongoing research. A dead bird (donated by a bird lover wanting to help the species) will be dissected to demonstrate how researchers increase their knowledge of wild animals to better understand human and climate impact. Apart from observing the dissection of a bird you can also touch some bugs, marvel over the very cool animatronic dinosaur exhibition and even learn a thing or two about rocks and minerals.

Food and drink is available for purchase at the SmartBar and there’ll also be music from RRR’s Anthony Carew. So if you have always wanted to visit the museum but the thought of screaming children and stressed out parents with prams has previously deterred you, this is your chance!

Where: Melbourne Museum, Nicholson St, Melbourne
When: Thursday 1^st March, 6pm – 10pm
Tickets: Full $18, Concession $16.Online tickets have sold out so you’ll need to rock up nice and early at the door to get in.
Details: museumvictoria.com.au

The best part is that it’s democratic, the people of Melbourne voted online for what they want to devour. There were 10 menu options to vote from including Peking duck, fish and chips, pavlova, chicken salad, classic vanilla slice, Aussie hamburgers, hotdogs, sausage rolls, pizza and soft tacos… but alas only 5 could make it through.

Based on the public’s votes, the top five favourite foods for Fed Square Favourites have been revealed this morning. With Peking duck crepes, the clear winner, soft shell tacos with beef and tomato salsa coming in second, followed by gourmet pizza slices (vegetarian options available). Finally, in equal place for fourth and fifth, beer battered fish and chips with tartare sauce and classic mini pavlovas with cream & fresh fruit.

The damn fine chefs at Damn Fine Food will be cooking up your Fed Square favourites starting this Saturday, which will be delivered by a damn fine team of professional waiters. Each day starting at 10am, there will be eight, 30 minute sessions that accommodate 32 guests.

Passers by will be green with envy when they see the conservatory-style café. The restaurant, designed by Paul Hyland from Glasshaus, will look as though it’s sprouted from the ground in the middle of Fed Square. Its steel façade, anchored by 9 giant Eucalyptus trees, will be decked out in bright pink bougainvillea flowers— so it’s easy on the eyes as well as the tummy.

To be fed for free, all you need to do is pop down to the pop up in Fed Square and have the hostess jot your name on the list. Apparently there is such thing as a free lunch!

Location: Federation Square, Melbourne
When: March 3 & 4|10am-3.15pm
Details: fedsquare.com