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!