“Hey, just checking you’re still coming to breakfast on Sunday? Allow about two hours so that you can enjoy both courses.”

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.