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.