Victories ● n. pl. the act of triumphing or state of having triumphed

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)