It's a dream pairing, gelato and cake. Sandra Foti (Piccolina) and Bernard Chu (LuxBite) partnered up to create a small range of gelato cakes, and after eight months of development they were made available to the public late last year.All look stunning, but the Ferrerolina Rocher is the one that really tickles our fancy....
Located in the heart of Windsor, Mr Mister Cafe appears dark when first entering, but there are actually plenty of seats bathed in natural light. An indoors section towards the back benefits from a skylight, and it transitions into a heated and covered outdoors space. Coffee, sweets, breakfast items and sandwiches to-go are popular with the Chapel St early morning and lunchtime crowd....
Now part of the group that includes Addict, Liar Liar and Sir Charles, Prospect Espresso has been steadily gaining ground as a Camberwell favourite. There's plenty of exposed brick and wood featured in the interior, giving it a more of a homely vibe than many new cafes of late. In recent years, the large communal table and window benches have been removed, making way for more small tables, and allowing for more natural light to fill the small cafe....
The North Melbourne Hotel is the latest venture from Sandra and José De Oliveira. They've plenty of experience as publicans over the last 30 years. The elaborate decor is full of marble and ornate decorations. The fore-section features an eye-catching and pearlescent shell installation hanging from the ceiling; a trio of glittery bull heads watch over the bar. Large mirrors, statues and pot plants fill the spaces. It's like being transported into another world....
I'm a big fan of Mister Bianco, so Joseph Vargetto's Massi became a must-visit when it opened in the CBD in May last year. Seating around 50 people in a single room, it's a cosy and welcoming place. Comfy leather booths line one side of the room, and stools at the marble-clad bar are found along the other. It has a wine bar feel, and touches like leather table inlays and dark woods make it feel special....