11 Mar

Popular with locals and cyclists passing by, Truman Cafe in its family-friendly street corner digs since 2011. The previous owner's personal collection of odds and ends are proudly displayed all over the walls, counters and shelves, and even patrons bring in their retro finds to add to the charm of the place. There are Army Men ant trails and souvenirs from all over Australia and overseas, everything interspersed with greenery.  It's all very kitsch. There are just as many seats outside as there are inside, and those outside enjoying the...

12:12 / Albert Park / Cafe / Food / Southern Suburbs / Truman Cafe
18 Feb

I don't often venture to the far south eastern suburbs (except perhaps to do some shopping at DFO), so am sadly unaware of cafe options in the area. Head chef and owner Raman is a local himself, and decided that the area needed more good local cafes serving simple and hearty food made with local produce. The Tradesman is the fruit of his vision. Given its position in the middle of industrial buildings and offices, he's gone for a more industrial look to fit in with its surroundings. Its hot...

21:33 / Cafe / Food / Moorabin / The Tradesman Cafe
15 Feb

After an unexpectedly early finish to my day, I found myself in the outer eastern suburbs with nothing to do and it wasn't even noon yet. What better thing to do than have a food adventure? A quick search led me to The Firehouse - a smart but unpretentious and informal cafe and restaurant not far from Eastland. The building was a fire station in its former life, hence the name. The seasonal menu is largely Mediterranean. An all-day brunch is available, with the lunch kicking in at...

14:33 / Cafe / Food / Mediterranean / Ringwood / The Firehouse
23 Jan

It seems to be increasingly common to find food industry veterans teaming up to form new establishments. Short Straw is another of these, being hatched from the minds of Hugh Hindle, Steve Rowley and Matt Vero, whose combined resume features places like Homeslice Pizza, Coin Laundry, Tall Timber, Touchwood, Marquis of Lorne and Rustica Canteen. Finding the cafe itself can be a little bit confusing. Despite what a cursory glance of the official address might imply, the entrance is actually on Mary St (hence, the 'b' part of its...

14:10 / Cafe / Food / Hawthorn / Short Straw
18 Jan

Brenton Lang (Rustica Sourdough), Tristan White (ex-Head Chef of Ladro and Touchwood), and Matt Vero (Coin Laundry, Tall Timber, Touchwood, The Marquis of Lorne Hotel) have combined forces to set up Rustica Canteen. It takes on an industrial theme, going for a darker colour scheme with plenty of timber. Its drawcards are the delectable pastries a-la Rustica Sourdough on display at the counter, fresh bread available for purchase, and of course being a 'canteen', the food. Sandwiches will change every now and then, and will be filled with plenty...

12:49 / Bread / Cafe / Food / Melbourne CBD / Rustica Canteen / Sandwiches/Wraps
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