Explore Australia Publishing - Hide & Seek Melbourne: Feeling Peckish?

CONTENTS

READY-SET-GO | FEELING PECKISH?

In the absence of blockbuster architecture (think the Sydney Opera House) and pleasant weather (think anywhere in northern Australia), Melbourne is extremely proud of its eclectic food scene. But the only problem with nurturing such a passionate foodie community is you have to fight them for the best tables. Luckily, the citys range of eateries is so wide that you can find good food without having to wait two hours for it. And the offerings will take your mouth on a tour of the globe, from flavoursome Chinese dumplings to Italian cheeses as well rounded as a nona.

Hide & Seek Melbourne: Feeling Peckish? is for all locals and visitors who want to discover some interesting and delicious places to eat. Weve done our best to identify 40 of the most unique eateries, both in the city centre and suburbs. The book is divided into five, colour-coded chapters: (eateries where dinner isnt just a meal to end your day, its an experience). Theres something for everyone here, no matter what your tastes or dietary requirements. And, in all cases, weve tried to make sure that you wont go broke after just one meal.

Id like to say thank you to the freelancers whose contributions have made this book possible: to Erika Budiman for her incredible design and excellent photographs, to Chris Groenhout and Rachel Lewis for their skilled photography, to Michelle Bennett for her editorial expertise, and to our in-house cartographer Emily Maffei for her funky maps. Thanks also to the amazing team of in-the-know Melburnians who researched and wrote the reviews with such enthusiasm and dedication.

Finally, if you find somewhere else hidden or intriguing in Melbourne that you think others should seek out, please send us an email at .

Cheers,

Melissa Krafchek | Editor

Image courtesy of Erika Budiman

NOSTALGIA DONE WITH STYLE

Lordy, there she goes again, your dear old aunt Bessie, banging on about the good old days. How folks back then had manners, and children were seen but not heard. A golden age when you knew the names of all your neighbours, and your corner shop sold everything you needed.

Shes right about one thing at least: nothing beats a well-stocked, old-fashioned corner store. And when that corner store doubles as a tiny cafe dishing up hearty home-cooked fare that even the post-war generation would approve of, then youve really hit the jackpot. Welcome to Grigons & Orr, where the best of yesteryear meets todays (slightly fussier) culinary sensibilities.

Think comfort food classics with a cool contemporary twist. The coddled eggs with grilled-cheese soldiers come with tasty chilli jam and fresh herbs, and theres no going back to store-bought crumpets once youve sampled G&Os plump homemade variety. Good luck choosing between the sweet and savoury French toast, or which flavoured milkshake you want, or what fillings to have in your jaffle. Its a veritable feel-good hit parade around here.

Housed in a historic building that was a corner store back in the 1860s, Grigons & Orr wears its heart on its sleeve. There are crocheted bunny rugs for diners seated at outside tables and vintage magazines to leaf through. Tea and coffee are served in sweet antique porcelain cups and saucers. Meanwhile, sentimental faves like mixed lollies, Velvet soap, Nesquik and even milk in gasp! glass bottles can be bought over the counter. But this is no tragic time-trap: its nostalgia done with style. Why not treat aunt Bessie to brunch?

> RISE & SHINE

Cnr Queensberry & Chetwynd sts, North Melbourne
(03) 9663 5192 or 0403 515 814
grigonsorr.com.au
Open MonSun 7am5pm

Image courtesy of Rowena Parade Corner Store

THE FABRIC OF A COMMUNITY

Not long ago, a little old man walked into Rowena Parade Corner Store and stood in the centre of the room looking around with a great grin on his face. It turned out that he had built the place, back in 1956. Then the street had a bustling row of shops, but over the years the butcher and grocer disappeared and the shops fell into disrepair. So you can imagine how happy that old man was to see this corner store restored to its former glory, complete with classic signage, retro furniture and shelves served by a timber ladder on wheels.

Like all good old-fashioned corner stores, Rowena Parade sells essentials. Its big timber-and-glass doors are constantly being swung open by a stream of locals coming in for their milk and daily bread, while parents drop by with troops of kids to choose mixed lollies from behind the counter.

With all this activity, you cant help but feel like youre being pulled into a thriving community, whether youre just dropping in for supplies or enjoying a breakfast of granola with Greek-style yoghurt and berries. Dishes even come together as a result of a community take, for example, the fact that the cafes fresh parsley is provided entirely by a local Greek resident. The big shared table out the back also adds to the communal vibe on weekdays when its quiet this is a great spot to occupy for several coffees while reading the paper or using the wi-fi. Wander by and settle in, and we can guarantee that, just like that little old man, itll bring a smile to your face.

> RISE & SHINE

44 Rowena Pde, Richmond
(03) 9421 3262
rowenaparadecornerstore.com
Open MonThurs 7.30am7pm, Fri 7.30am6.30pm, SatSun 8am6pm

Image courtesy of Erika Budiman

COFFEE THAT WOWS THE SENSES

Its not easy being the best at something: you can never rest on your laurels and youre constantly watching your back. So our hearts go out to Melbourne, whose cafes arguably make the finest damn coffee in Australia (if we do say so ourselves). But thankfully, there are people out there like the fine folk at Sensory Lab with a total commitment to keeping our town ahead of the game.

Youll find the over a sandwich any day.

While espresso remains the most popular request, the more adventurous are choosing syphon coffee. Served in a contraption that looks right at home in a place with lab in its name, this filtering process uses gravity and physics to bring out the best in the beans. The result is drunk without milk or sugar and is surprisingly light and fragrant, almost floral-like in flavour (and said to have converted even the most hardcore tea drinkers).