I’ve been in Melbourne for the weekend and my feet hurt. A lot – I’ve walked miles – as I always do when I’m here. But I’m also very happy. This city always makes me happy. It inspires me. I love the culture, I love the diversity, I especially love the food, I love the green spaces, I love the precincts. But what about the shopping I hear you ask. Yeah, the shops are great, but I don’t come here for that. Having said that, we did a raid on The Essential Ingredient – for those ingredients that I just can’t get on the Sunshine Coast – and on Burch and Purchase – for jam. What else have I bought? That would be nothing – only because hubby dragged me away from the cookbooks and wouldn’t let me walk into some of those fabulous bookshops that Melbourne does so well. So unfair.
Anyways, without further ado, here’s the Melbourne wrap…
Where we stayed…
The Como in South Yarra. We were relatively late getting in on Friday evening so were fortunate enough to be upgraded to a suite. Very nice.
Where we dipped…
As I mentioned, we got in late-ish on Friday night so ducked around the corner to Zarouna for some Middle Eastern dips and share plates. Perfect – and packed with garlic.
Where we breakfasted…
Top Paddock, in Church St, just a block past the bridge. A friend who used to live in Melbourne first introduced me to this place, and I’ve been back each time I’ve been in town since. This time I had a variation on the smashed avo – smashed broad beans and peas with avo & feta on top. Spring on a plate.
What every house needs…
A giant polar bear on a white couch…of course. As seen in the display window of Space Furniture. The reflections make this all look a tad freaky…
What made me laugh…
After brekky on Saturday we walked up Church St to Swan St Richmond. Richmond were playing in the grand final that afternoon and the streets Tigerland was all yellow and black #eatemalive. A fabulous atmosphere (which apparently went downhill much later in the evening after Richmond won – as these things tend to do) with cafes full of supporters randomly breaking out into the team song, and the queues waiting for pubs to open were long.
What amazed me…
The history mural on the side of the old Dimmeys building in Swan Street. It’s a pictorial representation of Australian, Melbourne and Richmond history. Interestingly Dimmeys, which came to be known as a Melbourne icon, actually started life as a Maryborough drapery in the gold rush. Whatever the history is, the mural is fabulous. If you look closely you can see references to bands, sporting heroes, TV shows, prime ministers, actors, singers, footballers, racehorses…the list goes on.
A little bit of ooh la la…
Or a little bit of Paris in Greville St, Prahran… Chez Mademoiselle for coffee and madeleines.
Where we lunched…
Uncle, St Kilda, on the corner of Chapel Rd and Carlisle St, Balaclava. It’s sort of Vietnamese with some quirky bits – like the charred corn served with Laughing Cow cheese foam.
Love it. If you’re in the city, there’s now also an outlet at 15 Collins St – the Spring St end.
Where I wandered…
Through the park. One thing I miss since moving to the Sunshine Coast is blossoms. I snapped these ones on my rambles.
Were we dined…
Chez Olivier in Greville St, Prahran. When hubby said he wanted some place that wasn’t pretentious, wasn’t posh fine dining, but was great food in a bistro style setting, this was where I thought of.
I first came here a few years ago with some friends who were based in Melbourne for a year. I enjoyed it then, and I enjoyed it now. Other than the l’escargots, no other photos – the light for food photography is so much better at lunchtime #justsaying.
And for some street art…
Ok, if you insist…
How was your weekend?
And Anyways... 
I love Melbourne too but I really don’t get there often enough.
I feel the same!
Middle Eastern food is pretty much the best food ever. And I feel like I’ve been to Top Paddock before, but the decor is throwing me off so maybe it was somewhere with a similar name. Melbourne really is awesome. Even though I’m Sydney born and bred, I still tell everyone to visit Melbourne if they’re going to Australia.
I so agree. It’s my favourite city in Australia. I love it so much that I’ve set 4 books here – with another 2 to go.
I’ve been to Melbourne a couple of times and really liked it. In fact, if it had more beaches and slightly warmer weather, I’d consider moving there. Looks like you had a wonderful time! Loving the place you stayed and the food.
We considered moving at one time – well, I considered it – hubby wasn’t so keen. We moved to the Sunshine Coast instead – much better weather & beaches, but I still love going down for a culture shot.
What a fabulous getaway. Taking notes on all these exciting places to visit.
SSG xxx
I just love exploring the precincts…
I went to Melbourne three times a few years back all to do with blogging – conferences. I loved it. After being so Sydney-centred, I enjoyed how Melbourne was so easy to navigate. I got to meet up with Melbs friends and enjoyed having lunch in one of the laneways. Yep, a great space to visit I agree. Thanks for linking up for #lifethisweek 38/52. Next Week’s Prompt is Any Regrets?