Best Breakfast in Melbourne

I know its a big call - massive in fact.  But our local cafe, Mitte, truly is worth the accolade.  Tucked away on a quiet residential street,  this place serves up a delicious range of meals that couldn't be further from your average bacon and eggs or eggs benedict.

My firm favourite is the Potato and chorizo omelette served with sourdough toast, tomato relish as well as a salad of cherry tomatoes, boccocini and basil.  Drinks tend to consist of one or two coffees and a delicious (dairy free) raspberry smoothie. 

Other dishes that rate highly are the Breakfast Crumble... the Baked Eggs... and the Pikelets with berry compote. The lunch menu consists mainly of fresh or toasted sandwiches, plus a few hot options such as meatballs. 

It is a very popular cafe and you cant book ahead, so either get there early (very early) or be prepared to wait for a table.  If the sun is shining, then the tables outside are a good bet. 

If you are visiting Melbourne, then get the 86 Tram from the city heading towards Northcote and hop off at Clifton Hill (before you go under the train line) and make a short walk north to Mitte, which is located on the corner of Michael and Rowe Streets.   Alternatively, get the 112 Tram up Brunswick Street / St Georges Rd and hop off at Edinburgh Gardens and head east. A bit more of a walk but the gardens make for a nice wander. 

Hellenic Republic

We are creatures of habit when it comes to eating out.  We are the kind of people that once we find something we like, we tend to go back there again and again, rather than being perhaps a bit more adventurous and 'risky' with our dining out.  I think it comes down to the fact that if you are going to spend your hard earned dosh, then you want it to be worth it! 

So one place we have been back to several times since initial discovery, is Hellenic Republic, on Lygon Street.  And when I say Lygon Street - this is not the city-end of Lygon Street where you find the tourist trap, inexpensive but unexciting Italian restaurants offering free garlic bread and free wine (read vinegar) to get punters across the line.

Rather, tucked away in what I call the 'locals end' is a gastronomic delight...and its worth the extra tram ride. 

'When you take great Greek food and the famous Hellenic spirit and add it to eclectic Brunswick East, you get Melbourne's hottest Greek taverna - an exciting culinary destination that will leave you wanting more. 

Hellenic Republic is the place to experience traditional Greek tavern cuisine with a fresh twist; where kefalograviera saganaki is served with sweet peppered figs; local wines are served by the half-kilo and whole char-grilled fish is presented with a vase of lavender hiding a bottle of traditional lathalemono lemon dressing.

Our food philosophy is simple – fantastic, fresh produce to prepare traditional recipes in a clean, contemporary style.  We recommend our sharing Trapezi menu as the best way to dine at Hellenic Republic.  Let our chefs prepare a selection of their finest for you to share with loved ones at your table. 

This is a busy and bustling restaurant, it is noisy and brash and very Greek.  We welcome you to our home and hope that you enjoy your time at our Hellenic Republic.  
"Our food is carefully made with agapi; best enjoyed when shared the same way" -  George Calombaris -  Me agapi ke filia. X'

You will need to book ahead and the menu is set up for sharing, so be prepared to order lots of different plates - meat, salads, bread, seafood options, vegetarian options.  Its one of those restaurants that seems to cater to everyones different preferences and dietary requirements. 

One of our favourite dishes is the Cypriot Grain Salad and its one that we have been able to recreate at home (thanks to googling the recipe online).  Having shared it with friends and family - its definitely a firm favourite. Enjoy! 

Hellenic Republic
www.hellenicrepublic.com.au

Cypriot Grain Salad
http://www.chefmasterclasses.com/2011/04/hellenic-republics-cypriot-grain-salad/

My favourite place for Shoes.

As many of you will know - I am a bit of a shopaholic and I certainly find it hard to go past a good pair of shoes.  And Melbourne is the place to be if you like shopping! 

Most of my favourite shoe stores are 'chains' and include Nine West, Wittner, Sidewalk Soul and Country Road.  I am also quite partial to browsing the extensive collections at both David Jones and Myer.

Tucked away on Little Collins Street (and other locations) is one that is a must visit for any visitor to Melbourne... ZOMP. 

While the prices are generally more expensive than your usual High Street store... the beautiful array of Italian leather on offer is almost overwhelming. And its certainly the place to go if you want something a bit different, a bit unique and something that you wont see alot of other people wearing.

So, head into the city, wander the laneways, stop for a coffee (I recommend the Sensory Lab at the back of David Jones) and buy some new shoes. Always puts a spring in my step! 

ZOMP

www.zomp.com.au/locations

Nine West
www.ninewest.com.au

Wittner Shoes
www.wittner.com.au

Sidewalk Soul
www.sidewalksoul.com.au

Sensory Lab
www.sensorylab.com.au

Rear of David Jones, Little Collins Street