We love Melbourne

Melbourne was a great city.  It had a somewhat European feel.  We both agreed that the Tram system reminded us of Warsaw, Poland.  I think the laneways (side streets filled w/ cafes and shops) and arcades (small malls) made the city unique in itself and a cool place to go w/o making plans and instead just to wonder the streets.  Only set plan we had was the Carlton Brewery tour our first day.  It was cool to see the mass production of lots and lots of beer.  At the end, when we were sampling the beers they had a trivia challenge.  Dan ended up dominating and winning himself a cricket shirt.  After then we ate and drank heaps!  Probably gained 5lbs while we were there but it was sooo worth it! 

Starting from right to left:

Queen Victoria Market – This market had everything to offer.  It’s an indoor food market that is split between meats, seafood, dairy, veggies, and other misc areas.  We bought an everything bagel that was no more than bread shaped like a bagel.  Bottom line it was awful and didn’t even come close to the bagels back at home.  Beside the bad bagel, we loved it and both wished that Sydney had this market b/c we probably would go every weekend. 

Section 8 – Found this outdoor bar along Tattersalls Ln (a tiny alleyway off a main road).  We felt like hipsters hanging out at this place.  Bar was a converted lunch wagon, seats were shipping crates and the ceiling was really non-existent.  Still a great place to grab a drink and people watch.   http://www.section8.com.au/

Madame Brussels - Went here on our second day in Melbourne. It was so freakin hot that Madame Brussels was a nice escape from the heat.  We sat outside on the rooftop and sipped on a pitcher of iced tea (alcoholic).   http://www.madamebrussels.com/

Fritz Gelato – Yummmmmm!  After going to St. Kilda (the nearest “beach” to Melbourne) and being disappointed (b/c Sydney beaches are awesome), this gelataria made the trip to St. Kilda worth it. Gelato was definitely some of the best we’ve had in Australia.  If anyone ever goes definitely splurge by getting 3 scoops.  http://www.fritzgelato.com/

Little Creatures Dining Hall -  We were both initially attracted to this place b/c it had Little Creatures (a really good Western Australia beer) and some other good options on tap. We started to drink at noon so we ordered a few small plates so to not get too drunk too early.  The pumpkin and goat cheese dip with flatbread was incredible! https://www.littlecreatures.com.au/Melbourne/melbourne/menu-id-67.html

Lanes edge cafe and bar – A good stop off spot for a few drinks.  Awesome decor in the back outside area;  chinese lanterns, red string dividers; and tropical plants. 

Other places we stuffed our faces at that were really good but we didn’t want to flood this page w/ pics are:

Trippy Taco.  One of the best vegetarian Mexican food EVER.  We stumbled across this food spot when we were heading to the Carlton Brewery and needed a fast place to eat.  Joanne is gushing over the special quesadilla which was made with goat cheese. 

Shakahari – Vegan/dairy free/gluten free restaurant in Carlton (and yes we did eat this for dinner the same day we had Trippy Taco for lunch – Dan was going through meat withdrawal).  Restaurant was recommended by a friend and we would both pass the recommendation to anyone who doesn’t mind some veggies and spices.    http://www.shakahari.com.au/

Cookie – Modern Thai restaurant. Setup is ultra posh.  We went on a Saturday night and it was great place to get there early and drink at the bar.  Food was good.  Wasn’t exactly classic Thai, but if you’re adventurous its a good combination of ingredients.

International Cakes – Greek bakery with a window display of heaps and heaps of cakes.  We went on the recommendation of friends that the chocolate baklava was to die for.  We made the mistake and tried some other desserts and dreaded the decision so much that we went back and got the chocolate baklava.  It was delicious! 

MoVida – Tapas place situated in the graffiti covered alleyway.  Apparently you need to reserve 3 months in advance but we were able to score a hightop table at the bar.  Food was really good.  After going through the meat withdrawl Dan ordered the steak tartar and is still raving about it.  http://www.movida.com.au/

Monsieur Truffe Chocolate – Delicious chocolate bars and almond chocolate clusters.  Located in Collingwood (right near Trippy Taco!!)

Breadtop – A neat Asian bakery where you grab a lunch tray and pick out pastries from the display cases as you walk down the line. 

Cafe Cavallino – Italian restaurant located on Lygon Street in the Italian district.  The street was full of restaurants and it felt like Little Italy where ppl stand on the street enticing you to come eat at their restaurant.  We had made bookings at 2 separate places and when we passed both they were deserted.  We took that as a bad sign so walked around some more and decided on Cafe Cavallino b/c it was packed on a Sunday night.  Food was quite good.  Pizza was the best we’ve had since arriving in Australia.  It was a pleasant surprise b/c we’ve pretty much lost hope on having a decent pizza unless we make it ourselves.

Other activities/sites. Starting from right to left:

Queen Victoria Market – Diary section.  Just a glimpse into how the market was setup.

Queen Victoria Market cont – Polska!  This is for all of Joanne’s family. 

Fitzroy Gardens – Lovely tree-lined park.

Laneway – One of the many laneways

Graffiti – The graffiti was on everything, garbage cans, railings, the street and spanned across a few of the side streets.

Arcade – Shopping mall.

National Art Gallery of Victoria – Largest stained glass ceiling.