Arts Centre Melbourne’s new Winter season offers an electrifying range of experiences to charge the senses in the middle of the year.  From 26 July to 18 August, art, science and technology are celebrated in a spectacular fashion with several Art Centre Melbourne Australian exclusives.

Inspired by the popularity of the Hamer Hall Opening Season in winter 2012, for three weeks this year the warming footlights of Arts Centre Melbourne will beckon, enticing audiences with everything from sublime opera and illuminating dance to unseen labyrinths and a battery of other stimulating things to see and do.

“Our new Winter season is a fully-curated event 100% presented by Arts Centre Melbourne,” said Chief Executive Judith Isherwood.  “Our 2013 Winter season, the first of a series of curated and thematically linked seasons, is Arts Centre Melbourne’s contribution to what we hope will be an ongoing and reinvigorated relationship between the arts and sciences.  It is a series of events that can each be taken at face value as first-class entertainment or, for the curiously-minded, a challenging exploration that will take you as far as you would like to go.

“Arts, science and technology was chosen as our 2013 theme because we live in a time when we look to science and technology to progress and improve our lives.  We are confronted with and challenged by the effects of our discoveries on our environment and the impact of new technologies on our daily lives.  Science is literally at our fingertips.  So too are the arts woven into our lives – we have photos, music, pictures and videos, including performances from around the globe, also at our fingertips.  Today’s artists continue to cross boundaries as they re-present our world to us.  Many are exploring scientific issues and using their creative minds to put both traditional and new technologies to work in new ways,” said Ms Isherwood.

Featuring more than a dozen events in a three-week period, it is designed to light up winter with extraordinary entertainment from near and far, to add the performing arts to what is on offer alongside the exhibitions of the Melbourne Winter Masterpiece series, and to enable Victorians and visitors pull on their coats and light up their nights with some live performance experiences.

Winter’s must-see is one of the masterpieces of the 20th century, a new production of the epic Einstein on the Beach, which will be staged at Arts Centre Melbourne for an exclusive Australian season in the State Theatre from Wednesday 31–Saturday 3 August.  Melbourne joins a select group of cities around the world celebrating a work that was first created four decades ago and remains devastatingly contemporary.  Rarely performed due to its epic scale, Einstein on the Beach launched its director Robert Wilson and composer Philip Glass to international success when it was first produced in Avignon in 1976 and then took on the world.

The hugely popular American contemporary dance company MOMIX returns to Melbourne for an exclusive Australian season of their stunningly beautiful Botanica in the State Theatre from Wednesday 7 August – Sunday 11 August.  Following the rhythms of the four seasons, this gorgeously colourful spectacle conjures up a world of surrealistic floral images using props, light, shadow, humour and the human body unlike anything seen before.

Winter also features home-grown favourite Australian Dance Theatre, which returns to Melbourne after a 14-year absence.  Australian Dance Theatre will bring their critically acclaimed Proximity, an experimental fusion of dance and live videography, to the Playhouse from Thursday 15–Saturday 18 August.

Another Arts Centre Melbourne exclusive, The Extraordinary Shapes of Geoffrey Rush reflects on the actor’s many achievements to date and explores his ability to inhabit characters through a remarkable physical and verbal dexterity.  Featuring costumes, photographs, moving image and personal items, the free exhibition in Gallery 1 from 6 July–29 September highlights roles created by Geoffrey Rush in plays including Exit the King, The Diary of a Madman and The Importance of Being Earnest, and in films such as Shine, Quills, Pirates of the Caribbean and The King’s Speech.

Acclaimed puppeteer Ronnie Burkett returns to Arts Centre Melbourne from Thursday 8–Sunday 18 August with his new creation Penny Plain.  Marking the 25th anniversary of Ronnie Burkett Theatre of Marionettes, Penny Plain shows the horribly funny consequences of Mother Earth reclaiming her ground and follows the success of Tinka’s New Dress, Provenance and Billy Twinkle which have previously delighted adult Melbourne audiences.

A fusion of social documentary, art, biological science and music, Dead Symphony by Melbourne award-winning artist Saskia Moore is a performance like no other, a sound world inspired by documented accounts of music heard during near-death experiences.  Presented as 40-minute performance with live music and lighting installation, Dead Symphony highlights the startling and spooky similarities between the pitches and patterns of sounds heard by diverse individuals having near-death experiences.

Hidden Spaces, Ready Stages is a digital installation that combines performance, video, sound and light, by Melbourne-based artists and identical twins Gabriella Mangano and Silvana Mangano, which centres on the physical perception, functional dynamics and theatricality of Arts Centre Melbourne’s unseen chambers.

Right Place Right Time is a series of site-specific installations and happenings which take place in surprising and usual spaces at Arts Centre Melbourne – in foyers, the car park, and outdoors from 31 July to 17 August.  Featuring four individual projects, each created by artists leading their artform, the series features public artworks in the forms of interactive sculpture, poetry, live art, and sound installation. 

Kids and their families will also experience a breadth of first-class entertainment in Winter, with a range of performances and accompanying workshops.  This mini-season gets under way with the remarkable Dutch retelling of Hansel and Gretel, .h.g., in which its audience, armed with only a set of headphones and a torch, walks into the very heart of the story, guided through a series of rooms and passageways suspended between reality and dream from Friday 9 – Sunday 11 August. 

From The Netherlands’ youth and music theatre company, Het Filiaal, is Miss Ophelia, a lovely tale about a lost shadow based on the picture book Ophelia’s Shadow Theatre by Michael Ende on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 August, and in a highly imaginative fusion of animation, mime, puppetry, projections and music, master storyteller Tim Watts tells The Adventures of Alvin Sputnik:  Deep Sea Explorer in an immersive production by Perth Theatre Company and Weeping Spoon Productions on Saturday 17 August.

Virginia Plain hosted the first ever Mega Dega with a sellout crowd enjoying a pairing and matching of craft beers with innovative dishes from top Melbourne chefs as part of Good Beer Week. Melbourne is a city of culinary sophistication with a burgeoning craft beer scene.  The rise of Good Beer Week is nothing short of a phenomenon - in a few short years the event has become one of the best beer festivals in the world. In fact a top USA identity commented it was his favourite festival in the world due to the quality and variety of the events including boat cruise, live brews, dinners in breweries, and the Mega Dega. The World Loves Melbourne  enjoyed the degustation as a guest of Good Beer Week.

Virginia Plain was the perfect venue according to Jame Smith the organiser of Good Beer Week, with its location in Flinders Lane, spaciousness, ambience and large kitchen. The larger than life Matt Beyer from Virginia Plain is also a beer guy and has a penchant from big innovative events so here was a perfect match. To enhance the experience each beer and food pairing was followed by the chef and brewer giving diners an insightful synopsis. Rock star brewers and rock star chefs. 

The Mega Dega began in lively style with fun innovative Cavalier Cocktails (margaritas) along with first class Canapes from Virginia Plain. Cavalier is a local brewer who produce an easy drinking craft beer which also raises funds for Motor Neuron Disease. 

A wonderful pairing was Kiuchi Brewery Japan teaming up with our own Izakaya Den. The Hitachino Nest White Ale was a superb match for the Kingfish Sashimi. The Belgian style white beer with its coriander, nutmeg and orange nuances went perfectly with the crisp sashimi.

Next was the Hargreaves Hill Brewery Admiral Nelson IPA teamed with Terrine of Pheasant, Cumquat, Port, and Smoked Game Chips by The Courthouse in North Melbourne.

This was a superb terrine from a once hatted restaurant finding their mojo in recent times. Hargreaves is a local brewer of course from the Yarra Valley and they in themselves are one of the best foodie breweries around. Hargreaves is well known for its ales and is a beer beacon in a sea of wineries. The beer was powerful but was matched by the richness and complexity of the terrine.

James Smith has become a man of influence in Melbourne in driving the craft beer culture and amazing in his passion to see Good Beer Week begin from nothing a few years ago to become one of the best beer festivals in the world. According to James, also founder of The Crafty Pint, the craft beer scene took off in WA but now Melbourne is essentially driving a huge trend. 

Another magical pairing was between the superb Enkir saison (seasonal) pale ale of Birra Del Borgo from Italy and the Einkorn Tortellini, Cuttlefish, Pancetta Pangratto, Lemon, Mint and Parsley dish from Merchant Osteria Veneta. Italy is known more for its wine than beer but the craft beer scene is on the rise. The tortellini was impressive featuring large pieces and a huge hit of rich fish, while the beer complemented with its fruity tones. Clever was the inclusion of the same grain in the tortellini as in the beer. Birra Del Borgo have one of the most attractive bottles in the market and brewer Leonardo di Vincenzo was in town for a degustation pairing with Guy Grossi.

One of the highlights of the night was this magnificent Wagyu from Virginia Plain with Pearl Barley, wild Mushrooms and Sprouts. Such a clever dish with the pearl barley complementing the sensational Hop Hog beer from Feral Brewing. The Feral beer is one of australia's most popular craft beers. Big in WA it is now undergoing increased production to try and meet insatiable demand interstate. Those in the craft beer scene understand this beer as one of the best in terms of perfect hops, malt balance and those amazing aromas and sweet nuances (apricot and orange). The nose on this was like a Sauvignon Blanc. According to the brewer, this beer is a beer made to consume lively and fresh.

The Wagyu was a perfect match for Australia's best craft beer with perfect Wagyu, extraordinary reduction sauce, the pearl barley to  complement the meat and sauce, a delightful beef cheek, and spectacular mushrooms and crunch of sprouts. People at our table were raving saying this was their best Wagyu experience ever. 

Dessert was always going to be a surprise. How do you pair beer and wine for dessert? Well, Chris Badenoch from Josie Bones is a creative innovative master. The first surprise came with the sour beer from Wig and Pen called Mothur Funker. This sour beer had been aged in a combination of 4 year, 2 year and 1 year barrels. Bacteria had been added to the process to bring a complexity. From all reports sour beers are difficult to brew. But a crowd favourite not often seen in Australia.

The Mega Dega dessert was one of the most innovative dishes I've had in recent times. Simply described as Cake and Bacon it featured carrot cake with other vegetables that had been sweetened - the cake itself went superbly with the sour beer. The ice cream and meringues brought extra sweetness to go with the beer, as did the caramel sauce. But the coup de great for presentation and taste was the candied bacon perched on top. Amusingly the restaurant played Candy Candy over the system as we consumed this dessert.

This was a night of pushing boundaries with so much innovation and flair. It has large ramifications - the successful pairing of wine and beer is something advanced in the USA but relatively new in Australia. One can only see the trend continuing. Some restaurants around town are now paying as much attention to their beer lists as their wine lists. Also impressive was the strong overseas contingent including Brazilians and New Zealanders. One guy at our table commented on how he wants to bring food and beer pairing in a greater way to New Zealand. Check out the Good Beer Week program and its five streams of foodie, home brewer, beer novice, beer geek and beer lover.

Sarti Restaurant in the Melbourne CBD is an inspiring hatted Italian restaurant offering a world of cool and sophisticated cuisine. Sarti brings together a compelling fusion of traditional and contemporary. The World Loves Melbourne attended the unveiling of the Sarti winter menu and Sarti.it and we left on a Sarti Italian high. Sarti has been a Melbourne favourite and an Italian restaurant that rises above the pack. Each dish from Head Chef Paulo was presented with imagination, flair and technique in spades.

Sarti offers a sophisticated ambience with modern artistic pieces such as the one above, with great use of timber, artwork on walls, classic dim lighting, sweeping bar with attractive tiles and funky music. The theme of red that underscores the logo is reflected in the restaurant fit out. Service is professional and engaging but not overpowering.

Sarti served up its winter menu and each dish should be applauded. The Mixed Salumi Board was a wonderful way to start with a selection of salumi served with Buffalo mozzarella and gnocchi fritto (look like dumplings but are fried dough). We were impressed with the standard and variety of the salumi, with the high quality prosciutto arresting my taste buds. A board of quality cured meats is always a winner. 

The Mozzarella Roll with cured ocean trout, mascarpone, avocado and Avruga caviar was also a hit. Great technique in this dish and presentation superb. Such a delicate dish. The creamy mascarpone held the dish together with welcome infusions of cured ocean trout. By now I was on a cured meat and fish high! The caviar provided superb saltiness and crunch. The avocado was interesting, adding to the creaminess and presentation.

Another dish exhibiting great technique was the Vitello Tonnato with slow poached veal, tuna foam, capers and pickled onion. Veal slow poached and so tender with a delectable tuna foam, displaying finesse from the kitchen. More to the point the tuna foam complemented the rich tender veal both in texture and taste. Again the presentation is first class. The pickled onion was a surprise with acidity cutting through some of the richness. And the capers brought a dimension of the piquant and salty.

Sarti serves up some fresh crusty bread which was a  perfect accompaniment. We never underestimate the power of quality bread in an Italian restaurant. Even though the salumi came with the gnocchi fritto I used some of this bread to accomodate the cured meats.

The Fritto Misto was a delicious combination of tender seafood and crunchy batter, featuring calamari, soft shell crab, whitebait, zucchini and chilli tartare. This was the dish of the night for me. Bringing together the best of the sea with seamless skill, dipping the seafood in batter then frying in oil. Fritto Misto is a traditional Italian dish but not only have Sarti cooked it to perfection, but added a modern twist of the chilli tartare.

A hip dining crowd at the Sarti menu unveiling was treated to a surprise performance set from none other than Kate Ceberano. 

Sarti also hit the mark with the Rotolo D'Anatra featuring Duck roll pasta with field mushrooms and parmesan. Actually I tell a lie - this was my favourite dish of the night. Presentation had the wow factor with the foam contrasted against the backdrop of the duck roll. Seriously this was just so good with duck roll compact and full of flavour, superb withe mountain of field mushrooms and complement of crusty parmesan.

The Spaghetti Alla Chitarra was a modern twist on traditional spaghetti with black ink pasta, WA blue swimmer crab, fresh tomato, garlic and chilli. I expect this dish will also be a popular one on the Sarti menu.  Again the presentation was magnificent. Black ink pasta is trending in Melbourne right now at several Italian restaurants. But the advent of WA blue swimmer crab is refreshing. By now I'm realising these guys can really cook seafood.

Now for Secondi... Agnello 2 Modi pleased with a delightful lamb rack and fillet (right amount of pink), superb pistachio crust and wonderful slippery jacks (delicate mushrooms) and soubise (French onion) puree. Just loved the lamb dusted with pistachio. The slippery jacks were a surprise as the mushrooms of choice but worked so well.

Once again great technique shown with the Il Pesce with silver dory, cauliflower puree with green bean, capsicum pickled red onion salad.

Sarti also excels at Dolci, maintaining the flair and high standard of presentation.

Melbourne does Italian dining well. In a sea of competitors Sarti stands out. 

The  Melbourne International Jazz Festival from May 31 to June 8 is oozing jazz cool with Creative Director Michael Tortoni putting together a line up of 100 events featuring international jazz legends as well as local talent. Melbourne will be pulsating to late night jazz parties, jams, concerts, film screenings, masterclasses, daily free concerts and more. Free spirited improvisation and avant garde fashion is the order of the day.

The Festival brings a sense of occasion and spontaneity to the city. The music is amazing but its about the overall experience. The ambience of a late night jam. Masterful concerts. Fashion.

Jazz had a major impact on fashion in the 1920s and 1930s with its glamorous style. Gatsby inspired everything is now trending with the advent of the film and there's a resurgence of 1920's fashion globally. So we think it's a good excuse to break out in your 1920's flapper hairstyle at the Melbourne International Jazz Festival.

Or break out in your over-sized coat...

The World Loves Melbourne has picked out some of the sumptuous offerings at The Melbourne International Jazz Festival - 

Opening Gala Night - May 31 at The Palais Theatre 

Chucho Valdes and The Afro-Cuban Messengers - June 8 at Hamer Hall

Cassandra Wilson - June 9 at Hamer Hall

Thundercat Plus Hiatus Kaiyote - June 7 at The Forum

 Top Paddock 

Top Paddock is already one of Melbourne's standout cafes with its spacious modern fit out and extensive imaginative menu. Meeting here in a trendy part of Richmond with my salubrious brother (Melbourne businessman and food critic extraordinaire) we commented that "these people know what they're doing". And they surely do being of the stable of Three Bags Full, APTE and Two Birds One Stone - some of the best cafes in Melbourne. Chatting with one of the owners Nathan Toleman at the restaurant, the team have pulled their experience from the other cafes and have even progressed the cafe concept. 

What I love is that the team have not reproduced their earlier successes but sought to give Top Paddock its own identity. In the early days of Three Bags Full it seemed there were similarities with the menu of stalwart APTE. Which is fine. But here at Top Paddock the menu options are distinctive and even exploring new ground. Kudos.

Top Paddock has a light and airy feel with plenty of space (and is accessible with nearby parking) and great use of timber paneling and modern fittings. Some serious coin has gone into the layout and to great effect. Top Paddock has a superb ambience for romantic escapades or catching up with friends. Check out the tiling along the wall, dark timber floor, semi industrial ceiling, cool world music (at the time) and the cute display cabinets with treats. The spacious outdoor area is also alluring on a fresh Melbourne morning. 

This is not predictable cafe fare. Head Chef Jesse McTavish is on fire with inventive dishes and sources his own ingredients. We were impressed with the Top Paddock menu options, most of which are available all day. Many brunch menus in Melbourne appeal to me with 2 or 3 standouts from the litany of choices - here at Top Paddock it was a case of 6 or 7 intriguing possibilities. If you feel like Muesli or Fruit Toast then go for it - there is always a group that are wanting simple options. Ricotta hotcakes with blueberries, maple, seeds and organic mascarpone beckon. Then there's the Pulled pork on rye with prunes, leaves and goats curd. Tempting. 

Further dowm the menu there are even more exotic choices such as Kingfish with chilli fried egg, avocado, salsa and lime and blue corn tortilla. Or the Three mushroom omelette. Something of a signature dish has been the Soft shell fresh Qld mud crab roll with fennel, dill, lime mayonnaise in a brioche bun. Not to mention the Top Paddock breakfast with house made sausage, pickled onion, bacon, Adelaide green tomatoes, poached eggs and relish on toast. And the list goes on... 

Yet we ordered the Gin and lime cured ocean trout with beetroot relish, potato galette, poached eggs, leaves, and goats curd with toast (as pictured below). This was a sensational dish visually, and the cured ocean trout was divine. The potato galette went superbly with the trout as did the acidity of the relish. Cracker. 

The waiter recommended the White anchovies and jamon serrano with fried eggs, pedron peppers, and manchego on toast. I admit I expected a few key but tasty ingredients on a small choice slice of toast. I was delightfully wrong. Another generous portion of gourmet delights with visual appeal. Garnish heaven. The white anchovies brought a hit of salty seafood but not overpowering as they seemed to be cured. The fried eggs were cooked to perfection and went superbly with the anchovies. The highlight was the generous amount of quality jamon. Yeah baby. The pedron peppers (wonderfully slightly blackened) were delicious as was the manchego Spanish cheese. Of course all this came with quality bread. A Spanish style breakfast that was for me one of the best I've had in Melbourne.  

And my breakfast was enhanced by a superb side plate of the house made sausage. Even that came with garnish. 

Top Paddock excels in so many areas, including the coffee. The coffee devotee can grab a filtered coffee. My strong latte had a great crema and hit the mark (we enjoyed 2 lattes each). They even offer the soy coffee option that frustrates some baristas in Melbourne - but come on, the customer is king.  

 Check out Top Paddock's signature mud crab roll below on sexy brioche - indulgent and popular... 

 Top Paddock also excels with its cakes and desserts... 

Little things make all the difference. Top Paddock even offers a kid's breakfast egg and bacon on toast for only $6.50 - they know what customers are looking for... Pleasing to me was the opportunity for reasonably priced side plates, fresh juices on offer and reasonably priced mineral water. Yes and wait staff provide table service here. And did I mention there was a Pork belly and fried egg roll with relish for $12 and a killer Steak sandwich - dude food heaven - and on my bucket list. 

Top Paddock has gone to the top of the charts for me and I left the place raving. I have a few other loves in Richmond I will be faithful to no doubt. But I found Top Paddock compelling. The crew from Three Bags Full etc haven't come here half baked but fully loaded. This is a serious culinary destination. 

Pei Modern - Collins St CBD

Pei Modern is an impressive culinary experience in an upmarket part of Melbourne next to The Sofitel on the top end of Collins Street. If I have lots of positive things to say in this review its because I left happy and wanting to return. Again and again. (And that's after my third visit).

Pei Modern is the work of Mark Best from Marque fame in Sydney (voted Sydney's best restaurant in 2011 and 3 hatted) together with Peter Bartholomew and David Mackintosh of Movida fame . With many runs on the culinary board Mark has entered the competitive world of Melbourne fine dining and has already scored a century before lunch here.

The name of Pei Modern is a tribute to I.M. Pei who designed The Louvre's glass pyramid (and who designed the Collins Street building that Pei Modern resides in). I would say even The Louvre's Mona Lisa would come to life at the sublime dishes at Pei Modern.

In a fabulous precinct at 45 Collins Street, one can walk around to Pei Modern neighbouring The Sofitel. With one of the best hotels in Melbourne next door Pei Modern attracts plenty of business and professional types. The outdoor area is a great spot to enjoy the precinct's upper crust ambience. 

Pei Modern is certainly modern in it's fit out. The use of timber is awesome in terms of walls and seating (with cushions). A board runs across the back wall with menu options duly written in large writing. A mirror adorns the side of the room (with a trendy effect) and there are classic white tiles on the floor. Lighting was used sparsely for effect and it was almost dim with spotlights punctuating (it was a grey Melbourne day when I visited the first time).

The dining space is initially restricted for breakfast but opens up into a large space with more diners. In the main dining area one can appreciate an open kitchen with professional chefs.

So here I came for breakfast already impressed with many of the cafes and restaurants in the precinct, eager to compare. Of course I intend to come to Pei Modern for lunch or dinner at some stage. I'm keen to try the Roast Rabbit or the Pork Jowl or Salt-crusted Swede Riverina Lamb, not to mention the Duck Breast, Hanger Steak or the Pork and Fennel sausages. 

It's rare that you fancy most things on the menu and want to try them all. But even the breakfast menu at Pei Modern brims with imaginative offerings. The influences appeared to be European. Head Chef Matt Germanchis used to work at Movida and Movida Aquis (of which I'm a big fan).

The menu at Pei Modern impressed me from the "get go". I'm a man who loves a good black pudding - as my heritage is English. Having enjoyed some black puddings around Melbourne I was keen to compare. The black pudding comes on sourdough with a poached egg and garnish. 

I was close to choosing the Cuca Sardines, Relish and Toast or the Omelette, Chard and Cheddar on Sourdough - which I enjoyed on my next visit. Sublime large sardines with a sweetness in the relish. Great balance of flavour.

Then on my third visit I enjoyed the popular (as I saw many ordered) Bacon and Mustard Hightop Sandwich for only $8.

The Mushrooms and Goats Curd on Sourdough also looks enticing. On the counter are pastries and croissants and the like.

Everything I've ordered at Pei Modern has been superb. I'm a big fan of the Black pudding as it was so intense in flavour and a hearty breakfast. This black pudding was moist and had a great tang to it. I was pleased there was a good portion of it - note to some others not to hold out on your black pudding. The egg was perfectly poached and the combination was sublime. Yes, this was a premier black pudding on the Melbourne culinary scene. Notwithstanding the sourdough was also superb. Pei Modern bake their own bread and churn their own butter.

The coffee is also sublime. Pei Modern serves up Single Origins and blends on its La Marzocco machine.

Service is excellent at Pei Modern. After all the Maitre D' Ainslie Lubbock has just been awarded the Australian Gourmet Traveller 2013 Maitre D' of the Year.

The waiters are professionals who are friendly and engaging, but also adept and flexible. Let's face it - the business crowd is not always the easiest. While I was there a few suits were asking for all sorts of bespoke tailored breakfast variations and the waiters handled it with aplomb. I admit I am also a suit, but tend to stick to options as they appear on the menu.

Pei Modern was rated at number 29 in Australia's Top 100 Restaurants by Australian Gourmet Traveller and it seems a good fit. 

Pei Modern is a great place to meet people and experience up market dining at still reasonable prices. And there's a lot to be said for that.

Check out the website at http://peimodern.com.au

 Cumulus - Flinders Lane CBD 

Cumulus exudes passion for a food culture and brings a sense of fun and an air of sophistication to the Melbourne dining scene. This is where the foodies go. And it stays at the leading edge of culinary Melbourne after several years. Cumulus has a warehouse/studio type vibe - with studio type lighting, high ceilings, and large windows fronting Flinders Lane. There are 3 positions for viewing – either sit at the kitchen bar on a stool watching the expert chefs art work; or sit at the bar overlooking Flinders Lane on a stool watching the baristas at work; or sit in the middle and observe the hip collective in the room. 

One of the best breakfasts in Melbourne! Even the stock Cumulus breakfast is a winner with amazing yoghurt, perfect egg, 3 slices of toast and preserves and juice and coffee - everything an officer worker needs to kick start the day. And so well put together. 

But when doing breakfast one must at least tackle the "full English" also a popular mainstay. Be ready to engage some wonderful blood sausage. 

Twice I have enjoyed the Shashouska (sounds like a Kate Bush song?) with baked eggs, tomatoes, onions, peppers and marinated Persian fetta with chives – in a pan. Next to that on the large plate is served great seed bread. Wow! A hearty breakfast indeed which comes piping hot (be careful of the pan). Also a nice touch is the little bowls of pink salt and pepper. 

Staff are professional and engaging. You are warmly greeted for breakfast by friendly staff who show you to a table or stool, decked out with tulips on the tables and 3 different newspapers. Service is consistently great. Tested by moi when ducking in to Cumulus one summer’s day just to have a glass of water and a coffee – staff obliged but I wouldn’t do this often. For lunch and dinner the lamb is to die for - shared for two (but find someone who is not hungry). As good as lamb gets. 

Often queues out the door due to no booking policy. I can't believe I was there at the crack of dawn and the place was packed and pumping with jazz on a weekday! Enjoying music from the five Bose speakers mounted around the room! Friendly barista explained to me that the bank vault door to the side of the current modern door is a heritage piece – and it adds to the vibe. Cumulus is a continual culinary joy. 

 Hardware Societe - Hardware Lane 

Hardware Societe is a great place to go for a Sunday morning lazy breakfast in Melbourne! It captivates with French sophistication and charm, and a high quality dining experience. 

If you’re looking for a restaurant that’s able to offer something more than the usual brunch options, with a certain je ne sais quois, then Hardware Societe is the place for you!

Any restaurant worthwhile in Melbourne may involve a table wait and I’ve gladly waited for 20 minutes for a table at Hardware Societe. Spectacular news is that Hardware Societe are now spreading out and have taken over the building next door. The revolution is spreading! 

The counter is a visual feast with brightly coloured tarts and macaroons, extraordinary brown chocolate creations, crème brulee and a host of amazing French sweets. Resistance is almost impossible! 

All eyes are on the white uniformed rock star chefs with awesome tattoos who perform wonders in the kitchen for all to see... Each dish has amazing flair and bathed in TLC. There is a French attention to detail! 

Hardware Societe offers some of Melbourne’s favourite dishes such as Baked eggs served in a French pan with chunks of chorizo and cheese. This is a cacophony of taste and flavour! These kinds of dishes warm the stomach and leave you with a feeling of pleasantness for hours. Oo la la!

After a big night out you may prefer the Banana bread with caramel and crushed nougat. Or Fried brioche with nutella, strawberries and toasted hazelnuts. 

Even the sourdough fruit toast is sensational, served in a pretty arrangement on a wooden board with an extraordinary amount of butter. And it comes with a cute butter knife… 

The quality of the food is undeniable. Everything is well cooked, great flavour profiles and the freshness (including the bread) stands out. 

Be impressed by the communal table and chic plastic chairs. Where space is at a premium they’re functional but also can be fashionable. 

The décor has a cool factor to a sublime degree including damask dark wallpaper imported from Germany and interesting lighting arrangements with naked bulbs. The whole place has an upbeat colourful feel to it... 

Coffee here is also great and sometimes underrated. The crema is velvet, and the coffee showing superb consistency, flavour and strength. A nice touch is the small round donut that comes with each coffee. 

Ordering tea is an occasion with your selection coming with artistic tea cosy flair. Even the hot chocolate comes with great presentation and is not made to feel the poor cousin of hot drinks. 

 As gourmet trendsetters Hardware Societe are embarking on selling up market produce from other countries such as France, Spain and Italy. Come here to grab some Spanish rice for your paella, some cuttlefish or sardines (white meat), exclusive Simon Coll chocolate and Italian Turron. 

Ambience is great being a vibrant bright restaurant – conversation is loud and atmosphere warm. The fact that it’s on the vibey restaurant strip of Hardware Lane adds to the ambience. 

Service is fantastic with hipster staff wearing aprons to set a French tome. They are both engaging and attentive. Open for breakfast and lunch but not dinner. Popular and a talking point around Melbourne. Rightly so!

 St Ali - South Melbourne 

St Ali is a hip cool fun uber café with amazing ambience, stunning coffee and excellent creative menu choices - hidden down a laneway in South Melbourne. This is one of my “go to” places in Melbourne and have loved each of my many visits. The owner Salvatore Malatesta is an icon and visionary in the industry, in the city of Melbourne, and internationally. He has inspired an amazing culture in and beyond this cult cafe in a laneway.

St Ali is a cafe with style and culture. St Ali has some classic menu designs - here is one of my all time favourites...

St Ali is named after Ali ibn Umar al-Shadili, a fourteenth century mystic and someone who apparently birthed coffee passion. One of the cool mystiques surrounding St Ali is that it can be hard to find. You wander down some nondescript laneway off charming Clarendon Street in the quest for serious coffee. You then wonder if it’s the right laneway. You see a group of people emerge from a non descript entrance. And you realise this must be St Ali (no signage).

Walk in to a hip if not grungy establishment with industrial themes. The friendly staff are so warm that you don’t mind waiting that 10 or 15 minutes for a table (no booking policy). The staff are also helpful in arranging tables to fit in those groups. We arrived on one occasion to meet an old friend and her partner. The attentive staff were accommodating to find us space as soon as it became available. Another time we met with friends from both Adelaide and London – dazzled by the vibe of St Ali – and staff managed to find us space during a packed Saturday brunch session. 

The menu options excite, are creative and show a sense of fun. Brunch highlights include From Chickens With Love options such as eggs anyway with sides or My Mexican Cousin corn fritters. Or for lunch go the Smokey and the Bandit Victorian rainbow trout. Or order the Chris-P confit pork belly. The Chicadee whole chicken thigh burger is a sensation.

The cakes and pastries are also a highlight at St Ali and great with any coffee.

Music pumping, grungy concrete floor, awesome flower arrangements, and the mirror ball, all add to the ambience. Love the communal tables. Love the different interesting areas to dine.

Known to be one of the best coffee establishments in Melbourne, St Ali exudes a serious coffee devotion. The house blends are great. Single origin options are dazzling – just look up and check out the board. Panama. Costa Rica. Colombia. Honduras. And others. St Ali brew amazing Cold Drip, Pour Over and Syphon coffee. It's hard to have just one coffee - usually a coffee or three here. St Ali is a coffee wholesaler and roasts it’s own coffee, supplying notable establishments across the city.

St Ali is spectacular.

 Small Victories - North Carlton 

Small Victories is a stellar new cafe in leafy historic North Carlton making its mark. Transformed by Arlic Hansen and Ben Farrant, notable Melbourne culinary identities, Small Victories is taking Melbourne by storm. Come here for superb gourmet meals, great coffee and excellent ambience. You know its going to be good when a cafe makes its own produce in house - such as the yoghurt and the smoked bacon. It's a cafe that attracts foodies with its clever nuances and flavour combinations. Small Victories rises above the pack in a highly competitive precinct. 

Dining is enjoyable with several (counted 5) dining spaces with cosy timber tables and sleek communal sharing tables, stools by the counter or along the window, upstairs dining area with mini skylight/atrium or you can sit outside and enjoy the ambience of Rathdowne Street. 

Coffee here is top notch with the star inclusion of Dane Johns barista extraordinaire ex Wide Open Road. Small Victories uses Wide Open Road blends and the coffee is seriously good. The lattes have nutty and buttery characteristics and are of a decent strength. 

Decor is modern and cool with large naked bulb lighting (revealing a groovy filament), grey couch backing along the upstairs wall with mirror above, a marble bar and great use of timbers. Not too much on the walls giving a sense of modern chic and not old world clutter. 

Funky music adds to the vibe played on a turntable with vinyl selections. 

There is a menu brimming with imagination and flair. The breakfasts are wonderful. The Small Victories mixed grill is sensational with Eggs, bacon, beans, blood pudding, croquette, and two pork sausages. 

This is no clumsy fry up or predictable big breakfast. The leek and cheddar croquette was superb and creamy inside and I could have eaten about six. The eggs were perfectly cooked and runny. The sreaky bacon was high quality, smoked and prepared in house. The blood pudding was delicious and served fresh and had some moisture - unlike other black puddings elsewhere which have been dry and caked. And the sausages were gourmet, tasty and not too fatty. The beans were also impressive with gremolata on top. The accompanying toast was also excellent. 

I was also tempted to go with the Corn (creamed) and streaky bacon breakfast with lardo soldier and thyme salt, which looked like something different and imaginative. The toast soldier with melted lardo is awesome. 

These meals come in terracotta dishes. At the time they'd run out of big plates, so my mixed grill came in two seperate plates - no problem. 

The small bowl of pink salt placed on the table with the meal was a nice gourmet touch. 

Or you may want to try the Granola with elderflower, poached rhubarb, lychee, organic yoghurt and berry powder. 

Small Victories also excels with its lunch selections including gourmet soup, pastas and sandwiches. 

Small Victories is a super impressive and chic foodie haven that excites.

 Manchester Press - Rankins Lane CBD 

Manchester Press is a spacious funky cafe that you'll want to come back to. This deserves to be a global sensation like Manchester United.

Possibly my favourite café in Melbourne - it's  a great place to meet with friends and has one of Melbourne's most enjoyable breakfasts. Another laneway gem where coffee meets art. Manchester Press is part of the coffee triangle (as opposed to the Bermuda Triangle) with nearby places like Brother Baba Budan and Captains of Industry.

This is a huge spacious cafe - a former gallery and named after the former printing press business. Friends of mine remember it's former life - the renovation has been impressive. The mystery is accentuated by the fact that you need to pull back the sliding door to enter.

Coffee here is amazing with highly skilled baristas that have a knack with latte art.

This place has a rustic and at times retro feel (check out the menu with old school labels on perspex). Also check out the water jars on tables (with hydrochloric acid labels). Don’t worry the coffee is acidic - but not that acidic! You can really relax here – read the paper and check your emails. Chilled. So relaxed here that a customer went to the bathroom and on passing asked me to protect his back pack and belongings. I passed the test. (I now live in Rio).

Bagels for breakfast. Damn fine ones with eggs and salmon. Then there's the simple raisin bagel with jam and ricotta  – good value and huge dollops of both jam and ricotta. In fact Manchester Press does bagels really well with other options (open sandwich style) and toppings available. I was told by the waitress that all menu options were available at any time – not just divided into breakfast and lunch. And that the menu changes whenever the chef feels like it… But some bagel options are more suitable for breakfast.

The soft egg bagel with salmon breakfast option is a sensation – sounds simple and harmless but it packed a mighty punch. You crack open the top of the soft boiled egg served in a cute egg cup with oriental figurines, then smear soft egg all over your piping hot bagel. Then you place some salmon from the generous pile on the plate on top of your egg and bagel. So gooood! There’s lemon to squeeze over the salmon and a great little salad with lettuce, tomato, onion and cucumber - with a killer dressing. Don’t think it’s just about the coffee and the vibe here – check out the simple but awesome food! Coffee here is sensational and of the highest quality. Creamy and comes with amazing latte art (love the coffee meets art theme here).

Check out the art on the walls by artist William Montgomery.

Came here again for breakfast with the family and we all loved it. Now thinking of bringing the mother in law. Great chorizo and peppers with bagel option – some real kick in the chutney. My wife ordered the salmon bagel option - this time even more salmon than mine from earlier in the week. My 8 year old son went the baked eggs and chorizo and absolutely loved it.

My daughter went the coco pops (great option for kids as well as kids at heart).  My son ate the rest of the coco pops my daughter couldn’t eat. And I ate the rest of my wide’s salmon that she couldn’t eat. Took some happy snaps with shades of the Griswalds! Even coco pops look good on Instagram. The regular coffee is quite small so I think I’ll always go for the large in the take away cup. The kids hot chocolate had amazing latte art (except it wasn’t a latte). Hot chocolate art?

Sensational service every time with staff friendly and willing to explain stuff (interesting they place the bill in a glass on your table). We have a ritual - I keep going to the counter to pay at the end of my meal without producing the bill in the glass – so they go back and grab my bill from the table again. On leaving I noticed a mirror ball mounted high in Rankins lane casting an interesting light array down the lane. All adds to the coffee and the art experience!

Where do you think are Melbourne's best breakfasts? Let me know atdavid@theworldlovesmelbourne.comThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Baby Pizza is a chic pizza joint in Church St Richmond that excites with its quality cuisine and Italian influences. If you like your pizza and want a decent vibe, then Baby Pizza delivers. But if you also love an Italian cafe then these guys are also a superb cafe. Open from 7am is a serious commitment. And a La Marzocco to boot.

Chris Lucas and the team behind highly successful Chin Chin are in action, and these guys know what they're doing. I arrived here spontaneously after driving past and deciding to duck in. I was warmly greeted at the door and made to feel welcome - then offered a stool at the bar. My first impression was Baby Pizza is chic but also homely. Racy and rustic. Across the bar I could see the chefs in action. Culinary theatre. The restaurant was packed and the noise levels rising with lively conversation.

Baby Pizza has a simple menu with an effort to create an authentic Italian experience. An impressive Melbourne trend is to attract chefs and staff from Italy. Baby Pizza has brought in fine Italian chefs to add to the authenticity.

What to choose? I was keen to try the pizza although the braised rabbit in white wine caught my eye. I ordered the Salumi  - fior di latte, prosciutto cotto, spiced sausage, borgo hot salami, pancetta, san marzano tomatoes. The various meats combine well. I always judge the base as much as the ingredients and overall balance of a pizza. The base is crisp and a superb dough. 

The right balance of quality ingredients...

Baby Pizza offers some other great options such as the San Danielle Prosciutto - fior di latte, reggiano, san daniele dop prosciutto, rocket, san marzano tomatoes. Or try the pasta, such as the  Chitarra Con Friarielle E Salsiccia with guitar string pasta, italian sausage, wild greens, broccoli, and chilli.

Service was excellent with staff quick to greet me and take my order, and they were attentive throughout. One staff member commented on how great my Zara shoes were. Why thank you!

Baby Pizza has a good number of tables but it fills quickly. I sat admiring the design - with Projects of Imagination to the fore, the neon signage, marble bar, and enjoyed observing the high spirited couple next to me on their first date. The perfect restaurant for lovers.

Baby Pizza also offers takeaway options. And Tshirts designed by Alpha60 is cool. Highly recommended.

Acland St Cantina is a place of the fiesta where you can relax and enjoy upmarket surroundings and impressive cuisine. There's a seriousness about authenticity and bringing a fullness to the Mexican expression. The World Loves Melbourne has visited twice and has left full of joy (yes, this is exactly how I felt). Melbourne is a serious destination for quality Mexican food. Having missed the launch party due to prior commitments I was glad to visit when the Cantina was in its full stride. 

Acland St Cantina is a well thought out establishment with the front casual diner section almost as enjoyable as the (more formal but still relaxed) back section. Here you can chill out (from 7am) with an abridged menu with tacos and dips, tacos (even a breakfast taco), hot dogs, quesadillas and other tasty treats. The lunch menu is fast and fresh. We spent a couple of hours here imbibing the ambience and dining casually. What I loved was the ability to take home a bevy of quality Mexican groceries for home consumption. With guests arriving at home I loaded up on several dips and various types of corn chips - so fresh and tasty, even a bit of a kick.

Check out the Pumpkin Guacamole and the Cantina Guacamole we indulged in. Some of the best dips I've ever eaten. 

Acland St Cantina offers great options for those on the fly... It really is "the people's" restaurant. What is slightly amusing is that some people have visited not knowing there's a larger upmarket back section.

Quality groceries are a welcome addition. How can you leave without a bottle of authentic hot sauce? Also Tequilas and various beers and beverages are available for retail sale.

So then it was into the main dining section with our interstate friends - thanks go to the staff who squeezed us in for an early sitting after the restaurant was fully booked 5 days in a row. For me this is one of the most enjoyable ambience's in Melbourne. Slightly dimmed with exposed brick, impressive artwork and Mexican themed arrangements.

Paul Wilson is a top notch Australian chef who has achieved much - including at one of my favourite restaurants Circa next door. His influence here is unmistakable. Acland St Cantina enchants with Masa Delicacies such as Baja Fried Fish Tacos with Slaw and Chipotle Mayo. Here was an emotional connection for me having visited the coastal city of Ensensada in Baja, California in Mexico. In Ensenada the simple fare of fish tacos is a staple but surprisingly hard to find the quality emulated in Australia. These tacos were superb in terms of crunch and flavour of the fish, with a compelling slaw. They also got me hooked on chipotle mayo. And so artisticly presented to boot.

Now on a tacos roll, we also ordered several of the Authentic Al Pastor Tacos - Spit Roasted Pork with Pineapple Salsa. We all know pineapple and pork go together well, and the combination was altogether harmonious. The key was the spit roasted pork and freshness of the ingredients. Again, so well presented.

When it came to the mains there was no point in ordering the Authentic Al Pastor Tacos again, as they also featured as a main. The engaging staff encouraged us to order the Carne Asada, ostensibly a popular dish at the Cantina. When I saw Skirt Steak I was hesitant, being a lover of large thick steaks. But this uncouth attitude changed when I welcomed the rich and superbly cooked steak and used it as the cornerstone of a tortilla combination. I enjoy this kind of dining. Not only were we sharing mains but also putting together our own tortillas. This was Oaxacan Market Style Mixed Grill of Skirt Steak and Chorizo with Tortillas and Condiments.

Also delicious with kick was the Pollo Al Horno - Wood BBQ Chilli Chicken with Tomatillo Verde. This smoky dish also had a good amount of kick but not overpowering. It reminded me of the food in Baja Mexico which hit me between the eyes with heat. Bowls of chilli everywhere. It also reminded me of the popularity of wood fire ovens in Baja.

Even an innocent Quinoa salad at Acland St Cantina was impressive.

All the while we were taken with the engaging and knowledgeable staff who managed to offer helpful advice and attend to us perfectly despite a packed restaurant. The service here is outstanding compared to most. Let me confess - after spilling sauce on my crisp white shirt at Circa I stumbled in to Acland St Cantina, only for a staff member to wash my shirt with soda. The extra mile.

I noticed the crowd was mainly a young trendy set and the music reflected that. As a complement - this vibey restaurant would fit well in San Clemente, one of my favourite cities for Mexican food in the world. Highly recommended. 

 

Punk accessories are all the rage from the runway to fashion stores all around the world. At the recent 2013 Met Gala the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City got its punk on. The World Loves Melbourne has punk roots (ex band TV Dinners) and is sensing a punk renaissance. Here in Melbourne we checked out Dangerfield, a Melbourne brand, with its cool punk clutch bags, collars and other accessories. Dangerfield stores are throughout Melbourne and nationwide, including major shopping centres such as Westfield Doncaster, Melbourne Central and Chadstone. Dangerfield started in 1988 in a small store in trendy Greville street, Prahran... Based on a nobody else can, do it yourself attitude.

Check out this chunky collar above... Dangerfield posted a Facebook message recently saying they were staying back in the office until 9pm just to answer any customer questions and give styling advice. Too cool.

Check out this studded bag with attitude from Dangerfield...

Or this studded belt. These accessories can instantly change a look to add an edge and even bring a sense of danger...

A global punk accessories trend includes -

1. Earings and ear cuffs

2. Tough rings

3. Spiked headbands

4. Studded clutch bags

5. Buckled leather boots

You can also grab punk accessories through stores like Topshop, ASOS, Net-A-Porter and Stylebop.com.

Includes photos courtesy of fashionising.com.

Maybe its a sign of Melbourne's culinary sophistication that the city holds an ice cream masterclass. This is no ordinary ice cream joint. For the ice cream lover its the indulgence zenith and for the neutrals you're likely to turn. Heladas Jauja is a serious premium Argentinian ice cream shop that has captured the imagination of Lygon St Carlton and beyond. Heladas Jauja impress with quality ingredients and innovative flavours that change seasonally.

Having been to Argentina, I understand the colour and passion and romance that inspires. Lucy and Pepe and Po-Lin have taken their craft learned in South America to Melbourne. The World Loves Melbourne team of Leeanne and Stacey attended the two hour masterclass only to be schooled by artisans and satiated by premium ice cream from the finest ingredients. The passion of the owners and staff was impressive as they explained the processes of great ice cream making. They store the icecream at exact temperatures to get the textures and flavours right. The processes are exacting with no shortcuts or compromise. No artificial flavouring. No colouring. No premixing.

Helados Jauja gave the packed masterclass a taste of all 24 flavours in the cabinet. The innovation was sensational with flavours like Apple Crumble, Szechuan Pepper for goodness sake, Black Sesame, Goats Cheese with Cranberries and Roasted Walnuts and Salted Caramel. The Cocoa Decadence is the most expensive flavour at $8 a scoop but includes 80% cocoa extracts. Helados Jauja leave no stone unturned in their processes and spend 3 days to get the seeds in the Black Sesame flavour right.

Helados Jauja do all their peeling and chopping and blending themselves, everything from scratch.  Check out this Szechuan Pepper ice cream below with mouth numbing peppercorns. Too cool.

The presentation was first class and there was a real passion and enthusiasm around premium ice cream. The company can also be unpredictable. Helados Juaja surprised by creating a Guinness ice cream for St Patricks Day.

The Apple Crumble was a chart topper at the tasting. Yes its real apple pieces and crumble with cinnamon and sugar. Dare I say, sublime. As is the Dulce de Leche traditional offering. You don't need a hot day to sample this gear - it's good to eat all year round.

White Chocolate with Rasberry (above) is also delectable. I could run through them all - not a weak link in the 24 flavours sampled. Helados also creates a series of impressive sorbets including the Apricot sorbet and White Peaches sorbet.

According to the website - "Many have asked if there is a meaning to our name... Well, our heritage is rooted in southern Argentina...so our name ‘Jauja' is pronounced the Latin American Spanish way...“ hkow-hka ” although “how ha” is equally acceptable. In our community, the term ‘Jauja' is used to express the words ‘absolute indulgence'. There is a mythological land associated with the name and it is said that it was the place for extreme comfort and pleasure, where food literally falls into your mouth! It is this spirit of indulgence, pleasure and fun that we aspire to capture in our treats." The World Loves Melbourne gets the sentiment of 'absolute indulgence'.

Helados Juaja gave participants of the masterclass a triple scoop of choice at the end of the class then also arranged for a take away tub of ice cream. Bliss. 

Helados is a serious ice cream destination on Lygon Street. It's expensive ice cream but worth it. Highly recommended. 

Here’s a fashion market in Melbourne with a twist.  Embracing Melbourne’s love affair for rummaging through garage sales and suburban markets, the upcoming Walk-in Wardrobe in Prahran takes the experience indoors and adds a charitable aspect.  

All the stallholders at the annual pop up market are donating a chunk of their proceeds to charity.  In this instance, it’s Kiss Goodbye to MS, supporting research and programs for Multiple Sclerosis sufferers. 

Now in its fourth year the market, which is held in a hair salon on Greville Street Prahran, has built a devoted following.  Fresh Melbourne-based designers will be showcasing their talent and beautiful wares. With their large social media followings they are sure to spark excitement and attract the crowds. 

Walk-in Wardrobe is an innovative fundraising concept developed and brought to life by Melbourne girls Angie Dimitriou and Meg Rayner.  The 20-something fashion devotees to create a new market where their friends and other fashion lovers could sell unwanted and unworn items.  Each stallholder is provided a space at the indoor market for free and in return donates a percentage of their takings to charity. 

In the past three years the event has raised more than $6,500 for Australian charities.  The choice to support Kiss Goodbye to MS is a personal one – both Meg and Angie have friends and colleagues who have been diagnosed.  Sadly, the disease affects three times as many women as men. 

“We had no idea when we started Walk-in Wardrobe just how popular it would be,” Angie said.

“My salon is closed on Sunday anyway, and its location on Greville Street so close to the Chapel Street shopping precinct makes it the ideal location for a high-profile fashion event.” 

“Walk-in Wardrobe has grown into a fun day out for the girls, so many girls come in with their friends, or even with their mums,” Meg added.

“The variety of stallholders is incredible and this year we’ve had more applications from people to host stalls than ever before – it’s going to be huge.” 

With a dozen exciting stalls - including Style Space, Barbarian Gypsy, Signed & Numbered and more - this year's market is bigger and better.

Walk-in Wardrobe

Sunday May 26 at Boda Haircutters, 183 Greville St, Prahran

 

Hammer & Tong is one of the new exciting cafe restaurants in Melbourne and has captivated most with chic ambience and an impressive menu. The team is top notch and boasts ex Vue De Monde and Jacques Reymond staff that basically know what they're doing to create a superb dining experience. Set slightly back from Brunswick Street you enter via a graffiti world of Westgarth Street. The entry is understated but once inside it's immediately apparent this place hums. Especially when Johnny Cash is playing over the speakers singing "One Love"... 

A partnership between head chef Simon Ward and manager Dennis Ferreira, Hammer & Tong celebrates casual dining and simple, fresh ingredients. An open bar and kitchen is the heart of the light filled space. Hammer & Tong have reworked the stylish interiors created for former premises The Brix with their own take on vintage-industrial chic.

Hammer & Tong serves up great coffee, which is a welcome start. As I savoured my coffee I admired the vintage pieces around the room including the large old scales and vintage cake display, and reflected on the lyrics of Cash singing "One Love."

Dukes coffee is Melbourne coffee royalty. Great crema and strength of flavour.

The breakfast menu at Hammer & Tong is impressive with several items I wanted to order such as the Truffled duck egg with parmesan toast and grilled asparagus, as well as the Baked eggs in tomato fondue. Well, I just couldn't go past the Spiced Corn Fritters with avocado, sour cream, smoked tomato, and poached eggs. I raved about these corn fritters all day long. Crispy outside, softer inside, a bit of kick, and a generous portion. Along with perfect accompaniments including avocado and sour cream  it spoke of Mexican influences to me.

I reckon Johnny Cash would love these corn fritters - 

Johnny Cash - Look At Them Beans

Look at that corn man. Love the micro herbs - not just for show but went well with the dish. A contender for best corn fritters in Melbourne.

Hammer & Tong has this chic ambience with a spacious area full of light, tiles with deep blue shades, funky lighting and a very cool coffee machine. You can enjoy several inviting dining spaces such as the main dining hall and coffee bar, the corridor bar and the sunroom. I dig being perched on the stools by the big window looking out over Westgarth Street.

Hammer & Tong also shines with a superb lunch and dinner menu. How about a Soft shell crab burger? Or Berries with rhubarb jelly & whipped yoghurt? Or Braised soy beef brisket (below). I want it all. The pan seared scallops, black bean salsa, Chinese sausage, corn & chilli jam caught my eye. As did the bbq pork tenderloin, farmers sauce & butter lettuce.

Hammer & Tong are open for dinner three nights of the week now, and it's highly popular.

Hammer & Tong impresses at every level and I intend to return. Maybe I'll hear Johnny Cash singing about the Legend Of John Henry's Hammer...

Global outdoor wear sensation Icebreaker has launched its first Australian store in Chadstone The Fashion Capital. While the brand has been available at retail stockists this is the first major store in Australia. The World Loves Melbourne attended the launch with Australian fashion community and the CEO of Icebreaker, who inspired us with the Icebreaker story. Icebreaker Merino clothing for the outdoors, technical sports and lifestyle includes underwear, mid layer garments, outerwear, socks and accessories for men, women and children. Icebreaker is based in Wellington, New Zealand, and is sold in more than 3000 stores in 44 countries. 

Icebreaker excites The World Loves Melbourne because it combines functionality and quality (Merino wool products) with fashion. These clothes are actually a clothing system - you start with the base layer and add layers to suit. And the garments are totally fashionable - they cross over from outdoor wear to daily wear. Icebreaker started as a clothing company for outdoor living but has evolved since and is taking the world by storm. People are enjoying the fact that Merino wool is sustainable! And Icebreaker Merino insulates in cold weather, breathes in hot weather, feels soft and non-itchy against the skin, and naturally resists odour. (This writer wears Merino suits and loves the feel compared to other suits).

At Icebreaker the first thing you want to do is touch and feel. Merino wool is so comfortable! Icebreaker has interactive stations where you can do that. The company has won awards for their packaging - for example the ability to open up the socks packaging and feel the socks...

Icebreaker treated guests with NZ wine, canapes and a fine spread of NZ produce (and don't we love NZ produce!).

At the launch I was impressed with fashionable running and fitness wear (technical sports tops with nanotechnology), underwear, hats, scarves, gloves and and socks, and stunning outdoor garments including fashionable jackets that are wind resistant, water repellent and resistant with nanotechnology). The colours are bold and the garments well shaped. Also fashionable is the travel wear including skirts, casual wear and black sheep fine weave Merino wear dress jumpers. This is Icebreaker's first season with trousers, which are 70% Merino wool. Some of these garments are so versatile - you can sleep in them and run in them.

Icebreaker positions itself as an ethical company focussed on the innovative use of Merino wool, sourced from the Southern Alps of New Zealand, to create technical sports, outdoors and lifestyle garments. Each year one Merino sheep produces enough wool to make five Icebreaker garments. Then its back to the mountains to grow another coat...

Icebreaker signs long term contracts with its growers rather than buying wool at auction. This helps growers conduct long term planning as well as helps Icebreaker set strict standards for environmental management, animal welfare and wool quality. 

Icebreaker's store at Chadstone is attractive, if not a little hip... The staff were engaging and super helpful as we tried on and picked out garments. 

Icebreaker also has a Baacode system which allows consumers to trace the origin of the wool garment from back to the sheep station where it was grown.

Icebreaker styles have technical  features on some garments to improve performance, including breathable eyelet panels, friction-free seams, stash pockets, and drop tail hems to improve coverage and prevent ride-up.  

Icebreaker CEO Jeremy Moon shared his story of how his American girlfriend introduced him to a New Zealand Merino sheep farmer. The farmer threw a prototype thermal t-shirt made from 100% Merino wool at Jeremy and Jeremy's life was changed forever. It took 3 years for the company to make its first profit, but they haven't looked back since. According to Moon, "Icebreaker is always exploring and reinventing and changing. We search for what's new and give it a play." Moon also pointed out that Merino is "a new idea that is 3000 years old." Icebreaker now competes against the world's greatest outdoor brands. The World Loves Melbourne found Jeremy to be authentic and inspirational.

Icebreaker is a passionate world leader in Merino and we found this to be an exciting launch in Melbourne. The passion was discernable and we understand that Icebreaker is committed to a business model that doesn't put profits ahead of the environment. And its fashionable. Even Pippa Middleton wears Icebreaker in Europe skiing. Check out the Icebreaker website.

Rare Earth Hair is a fashionable salon in Prahran that approaches hairdressing with fresh, trained eyes and a listening ear. The World Loves Melbourne was invited by Donna and Soren to experience Rare Earth Hair - in fact David our Editor sports the balding look, so it was Samantha who put up her hand for the treatment. Having worked with a leading French stylist and in leading salons in Sydney and London, Donna the owner brings passion and style to Rare Earth Hair. The rest of the team are also high powered with international experience. Soren, who works for a "Big Four Firm" in the city is on hand on Saturdays and is involved in the running of the salon.

Rare Earth Hair seeks to create individual styles and colours designed to suit your face shape, hair texture and lifestyle. We are impressed with the critical elements of Rare Earth Hair salon - great cuts, engaging staff who consult but also listen, environmentally friendly and quality products, chic relaxing ambience, and the little personal touches such as a beverage bar and massage.

The team at Rare Earth Hair have created a salon space that, when you walk in, sets you immediately at ease (designed to create a relaxing tranquil environment) with comfortable cutting and colour bar chairs, soft lighting, calm music and your choice of beverages from the beverage menu. Pretty cool. Using naturally derived Aveda products, you know you’re doing your hair and mind a world of good (we are a fan of Aveda).

Entering only their second year, the Rare Earth Hair team is on a journey to become the iconic Aveda Salon of Melbourne and Australia. The team has just completed their inaugural fashion photo shoot.

Rare Earth Hair is passionate to make every guest feel special and Samantha loved her experience. Modern stylish cuts with obvious flair to create striking looks. Using AVEDA products and AVEDA hair colour (which is 97% naturally derived from plant and flower essences), Rare Earth Hair is able to deliver outstanding natural results within a toxin free environment.The calming ambience permeates - just sit back and relax with a signature head, neck and shoulder massage (we are also a big fan of massages) before the expert team consult and shape the hairstyle you are looking for.

Rare Earth Hair has chosen Aveda for their range of products because they are incredible effective and environmentally / socially responsible. The Rare Earth Hair team recently participated in Aveda’s walk for water, walking 7km and contributing to raising over $1500 for rural communities in Madagascar who do not have access to clean water.  (Rare Earth Hair have a few images on their Facebook page). 

Check out Rare Earth Hair on 184 Commercial Road Prahran and visit their website. Highly recommended.

Melbourne is brimming with dining options as one of the world's great culinary cities. But once in a while a change is not such a bad thing. Especially when there's the option to pop down to Tasmania and visit one of the world's great galleries and its French inspired restaurant The Source. MONA, the brainchild of David Walsh, is a sensation and now Tasmania's biggest tourist attraction. A gallery like no other which features themes of sex and death. MONA being the anacronym for The Museum of Old and New Art. It has stirred controversy since its opening in 2011 and some of its exhibits are shocking and provocative.

The World Loves Melbourne was excited to visit The Source restaurant at MONA. This is one of Australia's most spectacular restaurants overlooking the pristine Derwent River.

The Source has traditionally been part of the cellar door experience at Moorilla Winery and now is part of the fabric of MONA. Head Chef Philippe Leban  has a Michelin-starred resume. He was sous chef to Guillaume Brahimi. His penchant and treatment of vegetables might be explained by his time under Alan Passard. This is fine dining in idyllic surroundings - food and culture combining in an intoxicating cacophony. The website says, "Our restaurant, a bubble above the hubbub of humanity below, is super duper. We use the best fresh produce to create contemporary French-inspired cuisine. Our wine list is brilliant, obviously".

The artistic flair extends to the restaurant with the large John Olsen (revered Australian landscape artist) painting greeting you on entry. After visiting The Olsen Hotel in Melbourne, this is a treat.

While you can choose courses from the menu, The Source is known for its outstanding degustation. Choose 5, 7, or 9 small courses and imbibe. This is impressive cuisine including fine technique and delicate foams...  The Sunday Lunch (popular and packed) is a different degustation to other days and we were there to enjoy it. The Source offers fine dining that is not predictable - something like the philosophy of MONA (not your average gallery, with many twists). Again quoting The Source on their website, "We want to wow you with flavours and textures, and unexpected combinations. The Degustation menu is the best way to do this".

Check out the Green beans, almond foam and olives... 

A fine entree option was this Mushroom dish which exhibited top class presentation and great balance. You can see the parsley puree - this chef gives the time to puree parsley! And it goes superbly!

The Spanner crab, foie gras, smoked oyster, pedro ximinez jelly was spectacular. What great balance with these elements, the crab being the hero of the dish. With diced shallot running through the crab - genius.

A hearty earthy satisfying dish was the Rabbit loin and rack with grilled calamari - which matched well with a Yarra Valley Pinot Noir. Spectacular presentation and technique. 

Dessert was the French classic Mille feuille, layered perfection with a modern twist.

What makes The Source even more distinctive is the friendly, engaging and knowledgeable service. The Sommelier Joseph is highly credentialled and his approach is first class.

Serving up a 1970 French Burgundy was impressive! Also a Spanish Verdelho , a Rousanne and a Yarra Valley Pinot Noir, with Sauternes for dessert. The degustation involves a little bit of coin as 5 course degustation with matching wine was $175. The World Loves Melbourne recommends popping in to Tasmania, heading to Hobart and MONA, and imbibing the finery on the Derwent River which is The Source. Highly recommended.  

 

GG is an elegant restaurant in East Melbourne that appeals with excellent honest cuisine, engaging service and a cool ambience. Lenny Kravitz tiles from New York grace the bar for goodness sake. The owners and staff at GG (name is a reference to a family member of the owner as well as a reference to the MCG nearby) are vastly experienced and bring a customer pleasing and top notch dining experience. Premium dining experiences in East Melbourne are in demand as the East Melbourne "set" includes wealthy apartment dwellers, top surgeons and doctors and other medical staff. Many well heeled business types reside in the area - it demands a certain level of culinary excellence and GG delivers. The World Loves Melbourne attended a media launch of GG.

GG serves up superb salads as above. Fresh and tasty. I particularly enjoyed the Tomatoes with basil, buffalo mozzarella, and balsamic.

Check out the tiles sourced from Lenny Kravitz company in New York (below).

A favourite dish was Grilled haloumi courgette pickle. 

GG serves up honest and attractive mains such as this Pan seared Tasmanian salmon fennel puree, caramelised fennel, and bisque sauce. The fish was cooked to perfection and accompaniments superb. This is honest food and I appreciate where GG is coming from. To me it's customer focussed, not trying to overwork things.

Another highlight at GG was the Lamb neck, shallot puree, black garlic - melt in your mouth slow cooked lamb.

GG boasts a rotisserie and we were served up plates of lamb and chicken. This is a great concept - and the meat was full of flavour. Just a squeeze of lemon to enhance.

GG pleases with its duck fat potatoes to go with the meat. I'm a big fan of duck fat potatoes...

GG's sommelier Luca has crafted the wine list, offering a bold range of diverse wines, including familiar and unique varietals from Australian and international wineries. 

Chef Paul spoke about the philosophy of GG cuisine being fine food that is honest (not too many foams and gels). He was instrumental in the early days of St Katherine's in Kew. 

Check out this dessert platter with Berry soup elder flower foam, and sesame biscuit, Cornetto blood orange curd, and pine nuts, as well as Crema catalana and Lemon cake thyme meringue.

GG is a brilliant place to come before a football name at the MCG, or for a function, as well as day to day dining. Highly recommended. 

Brand Smart is re-launching as a fresh premium retail concept in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne and The World Loves Melbourne attended the media preview. A favourite over the years Brand Smart has added more strong premium brands and now has 65 traders in fashion, beauty and lifestyle - not to mention big names in dining.

On May 2 Brand Smart will launch a 4 day celebration of attractive store offers. For example Esprit will be offering 75% off in store, JAG 50% off store wide, David Lawrence take a further 30% off already reduced prices, Sass & Bide will be offering 10% off stock store wide and also offer free Kiehl's hand cream with purchase.

A Pop Up will feature huge fashion brands at massively reduced prices and free Abercrombie & Fitch t-shirt with any purchase.

Brand Smart is easily accessible for parking and its location on Whitehorse Road in Nunawading. Premium retail shopping at discounted prices and great dining options enhance the experience.

Specifically, the fashion experience is combined with premium dining from Pappa Rich (made a huge impression since coming on the Melbourne scene), Squires Loft (bringing the best of Melbourne's steak specialist dining and service), Degani and Space Cafe. We were treated to cuisine from these establishments at the media preview.

Brand Smart, is re-launching with a competitive and unique offering, delivering a premium-shopping outlet experience through a new visionary design and a diverse retail mix of traders across lifestyle, fashion and food.

The new Brand Smart, which is just 20 minutes from the city, has been nearly three years in the making and is more than just a fashion outlet centre; it's an experiential destination thoughtfully redesigned to stimulate and excite the senses through the use of stunning architecture and a carefully planned layout.

Brand Smart engaged Cox Architecture in 2010, one of Australia’s most renowned architectural firms with a strong background in retail, to manage the redevelopment project.

What has resulted is a striking and welcoming retail space that is bright and airy with a clear flow from one end of the Centre to the other. The multimillion-dollar redevelopment will also see the Centre expand to a total of approximately 10,000 square metres.

The new façade has been specifically designed to present a bold and striking statement and the building as been brought forward to the street edge to give maximum impact, exposure and prime visibility

The new Brand Smart  welcomes over 20 new stores from a range of well-known and loved brands across fashion, accessories and lifestyle, continuing the Centre’s promise to deliver on trend product at significantly discounted prices.

Quality local and international brands in the retail mix include Sass & Bide and Oroton, as well as favourites Charlie Brown, Bazler, Simone Perele, David Lawrence and Priceline, Laura Ashley, Royal Doulton, Villeroy & Boch, Crabtree & Evelyn and Adairs.

The front of the building comprises of an integrated dining experience that houses five fresh restaurants open daily until late including Pappa Rich and Squires Loft, further cements Brand Smart’s position in the market as a fully rounded shopping destination for everyone.

Brand Smart will continue to bring exceptional discount offers across fashion and home wares with an expanded retail offering and welcome greater dining options to the impressive line up. The new Brand Smart is set to become the essential location to meet regularly with friends and shop in a welcoming and inclusive retail environment.  

BangPop is a brilliant Thai restaurant in South Wharf that recreates the energy and excitement of Bangkok’s hawker stands. A common thread in Melbourne has been the need for authentic Thai. Some establishments serve limp version of Thai dishes that fail to endear. This innovative offering from the brilliant mind of Paul Mathis delivers an authentic taste of Thailand. Like other Mathis inspired restaurants this place is fun.

From the spice-driven menu to the frenetic buzz of the colourful dining room, guests are invited to enjoy a truly immersive experience without having to even think about getting on a plane. I was able to lunch at BangPop 3 days in a row and while I intend to return again soon, here is my review...

Owner and restaurant entrepreneur Paul Mathis explains that, in Thai, the word ‘bang’ means a village situated on a stream, while the ‘pop’ element encapsulates the bold flavours, vibrant colours and larger-than-life personality of this Yarra-side restaurant. Thai's love their colours and BangPop displays the brilliance of purples and greens, and reds and yellows. 

With an emphasis on affordable and casual communal dining, the compact menu constantly acknowledges its street food heritage. Hawker stand staples, such as grilled pork neck and chicken spare ribs, have found their way from the food carts of Thailand to Melbourne’s Docklands. For mine, BangPop serves up one of Melbourne's best lunch specials for $15 including main and glass of wine, beer or soft drink. 

What I love is that BangPop doesn't "dumb" down authentic dishes to suit the masses. Actually what the masses may well want (I can't speak for them but speculate) is an authentic experience, and that includes the heat in the dishes. BangPop brings the heat and fire, enough to brighten up a grey Melbourne day, but keeps the flavour (heat doesn't kill it).

You can approach BangPop like the Thai street food culture, starting with small plates and say a salad, then moving on to the larger plates...

The Pad Ka Prow Moo is a wonderful dish with wok fried pork with Thai basil, chilli, garlic, and jasmin rice. I've had variations of this dish in the past where the heat has overpowered. But here the balance is right with spice and heat and flavour all predominant, all with perfect rice accompaniment.

It strikes me that although this is street food there's a sense of finery and celebration around this restaurant space and it's cuisine. Head chef Kam McManamey (previously at Geoff Lindsay’s Elwood restaurant, Dandelion) brings a sense of refinement to the street food offerings, while all the time demonstrating a strong understanding of the importance of flavourful dipping sauces and aromatic condiments.

I love the idea of being presented with a bevvy of condiments - allowing me to adjust the balance of the meal. The fact that the waitress explained each condiment to me and its effect, was impressive. I found the balance of all dishes perfect as it was, preferring not to use condiments but to discern where the chef "is coming from" in terms of balance.

BangPop serves up a delightful Pad Thai once again with great balance of spice, heat and fresh ingredients. Having eaten scores of Pad Thai in my culinary life I highly rate the BangPop Pad Thai, served with a choice of chicken as an added ingredient (note the chicken version is more expensive). Presentation is excellent with vibrant texture and colour.

The idea is to squeeze your lime over the dish then mix it up. Here we have crunch of bean sprouts and crisp shallots, large portions of chicken, nuts, garlic chives, chilli, Thai stir fried noodles and sauce, as well as a component of tofu. Fresh and delectable.

The Thai Green Curry is another classic I was eager to sample. BangPop serves up a Green curry of bamboo and tofu with scuds, Thai basil and jasmine rice (I presume you could add chicken). This was about the quality of the curry sauce and the crunch of bamboo and tenderness of tofu. I enjoyed this dish (next time I might add chicken due to habit).

With larger plates and salads designed for sharing, there is also a range of rice, noodle and curry dishes – including Tom Yum Goong (a spicy prawn broth) and Kang Dang Ped (red duck curry) – and a handful of authentic Thai desserts. A daily specials menu provides the opportunity for experimentation and allows the kitchen to flex their culinary muscles with market produce and techniques not normally on the menu.

A highlight was one of the small plates - the Pork neck - so tender and flavoursome with sticky rice. Seared pieces of marinated pork with a tang. The idea is to dip the pork in the bowl of chilli and garlic sauce and eat with the sticky rice. Sensational.

Produce at BangPop is local and seasonal, apart from a few Asian products – such as fish sauce – that is sourced authentically from Thailand.

Overseeing the drinks menu, restaurant manager Hamish Lee offer an affordable, succinct and constantly evolving wine list featuring fruit-driven, aromatic European varietals, such as Gewurztraminer and cool climate Rieslings, complementing the full-bodied flavour of the food. The beer offerings consist of a handful of tried and true Thai beers and a sharp selection of craft beers. There's a crossover from kitchen to bar as ingredients like Kaffir lime leaves, ginger and coconut water infuse the cocktail menu.

Fun, vibrant and fast-paced – BangPop encapsulates the best bits of Bangkok’s frenetic street scene. Just look at the huge projection at the back of the bar to be transported straight to the heart of the city.

Long, wooden communal tables offer a unique style of dining that encourages interaction and, just like Bangkok’s street stalls, sees people from all walks of life coming together to share delicious food.

Boasting possibly the most original fence in Melbourne, the grassed outside area is edged by a colourful border of bicycles. I nearly needed a bike as the rain began to fall upon leaving...

BangPop is a great spot to soak up the riverside atmosphere. Highly recommended.

Ebi Fine Food is a gem of the West, serving up Japanese delights and arguably Melbourne's best fish and chips. This is what I love about Melbourne - shining jewel restaurants in unassuming locations. The locals are well aware of Ebi and this restaurant boasts a legion of local regulars.  

Ebi Fine Food is a little quirky. Is it purely a Japanese restaurant? Or mainly fish and chips? Methinks a fusion triumph where edges are blurred to bring creativity and optimum flavours. What is certain is that Ebi Fine Food carries a culinary pride. It goes the extra mile for its customers and maintains a passion for fine food. The chef welcomed me to a stool at the bar/open kitchen and we enjoyed a chat about Japan, Footscray and the cooking processes of Ebi. Behind the chef were a myriad of daily specials. And the aromas from the kitchen were compelling. The Sushi plates at Ebi Fine Food (above) are an example of attention to detail and use of quality ingredients.

Ebi Fine Food serves up a legendary fish and chips. This is Japanese style - you don't get a greasy pile of potato and heavy battered fish. This is crisp and lightly beer battered fish using first class John Dory from the market. The chef purchases fish from the market (always there's a fish of the day) and portions are generous with fish perfectly cooked. Chips are golden and non greasy and to be dipped in the mayo. Then there's the Japanese salad with pickles and potato salad and greens. The balance of this fish and chips meal is stunning with rich flavours of fish, crispy chips and hit of gorgeous salad. This was the first time I was handed chopsticks for fish and chips. A great concept is the sizes from small to super duper. A large serving was enough for lunch.

Ebi Fine Food is famous for its Veggie balls (a veggie version of takoyaki Japanese street food). Crisp on the outside and soft and spongy with intense flavours inside. As the manager told me, this is how they started. On the back of unforgettable Veggie balls. So moorish with Japanese mayo. I could of eaten 2 trays of this delectable dish.

Ebi Fine Food also serves up a great Bento box. Grab a bento of the day. How does this sound - Grilled Salted Salmon with Mustard Miso? Or Bento Lamb and roast garlic korroke? Or Soft shell crab bento? Some of the best bento's in Melbourne. Another famous dish is their Tofu cheesecake which repeatedly sells out. Then there's the daily treats they weave into the menu such as Plum spring rolls and Crispy fried whitebait with chilli salt.

Ebi Fine Food has a Japanese fit out with orchids and quirky items on the wall. Friday nights are crazy busy here and the restaurant serves up takeaway as well as in house. Seating is limited but one can appreciate the intimate ambience. Grab some Japanese groceries on the way out.