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Luncheonette, Kensington

Paul
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Luncheonette, Kensington

MELBOURNE | Luncheonette is a tiny local’s café in Kensington that I recently photographed for What’s On Melbourne. It’s a homely space, with a warm fit-out, hand-painted signs, and vintage knick knacks. Luncheonette isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel, rather they’re all about doing the classics right, with no fuss.

Owner Spencer is is in charge of the pans, cooking up favourites like scrambled eggs topped with feta and marinated red peppers on toast; Spanish-style chorizo baked eggs served with a baguette; and a halloumi, avocado, and fried egg breakfast burger.

Ingredients are top notch, sourced from local suppliers and growers. Coffee, also great, comes from Rumble Coffee Roasters. It’s espresso based drinks, and filter coffee from the Moccamaster.

Luncheonette

173 Rankins Road
Kensington
Victoria 3031
Australia

Telephone: 0450 919 159
E-mail: n/a
Website

Open
Tue – Fri: 7:30am to 3:30pm
Sat – Sun: 8:00am to 3:30pm

Fitz + Potts, Nundah

Paul
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0
Fitz + Potts, Nundah

BRISBANE | Fitz + Potts might only be eight years old, but walk inside and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back much futher than that. The bar, located in the upstairs section of an old Queenslander home, features a 1960s theme. From the décor to the fittings, trinkets and the music, it’s all on theme. It’s kitschy in a good way, and really works.

What’s not retro, is the food and beverage offering. The entire drinks list is Australian, focusing squarely on passionate, local, independent brewers, wine-makers, and distillers. There’s a selection of house cocktails, as well as all of the classics.

For food, it’s a 100% plant-based menu. Things like pizzas, jaffles, sliders, rice paper rolls, bao, and loaded fries.

Whether chilling in one of the loungerooms, outside on the patio, or singing badly in the karaoke room, Fitz + Potts is a welcoming venue that anyone can enjoy. Even your dog can come along – the outside is pet-friendly (the entire space was, but the council put an end to that), and free dog snacks are available.

Fitz + Potts

Upstairs, 1180 Sandgate Road
Nundah
Queensland 4012
Australia

Telephone: n/a
E-mail: n/a
Website

Open
Fri: 4:00pm to 11:00pm
Sat: 2:00pm to 11:00pm
Sun: 12:00pm to 8:00pm

Stratton Bar And Kitchen, Newstead

Paul
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0
Stratton Bar And Kitchen, Newstead

BRISBANE | Stratton Bar And Kitchen is a bar and restaurant by Taryn and Ben Brown, housed inside two former World War II aircraft hangars in Newstead. It’s a visually striking venue – light, spacious and airy, leaning into the bones of the building in which it resides.

Behind the long bar, which spans about half of the venue, you’ll find bartenders mixing any one of over 35 house cocktails. Try the Lamington, a blend of Wildflower Lamington Vodka, lemon, and cinnamon spice. If cocktails aren’t your thing, there’s a decent selection of local and imported beer and wine, along with a number of mocktail and non-alcoholic options.

The food menu is broadly Asian inspired, featuring an array of fun dishes designed to appeal to everyone. Think things like bolognese and burrata pizza; chicken karaage milk buns; and tofu and sweet potato massaman curry.

Stratton Bar And Kitchen is a great option for a drink and a few snacks at the bar, or a full meal with a large group of friends. Just be sure to book if you’ve got a group as it gets pretty busy at night and on weekends.

Stratton Bar And Kitchen

3 Stratton Street
Newstead
Queensland 4006
Australia

Telephone: (07) 3187 4578
E-mail: [email protected]
Website

Open
Sun, Wed – Thu: 11:00am to 11:00pm
Fri – Sat: 11:00am to 12:00am

DOC Espresso, Carlton

Paul
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0
DOC Espresso, Carlton

MELBOURNE | DOC Espresso is where the DOC story started over 20 years ago, and it’s still a popular spot on Lygon Street for those looking for a tasty Italian feed. I recently visited the Carlton icon to grab some photo for What’s on Melbourne.

When DOC Espresso opened, this part of Lygon Street had grown somewhat tired, with many venues coasting on the area’s reputation as a must visit street for tourists, often at the expense of quality. DOC showed that this didn’t have to be the case, and arguably kickstarted the resurgence of quality on the cafe strip.

The venue has expanded its repertoire since it opened. It’s still a fantastic option for quality coffee and cakes, but these days it’s and equally good choice for Italian breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.

There’s focaccia and panini, a selection of house-made pasta dishes, antipasto, salads, and sweet treats. Start your meal with some fresh buffalo mozzarella and DOP San Daniele prosciutto, before moving on to the must-try orecchiette. It’s a Puglia speciality with DOC Delicatessen pork sausage, and cime di rapa cream. Finish off with their top notch tiramisu, and an espresso.

If you’re looking for the pizzas DOC was known for at this location over a decade ago, never fear. They’re not on the menu at DOC Espresso because they’re now served at the a dedicated venue, DOC Pizza & Mozzarella Bar, around the corner.

DOC Espresso

326 Lygon Street
Carlton CBD
Victoria 3053
Australia

Telephone: (03) 9347 8482
E-mail: [email protected]
Website

Open
Mon – Sun: 8:00am to 11:30pm

Chokolait, Melbourne CBD

Paul
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0
Chokolait, Melbourne CBD

MELBOURNE | Chokolait is a hidden gem of a chocolate café in Melbourne’s Royal Arcade. It’s not an easy place to find, but when you do, you’ll be privy to some of the tastiest chocolate treats in town. I recently popped in to grab some photos for What’s on Melbourne, and was impressed by what I discovered.

Chokolait was established in 2007 by chocolate maker Ross, and his wife and Marianna Harvey. Their philosophy is simple – to make the finest genuine Belgian couverture chocolates, hand crafted cakes and desserts, and premium quality chocolate beverages.

Everything is made on site from scratch, and the quality is top tier. Ross brought out three things which best showcase what he and the team do, and I was impressed by all of them. The signature pavlova is a must try. It’s a light, airy pavlova filled with layers of chocolate, topped with fresh cream and strawberries.

The lava pudding is my favourite. A rich, not overly sweet, dense chocolate pudding filled with oozing melted chocolate, served with fresh strawberries and vanilla ice-cream. Hot chocolate is another popular item here. There’s the traditional option, available in varying cocoa intensity levels, as well as flavours like chilli, cinnamon, and mocha.

Inside the cabinets and to the side, you’ll find a selection of bite-sized chocolates and larger chocolate bars to take-away. Grab a few things to snack on yourself, or presented in gift boxes of assorted colours and sizes.

Chokolait

Shop 8, Royal Arcade
322 Little Collins Street
Melbourne
Victoria 3000
Australia

Telephone: (03) 9639 6188
E-mail: [email protected]
Website

Open
Mon – Fri: 10:00am to 5:00pm
Sat – Sun: 11:00am to 4:30pm

Market Bar, Richmond

Paul
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0
Market Bar, Richmond

MELBOURNE | Market Bar is one of those bars that seemly pops up out of nowhere, with little to no fanfare. The kind of place you can barley find any info on, but seems like it’s always been there.

I chanced across Market Bar a few weeks back. As I do when I notice a new venue and have some time on my hands, I popped in. It’s a no-frills spot, with a simple, bar-bones fitout. Their Instagram page describes the venues as “A Bar For All”, with “cold beer, nice wine, good drinks, and great times”.

It’s a simple motto, but it accurately describes what Market Bar is. There’s no pretention here. It’s clearly a local’s space that’s welcoming to anyone who comes in and wants a no-nonsense good time.

Service is friendly, the vibe is that of a chill house party and the drinks list is quality, championing local breweries, wineries, and distilleries.

Market Bar is a venue that knows what it wants to be, and does what it does well. What more could you ask for?

Market Bar

3/240 Victoria Street
Richmond
Victoria 3121
Australia

Telephone: 0405 674 887
E-mail: [email protected]
Website

Open
Sun – Mon, Wed – Thu: 4:00pm to 12:00am
Fri – Sat: 4:00pm to 1:00am

Cardwell Cellars, Abbotsford

Paul
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0
Cardwell Cellars, Abbotsford

MELBOURNE | Cardwell Cellars is an Abbotsford wine shop and bar, showcasing wines from the world’s lesser-known wine regions, in a unique way. It’s owned by geographer Martin von Wyss and sommelier Andrew Wyse, who present their wines on the shelves as through they were a map. Move along the shelves and you’re taken on a geographical wine journey.

The focus is on small producers who practice sustainable and biodynamic processes. Martin and Andrew encourage guests to try something new, both in the varietal of wines that they’re drinking, and the regions that the wines are sourced from.

It’s a diverse wine list. You’ll find local wines producing drops in parts of Australia you didn’t even know wine was being produced, like Studley Park. You’ll also find wines from places like Hungary, Georgia, and Turkey.

You can purchase any of the bottles to take away, or enjoy them on the couches at the front or long, communal table that takes up most of the downstairs space. Upstairs, there’s a small art gallery, featuring regularly changing pieces for sale from local artists.

As well as wine, there’s a handful of beers and ciders on the shelves, which are selected based on the same principles as the wines. To eat, it’s cheese, charcuterie, and snacks by Atelier Josun. If you want something more substantial, you’re more than welcome to bring in your own food. There’s no shortage of quality restaurants that deliver in the area.

Cardwell Cellars

461 Victoria Street
Abbotsford
Victoria 3067
Australia

Telephone: (03) 7042 1022
E-mail: [email protected]
Website

Open
Sun: 12:00pm to 6:00pm
Mon – Sat: 12:00pm to 11:00pm

Martabak Pecenongan 78 & D’Bakmie, Carlton

Paul
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0
Martabak Pecenongan 78 & D’Bakmie, Carlton

MELBOURNE | Julie and Andy Santoso, the duo who brought Indonesian chain D’Penyetz & D’Cendol to Melbourne in 2019, have just brought another popular Indonesian spot to town. It’s martabak specialists Martabak Pecenongan 78 & D’Bakmie, and you can find it next door to the Carlton D’Penyetz. I visited for What’s on Melbourne to find out more.

Sweet martabak manis, or Indonesian pancakes, are what Martabak Pecenongan 78 are best known for. They’re tall, dense plain or pandan flavoured pancakes, pan fried in butter and filled with multiple toppings. These include things like Nutella, Ovomaltine, peanut butter, cheese, chocolate sprinkles, peanuts, and sesame seeds.

Lesser known in Australia, but well worth your time, is the super crispy, layered, fried roti-like snack filled with things like beef or chicken, egg, spring onion, acar (Indonesian pickles), and spicy sambal for dipping. Also try the maratabak tipker. It’s a thin, crispy treat filled with similar things as the more popular martabak manis.

If you’re in the mood for more savoury options, the ‘D’Bakmie’ part of the restaurant’s name refers to another popular Indonesian chain who shares the space with Martabak Pecenongan. On that part of the menu, you’ll find comforting street-food favourites like kulit ayam goreng (fried chicken skin), bakmi Jakarta (fresh-made noodles with house sauce, diced stewed chicken, mushrooms, garlic oil, and vegetables), and ceker kaki lima (hawker-style chicken feet).

Martabak Pecenongan 78 & D’Bakmie

114 Lygon Street
Carlton
Victoria 3053
Australia

Telephone: (03) 9650 9880
E-mail: n/a
Website

Open
Thu – Tue: 12:00pm to 9:30pm

DOC Delicatessen, Carlton

Paul
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0
DOC Delicatessen, Carlton

MELBOURNE | DOC Delicatessen is part of DOC Group, adding a deli-focused offering to the staple of venues that include the iconic DOC Carlton Pizza & Mozzarella Bar, DOC Espresso, and DOC Mornington. I recently popped in for What’s on Melbourne, having been to DOC Espresso next door several times, but never actually in to this space.

Walk inside, and you’re greeted with an impressive array of products, many of which are used in the kitchens of the DOC venues. There’s top quality Italian imports, along with the best quality local produce. On the shelves, it’s things like dried pasta, olive oils, tinned tomatoes, and flour. In the fridges, it’s grab-and-go and heat-at-home snacks, meals, and more.

The deli counter is a feast for the eyes. It’s filled with meats, cheeses, and freshly prepared paninis and the like. Order something to eat now, or grab some supplies for home.

To the side of the counter, you’ll see fresh pasta being prepared for the restaurants next door, or for you to take home. If you’re buying ingredients to cook at home, there’s also a small but mighty selection of Italian beer and wine to pair with your meal.

DOC Delicatessen

330 Lygon Street
Carlton
Victoria 3053
Australia

Telephone: (03) 9347 8482
E-mail: [email protected]
Website

Open
Mon – Thu: 10:00am to 6:00pm
Fri – Sat: 9:00am to 6:00pm
Sun: 10:00am to 5:00pm

Firebird, Prahran

Paul
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0
Firebird, Prahran

MELBOURNE | Commune Group, the people behind several popular Melbourne restaurants, including New Quarter, Tokyo Tina, and Moonhouse, opened Firebird in 2020. It’s a modern-Australian restaurant putting a Vietnamese spin on the ‘cooking things over fire’ trend that’s been sweeping across Melbourne.

The kitchen isn’t a completely open one, but you can peer in and see the action happening at the rear of the restaurant. It looks over a spacious 100 seat dining room marked by natural tones, and a bar with casual seating to the side.

Ex-Sunda sous chef Nabil Ansari took over as head chef early this year, keeping the restaurant’s signature dishes on the menu, and adding several new creations of his own. Scotch quail eggs with chive sate and salted duck egg relish are a must order, as are the grilled squid noodles with caramelised nuoc cham, witlof, and papaya.

Out of the larger dishes, two are hard to separate. You have to order the canh chua pipis, with intense bursts of tamarind, charred pineapple, and sawtooth coriander. It’s served with a large, wood-fired Chinese doughnut. Also must try is the fire-roasted lamb rump cap with green viet sate and curry jus. The lamb is wonderfully tender and the fat melts in your mouth.

For rice, it’s hard to go past the clay pot aromatic tomato fried rice. Mixed with blistered cherry tomatoes, cured egg yolk, and Thai basil, it’s an umami-drive delight. Level it up by adding the optional flame-grilled bone marrow with finger lime.

If you’re looking for dessert, check out the “Hot and Cold Vietnamese Coffee”. It’s a Vietnamese coffee and condensed milk parfait with hot chocolate mousse and cacao nibs.

The flavour theme of the food menu carries over to the bar. Classics with South East Asian flavours, like the gin sour, which contains grapefruit, shiso, and citrus. Beers and wines are a mix of local and imported options. Fun drops that cover all of the bases and pair well with the food.

Firebird

233 High Street
Prahran
Victoria 3181
Australia

Telephone: (03) 9088 8093
E-mail: [email protected]
Website

Open
Mon – Thu: 5:30pm to 10:00pm
Fri: 5:30pm to 11:00pm
Sat – Sun: 12:00pm to 4:00pm, 5:30pm to 11:00pm

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