Sunday in the city...

Yesterday I had a visit to the city to catch up with my friend Sophie who was back in town for the weekend. We met up at Little Cupcakes - I have been meaning to get here for ages and try out their delicious cupcakes so it was an exciting day for me!!

Little Cupcakes is a lovely place to waste away a few hours in the afternoon people watching and chatting with an old friend. Their coffee was great and their cupcakes were DELICIOUS! We had carrot, white chocolate and some sort of chocolate ganache, and by all reports, all were good!

The shop was VERY busy, there was quite a line of people waiting to purchase themselves an afternoon treat, but we didn't have to wait to long at all. The service was great and the staff were helpful and friendly! They also do custom orders for special occasions! Yum!

Of course I forgot my camera... but at least I have an excuse to go back again soon :)

Little Cupcakes

Shop 7, Degraves Street, City.
(03) 9077 0413

image from little cupcakes website

Did you know Bimbo's was actually called Bimbo Deluxe? I have been there so many times, twice this week in fact, and I never realised until I tried to google it. *sigh* You think you know a place.

For me, Bimbo's is the ultimate $20 date night...

x2 pizzas + x2 pots = approx $16 (between 7pm-9pm any night except Friday)

It is GREAT pizza. My favourite is Calabrese or El Greco. Both are taste sensations. We have been there three times to try and take pictures of the pizza but we always get too excited and the photos and up like this ...

There is a nice little outside area which fills up quickly on hot nights. Most of the seating is couches, which can be problematic when trying to eat. Ok, one tip: the place packs out just before 7pm so in the interest of getting a seat and scoring $4 pizzas try turning up at 6.30 and having a pot first. It is win-win.

I don't know what else I can say? The lighting is low, drinks aren't too expensive, the pizza is delicious and its always busy. What more do you need to know?

Bimbo Deluxe
376 brunswick St
(look out for the big naked baby instead of a sign)
PH: 9419 8600

WEB: bimbodeluxe.com.au

The Green Refectory

Some people call it the Illy cafe due to the big red sign out the front, some people call it the cafe with no name, but to those in the know its the Green Refectory.

Located three blocks down Sydney Rd this busy little cafe is a great place to kick off the morning with a coffee and the paper or waste away the afternoon with tea and cake. It is cute as a button with its mismatched chairs and communal benches. There is a really laid back feel to the place and the front windows provide an optimum people watching spot.

The staff are extremely friendly and always welcoming. The downside to this is the wait for food tends to be quite lengthy. I strongly suggest you don't visit the Green Refectory if you are in a hurry or really hungry. The staff tend to get a little distracted and have actually forgotten my order both times I had something other then cake.

Having said that, if you don't mind the wait, the food is well worth it. I have tried the muffins, toasted focaccia, pancakes and vanilla slice and all were mouth watering. The prices are reasonable and the servings are large, it is possible to share one meal between two. let me just say it again, the cakes here are spectacular.

The Green Refectory qualifies for $20 date status. Two coffees and two cakes are approximately $15, depending on your cake selection it could be a little less. Due to the relaxed service you will have PLENTY of time to chat with your date and get to know each other. I recommend trying to get a seat in the courtyard where it is quiet enough for conversation.

The Green Refectory
115 Sydney Rd
93871150

$20 date night: Shanghai Dumpling Restaurant

This is going to be the first in what will be a series of posts featuring places you COULD take a date for under $20. I can't vouch for how your date will react if they know you only spent $20 but I can promise to only post about places I'd be willing to take a date myself.

So tonight's $20 date was at the Shanghai Dumpling Restaurant on Tattersalls Lane in China Town. Most Melbourne locals will have been to the backstreet gem before but if you haven't don't be put off by the communal tables or the plastic table clothes, or the angry man who shouts at you when you get to the front of the que (wait time on busy nights usually 5-15 mins).

While this place may lacks in decor and friendly service it more then compensates with value for money, and I will make a bold claim but I feel it is warranted; best dumplings in Melbourne. Try them, I dare you to disagree. The dumplings come steamed or fried and I strongly recommend the vegetarian dumplings steamed.

The first time I went here we ordered:

x20 mushroom and vegetable steamed dumplings
x4 vegetarian buns
large plate of Asian green with oyster sauce
pumpkin cakes
x2 drinks

$19(something, lets say 42 cents)

I have taken two dates to this restaurant and both guys left full, although on those occasions I substituted vegetarian buns for beef fried dumplings. A little tip if you aren't to sure about your date: once you order the food arrives in minutes. The length of the date depends on how quickly you can eat.

Shanghai Dumpling Restaurant
23-25 Tattersalls Lane
China Town Melbourne 3000
9663 8555
Tues-Sat 11am - 10pm
Sun - Mon 10am - 9.30pm
BYO