Adventure day!

This weekend I once again found myself having a lovely adventure in the city. This time I met up with my friend Ben for some exploring - we were lucky enough to check out several very good and a not so good exhibition, and have outselves some very good coffee and some very good wine. Wow, that was a lot of 'goods'... what can I say? It was a good day!

image from lamington drive website

Worth checking out is Rik Lee at Lamington Drive, which we mentioned a little while ago, Creepy at Gorker Gallery and Ghost Patrol and Sean Edward Whelan at No-Vacancy. And when I say "worth checking out" I really really mean it. I always have good intentions for checking out all the amazing exhibitions across Melbourne but often never make it to them, but on Saturday, despite the miserable rain and wind, I made it. So if I can, you can!

image from Seven Seeds website

I FINALLY made it to Seven Seeds, and now I see what the big deal! I love the coffee, I love the building, and even though I resisted the lamingtons and cupcakes they looked SO good and I am sure I will be back again soon to love them too!

We finished the day with wine at South Paw on Gertrude Street! Talk about a dream day. Big thanks to Ben for letting me tag along for some stickering as well....

Chai in the North

I'm a chai snob. Massive chai snob. The first I ever had was made by my aunty, about 10 years ago, at home with fresh cinammon, cloves and cardamon ground up in a mortar and pestle, cooked up in a big pot on the stove. Proper chai.

Since that first heavenly taste, I pinched the recipe, and often make up a big saucepan of it that will last us a few days. The standard has been set way to high. Now I'm always cautious of ordering it out at cafes, for fear being disappointed with by the watery, spiceless imitation cup of tea so often received.

This morning, after arriving at work way too early, I took a walk around North Fitzroy, and popped into North Island. I've been here many a time, and usually just order a coffee which is always quality, but I thought "what the hell, give the chai a try?"

I must say I was pleasantly suprised! My tea came out in a teapot (enough for two cups! Always a bonus....). It was perfectly milky and spicey...AND the best part is that I received the whole tub of honey to sweeten as I please. I HATE when you order chai and it is sweetened so much all you can taste is honey!


9/10!! (10 being you come to my house and serve it with my breakfast and the weekend newspapers...) I will definitely be back soon for more!

North Island also do simple and yummy breakfasts and lunches, and service is always quick and friendly!!

North Island
111 Scotchmer Street
North Fitzroy

Searching for coffee on Sydney Rd

You wouldn't think finding a place to have a coffee on Sydney Rd would be difficult. I have tried a few places and so the coffee has either been rubbish or the service has been terrible.

I want to make this clear I am not a coffee snob. Generally if it is warm, got two sugars and caffeinated, I will drink it. I am also not a service snob. All I ask is you don't forget to bring me what I ordered and you aren't rude. I understand mistakes happen and staff are only human. I give most places two or three tries before I completely write it off.

I want coffee which is drinkable and staff who don't make me feel like I need to rush out the door. I don't think those two criteria are really setting a high benchmark but I haven't met it yet on Sydney Rd. The search will continue though...

Meanwhile, on Edward st there is a great little place called Cafe 3A which has really set a new standard. It consistently delivers friendly and quick service. The fair trade coffee is hot and strong. The food is surprisingly good. And the decor is fresh and fun.

I recommend the coffee, the Chai and the croissants. I've also heard good things about the breakfast.