Somewhere Down Under

I knew before I left South Africa that I would be eating my way through Australia, Masterchef-Style and quite frankly that is exactly what I did…

I have a very healthy relationship with food… well, love affair rather. I am in my happy place when I have myself surrounded by plates of (great) food, good company and a great vino.

The beauty of what Australia has mastered is their food philosophy. Urbanology of food, so to speak. These brilliant little cafes and restaurants you find hidden down alleys that you either find because a local has recommended it or you take the risk of walking into the unknown… Food is creative, seasonal with small menus and a whole lot of passion. Cool, alternative style music is played that makes you want to sit all day from brunch through to dinner sipping latte then cider then wine. I would, mind you, if it didn’t mean I couldn’t walk the streets to further experience the next alley or café or gallery…

I especially love the Asian influence on their food, gorgeous, fresh flavours. Australian food, I feel, isn’t one of any one thing but more an influence of the world.

We travelled with the South African Cricket side to Perth, Hobart in Tasmania and Melbourne (oh, do I love Melbourne). Here are some of my favourites…

Perth, was our starting point. Very cool place. There is the coolest old heritage building called the State Buildings which have some divine stores like Ginger B, a gift store with beautiful unique items. Teassential, the most divine tea store and brew bar (I love that slightly edgy take on tea…). The Honeycake. Well, I heard about this cake and how it’s native to Australia (although I’m not entirely sure that’s accurate, I’ll let them have it). This cake is absolutely delicious – layers of honey flavoured cake and caramel cream. Gaaahd. GO VISIT. Clean Slate, which stocks (and makes on site) vegan skincare – pure. Other awesome spots to shop here too…

Also there and worth a visit for lunch or dinner, Petition Kitchen. Sharing plates, wine bar and beer corner – not going to get much better than that under one roof…

Great spot for brunch is The Partisan. Killer nutella pancakes.

Hobart, was stop number 2. Colder than I would have liked, honestly but really pretty and has such a large part of Australia’s history to see.

Great restaurant on the harbour called Frank, South American influenced and perfect for sharing. Clearly the way I like to eat as you get to taste it all… Fresh seafood abundance on Hobart’s waterfront – knock yourself out….

Smolt in Salamanca Place has a cool, contemporary feel to it with a delicious menu and great coffee! Some other nice restaurant options in Salamanca Place too… They also do a Saturday market at Salamanca, which if the weather is good is a great walk.

At the Brooke Street Pier, where one takes the ferry to Mona Roma Gallery is a great little “grocer” and café called Larder (I got the most delicious salted caramel sauce from there), awesome other foodie bits to buy and great for brunch overlooking the water!

Mona Roma, was an amazing experience and you’ll need the day at least. Three rather large floors to cover. The art is crazy good – eclectic and some rather provocative exhibits (maybe leave the kiddies outside for those…) but so fascinating. The winery attached is divine. Great tastings with a gorgeous view over the garden so you can sit up there while the kiddies run… Beautiful garden and options for a lazy lunch on beanbags or something a little more sophisticated at Source restaurant. This by far was my best experience in Taz and I would go again in a heartbeat.

 

Melbourne, our final stop for the trip and only 4 days long so I made sure to spend that time to it’s fullest.

Cool for shopping is Chapel Street and has a great store called Secondo which sells second hand designer pieces like Valentino, Givenchy and Sass & Bide to name a few. The Valentino’s were too small *read heartbroken. I almost pulled a Cinderella style step sister and forced my foot in there… No luck.

Gertrude Street is also great for shopping, these stores I felt were more original and had unique, independent designer type spots and antiques. Melbourne CBD is also thriving with stores and arcades so just walk and take it all in.

Visited Dinner by Heston which is a very cool experience. Service was excellent and food beyond!

ChinChin on Flinders Lane in the CBD, asian style and freaking delicious. Décor is too fun!

En route to Chinchin, walk via Hosier Lane, the street art and graffiti is off the charts.

Sake on the Southbank, has the best soft-shell crab green papaya salad of all time and they have a very cool Japanese craft beer list.

Honestly, I didn’t even touch sides on how cool this place is and what else I could have done (and eaten) but the trick is to chat to the people that live there. They know all the great, trendy places. Walk! It’s the only way you get to feel the heart of this city and it’s energy. I could continue to write on and on but I won’t because the options are endless and you need to go back to work…

Hope this feature inspires you if you travel down that way in the near future… Because I left there feeling like it truly did inspire me.

Kerry

xxx