If you've been following my journey on Instagram or are one of my homies you may have realised that I've finally made it to Melbourne (after about 4 years jabbering on about it) for a little bit of a life shake-up and to get out of my comfort zone again. Although being perfectly honest I sometimes feel like I'm back in Hackney when wandering the streets of Fitzroy, but with a lot more sunshine and a LOT better brunch and coffee (sorry Hackney I still love you).
So here I am, one week down and 10 pounds heavier no doubt after all the scrumptious food I've devoured thanks to the excellent recommendations from Melbourne pals as well as discoveries on my own two feet. I can imagine this may become a bit of a series due to the sheer amount of epic feasts to sample here so stay tuned for tummy rumbling descriptions and drool worthy pictures that will have you booking a flight ASAP just to try it for yourselves. So maybe check the savings account before reading on....
Here's a list of my top five fave vegan foodie moments this week and where to find them.
1) Magic Mountain, Melbourne CBD
Special not only for the yummo flavours on offer but also because it was my first meal here with one of my besties I haven't seen in ages! Fresh straight off the plane after 23 hours of travelling, I was whisked to the CBD to experience Melbourne's bustling Friday night mood and some delicious Thai fusion tapas from Magic Mountain Saloon. And boy was it a good way to begin. If I can recommend and cure for jet lag folks it's espresso martini's, tasty food and big catch-ups with friends.
What did we order? The Sweet potato, ginger coconut curry, spiced and roasted brussels with cauliflower crumble and the real show-stopper here the crispy fried mushroom and lotus-root rice pancakes with avocado cream and a green chili and mint sauce. Oh my I'm still dreaming about them. Sadly there is no photographic evidence of this one due to the moody red dark lighting - perfect for a late-night buzzing atmosphere not so perfect for the piccies.
Best for: Late night dining followed by a boogie to the dj upstairs depending on the food coma status.
2) Wide Open Road, Brunswick
This comes recommended by my Melbourne-pro of a friend Jake and Wide open Road sure didn't disappoint! Not only does it nail the barista blends but the menu is full of exciting twists on multi-cultural flavours mixed in with some Aussie classics, I really struggled here to make a decision on what to order. But at least it's an excuse to go back again and again.
What did I order? A long black (of course) with a side of cauliflower heaven! A wedge of beautifully charred cauliflower on a bed of lentils, freekah and juicy currants, harissa chili soy tofu, charred cauli leaf, toasted sesame tofu and tahini dressing. Just writing that makes me want it all over! The wait staff are super friendly and helpful with dietary requirements so just ask them if you see something you fancy and need it changed up.
Best for: Freelancers to work, drink coffee and graze all day, weekend brunches and just about every other scenario. This place is great.
3) Mary Miller Cafe, Fitzroy North
I feel pretty smug about this one. I'd just been to view a house in the area and was walking back up Miller Street when I just happened to come across Mary Miller Cafe amongst the houses. It was definitely time for a coffee having completed number one of the house hunting speed dating extravaganza moving to a new place involves and you know I could always eat. Little did I know this green bun sensation would be rolling out.
There's a lot of vegan options on offer too from sweet bruleed banana and berry porridge, choc peanut butter smoothies, big brekkies to vegan B.L.A.Ts and the setting itself is just as aesthetically pleasing but a little more Byron Bay than Melbourne.
What did I order? I was craving something naughty so chose the 'Vegan Chicken Pop' burger. Now I'm not normally one to go for the faux-meats as the texture has always given me the heebie-jeebies but combined with the Asian slaw, spicy chili mayo and matcha bun this burger felt like the junk food jackpot I needed. The crispy moreish sweet potato fries were the cherry on top.
Best for: Instagram worthy food that tastes as good as it looks, bright and spacious setting ideal for kids or large groups, cafe working and grazing
4) Terror Twilight, Collingwood
Want awesome coffee in an exquisitely modern pastel pink setting? Terror Twilight is your kind of place. Serving up the same rich and delicious coffee as Wide Open Road but in a smaller, cosier spot with brightly coloured records and graphic prints decorating the off grey and pink walls.
As for the food, well any place that does an all day breakfast menu is ok by me. Dig into raw vegan slices for the sweet tooth's amongst us (hey me!), sip on fresh juices, build your own fragrant broths and bowls or indulge in a stack of sweet potato pancakes with cardamom caramel sauce. YUM.
What did I order? A long black and the 'Breakfast with Eri' which was a nourishing and utterly delicious start to my day. Slow roasted sweet potato, kimchi, kale , cashew cream and avo for the vegans or a poached egg for veggies.
Best for: Hungover brunch when you can't make it out of bed, lunches of winter warming broths, long catch ups with friends, Instagram interior heaven photoshoots.
5) Faraday's Cage, Fitzroy
I stumbled across this little gem when I was perusing the streets of Fitzroy and a seemingly content man came out the door, sourdough in hand and puppy dog in the other. Melbourne is a bit like that, you could easily storm past some of the city's insider favourites in an alley two streets back which makes seeking them out even more fun.
Part bakery (with a selection of bread-porn worthy bakes) part breakfast and lunch spot, Faraday's Cage offer up a selection of yummy dishes that focus on seasonal and high quality local ingredients. The wait staff were also some of the nicest I've had which is saying something as everyone is unbelievably smiley and hospitable here.
What did I order? Having eaten out a lot I was craving some greens so went for the fresh and zesty vegan 'Super Salad' consisting of marinated kale, black beans, sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, quinoa, toasted pumpkin seeds in a lime vinaigrette topped with tangy beetroot hummus.
Best for: Picking up your bread and coffee in one (got to love a multi-tasker) long lunch de-briefs with family and friends, a quick work sesh with a tasty meal on the side.
Yeah, I'm pretty hungry now reading that too. Next weeks list is already in the making so watch this space...Any recommendations? Let me know!