Victoria

It feels like I’m always on the road.

Melbourne

People told me to eat at cafes. I obliged. I drank the coffee and hit the top-rated cafes. Happily waited in line with an ebook and a mind elsewhere.

Given more time, I would have eaten everywhere. But, nope, top-rated cafes were where I formed my impression of food in Melbourne.

I had a bit of a hotcake craving. Would you believe I had two humongous ricotta hotcakes two weekends running?

Also, it must be a thing to throw pretty flowers on hotcakes.

I ate the flowers. Not sure if I was meant to do that.

The first was from Three Bags Full in Abbotsford. It was unimpressive. Relied too much on the syrup for taste. The pineapple was a horrible addition. Horrible. It wasn’t sweet, it wasn’t tart – it was just flat.

Top Paddock was recommended by everyone I asked. And everyone said hotcakes. So, that’s what I ordered. Much more impressive. Fluffy throughout. More evenly flavoured throughout. But, eventually? Sickening. Too much. I get that people like to say, “Their servings are so large I couldn’t finish!” It’s mockery. I couldn’t finish because I didn’t want to make room for it. It was definitely a more cohesive plate.

I spent way too much money for it, though.

I was in the mood to treat myself at Hardware Societe. So, I ordered the lobster. It was good, I guess. But, overall, it was flat. At least it was new! I’ve never had that anywhere else. I also got to watch my dish be assembled. I love sitting near kitchens. I love watching people work with food.

Would I recommend it? Uhhhhh.

I don’t gush very much. When I do, you’ll definitely hear about it.

NB: Every negative review isn’t to be counted against the chefs. It’s massively hard to be consistent with cafe food. Especially when you have lines out the door.

I liked these. I’m a sweet-tooth. These were not too sweet. They were addictive. The flavours were balanced. I get the hype.

Also, you’ll notice I ate one before the photo was taken. It’s a great testament to how irresistible these things are.

I’ll probably be riding the macaron trend train for a while. I shall perfect my own once I get an oven!

You gain a greater appreciation of a craft when you have to work at it yourself.

My dinners were unimpressive. Subpar dumpling place. Subpar Korean place. I didn’t try very hard to find a great place, though. I was just hungry. Thank you for feeding me, though!

You were lovely Melbourne. I shall explore better next time.

When you’re not 2 hours from where I live.

Cheap Eats

Because I was in Gippsland. I lived close to the Hazelwood Power Station which stood like a monolith out of place amongst the greenery.

I fed myself cheaply. That in the picture? Almost expired ciabatta from Woolworths with rejected avocados. Almost expired tofu. Salad from a $3 family bag. Kumato and capsicum roasted in the oven. Scrambled eggs. It was quite nice.

The rest of my meals were much the same. Cheap. Simple. I fell in love with oats – I consumed a kilo in 4 weeks. All it needs is honey and milk and frozen berries. Jalna yogurt was on sale. I bought 2 kilos. And ate it all.

I also slow-cooked lamb in red wine and chicken stock with rosemary and tomatoes. It was meaty and luscious and perfect for winter. Lamb is cheap in Australia. I’d better take advantage while I’m here. Miso rice porridge with wakame, shredded chicken, and a soft-boiled egg. Tomato soup with toasted, buttered white bread.

…there are no photos because these meals were eaten half-asleep after work.

Same goes for the hot chocolate. I consumed a lot of hot chocolate. And will likely never pay for it again. I can make 4 mugs with a good bar of fancy chocolate (which I will buy on sale).

Everything Else

I’m immensely thankful for my time in Gippsland. I loved the scenery and I loved the quiet atmosphere.

From stepping outside the house…

…to driving hours to wherever I wanted.

When the sky is grey and the mood is contemplative.

You stare at rocks. And find art in the nooks and crannies.

Step back.

Meander down paths lined with neon grass.

I fall in love in a different way.