Teach’N'Traveller

When you move to Australia, be prepared to give up Tim Horton’s—and surprisingly (for any true Canadian Patriot) I don’t think you’ll miss it! But never fear teachers who tend-to-use-your-coffee-mug-like-a-cane, you will never have to look far for caffeine in Melbourne.

Melbourne is so well-regarded for its coffee (with the Italians making their mark—and brews—early in the establishment of the city) that it has become its own genre. Driving in country Victoria, if a cafe advertises proper “Melbourne coffee” you can trust that it will be righteously frothed and not the Mc-Cafe press-a-button-and-let-the-milk-and-coffee-drip-together kind which you want to avoid unless desperate.

(Seriously, (more…)

1. The Yarra River:

There is so much to say I will use sub-headings.

Orientation: the paths that border the Yarra on both sides take you down to the Botanical Gardens on the south side, or to Melbourne Olympic Park (site of the Australian Open in January) and on the northern side, the MCG (cricket and footy ground).

What’s There: Southgate’s restaurants, stores and art centres (National Gallery of Victoria and Hamer Hall—there is even an art market on Sundays) and Federation Square edge the city’s main water feature.

When to check it out: (more…)

Hot Honey. Breakfast and lunch? This is my—and probably the whole of suburb of Middle Park’s—favourite place for it. You can choose from the cooler (your mouth will be watering) or from the menu. The coffees are divine. Emphasis is on heart-healthy delicious cuisine, and the name comes from the owner’s bee-keeper’s father’s best stash. Experience excellent friendly name-remembering service. Prices are very reasonable. Outdoor and indoor dining.

Shanghai Dumplings. There was (more…)

1. Number One has to includean authentic Melbourne Coffee Experience. There’s no other choice for me: Vittoria coffee.

Walking down Desgraves Street towards a class I was taking at the CAE, I ordered a strong latte from the little cafe across the road. (A safe way to tell who serves this grind by the very Italian-looking sign they stick out of their cafes).  I’m not kidding–it was the best coffee I’ve had yet. I didn’t even have sugar in it! (more…)