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 a media-frenzy about the health standards of this establishment years ago, but its fans have fully recovered. After renonvations last January, Thurday through Saturday nights you might have to wait in line as the two floors and four rooms of tables will be full. Free tea, BYO options and you must try the fried dumplings dunked in the vinegar sauce. The Hot and Sour soup is filled with Vitamin C of its tomatoe-y and nose-unclogging spicy from chilli with nutritious mushrooms to clear any head cold.

 *BYO= Bring your own booze to drink with your meal (minor corking fees might be applicable)

Suji Sushi: teriyaki chicken rolls are very impressive looking and the definitely the best I’ve had around town. At $3/roll, this place is pretty affordable too, so get out the soya sauce and wasabi about it.

Kake de Hati: North of North Carlton on Lygon Street (just past the famous Italian strip) this Indian restaurant has been a favourite of those ‘in the know’ for years. If you don’t want to wait in line, go before 8 pm on any night, as it certainly has its fans. BYO, too.

Lentil As Anything: A place where you can ‘pay as much as you like’ supporting a world-wide philosophy of giving and sharing value is any place I’d like to try. Plus, you can BYO, see it at two locations (Collingwood and East of Fed Square).

I’ll continue to add to this as I frequent more locations, as I hope will you!