Last weekend, I found myself with a golden opportunity—a spontaneous night in Melbourne. A dear friend was in town for an appointment, and since we hadn’t been able to celebrate her birthday last month,
this was the perfect chance to catch up. As luck would have it, I was already halfway there, thanks to a cooking class I had in Moyston with the legends at the local primary school. So, why not make it a mini getaway?
The journey started with a drive to Ballarat, followed by catching the train into Melbourne. Are you a fan of train travel? I absolutely love it! It brings back memories of my youth when I would hop on the train to Melbourne regularly. Plus, there’s something soothing about being able to sit back, relax, and just be still for a while. No driving, no stress—just the gentle hum of the train and the scenery whizzing by.
Arriving in Melbourne late afternoon, we made our way via tram to the Vic Market area and checked into our hotel. A bit of good fortune greeted us at the front desk—an upgrade! With a beautiful view of the city, we were more than ready to dive into the food scene.
First stop: Tippo for dinner. Unfortunately, there was a bit of a wait—about an hour—but no worries! We ventured around the corner and stumbled upon Myrtle Wine Bar. What a find! The venue was warm and inviting, with excellent service to match. The menu showcased bush foods, which, as a food enthusiast, had me in my element. Though we had a reservation elsewhere, I made a mental note to return next time I’m in town. After savoring some wine and their fantastic focaccia, it was time to head back to Tippo for pasta and, yes, more wine. With full bellies and a big day behind us, we called it a night.
The next morning, we woke up early and headed straight for the markets. Living in regional Victoria means that access to a variety of fresh produce can be limited, though I’m fortunate to have an amazing farm producer nearby. But nothing beats the hustle and bustle of Melbourne’s markets. Armed with a coffee, I made my way to STREAT, a brilliant organization doing incredible work. I highly recommend checking them out if you haven’t already.
With my trusty nana trolley in tow, I filled it to the brim with goodies—taro, blood oranges, mushrooms, tomatoes, and bread. Next stop: Books for Cooks, where I may have indulged in a few too many cookbooks. (Now, to find the time to read them all!)
Lunchtime rolled around, and we met our friend Cath in town. We found a cute little spot, and since it was a day off, I may have accidentally ordered a Bloody Mary at noon. The breakfast we ordered was delicious, though the servings were enormous. What’s your take on portion sizes? I hate wasting food, and it always makes me a bit sad when I can’t finish a dish. Luckily, Cath brought along some homemade cookies, which made for the perfect snack on the train ride home.
Four hours later, I arrived back home with a car full of goodies and a sense of satisfaction that only a mini-break can provide. It was great to fit in a quick break before the busy season starts. Melbourne never disappoints when it comes to food and fun.
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