prairie girl musings

Category: Food and Drink

Dunedin City Guide

Located on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island, Ōtepoti Dunedin has a rich heritage and is known for its interesting inhabitants. My first time properly exploring Dunedin was during iD Fashion Week in 2016, not long after I moved to Christchurch. The experience left a lasting impression, and Dunedin has been one of my favourite New Zealand cities ever since. It’s filled with creative, friendly souls who go out of their way to have a chat and share stories about their community.

With domestic travel back on the cards, Nancy suggested taking a trip to Dunedin. Nancy is an incredibly talented photographer and I knew we had to document our experience in a way that would be helpful for Kiwis travelling their backyard. Thankfully, we had the help of the team at Dunedin NZ to put together an action-packed itinerary and we discovered our fair share of incredible establishments.

If you’re someone who enjoys wandering around cities, stumbling into art galleries and lingering in cafés, you will absolutely love Dunedin. Its compact size makes it walkable and manageable whether you have a day or a week to explore. Here’s what we did during our three days in Dunners:

STAY
We based ourselves at The Terminus Apartments, just off Vogel Street in the Warehouse Precinct. Our two-bedroom apartment reminded us of a New York loft with its exposed brick walls and high ceilings. We spent every evening taking in the stunning sunsets over the city. The spacious unit had a stylish lounge, a full-service kitchen, even a workspace, and honestly, we didn’t want to leave.

SIGHTSEEING
Stargazing with Horizon Tours was an otherworldly experience and a highlight of our time in Dunedin. The Otago peninsula coastline yields breathtaking views of the night sky and we were lucky to have the clearest night for our tour of the southern skies.

After being greeted by our charming guides, Kylie and Lyndon, they each pointed out celestial points of significance (most of which can be viewed with the naked eye!) Kylie sang a waiata and shared stories about Māori myths of creation, of how Te Ao Marama – the world of light emerged. Hearing the stories of Māori ancestral heritage added to the magic of the tour; it truly is a point of difference. The four-hour excursion includes a light supper, a hot beverage, (I loved my detoxifying Kawakawa tea) plenty of blankets and the comfiest chairs (with headrests!) for optimal stargazing.

As a coastal city, Dunedin has beaches scattered along its coastline and around the Otago Harbour. If you’re visiting during the summer months, the beaches are a must. It was sunny, but quite chilly during our stay, but we stopped by St. Kilda on our way to Larnach Castle.

After our visit to the seaside, we carried on to Larnach Castle where we were greeted by owner and CEO, Norcombe Barker. Having grown up in the castle, Norcombe shared its fascinating history as well as his experience renovating the castle with his parents. When they purchased it in 1967, it was in a state of near ruin and the ballroom was being used to pen sheep!

After wandering around the enormous, 25-room castle and the gardens, we were treated to high tea beside the fire in the historic ballroom (and former sheep pen). The space often plays host to various events and celebrations — from weddings to galas and the annual winter ball. We didn’t ask Norcombe about any specific ghost sightings, but he did tell us about one particular incident in 1994 when Castle of Lies, a play on the Larnach family, premiered in the grand ballroom.

We also stopped by one of city’s most prominent landmarks, The Dunedin Railway Station. Dating back to 1906, this magnificent building is often referred to as the Gingerbread House. Not only does the railway station play host to iD Fashion Week (the longest and most incredible runway in the world!) it’s also home to the Otago Farmers Market every Saturday.

EAT & DRINK

Precinct Food
If you’re looking for a twist on the usual breakfast fare, be sure to stop into Precinct Food on Vogel Street. Owner and director, Liz Christensen retrained as a chef eight years ago and cleverly uses food to tell stories. After buying a catering company, she used the space for creative events and it reluctantly became a café soon after. You’ll find a few classic favourites on the menu, like eggs benny and the big breakfast, but there are plenty of dishes that push the boundaries including their carrot and tofu dumplings.

Good Good
According to my friend, Jared, Good Good has the best burgers in New Zealand. I trust Jared with burger recommendations and he’s never failed me. As soon as we stopped in for lunch, I knew we were in for a treat. The space is a converted garage with pink neon signs and casual seating. Even though the kitchen is small (it’s housed in a small caravan onsite), the burgers that emerge are incredible. We shared the buttermilk fried chicken burger (Nancy’s favourite) and the beef burger (my favourite) with parmesan tater tots. As many of my readers will know, I’m a bit of a burger fiend, and these did not disappoint.

Side On
In search of freshly baked goods, we headed straight to Side On on Moray Place on our last morning in Dunedin. After taking one look through their window, we knew we needed to sit down for breakfast, too. Their breakfast offering is small, I think most dishes feature freshly baked bread in some form with various toppings. Nevertheless, it was satisfying and I left with a cardamon bun and a few slices to snack on later.

The Swan
Tucked away on Bath Street, The Swan officially opened in January this year and quickly became a local favourite. You’ll immediately notice the gorgeous shopfront adorned with a swan, which happened to be retrieved from a pond in Balclutha. Open from 8am until 4pm during the week (Monday to Thursday), The Swan stays open late on Friday and Saturday nights and there’s live music on Saturdays. The food here is noteworthy with chef Mikhail making everything in-house from scratch. We ordered the impressive platter, which consisted of salmon, (they smoke it themselves) a whole loaf of freshly baked ciabatta, beetroot, pesto, pickled onions (again they do all their own pickling) and three types of cheese from local suppliers. Paired with a pinot noir from Central Otago, it was a memorable way to spend our afternoon.

Heritage Coffee
Vogel Street is home to so many excellent cafés, bakeshops, and eateries, but we were immediately drawn into Heritage Coffee with its moody interior. It proved to be the perfect spot for a coffee in between meetings. Heritage serves coffee made with beans by small batch local roaster, Common Ground and classic breakfast staples like avocado toast and eggs benny. If you’re after a place to meet a friend or client, it’s a solid option in the Warehouse Precinct.

Catalyst Kitchen
A new spot near the Octagon, we had coffee at Catalyst Kitchen on our first full day in Dunedin. From what I’ve heard, the food offering is equally delicious with plenty of healthy lunchtime options.

There were a few spots we didn’t have the chance to make it to this time around, but I also recommend Allpress Roastery, which is worth a visit for its beautiful building alone. Grab a coffee or some beans on your way to the university or the Otago Museum. No7 Balmac is another favourite of mine for either brunch or dinner, located up Maori Hill.

Ocho Chocolate Factory
A trip to Dunedin isn’t complete without stopping by Ocho, Otago’s own craft chocolate shop and tasting room. I initially discovered Ocho at the Otago Farmers Market (held on Saturdays at the Railway Station — highly recommend!) In addition to factory tours, they offer chocolate tastings where you can learn about what’s involved in making chocolate. During the 25 minute tastings, you’ll see the team roast, grind, temper and wrap chocolate by hand and then taste the difference between cacao from Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Fiji.

Bay Rd
Next door to Ocho, you’ll find Bay Rd, which is home to Dunedin’s best peanut butter. The Hastie Brothers batch roast the peanuts before chucking them straight in the grinder, the result is some of the freshest peanut butter imaginable. Their café is temporarily closed, but stop by for a fresh jar and a chat. I’m team crunchy, but I’ve heard their smooth PB is equally delicious.

And just like that, our trip to Dunedin was done and dusted. Nancy and I had the best time together and realised that despite regularly visiting this city, there was even more to discover. While international travel might not be an option for awhile, we’re spoiled for choice right here in New Zealand. Whether you travel to Dunedin frequently or you haven’t been in years, head down for a weekend and you might be surprised to find a world class city here at home.

Photography by Nancy Zhou

*This trip was a press trip with Dunedin NZ

June 14, 2020
Ideas For a Cosy Post-Lockdown Adventure

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been dreaming of the day I could get together with a few friends for a post-lockdown adventure. I’ve even made lists of all the activities I was looking forward to once New Zealand moved to Alert Level Two…

Deciding where to go for our first proper outing in seven weeks was no small task. I’m always saying that I want to do more hiking (a word I use rather loosely, to be honest) instead of heading out to the nearest cafe, restaurant or friend’s house whenever I’m in the mood to socialise.

There are so many gorgeous walking trails scattered throughout the Canterbury region. We considered all of our favourites from Bowenvale Valley to Godley Head and even future afield to North Canterbury or Washpen Falls. I wanted to do a scenic yet relatively easy walk, so carrying a picnic basket wouldn’t pose too much of a challenge. If you know me, you know I love packing all the snacks.

With the weather getting cooler, we wore our favourite knits and coats and ventured out to Mount Vernon for a weekend picnic. I packed a few bottles of Zeffer’s Apple Crumble Infused Cider, a baguette, some local meats and cheeses, olives, pickles and cookies to keep us fuelled and hydrated after our walk.

We found the perfect clearing, just above the main track to set up camp with a blanket. Everyone who passed by commented on our lovely set-up and a few even asked if they could join in. With the sun shining, we could’ve easily sat there for hours, looking out over the city.

Cider was my go-to drink when I first moved to New Zealand in 2009 and the industry has come a long way since then. Drinking it now, eleven years later, makes me nostalgic for my university days. Not all ciders are created equally and Zeffer’s Apple Crumble Cider tastes just like dessert! It is a must-try during the cooler months or whenever you’re craving a treat. I had it a few times during lockdown whenever I couldn’t decide between having a drink or dessert after dinner.

It turned out to be a beautiful afternoon, a perfectly casual catch up with friends. After seven weeks, we had a lot to talk about. Is there anything better than a bit of activity followed by some delicious food and drink?

This post is sponsored by Zeffer, but all opinions are my own.

May 18, 2020
My Homemade Artichoke Pizza Recipe

Pizza is the ultimate comfort food and such a crowd pleaser. I’ve probably eaten it at least once a week since the beginning of isolation. My mom made artichoke pizza all the time when we were younger and it’s one of my favourite recipes to this day! We picked up a massive jar of artichokes from Vetro in Napier awhile ago and we’re still making our way through it.

I love shopping locally wherever possible and was pleased to hear that Christchurch bakery, Good Honest is offering next-day delivery. I ordered their pizza dough (plus a few other items) on Tuesday and everything arrived on my doorstep by Wednesday; super convenient and completely contact-less. All their products are made with natural ingredients and are of the highest quality. I’m not the best chef, so before I started making the pizzas, I googled the best way to handle the dough. The finished result was a bit thicker than I’d normally make, but delicious nonetheless. If anyone has any tips on stretching pizza dough, do let me know.

I’ve played around with this recipe a lot (that’s the best thing about pizza, right?) There’s no wrong way of doing it, personally I’m a ‘less is more’ person when it comes to pizza. I encourage you to add in your own ingredients to mix things up.

Ingredients
1kg Good Honest pizza dough (makes three medium-sized pizzas)
6 tbsp. tomato sauce (we used this pizza sauce from Mediterranean Food Co.)
200g artichoke hearts, drained and diced
300g roasted red pepper, sliced
8 thin slices of prosciutto
50g fresh mozzarella (we picked ours up from Mediterranean Food Co.)
60g goat cheese

Method
1. Set dough to the side for 30 minutes to an hour. Good Honest pizza dough arrives already risen, so you can roll out dough and get started right away.

2. Spread tomato sauce evenly over the pizza base. Top with artichokes and roasted peppers

3. Cover with prosciutto, mozzarella and crumbly goat cheese before placing on pizza stone or baking tray

4. Cook at 250°C until golden, 15-20 minutes depending on oven.

It’s as simple as that, and the finished result is honestly some of the best pizza I’ve ever tried. You can add in any additional veggies that are kicking around in your fridge (sun-dried tomatoes are a treat) and basil if you have it in your garden. Oh, and definitely serve with a bottle of Prosecco or red wine, whatever you have on hand.

A silver lining of this time in isolation has been experimenting, trying new things, and supporting local businesses. I don’t think I’ve ever made this many homemade meals in a row. I’d love to hear what you’ve been cooking up over the past few weeks. Leave me a comment below or tag me in your creations on Instagram. If you’re looking for pizza dough delivered straight to your door, check out Good Honest.

This post is sponsored by Good Honest Products, but all opinions are my own.

April 17, 2020
Long Weekends In Marlborough

Labour Day marked the first long weekend we’ve had since June! Needless to say, it was the perfect excuse to get out of town and explore a new region.

We’ve been to Nelson and Picton a handful of times (I’ve even caught the ferry a couple times…) but had never properly explored Blenheim and Marlborough. With December and January assignments looming, I decided it was finally time to explore the culinary offerings of this well-loved region.

Nick is usually pretty keen to tag along on any work trips I have in the pipeline and this was no exception. We left Saturday morning, stopped briefly in Kaikoura to refuel and then carried on our way. The drive from Christchurch is only four hours, so it’s ideal for a long weekend away.

Upon arrival, we checked into the quaint Boutique Bunker, which is just off the main drag. We found Blenheim to be unusually quiet the entire time we were visiting, but it was still helpful to be based centrally so we could wander to the pub to watch the game. We had a quick meander through town and then set off for dinner at the highly lauded, Arbour.

I won’t give too much away, but the seasonal tasting menu is well worth it’s price tag (especially if you opt for the wine pairings). Our seat overlooked the vineyard and the beautifully manicured garden and guests venture outside in between courses (wine glass in tow). Everything was beautifully presented and I like how the service was friendly and relaxed. Sometimes you’ll visit a fancy restaurant and it oozes pretension, not Arbour. Pro tip: go early and you’ll save $20 on their set menu during Foodie Hour.

The next day, we were picked up bright and early to begin our self-guided cycling tour with Explore Marlborough. The wind was aggressive, but we managed to make it to a total of six wineries and one brewery. Here’s a quick summary of where we went and what I’d recommend should you be visiting Marlborough:

Te Whare Ra: Our first stop of the day was at Te Whare Ra, a small vineyard and winery located in the Marlborough sub-region of Renwick. One of the oldest vineyards in Marlborough, TWR is certified organic and their wines were my favourite of the day. I’m looking forward to sipping on their Toru and Riesling all summer long.

Forrest Wines: Next we cycled to Forrest Wines where we ordered a tasting tray and took it outside to relax in the sun. Forrest has the best atmosphere of all the wineries we visited. Along with being able to do a tasting outside (on their bean bags, no less), they also have some epic cheese platters.

Bladen Wines: Our tour guides at Explore Marlborough also advised us to check out Bladen’s cellar door. Here we were greeted by friendly owner, Dave and his lovely dog. Both Nick and I were big fans of their rosé and will be ordering a few bottles ASAP.

No. 1 Family Estate: If you like bubbles as much as I do, I highly recommend checking out No. 1 Family Estate. It’s an invigorating stop after a day full of wine tastings.

Hans Herzog: This organic certified winery came highly recommended by a few locals and wine connoisseurs, so we knew we’d be in for a treat. Hans also has one of the larger selection of red wines in a region known for white wine, worth noting for anyone who loves red wine (myself included!)

Cloudy Bay: You can’t visit Marlborough without visiting its most famous winery, Cloudy Bay. The stylish establishment is definitely a bit busier than the other wineries, but it’s well worth a visit. Service here is less attentive, but it’s still a worthwhile visit if only for the lovely grounds and gardens.

MOA Brewery: We finished off our day with a stop at MOA, which was such a treat after a full day of wine. The casual atmosphere and food truck were absolutely delightful and I’m a big fan of their rhubarb and apple cider.

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We spent our last day in Marlborough at Allan Scott, a family-owned and operated winery. Sara Scott gave us an extensive tour of the property, the vineyards and even the space where Cecilia Brut (my personal favourite) is made. They are one of two wineries with the equipment to create sparkling wine (also known of Méthode Marlborough). After our tour, we did a wine tasting with Josh Scott and then settled in for a long lunch and chatted with Victoria Scott. The food was phenomenal and the atmosphere is attentive, friendly and relaxing. We had such a nice time that we ended up spending the whole day here. If you’re on a tighter timeframe, I’d highly recommend stopping here for lunch in their outdoor restaurant (otherwise, grab a seat in the beautiful garden!) Oh and whatever you do, definitely get the affogato for dessert.

It was incredible chatting to Allan Scott’s three Scott children and seeing their passion for the family business. Coming from a multi-generational family business in Canada, it’s quite rare and truly special to witness.

After our long, indulgent weekend, we rolled ourselves home and slowly made our way back to reality. Have you ever been to Marlborough? Which wineries and restaurants did you like best?

October 30, 2019
Food, Wine & Life Online

On Saturday afternoon, I had the pleasure of hosting 21 guests at the first in what will hopefully be a regular lunch and dinner series. Food, Wine & Life Online was a chance to bring people together for a beautiful meal and conversation.

The group consisted of small business owners, photographers, chefs, freelancers, designers, nurses, social workers, entrepreneurs, academics, and artists. In attendance was a woman who had only moved to Christchurch four months ago and others who’ve lived in Christchurch for most of their lives. We spent a few hours together, enjoying four vegan courses prepared by Flip and Yousef at Grater Goods paired with Greystone wines. The event was intimate and informative yet informal, the perfect size to get to speak to everyone and learn a bit more about who they are.

I spoke a little bit about my experience moving to Christchurch four years ago, building a creative community, and why I think these types of gatherings are so important. Alissa talked us through the wines, winemaking process at Greystone, and how their wines are 100% certified organic and vegan (unlike many NZ wines that contain animal byproducts…) Flip spoke about her journey becoming a vegan and why she creates food that challenges our preconceived notions about plant-based food. You need to try their salmon lox bagel (which is actually carrot, not salmon) and KFT (tofu that could pass for the real thing!)

If you want to read more about what inspired me to hold this event, I’ve written about it here. Otherwise, have a look through the photos taken by my dear friend, Nancy Zhou and leave me a comment if you’re interested in coming along to the next one. We’re looking at having it amongst the olive groves at the Greystone vineyard.

A big thank you to everyone who came along and supported this idea, to Nancy for taking these photos and Grater Goods and Greystone for providing the food and wine. I am immensely grateful for your love and support.

September 1, 2019
Must-Try Winter Menus In Queenstown

It’s no secret that I love to eat and I’m willing to travel around the country to find the best food on offer. I was recently invited to Queenstown with Miss Lucy’s to celebrate their first birthday and to try everything on their new winter menu. Basically, it was my ultimate weekend away.

Miss Lucy’s is a rooftop restaurant and bar on Camp Street, above Jucy Snooze. Queenstown is an expensive city, so it’s nice to have central accommodation options that don’t cost an arm and a leg. Plus, the view from my room was all snow-capped mountains.

The restaurant itself is a ‘grammer’s dream, with peachy pink walls and the most photogenic drinks and dishes I’ve ever seen. The year-round balcony is ideal on a winter’s day, when cosied up next to the roaring fire with s’mores and a hot chocolate in hand. They even have blankets, perfect for rugging up when the temperature drops.

In terms of the menu, it’s impossible to narrow it down, so I’m going to tell you all about my (many) favourite dishes: the halloumi mac and cheese is a showstopper and the jalapeño poppers are perfect if you like a little kick. Mushrooms are in season, of course, and they feature heavily on this new menu. The mushroom dumplings are incredible as is the vegetarian (mushroom) pizza.

If you’re a meat lover, you don’t want to miss the spicy lamb pizza. For drinks, they’ve created a pink gin that rivals every other one I’ve tried (and if you know me, you know I’ve done my research!) If you’re wanting a dessert drink, the chocolate martini (made with vodka) is another must-try.

For dessert, they have the most amazing warm (!) cookies, perfect for dipping in hot cocoa, I should add. Oh, and they’ve managed to create delightful vegan s’mores. My advice is to grab a pal, sit by the fire and dig in.

After a big night celebrating Miss Lucy’s first birthday, I dragged my tired bones to Bespoke Kitchen for a late breakfast. Craving some vegetables, I treated myself to their bespoke bowl, which consists of fried cauliflower, organic brown rice, crispy tofu, daily greens, coriander, pickled radish, tamari seeds, tahini and peanut sauce. It was exactly what my body was craving after one too many chocolate martinis.

After meandering through the Botanic Gardens and even stumbling upon an ice rink (how magical!) I stopped into Cookie Time to try their s’more cookie sandwich (yes, s’mores two days in a row…) What can I say, I’m a s’more addict.

Since this was a food research trip, I headed to Yonder for one last meal before my evening flight. I’ve written about my love for Yonder in the past (it’s actually where I’m drafting this blog post and a favourite coworking spot among locals…) and I was pleased to see a few updates to their already solid menu. I ordered a beetroot latte and their vegan butty. Served with kumara crips and tofu, it’s better than the bacon version.

Queenstown is one of my favourite winter destinations and these enticing menus have me dreaming of a return visit already. Where do you love to eat in New Zealand’s adventure capital?

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Photos by Sophie Piearcey

My Queenstown weekend was a press trip with Miss Lucy’s, but as always, all words and opinions are my own.

June 17, 2019
Summery Cocktails For A Southern Hemisphere Christmas

There are endless articles on festive favourites like spiked eggnog and hot chocolate with Baileys, but I rarely come across Christmassy beverages for those of us in the Southern Hemisphere. After attending Liquor King’s re-imagined Carlton store opening, I felt inspired to create a selection of cocktails to serve at my upcoming events. It’s an exciting summer, I’m turning thirty, spending Christmas/New Years with Nick’s family and getting married in March. Needless to say, I want to get in the spirit with a drink or two.

Each of these four cocktails is super straightforward to make, with minimal ingredients and little prep time, so you can focus on what’s important — spending time with your loved ones. They’re all light, of the easy drinking variety and pair nicely with anything from Christmas brunch to an after work BBQ.

White Wine Sangria: New Zealand is known all over the world for its white wine, so crafting white wine sangria is a no brainer. Light and refreshing, this drink is easily adaptable to suit your personal tastes. This chardonnay version is made with strawberries, oranges and a handful of berries. It’s a summery and more Kiwi version of the Spanish original.

1 750mL bottle of Wither Hills Chardonnay
3 oranges (cut into wedges)
1 lemon (cut into wedges)
A handful of strawberries
A handful of frozen berries
1/2 litre lemonade or Sprite

Top with ice and enjoy outside in your backyard or at the beach.

Aperol rosé: Combining my two favourite drinks, Aperol Rosé is the most refreshing drink you’ll have all summer. The Italian favourite has become increasingly popular in New Zealand over the past few years. I like to think of it as my summertime negroni.

Fill glasses with ice cubes
Pour three parts (75ml) of Daniel Le Brun sparkling rosé, chilled
Then, pour three parts Aperol (50ml)
Finish with a dash of sparkling/soda water (25ml)
Garnish with a slice of orange and strawberries

Pimms Punch: A refreshing staple served at Christmas lunch and throughout the summer months, Pimms Cups are a British, and by default, Kiwi tradition. I can’t wait to make another batch of Pimms for my 30th birthday this weekend. I made this version without cucumber as Nick isn’t a fan, but feel free to add Lebanese cucumber if you’d like! As with sangria, it’s easier to make a batch in a pitcher and then to top up with ice as needed.

1/2 litre Pimm’s No. 1 Cup
2 cups of lemonade
1/2 orange, thinly sliced.
1 lemon, halved lengthways, thinly sliced.
4 strawberries, hulled, washed, quartered.
4 small sprigs fresh mint.
Ice cubes to serve.

Rhubarb G&T: Although rhubarb’s prime season is April to June, it’s pretty common to find it throughout the summer. It’s my favourite fruit and I love adding it to anything and everything. If you’re after a ruby red cocktail to feel extra festive, mix with gin and tonic. If you’re pressed to find fresh rhubarb, cordial is an easy option.

For the rhubarb syrup:
Cut rhubarb into 2.5 cm chunks, making sure to discard any leaves. Combine rhubarb, sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and then cook until rhubarb is soft and beginning to break down, about 3 minutes.

Strain through a mesh strainer and reserve solids to make jam or a pie. Chill syrup in the refrigerator until ready for use.

For the cocktail:
Fill a tall glass with ice. Add Tanqueray London Dry Gin and rhubarb syrup, then fill the glass with tonic. Stir, garnish with lime wedge and enjoy immediately!

What are your favourite summery beverages? Do you like mixing it up for the holiday season?

Photography by Reuben Looi.

This blog post is sponsored by Liquor King, but all opinions are my own.

December 13, 2018
A Prairie Girl’s Guide To Prahran

There’s never enough time to visit all the eateries and bars on my Melbourne itinerary. So rather than finding yourself overwhelmed trying to shuffle between suburbs and constantly catching the tram, we recommend optimising your time by sticking to one area. The constantly evolving foodie precinct of Prahran is the perfect destination to settle in for your long weekend. Check into The Cullen, one of the Art Series hotels in the heart of vibrant Chapel Street for your weekend of eating and drinking. The Cullen has not one but two restaurants, Gramercy Social and HuTong Dumpling Bar.

Across from The Cullen, Prahran Market is where you should start your foodie adventures. Grab breakfast at cheese toastie shop, Maker & Monger. The open-face Reuben is a crowd favourite, served with a healthy helping of sauerkraut. Follow up with a strong flat white or filter coffee at Market Lane before continuing your day in this bustling precinct.

If you’re after a sit-down meal, I highly recommend stopping by Journeyman on Chapel Street where the coffee is superb and the meals are filling. Alternatively, I can’t pass up the smashed pumpkin at Tall Timber. It’s the perfect autumnal brunch in a sparsely decorated, minimalist space that’s had locals flocking since it opened. Otherwise, head to the memorable and beautifully designed Top Paddock for that ricotta hotcake. You know, the one that practically broke Instagram? The craze was kickstarted by Melbourne cafés and you know you shouldn’t leave without trying at least one. If you’re after a twist on the smashed avo, head to Hobba for a variation that includes pomegranate, a softly poached egg and plenty of feta. Their cabinet food is also noteworthy, they’ve got bacon tarts, croissants and baked goods galore. Abacus is another local favourite that does inventive brunch in a spacious Chapel Street café. If you’re looking for something a bit lighter, pop into Chez Mademoiselle on Greville Street (a pedestrianised street worth meandering along a least a few times during your stay) for macarons and coffee.

For lunch, there are plenty of worthwhile Prahran eateries you’ll want to visit. Mr. Miyagi makes a salmon nori taco that’s as good as it sounds – both fresh and crunchy. Their schnitty bao, chicken schnitzel with sriracha mayo, is equally delicious. If you love Chin Chin, you’ll want to get in the queue for Hawker Hall. Or cross the bridge to Richmond for Aperol Spritz and funghi pizza at Baby Pizza. Perch up at the bar and watch as the chefs elaborately prepare dish after dish.

For dinner plans that will surely turn into late night drinks, Borsch, Vodka & Tears is unbeatable. The modern Polish vodka bar is loved among locals. Order the Ukrainain borscht (yes, the spelling varies depending on which Eastern European country you’re in), the mushroom and sauerkraut pierogis (are we sensing a theme here?) and the cabbage rolls, which look a lot more like rice paper rolls than any cabbage rolls I’ve ever made. Regardless, they go down a treat when paired with any of the vodka tasting trays you’ll undoubtedly order. Borsch has approximately ten pages of vodkas, so do like the Polish do, and get drinking. Na, zdrowie. If you still haven’t had enough vodka, try the negronski. It’s a vodka version of the classic gin, Campari and vermouth cocktail – and my personal favourite.

Afterwards, meander down to Lover – a newly opened cocktail bar in a gloriously intimate setting. The bar is understatedly cool, and the limited seating makes it the ideal date night spot or place to catch up with friends you haven’t seen in awhile.

For a bowl of ramen that will transport to you the inner streets of Fukuoka, Ramblr is equal parts beautiful and delicious. Yet another minimalist’s dream, follow them on Instagram for the ultimate food porn. If it’s Mexican you’re dreaming of, Fonda Mexican has the freshest carnitas in town and a rooftop bar perfect for people watching. Or, if you’re needing a juice cleanse after all these eats, grab a cold pressed juice from Greene Street Juice Co. The immunity shots will nip any ailments in the bud.

While I suggest sticking to one or two areas, I can’t help sneaking in a few additional favourites in case you decide to venture to the CBD (and you should if it’s your first time in Melbourne). For doughnut lovers, Shortstop is a must-visit spot. Hidden down Lt. Collins laneway, the doughnut and coffee shop’s menu is always changing, and you’ll get serious Brick Lane vibes. For Laotian noodles, venture to Noodle House. Otherwise, grab burgers at Burger Project.

With a food scene that’s showing no sign of slowing, Prahran has once again established itself as a must-visit Melbourne suburb. Regardless of what you’re craving, you’re sure to find a dozen eateries that take your fancy.

I usually create a moodboard on Instagram for all the places I plan to visit. Instagram’s also a great place to get inspired. If you’d like to see more of my Melbourne food recommendations, follow #pgminmelbourne on Instagram for all my go-to, ‘grammable spots. Or, if you want to read my original Melbourne city guide, you can check it out here.

June 4, 2018
Miro in the Midland Building

The Brown Bread team has been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the downstairs café in our building (Midland Building). Helmed by the folk behind Francesca’s Italian Kitchen (in both Wanaka and Christchurch), Miro is serving up an extensive menu of breakfast, brunch and lunch favourites. Whether you prefer sweet or savoury, filling or light, Miro has got your back. Think ricotta hotcakes, breakfast panna cotta, eggs benedict, croque madame and huevos rancheros. They’ve also got matcha smoothies and açai bowls galore in addition to breakfast cocktails like Bloody Marys and mimosas. Their coffee is Allpress, which means we no longer need to leave the office for our morning brew.

When we visit, we sampled a good selection of the menu, the buffalo panna cotta with with citrus granola and seasonal fruit, ricotta pancakes, savoury waffles, the breakfast board consisting of granola, coconut yogurt, dippy eggs with soldiers, a croissant from Le Panier and freshly squeezed orange juice — delightful! Everything is fresh and tasty

For lunch, expect a range of large and small plates. I’ve got my eye on the salmon fillet, wagyu burger and patatas bravas. Oh, and there’s affogatos for dessert. Yes, please!

While the menu is delicious, the space is where Miro truly shines. The beautiful restored café remains true to its original style and I feel like I’ve stepped back in time. Simultaneously relaxing and lively, the café is filled with plants and greenery. With two roaring fires, this is a spot where you’ll want to settle in for the colder months. There are plans in the works to have outdoor seating overlooking the Avon River.

The team will eventually open for dinner, but for now they are open from 8AM to 3PM.
Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for daily updates and to browse the menus.

Look for the terracotta building (the former Caffe Roma building for you Christchurch locals).

April 30, 2018
A North Canterbury Winery That Gives Back

The only problem with living so close to an incredible wine region is deciding who to buy from. With so many world class wineries at our doorstep, supporting local winemakers is a no brainer. With only a month to go until my parents visit Canterbury for the first time (ever!), I want to make sure our house is well-stocked with local produce and wine…

When 27seconds launched in North Canterbury (one of the coolest wine regions in the world) earlier this month, 100% proceeds going towards ending modern day slavery. Pete and Alanna Chapman combined their talents as a winemaker and an NGO marketer to create a vehicle for change.

The concept came about after a life-changing trip to India. Alanna and Pete were visiting friends who worked in the country’s largest red light district, Songachi, Kolkata; meeting and hearing the stories of young girls and women who had been trafficked or sold into prostitution. In fact, every 27 seconds someone is sold or trafficked into slavery.

“We left India acutely aware of our privilege and eager to help those who don’t have the same choices we have,” says Alanna.

Partnering with award-winning wineries, grapes are sourced from Terrace Edge before being processed into organic wines by Greystone Wines.

All profits go towards 27seconds’ giving partner, Hagar, which provides trauma care, education, and economic empowerment to survivors of slavery. What started out as a one-off fundraiser, escalated into a social enterprise. “We love the idea of applying what we do to help improve other lives,” says Alanna.

And they’re doing just that.

November 24, 2017