The World Loves Melbourne Blog

The  Melbourne International Jazz Festival from May 31 to June 8 is oozing jazz cool with Creative Director Michael Tortoni putting together a line up of 100 events featuring international jazz legends as well as local talent. Melbourne will be pulsating to late night jazz parties, jams, concerts, film screenings, masterclasses, daily free concerts and more. Free spirited improvisation and avant garde fashion is the order of the day.

The Festival brings a sense of occasion and spontaneity to the city. The music is amazing but its about the overall experience. The ambience of a late night jam. Masterful concerts. Fashion.

Jazz had a major impact on fashion in the 1920s and 1930s with its glamorous style. Gatsby inspired everything is now trending with the advent of the film and there's a resurgence of 1920's fashion globally. So we think it's a good excuse to break out in your 1920's flapper hairstyle at the Melbourne International Jazz Festival.

Here are some of our Melbourne breakfast favourites - 

 Top Paddock 

Top Paddock is already one of Melbourne's standout cafes with its spacious modern fit out and extensive imaginative menu. Meeting here in a trendy part of Richmond with my salubrious brother (Melbourne businessman and food critic extraordinaire) we commented that "these people know what they're doing". And they surely do being of the stable of Three Bags Full, APTE and Two Birds One Stone - some of the best cafes in Melbourne. Chatting with one of the owners Nathan Toleman at the restaurant, the team have pulled their experience from the other cafes and have even progressed the cafe concept. 

What I love is that the team have not reproduced their earlier successes but sought to give Top Paddock its own identity. In the early days of Three Bags Full it seemed there were similarities with the menu of stalwart APTE. Which is fine. But here at Top Paddock the menu options are distinctive and even exploring new ground. Kudos.

Punk accessories are all the rage from the runway to fashion stores all around the world. At the recent 2013 Met Gala the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City got its punk on. The World Loves Melbourne has punk roots (ex band TV Dinners) and is sensing a punk renaissance. Here in Melbourne we checked out Dangerfield, a Melbourne brand, with its cool punk clutch bags, collars and other accessories. Dangerfield stores are throughout Melbourne and nationwide, including major shopping centres such as Westfield Doncaster, Melbourne Central and Chadstone. Dangerfield started in 1988 in a small store in trendy Greville street, Prahran... Based on a nobody else can, do it yourself attitude.

Check out this chunky collar above... Dangerfield posted a Facebook message recently saying they were staying back in the office until 9pm just to answer any customer questions and give styling advice. Too cool.

Here’s a fashion market in Melbourne with a twist.  Embracing Melbourne’s love affair for rummaging through garage sales and suburban markets, the upcoming Walk-in Wardrobe in Prahran takes the experience indoors and adds a charitable aspect.  

All the stallholders at the annual pop up market are donating a chunk of their proceeds to charity.  In this instance, it’s Kiss Goodbye to MS, supporting research and programs for Multiple Sclerosis sufferers. 

Now in its fourth year the market, which is held in a hair salon on Greville Street Prahran, has built a devoted following.  Fresh Melbourne-based designers will be showcasing their talent and beautiful wares. With their large social media followings they are sure to spark excitement and attract the crowds. 

Hammer & Tong is one of the new exciting cafe restaurants in Melbourne and has captivated most with chic ambience and an impressive menu. The team is top notch and boasts ex Vue De Monde and Jacques Reymond staff that basically know what they're doing to create a superb dining experience. Set slightly back from Brunswick Street you enter via a graffiti world of Westgarth Street. The entry is understated but once inside it's immediately apparent this place hums. Especially when Johnny Cash is playing over the speakers singing "One Love"... 

A partnership between head chef Simon Ward and manager Dennis Ferreira, Hammer & Tong celebrates casual dining and simple, fresh ingredients. An open bar and kitchen is the heart of the light filled space. Hammer & Tong have reworked the stylish interiors created for former premises The Brix with their own take on vintage-industrial chic.

Hammer & Tong serves up great coffee, which is a welcome start. As I savoured my coffee I admired the vintage pieces around the room including the large old scales and vintage cake display, and reflected on the lyrics of Cash singing "One Love."

Global outdoor wear sensation Icebreaker has launched its first Australian store in Chadstone The Fashion Capital. While the brand has been available at retail stockists this is the first major store in Australia. The World Loves Melbourne attended the launch with Australian fashion community and the CEO of Icebreaker, who inspired us with the Icebreaker story. Icebreaker Merino clothing for the outdoors, technical sports and lifestyle includes underwear, mid layer garments, outerwear, socks and accessories for men, women and children. Icebreaker is based in Wellington, New Zealand, and is sold in more than 3000 stores in 44 countries. 

Icebreaker excites The World Loves Melbourne because it combines functionality and quality (Merino wool products) with fashion. These clothes are actually a clothing system - you start with the base layer and add layers to suit. And the garments are totally fashionable - they cross over from outdoor wear to daily wear. Icebreaker started as a clothing company for outdoor living but has evolved since and is taking the world by storm. People are enjoying the fact that Merino wool is sustainable! And Icebreaker Merino insulates in cold weather, breathes in hot weather, feels soft and non-itchy against the skin, and naturally resists odour. (This writer wears Merino suits and loves the feel compared to other suits).

Rare Earth Hair is a fashionable salon in Prahran that approaches hairdressing with fresh, trained eyes and a listening ear. The World Loves Melbourne was invited by Donna and Soren to experience Rare Earth Hair - in fact David our Editor sports the balding look, so it was Samantha who put up her hand for the treatment. Having worked with a leading French stylist and in leading salons in Sydney and London, Donna the owner brings passion and style to Rare Earth Hair. The rest of the team are also high powered with international experience. Soren, who works for a "Big Four Firm" in the city is on hand on Saturdays and is involved in the running of the salon.

Rare Earth Hair seeks to create individual styles and colours designed to suit your face shape, hair texture and lifestyle. We are impressed with the critical elements of Rare Earth Hair salon - great cuts, engaging staff who consult but also listen, environmentally friendly and quality products, chic relaxing ambience, and the little personal touches such as a beverage bar and massage.

The team at Rare Earth Hair have created a salon space that, when you walk in, sets you immediately at ease (designed to create a relaxing tranquil environment) with comfortable cutting and colour bar chairs, soft lighting, calm music and your choice of beverages from the beverage menu. Pretty cool. Using naturally derived Aveda products, you know you’re doing your hair and mind a world of good (we are a fan of Aveda).

GG is an elegant restaurant in East Melbourne that appeals with excellent honest cuisine, engaging service and a cool ambience. Lenny Kravitz tiles from New York grace the bar for goodness sake. The owners and staff at GG (name is a reference to a family member of the owner as well as a reference to the MCG nearby) are vastly experienced and bring a customer pleasing and top notch dining experience. Premium dining experiences in East Melbourne are in demand as the East Melbourne "set" includes wealthy apartment dwellers, top surgeons and doctors and other medical staff. Many well heeled business types reside in the area - it demands a certain level of culinary excellence and GG delivers. The World Loves Melbourne attended a media launch of GG.

BangPop is a brilliant Thai restaurant in South Wharf that recreates the energy and excitement of Bangkok’s hawker stands. A common thread in Melbourne has been the need for authentic Thai. Some establishments serve limp version of Thai dishes that fail to endear. This innovative offering from the brilliant mind of Paul Mathis delivers an authentic taste of Thailand. Like other Mathis inspired restaurants this place is fun.

From the spice-driven menu to the frenetic buzz of the colourful dining room, guests are invited to enjoy a truly immersive experience without having to even think about getting on a plane. I was able to lunch at BangPop 3 days in a row and while I intend to return again soon, here is my review...

Ebi Fine Food is a gem of the West, serving up Japanese delights and arguably Melbourne's best fish and chips. This is what I love about Melbourne - shining jewel restaurants in unassuming locations. The locals are well aware of Ebi and this restaurant boasts a legion of local regulars.  

Ebi Fine Food is a little quirky. Is it purely a Japanese restaurant? Or mainly fish and chips? Methinks a fusion triumph where edges are blurred to bring creativity and optimum flavours. What is certain is that Ebi Fine Food carries a culinary pride. It goes the extra mile for its customers and maintains a passion for fine food. The chef welcomed me to a stool at the bar/open kitchen and we enjoyed a chat about Japan, Footscray and the cooking processes of Ebi. Behind the chef were a myriad of daily specials. And the aromas from the kitchen were compelling. The Sushi plates at Ebi Fine Food (above) are an example of attention to detail and use of quality ingredients.

Pinocchio's Pizza Restaurant is a fabulous Italian restaurant in trendy South Yarra that has recently undergone a transformation of note. After 40 years of successful trading the restaurant has lost its 70s mission brown and straw roofing for a modern fit out with stunning Pinocchio themed art work on the walls, modern lighting and panelling, and one of the coolest vibes in the precinct.

The illustrations of Pinocchio from the 1883 classic tale are compelling - and tell a story of one of the owners, John Gdanski, who treasured a vintage copy of the book as a boy. It's the charming vintage illustrations that are reproduced on the walls - rather than the Disney looking Pinocchio some of us are familiar with.

The menu at Pinocchio's has also been revamped. New chefs and an imaginative menu have made Pinocchio's more than pasta and pizza. In saying this, both the pasta and pizza are great. Pinocchio's provides an authentic Italian dining experience including ingredients sourced from Italy.

Top Melbourne and Australian chef Shane Delia is featuring in a groundbreaking upcoming SBS series Spice Journey which celebrates the cuisine of the Middle East. This is a series not to miss, beginning May 2 at 7.30pm. The World Loves Melbourne was privileged to attend the media launch at Gold Class Village Cinemas to preview the series and experience dishes from one of the episodes from Shane Delia. Not a bad gig!

Shane Delia’s Spice Journey takes us on a culinary pilgrimage to explore his heritage and discover food traditions that go back thousands of years. From the old Phoenician outpost of Malta, where the aromatics and spices of the Middle East mingle with the European traditions of the Mediterranean, Shane heads across the sea to Lebanon, the original Land of Milk and Honey and birthplace of contemporary Middle Eastern mezze.

I managed to snap a photo of Shane (below) on the big screen in between culinary indulgences. As we watched the episode we were able to experience dishes from places like Tripoli and even sample popcorn with Middle Eastern spices...

Footscray Milking Station is an engaging cafe located in the burbs in Footscray. Once upon a time it used to be a milking station. Unlike many other cafes it is actually right in a neighbourhood not a cafe or shopping strip. It's as local as local gets. Come here of a weekday morning and you'll be lining up for coffee - usually it's a packed house. Grab a table and be prepared for friendly service and tasty treats. I'm amazed at how well the staff do under pressure, with (nearby) Council crew enjoying a coffee or breakfast before their working day starts.

Footscray Milking Station serves up first class Padre coffee in retro cups. Enjoy the timber floor, exposed brick, tasty treats in cabinets and boards with specials. Check out the old milk bottles used for water (quaint).

Le Chien is a funky almost grungy cafe in Seddon that pleases with its sharp service and brilliant cuisine and coffee. Set back from the main strip, Le Chien is an interesting place to meet friends and is more alternative than commercial. A highlight is the sophisticated art on the wall and the tribute to Iggy Pop. The small portrait of Iggy Pop comes with the caption "I wanna be your dog." Of course Le Chien is French for "dog" - my French is brilliant I know. But I immediately recognised the reference to the song "I'm bored" by Iggy Pop, a song we used to play in my time with band The TV Dinners. Iggy pouts and exclaims he is "living like a dog...." I won't quote the rest of the song...

Le Chien serves up some of the best coffee in the precinct. Sit and imbibe the kind of 60s cool here with dark tables, retro benches and the artwork. A large board details the daily specials.

Melbourne based Skin and Threads will be opening the doors to the labelʼs third store on Friday the 19th April, making it the ideal shopping destination at Chadstone for luxury basics, footwear, denim and knitwear. The architects DM Studio have managed to create an “intimate boutique” within the Chadstone shopping centre; a place where customers immediately feel “at home and at ease”.

“We wanted to retain the lifestyle, Scandinavian feel of our current stores including a spacious fitting room area so that women have a chance to take some time out from the very busy and fast-paced shopping centre environment” Penelope Cohen, Skin and Threads director and designer. In order to celebrate the opening of the new store Skin and Threads have teamed up with Sensory Lab and will be offering freshly roasted coffee over the opening weekend from the 19th -20th April. Sensory Lab reflects and complements the idea that Skin and Threads is a premium Australian lifestyle brand, providing pieces that are the building blocks for a luxurious and casually elegant lifestyle. Sensory Lab coffee is known as some of the best in the country, and essentially reflects the quintessential Melbourne lifestyle.

The collaboration with Sensory Lab will allow the Skin and Threads customer to enjoy a cup of Melbourneʼs best coffee, while taking their time to touch, feel and try the new luxurious AW13 collection, allowing them to explore the new collection in the brand new architecturally designed store in a relaxed and beautiful environment.

A feature of Melbourne is its gem cafes in the burbs. Miss Marmalade is such a delightful cafe that appeals on so many levels. It brings the joy of a cafe that prides itself on great service, excellent cuisine and awesome coffee. It also prides itself on connection with the community and a quirky charming fit out that is a nod to all things local.

Wanting to enjoy a lengthy breakfast at Miss Marmalade I was stunted by crazy traffic on the Eastern. I might have travelled to Canberra in the same time. The serenity and bloom of flowers at Miss Marmalade quickly made me forget the hectic nature of Melbourne traffic.

The floral fashion trend is alive and well in Melbourne fashion stores as we head towards winter. Outfits that highlight with florals are being combined with toned down colours to accentuate. The effect of soft pastels as well as dark gardens are equally as popular in store collections. Even two floral prints together can work. Melbourne is loving this floral fashion trend.

The aroma of a Spanish paella is so alluring. The recently revamped Pop Restaurant in Hardware Lane is a serious destination for paella lovers. On Tuesday nights Pop Restaurant is serving up paella from a massive pan imported from Spain. Head Chef Manuel Villegas is the king of paella and can be seen preparing and serving the paella to customers. It's always exciting to see a Chef spending time out of the kitchen interacting with customers.

We checked out the paella as guests of Pop Restaurant. Over the years I've been a big fan of the paella enjoying it all over the world. I love paella not just for the culinary bliss, but for the whole communal aspect of it. I understand the paella is a tradition in the countryside and streets of Spain where it's often out in the open for all to see. Paella is at the heart of community.