Australia 2010 Part 1: Melbourne

Total Posts 191 Last Updated 23 November 2015 12:00 PM (GMT +8)

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Australia 2010 Part 1: Melbourne

My previous stories about our Australian trip last year - yes, we need another vacation soon - had all been about food. This week I'd like to take a break from my regular gastronomic programming and (finally) start the first part of a photo series (hopefully) telling the tales of our adventures Down Under. Over the course of about two weeks there we've been quite nomadic I've stayed at five different places - Vijay six as he was there longer - but it all started with Melbourne. U2's 360 concert at Etihad brought us to the city of trams for the first time and we fell in love with it.

Our apartment at East Melbourne came with a full kitchen, complete with an oven. With a supermarket bursting with fresh produce just behind our place, I got the chance to whip up some simple breakfasts for our quiet mornings in and even a mustard pan-seared lamb dinner with roasted potatoes during one of the nights we decided to eat in. The beginning of summer in December still brought a good amount of wet days to the city and we took in the cold weather like ducks to the pond. See how Vijay thawed his favorite salted butter?

Melbourne CBD - although bustling with stylish commuters all in a day's work - was an architectural haven for us, from its distinct Victorian houses to grand stone buildings tucked comfortably amongst modern high rises. We trammed and walked around town and only took a cab once when we were running late for a visit to Victoria Market.

We found ourselves (accidentally) at the graffiti filled Hosier Lane while on our way to make a reservation at The Press Club - a late lunch the day after turned out nice, although the famous Aphrodite dessert item didn't look quite like the one served on Masterchef Australia Season 2 - and went slightly trigger happy there before dropping by Movida for dinner - not as impressive, my fish was overcooked and the churros was sad, among other things.

We managed to catch a school of little penguins crossing the rocks of St Kilda after an afternoon of coffee, Turkish delights, cannoli (Le Bon Cafe, a random pick out of an entire row of menacing-looking bakeries along Ackland Street a.k.a. Cake Street) and Il Fornaio. I was beside myself with happiness to be able to see my little wobbly friends and was thankful that Vijay arranged for a trip to Philip Island in our packed itinerary.

Sunset by the pier was - as expected - breathtaking.

We returned to live for a few days at North Melbourne after returning from Great Ocean Road and Philip Island - more on that next time. Vijay managed to do his rent-a-blue-bike thing for a short while in the city before we left for Sydney while I caught up with a schoolmate I haven't seen for more than ten years at D.O.C. Pizza - good stuff there.

I almost skipped Sydney just to stay longer in Melbourne - in fact we only bought our domestic flight tickets at the very last minute and ended up paying much more for it than if we planned ahead - but in the end decided to move on because I knew that I would definitely return for another visit very soon.

posted by PickYin @ 3/22/2011 12:42:00 PM

8 Comments on Australia 2010 Part 1: Melbourne

I think Melbourne is my favourite city in Australia. I have yet to visit Brisbane and Adelaide, but from what I've heard and seen, Melbourne has the right balance of everything - nightlife, nature, amazing food, beautiful architecture, good COFFEE! I'm finally back in Singapore, after working in Melbourne for 8 months. Your post has made me miss Melbourne.

Posted by Kayla @ Fitter Than Choc, at Feb 2, 2012, 3:19:00 PM

Kayla: 8 months huh? If I've been there for that long I doubt I would come back. I was there for only 8 days!

Posted by PickYin, at Feb 2, 2012, 3:19:00 PM

Hi Pickyin! I can't believe you have time to cook while on holiday! But lucky in every sense to be able buy local fresh produce and whip up a wonderful meal.

Love your photography too!

Posted by Min {Honest Vanilla}, at Feb 2, 2012, 3:19:00 PM

I've been to Sydney twice but not Melb. Heard the weather is horrible there but your pictures say otherwise. The place looks really pretty!

Posted by pigpigscorner, at Feb 2, 2012, 3:19:00 PM

Min: I couldn't help myself. It was unplanned. There was a full kitchen AND Victoria Market nearby. How can I forgive myself if I don't at least cook some eggs? Thanks for the compliment, we try to improve everyday.

Ann: Melbourne can be really gloomy and wet but we love the rain. The first photo was literally shot in the rain. We love the weather there. You should visit soon. It's wayyyy better than Sydney.

Posted by PickYin, at Feb 2, 2012, 3:20:00 PM

Beautiful photographs. Your captured the atmosphere of the city beautifully. Love the laneways.

Posted by Ellie (Almost Bourdain), at Feb 2, 2012, 3:20:00 PM

Bet u know what i'm gonna say... I MISS MELBOURNE! :(

Hahaa!

Beautiful photos... Love the shot with you in it!

Posted by Sherie @ Maameemoomoo, at Feb 2, 2012, 3:20:00 PM

Ellie: Thanks, credits to Vijay the lead photographer.

Sherie: Let's go again soon! Thanks, I have a very good photographer as my other half. :)

Posted by PickYin, at Feb 2, 2012, 3:21:00 PM

Post a Comment

Life Is Great explores the incredible world of food and cooking. We hope to share with you our most delicious moments and inspirations.

“Just like becoming an expert in wine–you learn by drinking it, the best you can afford–you learn about great food by finding the best there is, whether simply or luxurious. The you savor it, analyze it, and discuss it with your companions, and you compare it with other experiences.”

Julia Child (Mastering the Art of French Cooking)

“Life is short. Live your dream and share your passion.”

Holstee's Manifesto

RESOURCES