Episode 26: 16 August
Got a taste for the sweet life? If so join the Postcards team this week as we indulge in fine dining at three of Melbourne’s hippest places, take a tour in a classic vintage car, enjoy little cupcakes in the big city and experience the pleasures of being in the country with two of our newest farmers from the current series of A Farmer Wants a Wife.
Sweet treats
We explore the sweet heart of Melbourne, starting at Little Cupcakes, where good things definitely do come in small packages. Each day about 14 varieties of cupcakes are made, and almost 1500 are sold. You've got to get in early, because these cupcakes sell like, well, hotcakes.
Around the corner in the Royal Arcade they're cooking up some sugar to make a candy that really rocks. This Suga store makes about 25,000 pieces of rock candy and over the course of the year the store uses just over 18 tonnes of sugar. All the lollies are made completely by hand, which means you can create your own custom-made candy, complete with the message of your choice.
For the ultimate in indulgence, you just can't walk past Max Brenner Chocolate Bar. Enjoy the popsicle fondue complete with pure melted chocolate, chocolate covered waffle balls and sprinkles for your dipping pleasure. There are also chocolate pizzas, chocktails, fondues, soufflés and flavoured hot chocolates served in comforting hug mugs.
Little Cupcakes
7 Degraves Street, city
Ph: 03 9077 0413
www.littlecupcakes.com.au
Suga
Shop 20 Royal Arcade, 335 Bourke Street, city
Ph: 03 9663 5654
www.suga.com.au
Max Brenner
Melbourne Central Shopping Centre, 300 La Trobe Street, city
Ph: 03 9662 4442
www.maxbrenner.com.au
Kennett River
It used to take three hours to get to Kennett River but it can now be done in less than two hours, thanks to the new Geelong Bypass. When you arrive, a five-star extravagance is what you can expect at Kennett River Luxury Accommodation. The B&B was built in 1891 and there's no better place to take in the awesome scenery of the stunning coastline. Surrounded by spectacular 180-degree views, the property oozes modern, eye-catching luxury. When you're not contemplating the ocean, this elegant home with its sexy setting creates the perfect atmosphere. The house has three bedrooms, dining and living areas, a great kitchen and a very private balcony.
When the rain finally eases Blair and his big brother hightail it to Wild Dog Creek, about 10 minutes before Apollo Bay, for a fishing fix.
Kennett River Luxury Accommodation
7 Hazel Court, Kennett River
Ph: 03 5237 4201
www.holidaygor.com.au
Great Ocean Road Visitor Information Centre
Ph: 03 5237 6529
www.visitapollobay.com
Restaurants: Coda, Liaison, Cumulus Inc.
Glen is out to spoil himself for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The first stop is Cumulus Inc in Flinders Lane; just another of Andrew McConnell's restaurants that is earning rave reviews. The man best known for his work at Three One Two, Circa and the hugely popular Cutler and Co has come up with something special for breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you're looking for a five-star breakfast, this isn't a bad way to start the day.
Just around the corner, off little Collins Street in Ridgeway Place, you'll find one of the city's most stunning pieces of modern architecture. The building houses the honorary Consul to Monaco and you can also find the best coffee in town at Liaison.
Coda, in Flinders Lane, is the new kid on the block and everyone's talking about it. Chef Adam D'Sylva took out The Age Good Food Guide's young chef of the year in 2008, and his combination of Asian and European bistro classics has all the foodies talking. Throw in one sleek looking restaurant and the best staff in the business and this is guaranteed to be a dining experience like no other.
Cumulus Inc.
45 Flinders Lane, city
Ph: 03 9650 1445
www.cumulusinc.com.au
Liaison
Monaco House, 22 Ridgeway Place, Melbourne
Ph: 03 9663 3225
Coda
Basement 141 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Ph: 03 9650 3155
www.codarestaurant.com.au
A Vintage Outing
Everything old is new again as Brodie and Lauren head off on a vintage tour. Actually, it isn't a tour, it's an outing. "A Vintage Outing". And it comes complete with a chauffeur, a lovingly restored 1960s Fiat, and veteran vintage shoppers Lyn Gardener and Danielle Pumo. First stop is the colourful and quaint Gigi a la Maison, a vintage homewares store that's just like a little French flea market.
The next delightful destination is Anonymous Posh, a tiny treasure trove found in the heart of Melbourne in the Royal Arcade. With great fashion and accessories on offer, it's like stepping into someone's wardrobe. Danielle is quick to pick out some treasures for the girls to try on, including outfits from the fabulous fifties, the swinging sixties and the sensational seventies. Thankfully, there is some sustenance and a brief pit stop at the fittingly retro Madame Brussels, above Bourke Street.
A Vintage Outing
Ph: 03 9663 3358
www.hiddensecretstours.com
Dunkeld with Farmer Phil and Farmer Russell
The town of Dunkeld sits at the southern end of The Grampians and has a population of about 450 people. It will take you three and a half hours to drive there from Melbourne. The reason for Suzie's trip is to meet two of the men from TV show, A Farmer Wants a Wife. Farmers Russell and Phil are currently setting hearts alight on the new series of the show, which screens at 8.30pm Mondays.
The first stop on Farmer Russell's tour of the town is the local racetrack on the outskirts of town. They then swap the racetrack for one of his favourite watering holes, the Royal Mail Hotel, which is home to Australia's Top Regional Restaurant. The aim is to enjoy a good quality counter meal in the comfortable public bar with its open fireplace. They follow their meals with coffee and cake at another of Farmer Russell's favourite places in Dunkeld, The Gourmet Pantry. There they serve light meals and sell produce from the region.
Royal Mail Hotel
58 Parker Street, Dunkeld
Ph: 03 5577 2241
www.royalmail.com.au
The Gourmet Pantry
109 Parker Street, Dunkeld
Ph: 5577 2288
What's on
The Melbourne Writers' Festival
Lovers of literature, prepare yourselves for The Melbourne Writers' Festival, held over 10 days at Federation Square.
Where: Various locations
When: 21 - 30 August 2009
More: www.mwf.com.au
Melbourne Winter Masterpieces - Salvador Dali: Liquid Desire
If you're looking for more of a visual feast, don't miss the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces. This year the National Gallery of Victoria is featuring the exhibition Salvador Dali: Liquid Desire.
Where: National Gallery of Victoria
When: 13 June - 4 October 2009
More: Ph 8620 2222 or visit www.ngv.vic.gov.au
Pete the Snow Dragon Show
And if the family is visiting Falls Creek this season make sure the kids meet Sammy and Pete the Snow Dragon, with free live shows at 5pm every Wednesday and Saturday night.
Where: Falls Creek
When: Every Wednesday and Saturday night
More: Visit www.fallscreek.com.au
