GRAMMAGAZINE.COM.AU MELBOURNE ISSUE 56 FREE
PLEASE TAKE ME HOME
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CONTENTS EATING OUT
FEATURE
COOKING
REGULARS
DENIS THE MENACE David Hagger
SUNTORY TIMES
CHAI PANCAKES WITH CHAI POACHED PEARS Iron Chef Shellie
CONTRIBUTORS
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NEWLY OPENED
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AROUND THE TRAPS
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THINGS WE LOVE
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REVIEWS
34
OUT AND ABOUT
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THE DIARY
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GRAM DIRECTORY
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MAMMOTH CAFE Lisa Holman THREE ONE 2 ONE Megan Beatrice Jackson DELHI STREETS Ricky Sam
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EXPLORING JAPANESE WHISKEY Hannah Bambra
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ON THE COVER: KIWIFRUIT The kiwifruit or Chinese gooseberry (sometimes shortened to kiwi) is the edible berry of a woody vine in the genus Actinidia. The most common cultivar group of kiwifruit is oval, about the size of a large hen’s egg. It has a fibrous, dull greenish-brown skin and bright green or golden flesh with rows of tiny, black, edible seeds. The fruit has a soft texture and a sweet but unique flavor, It is a commercial crop in several countries, such as Italy, New Zealand, Chile, Greece, and France. (Source: Wikipedia)
Gram magazine is owned by Rothesay Media Pty Ltd and published by Jess Hourigan. The opinions expressed in this publication, including the opinions expressed by the authors of the individual online reviews and articles, and other pieces, are not necessarily the opinions of the publisher. The publisher has adopted an Editorial Policy which governs and dictates the manner in which online content from third parties is reproduced in GRAM. All photography in GRAM is copyright and may not be reproduced in whole or part without the prior consent of the publisher. Speed of access to online content is dependent on the individual service offered by your internet service or mobile telephone provider. The publisher takes no responsibility for failure to access any online content.
Editor JESS HOURIGAN Cover Design ELEVATOR CREATIVE hello@elevatorcreative.com.au www.elevatorcreative.com.au
advertising@grammagazine.com.au info@grammagazine.com.au www.grammagazine.com.au
CAB AUDITED
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CONTRIBUTORS
LA DONNA DEL VINO La Donna del Vino is the pseudonym of this young lady from Melbourne who worked in wineries throughout Australia HANNAH BAMBRA Hannah is a passionate young journalist with a solid interest in food, design and quality grog. Cooking with her partner, Eddie, Hannah is able to take a love for fine-dining home. Over the years she has developed and alarming addiction to chilli and her kryptonite is smoky single malt whisky. bambrahannah@gmail.com
and Italy. After years of gallivanting she returned to Melbourne to market wine and share her love of all things vinous. In her spare time she enjoys cooking, gardening, drinking good vino and is a self-confessed Neb Head (someone really into Nebbiolo). ladonnadelvino.com TWITTER: ladonnadelvino FACEBOOK: la-donna-del-vino
DEAN SCHMIDEG A
professional
photographer
and
copywriter with an interest in fashion and design, Dean is known as one of Melbourne’s coffee addicts and foodies, regularly seeking out new and interesting
LISA HOLMAN
cafes and bars. He shares these and the
My name is Lisa, an Aussie girl currently
things he prepares at home across social
based in Melbourne. After spending most
media. His posts celebrate the produce,
of my early years in Adelaide, I moved to
the people he meets and places he goes
Melbourne in my early 20s and a few
to, telling a story with the aim of enticing
years later moved to the big smoke in
the reader and bringing people together.
London. I started my blog, lisaeatsworld.com, to
FACEBOOK: imagesds
share my two big passions in life – food
INSTAGRAM: dsimages
and travel.
TWITTER: imagesDS
My aim is to “eat the world” one inch
EMAIL: deany76@gmail.com
at a time and explore as many different cuisines and cultures as possible.My current country count is 35 and hope to reach 50 by the end of 2015. lisaeatsworld.com TWITTER: lisa_eatsworld INSTAGRAM: lisaeatworld
ON THE BANDWAGON Trev has earnt a reputation in the Australian craft beer industry as a passionate advocate for local breweries and educating the masses about the beer they are drinking. He is the founder and Chair of Bendigo Beer which runs many events including the widely acclaimed
I started illustrating food about a year ago, as a way of presenting recipes in a way that was different to photography. I have since illustrated a cookbook, and worked with many Victorian restaurants to illustrate the beautiful food that is
Bendigo On The Hop festival.
on offer in this great city. I love it when
TWITTER: Onthe_bandwagon
old traditional family recipes illustrated.
INSTAGRAM: Onthe_bandwagon
FACEBOOK: lisaeatstheworld
SARA BENTON - EAT IT PAINT IT
people come to me wanting to have Food has this way of bringing people together. INSTAGRAM: eat_it__paint_it
MEGAN BEATRICE JACKSON Lover of life and everything delicious. She’s a human, creative opportunist, earth wanderer, donor, dancer, yogi, foodie and wine lover. IRON CHEF SHELLIE megan@grammagazine.com.au
Michèle Froidevaux, or Shellie as she is more often known as, is a freelance
DAVID HAGGER - THE WORLD LOVES
photographer, food stylist and designer.
MELBOURNE
She is most known for her crazy cakes,
David Hagger is a self-described bald headed
late night baking and over achieving.
man and former rock vocalist with a penchant for finery, convivial dining, and festive culture. David
She runs food styling and photography
RICKY SAM
has worked as an accountant in many industries
workshops throughout the year in
I’m Ricky – a graphic designer, writer,
and gets buzzed by numbers but now consults in
Victoria and Tasmania. You’ll most
photographer, explorer, traveller, food
the areas of content, digital media and marketing
usually find her in search of bacon or a
eater, coffee drinker and alcoholic. If you
to businesses, including in the hospitality industry.
donut!
combine all those things together, you
Read his blog theworldlovesmelbourne.com,
get my food blog – ForkSake.
which celebrates the world’s most liveable city.
forksakefoodblog
TWITTER: davidbhagger
TWITTER: forksake
INSTAGRAM: theworldlovesmelbourne
FACEBOOK: forksakefoodblog
FACEBOOK: theworldlovesmelbournecom
ironchefshellie.com FACEBOOK: Iron-Chef-Shellie
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TWITTER: ironchefshellie
E C I V R E S T A E R G E T S A I H N G S ’ O F E H C . T WE R E C I E V I E C T E S R E E N W O H S R E WHEN F F O Y L H T T N I E W T S E I IC V R E CONS S E V I T R . O E P R P A U C S S E L A AND S R E T F A C I T FANTAS ALICIA
L
ENERA
Y-G MCLEA
GER, MANA
MAHA
www.chefshat.com.au
NOW OPEN DINNER BY HESTON OPENED: October 20, 2015 Dinner takes inspiration from historic British recipes – from 14th century cookbooks such as those by the royal chefs of King Richard II to Lewis Carroll’s flights of fancy. Decorated in dark wood, brown leather and burnished copper, Dinner Melbourne is a place that fuses ancient and modern, classic and contemporary, for a unique dining experience. A kinetic art installation, an interpretation of the first automated spit roast mechanism, invented by the British clockmakers of Greenwich, takes position at the heart of the open kitchen. The same spirit inspires the kitchen, in which state-of-the-art technology sits alongside the slowly turning cogs of the pulley-operated spit roast. CROWN TOWERS, LEVEL 3 - 8 WHITEMAN STREET, SOUTHBANK dinnerbyheston.com.au
ACADEMY KITCHEN AND BAR OPENED: October 23, 2015 Renowned chef and owner, Will Manning is excited to join the flourishing strip with his new culinary project, which has just opened its doors to the public. Its completion marks a significant achievement for Manning, who more recently was the owner and operator of successful café venture, Townhouse in Toorak.
ABORY AFLOAT OPENED: October 25, 2015 If you want a chance to experience Melbourne’s newest floating bar, you’d best be quick, with Abory Afloat open until Sunday November 8. The sun filled floating bar sits next to Melbourne’s longest bar, Abory Bar and and Eatery and features fun cocktails and (there are four to choose from on board), and a menu that celebrates seafood and easy dining. Arbory Afloat is licensed to serve 120 guests and is open daily from 11am until late. ACCESS VIA FLINDERS STREET STATION, 1 FLINDERS WALK, MELBOURNE
Academy Kitchen and Bar is a celebration of informal dining, but draws heavily on the breadth of Manning’s international experience. The focus of the venue is to welcome local and visiting customers with a warm and relaxed atmosphere, and an emphasis on quality food and service. 318 BRIDGE ROAD, RICHMOND academykitchenandbar.com.au facebook.com/academykitchenandbar
WINE REPUBLIC - NORTHCOTE OPENED: October 14, 2015 Fans of Wine Republic will already know the name, but this time, they’re celebrating the opening of their second store in Northcote. Since opening their flagship store in Fitzroy just over two years ago, husband and wife team Tom O’Mara and Fiona Lim have ventured onto the ever popular High Street in Northcote. From Penfolds and Coopers to small producers they’ve tracked down from Australia and around the world, Wine Republic have all your favourite beverages and some new things to try. 226 HIGH STREET, NORTHCOTE winerepublic.com.au facebook.com/Wine.Republic.Australia
CAFE KALIMBA OPENED: September 21, 2015 The kalimba, known as a thumb piano in the West, is a lamellaphone of Eastern Central and South West Africa. In Northcote however, Kalimba is the name of a newcomer, of the cafe variety, Located on Victoria Road in Northcote, Kalimba draws on Creole culinary influences and combines them with a deep love of music. The result is something a little magical, with soul dancing not only across the airways, but throughout the menu as well. For something a little bit different to the norm, Cafe Kalimbra is well worth a visit. SHOP 8, 57 VICTORIA ROAD, NORTHCOTE rusticacanteen.com | facebook.com/Rustica-Canteen instagram.com/rustica_canteen
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AROUND THE TRAPS MELBOURNE CAFÉS MAKE A DIFFERENCE, ONE COFFEE AT A TIME The Melbourne coffee culture is infused with creativity and artistic flair, from perfecting coffee art, to showcasing local artist’s work in cafés. Hopscotch Heroes, a fundraising initiative for the Children’s Cancer Foundation, invites Melbourne cafés to support an art therapy program, which directly benefits children with cancer, by donating the cost of one coffee each trading day.
Daniel Wilson
Art plays an important role in many aspects of daily life, but especially so for 220 Victorian children newly diagnosed with cancer each year and 1,700 children currently receiving ongoing treatment. Art Therapy has endless benefits for not only a child undergoing treatment for cancer, but their parents, siblings and extended family also. A session with a qualified art therapist in hospital allows a child with cancer to feel empowered, reduces anxiety and helps them to process the experience of illness, hospitalisation, medical procedures, and separation from siblings and loved ones. The Hopscotch Heroes founders – Craig Thomas, Peter Gutbrod and George Vasiliadis – all have kids, love coffee and are involved in the café industry. They believe that Hopscotch Heroes, launched in October, has the potential bring us #onecupcloser to making a difference for children living with cancer. Once you’ve brewed it over, please contact Laura Beckett for more information, photos or to discuss an interview with the founders or a participating café. Ph: 03 9635 6633 EMAIL laura@childrenscancerfoundation.com.au HOPSCOTCHHEROES.COM.AU
huxtaburger.com.au
huxtablerestaurant.com.au
Craft
TM
Porcini
MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COFFEE EXPO 2016 The Melbourne International Coffee Expo is back for 2016, with an incredible range of new features to engage every segment of the supply chain. Now in its fifth year, MICE has become the largest coffee-dedicated event in the region, and one of the biggest in the world. Café owners, roasters, baristas, equipment manufacturers, distributors and service providers are among the more than 10,000 visitors who flock to this event every year. •
ASCA Australia Barista Championship.
•
Roasters Alley – expect to see Australia’s best roasters serving their coffees
•
Australian International Coffee Awards – the AICA celebrates coffee roasting excellence from Australia and around the world.
•
ASCA Roasting Championship
•
World class coffee training and education – we’ll be hosting various coffee classes for professionals and home enthusiasts throughout the event.
•
GrowSpace – the place to met and connect with green bean traders and growers.
INTERNATIONALCOFFEEEXPO.COM
cedarhospitality.com
223 - 231 Brunswick Rd Brunswick VIC 3056 T: 03 9387 4455 F: 03 9387 4140 cedarsales@cedarhospitality.com 7
MELBOURNE’S RARE MALTS: Nikka Yoichi 15 year old, from the back bar at The Brunswick Mess Hall and Yamazaki 18 from The Noble Experiment, Collingwood.
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SUNTORY TIMES
EXPLORING JAPANESE WHISKEY WORDS HANNAH BAMBRA ILLUSTRATION SARA BRENTON
Japanese whisky is often expertly distilled
opened Boilermaker House in Melbourne’s
at the foothills of mountains, utilising the
CBD, the bar staff will tell you the same
water that trickles down from the frozen
thing. Any Japanese whisky with an age
peaks above. It’s not only the quality of
statement has doubled in price and halved
spirit this produces, but also the remoteness
in availability.
of these locations - scattered from Mount Fuji to the north island of Hokkaidō - that
Japanese distillers are now going to have
makes these distilleries comparable to
to turn their beautiful mountside distilleries
Scotland’s rocky island retreats.
into hardworking factories, creating whisky they don’t have time to age. So what’s
The look and feel of Japan’s sophisticated
really running thin, is whiskies sprinkled
shelf candy doesn’t hurt either. “It has
with maturation. Age statements such as
a sleek appeal. The Japanese have a
15 and 18 years are already a thing of the
reputation for ceremony and refinement,”
past. Lemura’s Smith Street bar is one of
says Albert Chan of pan-Asian bar and
two venues to obtain the only Australian
eatery, The Brunswick Mess Hall. “You can
shipment of Yamazaki 18. “Whisky drinkers
see it in their culture from tea ceremonies
from novices to experts alike need to seize
and food presentation to the rigorous long
the opportunity to try these drams before
steps you have to take to even become a
they are gone forever,” he says.
bartender in Japan.” Here are our picks for trying the last Since winning numerous awards - including Yamazaki’s
trumping
of
Nipponese nips:
established
Scottish distilleries for Jim Murray’s Best
BRUNSWICK MESS HALL
in The World title - demand has grown
400 Sydney Road, Brunswick
exponentially. When they first started really kicking into gear last century, it was almost
ROBOT BAR
impossible for Japanese whisky makers to
12 Bligh Place, Melbourne
have the foresight required to meet today’s THE NOBLE EXPERIMENT
demand for their premium product.
248 Smith St, Collingwood “Distilleries are finding it hard to keep up with the demand of the consumer –
HIHOU
there is simply not enough liquid,” says
Upstairs, 1 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Daniel
Lemura
of
Collingwood’s
The
Noble Experiment. Remote and high in tax
HEIRLOOM
levies, Australia’s access to single malts
131 Bourke Street, Melbourne
from the Asian powerhouse is particularly diminishing. Perusing the range at newly
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DENIS THE MENACE 106-108 Chestnut Street, Richmond. Ph: 03 9428 8010
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY DAVID HAGGER
Adam Wilkinson – one of the creators behind Prahran’s St Edmond’s
Denis the Menace is a large and inviting space; a secret unexpected world
- has launched Denis the Menace in Cremorne with a responsibility
not evident from the modest street frontage. Sitting on some reconstructed
to sustainability, together with light-hearted fun and ever-important
apple crates among an internal forest made up of cumquat trees, diners
Melbourne good coffee and cuisine. We were invited to check it out!
will be able to see Denis’ Barista Damon Glover donning a Wootten apron made from hemp and organic cotton and brewing Seven Seeds coffee
The World Loves Melbourne looks for points of difference in a sea of cafes.
for the masses. Diners can also treat themselves to an endless supply of
Denis the Menace provides that uniqueness. Tucked away in a converted
sparkling filtered mineral water, for after the coffee hit.
up-cycled warehouse on Chestnut Street, Cremorne, the venue has been made entirely of reconstructed materials collected over time by Wilkinson.
The licensed 100pax café has been designed by eco-architect, Simon
It has that grungy but attractive look - well thought out with a dash of
Cookes from Duckbuild, who has created an environmentally friendly space
Melbourne quirk.
with solar panels, recycled timber cladding and all the playful trimmings of one’s youth. Staying to true his environmental message, Wilkinson sourced
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Not forgetting about meals for those with mini humans, you’ll also find simple pleasures like the ham and cheese toastie. Denis the Menace offers lunch fillers such as ‘A bowl full of yum’, a ‘Kind of like mums roast’ or a ‘Mr Wilson’ sandwich, which attract hordes of Cremorne corporates. Denis the Menace is a cafe we want to return to; a great haven to relax and enjoy the company of friends, with a menu that provides winning options for all. Denis the Menace ticks all the boxes and provides several talking points of difference. Highly recommended.
hundreds of old Carlton Draught bottles for water glasses and will serve crockery from Kilman in Bendigo and vintage ‘Little Miss Sunshine’ sugar bowls on all tables. While in the verdant courtyard, worm farm complete with 1200 worms are busy doing their bit for Mother Nature. While the fit out excites, so does the food. The menu lends itself to healthy style eating. While we are down with this we chose the Classic Stuff Eggs Benedict with organic ham, tomato and Gruyere cheese. This is a harmony with the gruyere a stand out with classic combination of first class organic ham and perfectly cooked eggs. A keeper. We further induled with a bowl of chips as a side (they made this for us during breakfast).
DENIS THE MENACE 106-108 Chestnut Street, Richmond Ph: 03 9428 8010 denisthemenace.com.au facebook.com/denisthemenacecafe instagram.com/denisthemenacecafe
Chef Simon Neale can be viewed in the open kitchen preparing his cleverly crafted menu, overseen by Charlie Goldsmith. The menu, which embodies the playful sprit of Denis the Menace, opens with quick and easy options such as fancy toast, running late roti, or a super start. Secondly, options include an ‘Avo, we’ve met before’, a ‘Watashi Wa Dennis’, or a ‘Big green food fight’. Here is the ‘Avo, we’ve met before’ with added sausages (delightful) and two perfectly cooked eggs with killer smashed avo and heirloom tomatoes, marinated feta, breakfast radishes, and fresh mint and basil pulled from the neighbour’s garden. What a rewarding breakfast dish! A playful menu but it also has substance!
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MAMMOTH CAFE 736 Malvern Road, Armadale, Ph: 03 9824 5239
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY LISA HOLMAN
There’s a lot of brunch cafes in Melbourne at the moment delivering a lot of
It’s a great looking cafe, light and airy throughout; the kind of cafe you
style over substance. Would you like to have some dehydrated strawberries
could linger easily for a couple of hours soaking up the morning sunshine
on your bircher this morning? Or perhaps some cured wallaby with your
and enjoying a perfectly brewed Five Senses Coffee. The cafe is full of a
scrambled eggs? Don’t get me wrong, I do love an inventive brunch like
mix of yummy mummy’s, fitness enthusiasts, hipster types and average
the best of us, but not if it gets in the way of flavour. It seems that the
Joe’s, just like me.
Melbourne brunch scene is getting a bit fussy for it’s own good. I guess a big fry up isn’t considered pretty or “Instagram worthy” these days, so
The fitout is designed by Techne Architects and has a semi Scandi feel
chefs are being pushed to the brink to make their food look pretty.
with its blonde timber frames and white exposed brick. The interior is brightened by an ocean blue coloured bar and metal fittings.
Like half of the Melbourne food bloggers on Instagram, I visited the newly opened Mammoth Cafe in Armadale last weekend, the brainchild of Jamie
The menu is pretty much as fussy as they come when it comes to brunch.
and Loren McBride – the husband and wife duo behind Melbourne brunch
But it’s clever, fun and exciting – designed around flavours that will excite
hot spots Touchwood and Barry.
and challenge the taste buds.
It’s no surprise that it’s been invented
by Emma Jeffrey (ex-Hammer and Tong). There’s a grilled lychee and Only a stone’s throw from Toorak Train Station, the cafe is housed within a
passionfruit chia pudding served with macadamia, hemp seed crumble
gorgeous iconic building on a corner allotment.
and blood orange and a ridiculously devilish looking cherry lamington puffed pancake paired with cherry jam and dark chocolate ice-cream. You can also choose to have some egg and bacon popcorn as a side order. Or round off your meal with a Golden Gaytime panna cotta teamed with honeycomb, sablé biscuit and chocolate coated popping candy. After much deliberation, I ordered the coconut yoghurt custard ($14.50), a ridiculously good looking dish, full of eye popping colour. The custard was a little dry for my liking but had a nice taste, moistened by dollops of strawberry puree. A salad of fresh strawberries were served on top, accompanied by a dehydrated strawberry crisp and a raw buckwheat and wattle seed granola which provided a nice textural mix. And don’t forget the edible flowers! Perhaps a little overkill but it did make the dish look even extra pretty.
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Since opening, the North Shore has developed a huge following amongst brunch enthusiasts. The picture perfect dish is plated into a sumptuous quad of smokey ham hock, flame grilled pineapple, a tabasco and jalapeno popper and poached eggs. The golden baked hash was executed beautifully, combining well with the spicy popper and the pineapple, crowed with a crispy layer of caramelised sugar. It may not be to everyone’s taste buds but I loved it. Of course no brunch trip is complete without a coffee, and my Five Senses flat white went down a treat! I can’t wait to go back and order more from the menu. It’s great to see a cafe that is plating up such delicious looking food but it tastes great too! I’ve got my eyes on the lobster donut burger paired with green mango and papaya slaw. Highlight – The coconut yoghurt custard – a light alternative for the morning. Low light – The crowds! Get here early to avoid being disappointed. MAMMOTH CAFE 736 Malvern Road, Armadale PH: 9824 5239 eatmammoth.com instagram.com/eatmammoth
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PRE-XMAS NEWSFLASH: PLASTIC PENS DON’T CUT THE MUSTARD ANYMORE. SURPRISE STAFF & CLIENTS WITH SOMETHING THAT LASTS*
C U S TO M BRANDED P R O M OT I O N A L P R O D U CT S for staff and clients you REALLY want to kiss, but can’t.
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*yes, technically we will still sell you plastic pens. but, ONLY at your request, and ONLY the best damn plastic pens you’ll find anywhere, and no less.
THINGS WE LOVE GRAM FEATURE
WIN 1 OF 2 $500 SOUTH MELBOURNE MARKET VOUCHERS!
Fancy getting your hands on $500 to spend at South Melbourne Market? With over 140 stalls, you can shop for everything from delicious fresh produce to flowers, clothing, homewares, toys and beauty products. For the chance to WIN visit southmelbournemarket.com.au or complete an entry form in the Market. Good luck! SOUTHMELBOURNEMARKET.COM.AU
win
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SERVING ESPRESSO WITH STYLE Coffee Caboose is a pop up espresso bar/mobile coffee cart that is available for hire. We will come to you at your trade show, corporate event, conference, product launch, birthday, wedding or special event - and provide you with specialty coffee, fresh and stylish catering, drinks and cocktails - all served by our professional and dynamic staff. ‘Exceptional coffee and food and impeccable service for every event in every location’. • Hiring a coffee cart couldn’t be easier. • Our coffee carts are versatile to fit and run from anywhere • Delivered and set up by professional technicians • Tagged and Tested to meet industry standards and safety. • Covered by a $10m public liability insurance policy. Coffee Caboose can also provide a delicious selection of Noisette pastries and cakes, gourmet sandwiches and rolls, authentic Spanish paella and tapas cooked onsite, elegant cocktails and speciality tea and cold drinks to compliment your your coffee cart hire. Our carts are also available for ‘ hire only’ For trained operators who wish to make their own coffee. Coffee Caboose can customise your event with unique styling and hand painted/printed branding or merchandise. WWW.COFFEECABOOSE.COM.AU
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THREE ONE 2 ONE
424 Bridge Rd, Richmond. Ph: 03 9429 4409
WORDS MEGAN BEATRICE JACKSON PHOTOGRAPHY MEGAN BEATRICE JACKSON AND JAB ANDERSON
Jab is a street photographer raised and based in Melbourne but is from Auckland, NZ. He started taking street shots in 2013 when he found himself on the street temporarily. jabstreets.square space.com | instagram.com/jabstreets
Let’s draw a map, find a path, take a breath and run. After travelling the world for over a year, it was only when we were stranded in Bali and living in the paradise island of Gili T awaiting my passport to be renewed, that the glimmer of going to Australia was a nothing but a dream. Christmas was approaching with our imaginations surfing in the sea where palm trees would replace pine and playing around with this idea in our wanderlust minds, we looked up flights: $75 from Bali to Australia. And in a heartbeat, we booked a one-way ticket. — ONE WEEK LATER — All of our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them. As I walked down the sunny streets of Melbourne, the aromatic smell of espresso fills the air. I can’t believe it’s December and it’s “summer”. Born and raised in Canada, over these months you would expect slushy pavements and frost on the windshield, but no, not here, not in this dream of a place I randomly landed on. This city is hot, sunny, fresh, energetic, electric. This place I knew, was going to be my new home. Walking past the endless amounts of cafes and coffeeshops, I quickly realise the magnificent culture that is Melbourne —coffee. And let me tell you, what a serendipitous happenstance that I ended up in this city as it was always my childhood best friend and I — it was our dream to one day open our own holistic, character-filled, vibrant and earthy, veggie-filled cafe. Not really having any bearings of where I was, I peaked my head into a cafe window and read: Avocado Smashed accompanied with feta, pistachios and blood orange segments. Avo…. need I say more?! And the next thing I know, I am perched up inside the cafe sitting on the couch with a soy chai latte with a dash of honey, awaiting my brunch to be served. My first week in Melbourne and I ordered a soy chai latte with a dash of honey —I’m a natural I know. It’s meant to be! As I was admiring the details of the cafe, rhinos in all shapes and sizes were everywhere along with little lego houses in the brick walls. My eyes danced across the cafe and were instantly drawn to a very colourfully vibrant image, GRAM Magazine. And let me tell you, it was definitely love at first sight. From that moment, I knew that I had to be a part of it. Nothing else mattered, whether it be an internship, volunteer work, paid or unpaid, hey I would do it for free! I just knew deep down inside that this was exactly what fuelled me. My passion in it all, in everything delicious that GRAM has to offer.
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I noticed on the first page the editor’s email address and without any
and joy I experience every single day, from that day we met. That day
hesitation and with profound excitement, I started composing an email
changed my life as it transformed my dream of a passion into a reality.
to the editor. Probably about two coffees and five pages later, I told her
I’ve always called Melbourne dreamland, but I suppose it isn’t a sweet
everything: I told her my passion for life, my love for everything delicious,
dream anymore. Melbourne life is a reality now —a magnificent, beautiful,
my adventures abroad, my creative ability to seek beautiful in the
delicious, coffee flavoured reality.
mundane and above all, I told her my story. I finished my delicious avocado smash, ordered another soy chai latte for the road and danced out of the cafe feeling so fortunate to be living in a place I knew nothing about, yet
— ONE YEAR LATER —
somehow embraced the uncertainty that for what was to come, was going
You can like the life you’re living, or you can live the life you love.
to be something magnificent. I met a guy. An Irish guy named Ryan and after one of the most — ONE MONTH LATER —
spontaneously memorable and fun first dates I’ve ever been on (we’ll save
Cultivate the habit of being grateful.
that story for another time) it was on our second date that he took me out for brunch. Again not really having any bearings of where I was, I do
It was exactly one month later that I received an email from Jess, the editor
however remember as clear as day, walking around the corner to his local
of GRAM inviting me for a coffee. Words cannot express the gratefulness
with the biggest smile on my face, taking a deep breath with the aromatic
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smell of coffee filling my lungs, and for a split second experiencing a
almost every single day. Where the humans working there are not staff but
slight feeling of familiarity and intrigue as we arrived. We sat outside
friends, where you can taste the best soy chai lattes in town, where you
but I couldn’t help myself as I hopped to the door and peaked my nose
can save rhinos in Africa while enjoying some delicious food, and where
through the window. I instantly thought, I’ve been here before. But when?
you can take a moment to pursue your passions and take a few first dates
My eyes quickly danced across the entire cafe: brick walls, lego houses,
to find love.
rhinos everywhere and alas in the corner of the cafe in front of the beloved espresso machine, GRAM Magazine. This was the cafe where it all began. — THREE ONE 2 ONE — Serendipity; the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way. A fortunate stoke of serendipity, from the first week arriving in Melbourne sitting in this cafe picking up and reading GRAM, to a year later meeting Ryan and taking me out for brunch— wow. Since then, over half a year has gone by and Three One 2 One has become my very own local that I go to
THREE ONE 2 ONE
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DELHI STREETS 22 Katherine Place, Melbourne. Ph: 03 9629 2620
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY RICKY SAM
The streets of India has made it’s way to the streets of Melbourne. More
savoury crepe filled with curried potatoes and did I mention deep fried
specifically, in the street known as The Archway in Katherine Place, the
naan? The list goes on.
up and coming food precinct in ‘the other side’ of Melbourne’s CBD. Delhi Streets focuses on street style Indian food spread across the popular north,
As we fully stuff our faces with fragrant spices it’s time to sweeten things
where it rains curry and scrumptious south where the staple is briyani and
up. Asian dessert aren’t always a winner but at Delhi Street’s, they’ve hit
dosa.
the nail on the head. I mean, Nutella naan. Need I say more? Oh but I do. Carrot Halwa; grated carrot soaked in what may be condensed milk
The street style take adds a lot of heart and soul with no snobby noses or
topped with almond and pistachio. Kulfi ice cream; pistachio, cardamom,
polished marble in sight. The decor is purposely decked out in ripped street
saffron, cinnamon. Gulab Jamun; cottage cheese doughnuts drenched in
posters, rustic signs and even decorative rubbish bags. Luckily they’re just
syrup.
decorative. Another positive for being ‘Street Food’ is affordability. Delhi Streets has been crowned Good Food Guide’s Melbourne Best Cheap Eats.
For a cheap and un-pretentious dinner in the city Delhi Streets is a winner.
The menu is full of Indian words, some of which you may have never heard
I can’t pick a favourite but if I can offer any advice I would say sharing is
of before; Pani puri, chaat, naan, kulfi, dosa, biryani, thali, etc. When it’s in
caring and do NOT leave without dessert.
another language, you know it’s got to be authentic. DELHI STREETS Pani Puri, very much a ‘hands on’ dish with crispy lentil cracker balls stuffed with potatoes, chickpeas, onions and tamarind spiced chutney served with spiced water. Pour the spiced water into the crater of the puff and let your mouth explode. Note to self, do not eat and Snapchat simultaneously.
22 Katherine Place PH: 9629 2620 delhistreets.com.au facebook.com/DelhiStreetsAU twitter.com/delhistreets instagram.com/delhistreets
Other dishes on the menu include The Bhel Puri; puffed rice Indian salad, puffed rice, sweet and sour, crunchy, delicious. Thali which consists of naan, rice, poppadom, accompanied with raita, dahl and curries. Dosa; crispy
or pro f t a H s ’ se Chef u o t e heir s t , t n e I choo m mer y equip o t t i s l u a t c i t p hos e, grea g n a r ice... e v v r i e s s n e e l t ex t reliNaTbELMO s a f d n care a N – HEAD CHEF SA CHRIS
MORA
www.chefshat.com.au
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CHAI PANCAKES WITH CHAI POACHED PEARS WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY IRON CHEF SHELLIE
I was never really a coffee person, always a tea person. Don’t get me
Luckily they have been successful and I can get it at a lot of places
wrong, I do drink coffee, but I could probably count the amount of
now, including country towns.
coffees per year I drink on both my hands. When chai hit the trend in Melbourne, I had no idea what I had been missing out on all these
I decided to have a chai-inspired breakfast one morning. Admittedly,
years. Now after years of drinking it, I’ve become a bit of a chai snob.
it took longer to prepare than most breakfasts, but sometimes you
Just like coffee snobs, I’ve have my favourite blends, don’t like the
just gotta ‘treat yoself’! After poaching the pears, you are left with
instant stuff and don’t go putting too much water or burning my
this liquid gold chai syrup that you can pour over your pancakes,
milk!
and keep for any future pancakes or french toast breakfasts. The pancakes are super fluffy, and with the chai infusion, for me it was
My all time favourite chai blend is by the guys at Prana Chai. It’s a wet chai mix, with the right amount of every spice for my palette.
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the stuff of dreams!
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INGREDIENTS
METHOD
CHAI PANCAKES
POACH THE PEARS: Place the water, sugar, tea bags,
1 1/2 cups chai infused milk
cinnamon and cardamom in a medium saucepan over high
1 egg
heat and bring to the boil. Remove the tea bags and add the
2 cups self-raising flour
pears.
1/4 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda 1/3 cup caster sugar
Cover with a piece of non-stick baking paper and top with a
25g butter, melted
small plate or lid to weigh down the pears.
CHAI POACHED PEARS
Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 35–40 minutes
1 litre water
or until the pears are soft.
1½ cups (330g) caster (superfine) sugar 2 chai tea bags
Carefully remove the pears from the syrup, increase the
1 cinnamon stick
heat to high and cook for 20–25 minutes, or until thickened
3 cardamom pods, crushed
slightly.
4 x medium pears, peeled TO MAKE THE PANCAKES; Whisk milk, and egg together in a jug. Sift flour and bicarbonate of soda into a bowl. Stir in sugar. Make a well in centre. Add milk mixture. Whisk until just combined. Heat a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Brush pan with butter. Using 1/4 cup mixture per pancake, cook two pancakes for three to four minutes or until bubbles appear on surface. Turn and cook for three minutes or until cooked through. Transfer to a plate. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm. Repeat with remaining mixture, brushing pan with butter between batches. Divide pancakes evenly on four plates, top with a pear and spoon the syrup over the pears to serve.
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REVIEWS BLACK VELVET COFFEE - TINY DANCER BLEND WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY DEAN SCHMIDEG The most precious gems are usually the hardest to
name suggests this is a celebration of South American
find, and the same goes for really awesome coffee.
coffee using three beans from Brazil, Colombia and
Obviously there are brands and cafes that get lots
Guatemala. When combined you have an intensely
of publicity and everyone knows, but sometimes you
rich brew, sweet and nutty, with caramel tones and a
happen across something new being done somewhere
slight fruity tinge to give brightness to the cup. Served
established and it makes you stand up and take
as an alternate blend at Street Talk, it is amazingly
notice. Not too far from where I live is a cafe called
balanced and there are customers who always put
Street Talk Espresso in Armadale, the place has been
sugar in their coffee and find they don’t have to with
there for ages and I never thought to drop in. One
the Project Andes. Black or white, it’s an absolute
of those little cafes you just drive past and forget
pleasure to drink and as The Agency Espresso
about....until the day I walked through the door and
launches officially this month on the Melbourne coffee
met Dean and Korina Fourtzis, the husband and wife
scene, I think a lot of people will want to get their
team who took over the place six years ago. Not only
hands on it. Other than wholesale, the coffee will also
did I have great food and coffee but I also discovered
be available to purchase from the website.
that for the past four years Dean has been roasting and serving his own coffee blend called Fifth Avenue.
No need to book a sherpa and climb a mountain to
Recently, word spread amongst those in the know and
get to Project Andes, you’ll find it at -
he started being asked by customers if he would sell it for home use, but when two other cafes approached
Street Talk Espresso - 710 High St Armadale
Dean about using his coffee in their own cafes, he
Basil & Macrina - 2a Macrina St Oakleigh East
decided it was time to ramp things up.
Foddies - 181 Victoria Ave Albert Park
In 2015 The Agency Espresso was born, however wanting to keep the Fifth Avenue five bean blend for his cafe only, Dean created Project Andes. As the
BRIDGE ROAD PALE ALE WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY ON THE BANDWAGON In the heart of Victoria’s high country sits the beautiful
schedule, to ask him why his Pale Ale was widely regarded
town of Beechworth where locals are more than
as one of the finest in Australia. “I think it would be its
comfortable punching above their weight. Beechworth
continual development over the past 10 years. This is the
Bakery, Beechworth Honey, Giaconda Vineyard and
beer we hang our hat on here at the brewery and we are
multi-award winning restaurant Provenance are all widely
always striving for perfection. We’re pretty happy with it
known, successful and synonymous with Beechworth
at the moment, but if we see a way to improve we have no
and high quality.
problem to tweak the recipe from one week to the next.” I must admit, the latest addition is a tad bolder than the
Beechworth Brewery, and their Pale Ale, sit comfortably
first Beechworth Pale Ale I drank in 2008, but the main
amongst their fellow local heroes. Owner and founder,
characteristics remain the same - a smooth mouth feel,
Ben Kraus is as fanatical and passionate about promoting
solid malt backbone and beautifully aromatic hop profile.
his home town (follow his cycling photos of the day
The 2015 version features a slight citrus, stonefruit and
on Instagram @NakedNed) as he is about producing
floral aroma no doubt to satisfy the evolving palate of
consistent and interesting beers, which incidentally aptly
their new and old customers.
describe this particular beer – Consistent, interesting and The best place to drink this beer is at the picturesque
often described Beechworth’s Pale Ale as “my Carlton
brewery in Beechworth, but failing that, it is widely
ABV: 4.8%
Draught”, meaning of course that it’s my go-to beer,
available throughout Victoria. I can also recommend
STYLE: New World Pale Ale
always ensuring that there is a 6 pack sitting in my fridge.
joining the Beechworth Brewery Posse because who
SERVING TEMP: 4 degrees
It satisfies the palates of both sets of friends that all craft
doesn’t love a slab of old and new favourites delivered
ORIGIN: Beechworth, Victoria
beer lovers have – those that like craft, and those that are
to your door!? Trust me when I say the Beechworth Pale
FOOD PAIRING: Spicy Thai or Indian
either oblivious or stubborn when it comes to good beer.
Ale is a dependable and enjoyable drinking experience.
PRICE (RRP): Takeaway $4 | 330ml $75 carton Restaurant $8-9 BUY IT HERE: www.bridgeroadbrewers.com.au
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to the die-hard fan like me, consistently interesting. I have
I interrupted Ben during his busy brewing and travel
Cheers!
SANTOLIN Nero d’Avola 2014 Heathcote, Victoriaq
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY LA DONNA DEL VINO
ON INSTAGRAM THIS MONTH SOME OF THE BEST SNAPS WE SPIED THIS MONTH.
@davehagerman
@gorillaz_07
@wilopizza
@doughboysdoughnuts
@ieatblog
@zaccharybird
I once wrote a blog post (back in 2012 when I had time for that sort of caper) about the importance of Italian grape varieties to the Australian wine industry. Suffice to say that my stance still remains. As time passes, there are now many more examples of where Italian grape varieties are outperforming traditional French varieties in the warmer climates of Australia. Nero d’Avola is such a grape. With probably the most exotic sounding name, this black grape variety, which hails from Sicily in Italy’s south, loves the heat. And Heathcote in central Victoria sure knows how to put on that heat. Adrian Santolin is the young and talented winemaker, who was also a recent nominee of the Young Guns of Wine awards held in Melbourne. Adrian was pretty easy on the winemaking, allowing wild yeasts and whole berries to do most of the work. A little seasoned oak for ten months created a medium bodied style with aromas of boysenberry, blackcurrant and rum. The palate is overall soft all the way to the finish, with supple texture and juicy acidity to balance everything out. It was not a difficult feat to finish a bottle between two in one night, I must say. Try it with grilled vegetables and meats or some charcuterie. Stockist: Prince Wine Store, South Melbourne, or on premise at Mr Wolf and Supernormal.
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OUT AND ABOUT A SECRET GARDEN BY TOMMY COLLINS LAUNCH
HOPHAUS INAUGURAL DACHSHUND RACE 2015
Melbourne welcomed the launch of A Secret Garden by Tommy Collins in October - a spectacular, open-air event space above Federation Square that enjoys 360 degree views of the Melbourne city skyline and Yarra River.
On Saturday September 19 Hophaus Bavarian Bier Bar Grill along with My Dachshund Online got together to bring Melbourne the ‘Hophaus Inaugural Dachshund Race’. #hophausdachyrace
The Secret Garden is available for hire for a range of major events such as weddings, Christmas functions, exclusive chef dinners, product launches, and fashion runways.
Thanks to everyone who came along, helping raise just over $3900 for Dachshund Rescue Australia.
THE DIARY
November 12 - 15
TASTE OF MELBOURNE Albert Park
November 10
HUXTABLE VS. MS COLLINS Ms Collins - 425 Collins St, Melbourne
This November, two Melbourne foodie giants Huxtable and Ms Collins battle it out for a throwdown between each venue. Watch this years Good Food Guide Chef Hat awarded chef Daniel Wilson (Huxtable) and Daniel Poyner (Ms Collins), fire up the stoves and prepare their pans for the ultimate cook off at Melbourne’s Ms Collins. Eat, drink and vote for your favourite. $125 per person | Six plates two mains and one dessert from each chef) plus matching wines. Bookings essential: (03) 8614 2222 or info@mscollins.com.au
Taste of Melbourne is a stunning celebration of Melbourne’s unique and progressive dining scene. Graze through your dream tasting menu designed from a selection of over 50 tasting dishes crafted by Melbourne’s latest, greatest and hottest restaurants including Circa, The Prince, MoVida, Pastuso, Supernormal and many more. Located at the picturesque lakeside lawns of Albert Park, sit back and enjoy live entertainment, shopping from artisan producers, or test your culinary skills in a host of exciting masterclasses. Tickets start from $25.49 and can be booked online at Ticketex or at the gate. Going from November 12 to 15, you will have plenty of opportunities to explore delicious dishes, unique markets at the Artisans Producers Market, and other attractions. tasteofmelbourne.com.au
November 21
SUPER TUSCAN LUNCH Delatite Winery, Corner of Stoneys and Pollards Road, Mansfield
Celebrating the inaugural release of the Delatite’s Donald’s Block Reserve Cabernet Merlot, David Ritchie, Vigneron, will be hosting a lunch of delicious Tuscan dishes (two courses plus cheese platters) matched with Delatite Wines, including the Donald’s Block Cabernet Merlot. A special treat will be the chance to savour some special Super Tuscan wines. delatitewinery.com.au/events
November 12-29
NIGHT NOODLE MARKETS November 11
SEVEN SIDES OF JAPAN Koko, 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank
Excite your senses with a tempting menu at Koko, as Crown celebrate The Age Good Food Month. For a tranquil setting and all the flavours of Asia, Koko offers dishes that are sure to please any palate. Indulge in the Seven Sides of Japan menu a delectable seven-course dining experience paired with Penfolds wines as Crown celebrate The Age Good Food Month.
Birrarung Marr
More bars, more noodles, more nights and brighter lights! The Night Noodle Markets are back for 18 nights this November, once again lighting up the banks of the Yarra at Birrarung Marr with a record 56 stalls, three bars andthe luxurious Citi Concierge is back in the Citi VIP dining area. Expect to see old favourites like Longrain, Wonderbao, Red Spice Road and Hoy Pinoy return with their signature dishes as well as some brand new flavours from dumpling experts Din Tai Fung, Delhi Streets and Asian new kids on the block Hawker Hall joining sister venues Kong and Chin Chin.
From $185 per person.
Don’t miss out on international guest chef Diego Munoz from Astrid y Gaston, number 14 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, serving up Peruvian Japanese delights at the Lady Carolina pop-up. As usual, best to take public transport and get in early to avoid the queues!
Visit the Crown Melbourne website to view menus and make bookings.
Monday–Wednesday 5pm–9pm | Thursday-Friday 5pm–11pm | Saturday 2pm–10pm | Sunday 2pm–9pm
November 14 - 15
MACEDON RANGES FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL
November 28-29
SWEETFEST
Meat Market, 5 Blackwood Street, North Melbourne
A two-day celebration of all things baked, fried, whipped, iced and colourful. Tour the city’s sweetest market and purchase delicious treats from a range of sweet superstars including Black Star Pastry, St Gerry’s, N2 Extreme Gelato and Luxbite, and hit the bar for boozy spiders and sparkling cocktails from Redbank. Masterclass demonstrations include the American heroes of soft-serve, Big Gay Ice Cream (New York); dessert queen Philippa ‘Snickers Dessert’ Sibley; king of dessert-for-dinner degustations Pierre Roelofs (Melbourne); and the cocktail wizards from Melbourne’s internationally renowned Black Pearl. $20pp includes entry to the Sweetfest marketplace, masterclasses (limited seating available) and a complimentary glass of Redbank Emily Brut Cuvée. Kids under 12 free.
Macedon Ranges
Session One - 9:00am - 1:00pm, Session Two - 2:00pm - 6:00pm Budburst has a new name and this year we have even more to celebrate. We invite you to join the Macedon Ranges winegrowers celebrating 25 years of the festival with our new name and a new look – the Macedon Ranges Wine and Food Festival.
for a single weekend of stunning wine, mouthwatering food and great music and entertainment. This year over 20 wineries will have more than 100 exceptional wines for tasting that can often only be sourced at the cellar door. It is an event not to be missed.
Each spring for 25 years, boutique wineries and restaurants nestled within the spectacular Macedon Ranges have thrown open their doors
macedonrangeswine.com.au
melbourne.goodfoodmonth.com/ sweetfest
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Buy online at www.matchamaiden.com or try it out in one of our 500+ stores and cafes (members of the matcha family listed on the website) GET INSPIRED WITH ALL THE GREEN GOODNESS ON OUR INSTAGRAM @MATCHA_MAIDEN
THE GRAM DIRECTORY PROMOTE YOUR BRAND IN GRAM FOR AS LITTLE AS $120 (+GST)
CONTACT US TODAY TO FIND OUT HOW ADVERTISING@GRAMMAGAZINE.COM.AU
ADVERTISERS DIRECTORY CEDAR HOSPITALITY 223 - 231 Brunswick Road Brunswick Phone: 03 9387 4455 cedarhospitality.com CHEF’S HAT 131 Cecil St South Melbourne Phone: 03 9682 1441 chefshat.com.au COFFEE CABOOSE PHONE: 0407 864 068 coffeecaboose@gmail.com coffeecaboose.com.au HEATHCOTE WINEGROWERS PO Box 446, Heathcote heathcotewinegrowers.com.au GISBORNE PEAK WINERY 69 Short Rd, Gisborne PHONE: 5428 2228 gisbornepeakwines.com.au
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MATCHA MAIDEN hello@matchamaiden.com matchamaiden.com MT MARTHA VILLAS 538 Esplanade, Mt Martha (03) 5974 8799 mtmarthavillas.com.au SOUTH MELBOURNE MARKET Corner of Coventry and Cecil Streets, South Melbourne PHONE: 03 9209 6295 southmelbournemarket.com.au SPIRAL FOODS Unit 12, 51 Moreland Road Coburg PHONE: 8616 7800 spiralfoods.com.au SQUARE sales-au@squareup.com squareup.com/au
YARRA VALLEY DIARY 70-80 McMeikans Rd, Yering yvd.com.au
THE GRAM STORE NOW OPEN WWW.THEGRAMSTORE.COM.AU
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