A small shout-out to the suburb where I grew up. Glen Waverley is home to Victoria’s Police Academy, where cadets undoubtedly partake in the same 80s-style hijinks as seen in the movies.
La Paloma is my local, my regular stop for coffee and tortilla. The atmosphere is unpretentious and the handwritten menu is simple, fresh and delicious, featuring Argentinian empanadas, shakshuka, beans and churros.
Fresh is best. The best place in Melbourne for fresh cheese. The Buffalo Mozzarella and the creamy Ricotta are to die for. I used to have to wait years and fly half way across the globe to my home in Italy just to bite into one of these creamy morsels of goodness. Now my life can be defined by the ‘pre La Latteria period’ and the ‘post La Latteria period’.
Located in the central district of Melbourne, Curtain house is home to some of Melbourne's cool bars and boutique store's. Including Cookie, Rooftop Cinema & Bar, Metropolis book store. Collectors Corner and Perks and Mini's Flagship store, Someday.
Believe it or not, if you drive far enough from the city, the Yarra River is a beautiful place to spend a Summer's day swimming. Warrandyte is a haven of shady gumtrees, flowing rapids, and rocks to perch yourself on while the water rushes past. Bring beers, but esky optional - the water is cool enough to keep them chilled all day.
Melbourne is renowned for its Street Art and Graffiti. It's rare to see a lane way in the city with blank walls. Stencils, paste ups, stickers, grafs, little sculptures, anything goes really. I like walking through the city lane ways discovering new pieces. Especially where I least expect to find something. Occasionally I add something of my own.