Melbourne - Food Capital, VICTORIA
Airing Date: May 2nd, 2005
Jerry's milk bar is one of Melbourne's favourite places to eat breakfast, but it still retains it quaint airy charm of an old 60's milk bar, bright and cheery. It is the perfect place to read the paper and eat hash browns, eggs of any kind, sausages and delicious sour dough toast, plus great coffee of course!
Yes, the breakfasts are famous, but perhaps they really come for the lollies! What's a milk bar without sweets? The old fashioned lolly counter is still there so you can stock up on all the old favourites from your childhood!
Queen Victoria Market is more than just Melbourne's shopping central - it's an historic landmark, a tourist attraction and an institution for Melburnians. This vast and vibrant centre of trade and commerce was officially opened on 20 March 1878 and has served consumers needs for more than 120 years. Last year the Market had over 9.5 million visitors.
Spread over 7 hectares, it is the largest open air market in the southern hemisphere. Almost one thousand traders sell everything from exotic Australian fruit and vegetables and local and imported gourmet foods, meat, fish and poultry to hardware, manchester, clothing and authentic Australian artefacts and souvenirs.
Mecca Bah has great Middle Eastern food, modern dcor and a great menu. It also won Cheap Eats best spot for 2003 and Pizza of the Year. Enter Mecca Bah and you will feel like you have stepped into a Moroccan eating-house - albeit with a uniquely Melbourne twist, situated on a pontoon literally positioned over the water at NewQuay in the heart of the Docklands. Comfortable couches to sink into, warm earthy colours and fabrics, a tagine-shaped open fire place and crockery imported from Tunisia combine to give the restaurant a rustic, ethnic feel. Diners are encouraged to enjoy an informal, communal dining experience as they gaze across Victoria Harbour and the city skyline. The colours, sights and delicious smells from the open kitchen fill the air with anticipation for the exotic taste and spices of the east.
The best way to experience Mecca Bah is to select a number of small dishes and share them with your friends. It is easy to make up a main meal from a few mezze dishes such as Mecca Bah dips and bread or Spicy Kofte balls, and then, if you still feel hungry, sample some Moroccan spiced calamari or a Garlic chicken kebab from the grill. Excellent with a cold glass of wine or a beer!
Taxi is also a very hip place to eat in Melbourne. The chef, Michael Lambie will wow you with his interpretation of Modern Australian cuisine with a Japanese twist. Taxi is the most exciting restaurant in Federation Square with its superb service and airy and comfortable space.
You can go to places like Taxi and more on a Round the World Progressive Dinner. Visit a number of Melbourne's array of world-class restaurants by organising a progressive dinner for your group, whether it be a corporate dinner, staff night out or a get-together with friends.
Tours are usually only for groups of 15 people so it's great for a group of friends but if there's only 2 of you, then you can also join one of the organised small group tours. Tour cost starts at $95 per person. This price depends on restaurant choice, group numbers and pick up location (generally for groups of 15+) and includes all food, some drinks, quality coach transport and an entertaining host.
Further information:
Qantas will fly you one way to Melbourne From $113 ex Sydney and $244 ex Perth
Prices available online only & include charges / taxes. Conditions apply.
Prices correct 1/4/05.
Stay in a serviced apartment at Somerset Gordon Place from $125 studio, $150 one bedroom and $250 two bedroom. Facilities include day spa & heated pool.
Somerset Gordon Place: Ph. 1800 766 377.
www.staysomerset.com.au.
A Round the World Progressive Dinner is from $95 a person, the next dinner is on May 13/5/05.
Time Out: Ph. 1300 66 86 86.
www.timeoutevents.com.au.
Taxi: Ph. (03) 9654 8808.
www.transporthotel.com.au.
Tourism Victoria
www.visitvictoria.com.au.
Prices correct at 02/05/05.
