I find as I've gotten older the days of venturing to the city for brunch or Saturday night cocktails becomes less common as sheer convenience becomes more appealing. That and the majority of my friends and acquaintances have now settled farther away from ideal city fringes. Considering this is the new norm for Gen-Yer's there's been a new trend in Melbourne's cafe culture in random gems in the most unlikely of places. Like lacklustre high street malls from our childhood are now being converted with contemporary eateries. Even odd residential corners and pockets that once would have been considered business suicide are proving otherwise. Take Left Field for example who to this day have a continuous stream of customers lining out past their doors.
While Jing Jing is located in a (somewhat) newer development in The Village, its position is another example of the new norm in restaurants. What was once typical of lifeless cafes and fast food eateries, food courts and sites accompanying supermarket chains are anything but drab. They're promptly filling up with innovative and polished spaces.
An ode to our generation trying to make our mark in the world.
Jing Jing specialises in authentic Thai cuisine and with an equally decadent interior combining a fusion of modern with Oriental this is a refreshing find. It is a space that personifies serenity. Much like the country itself where one happens to immediately associate and conjure pristine beaches and lush greenery. It is a peacefully cozy nook with many interior quirks from darkened wooden features to iconic galvanised iron and mismatched pendant lighting. Their vibrant, personalised wallpaper and illustrations are also a delight to the senses.
On the menu you'll find many of your typical Thai favourites, like Tom Yum and Pad Thai. There's even an vast array of Vegan and Vegetarian selections too, which is always a welcome relief for someone who doesn't overly favour meat. And while portion sizes are on the smaller side this negative is completely overshadowed by the freshness of the actual food. Presentation is also rather memorable and charming, considering stir-fry's and curry's are rarely becoming on the plate in terms of creative design. I'd say it's those gracefully quaint floral plates that wonderfully transport you back to your childhood or home. Back to memories of your grandmother or a satisfying home cooked meal by mum.
JING JING
The Village
125 Princes Hwy
DANDENONG, VIC
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"if you don't remember your past, you won't know your future
// george calombaris
Like Jimmy Grants, a casual Greek eatery by celebrity chef George Calombaris. While Greek fanfare is hardly uncommon these days, drawing inspiration from his Greek heritage George has reinvigorated a beloved classic, the humble souvlaki. More than just that iconic wrap with meat and lettuce, Jimmy Grants has elevated this culinary icon by fusing traditional concepts with favoured modern elements like aoili and some wonderfully unexpected amalgamations like the beef short ribs found in the Americano wrap. Though this type of reinvention is not solely limited to the cuisine but can be found through the decor and interior styling and architecture. One that is nostalgic of ones childhood. Of summers spent curiously inspecting galvanised garden sheds; of rummaging through your fathers tool collection. Utilitarian settings and dependable surroundings. A space where garden herbs and produce wafted in through rafters and perfumed that chaotic mess of metals; a space that was strangely ataractic.
Much like those effortless memories the overall dining experience is one that is uncomplicated and pleasant; more relaxed than the standard restaurant fare. A simplistic menu catering for all needs and service that seemingly feels on par with upscale fast-food chains like Grill'd or Nandos. Flavour wise food does not disappoint, especially the fries coated in herbs and dappled with feta cheese, robust in seasoning and bordering saltiness curtesy of that celebrated Greek cheese. The only downside was we found was the portion sizes were on the paltry side so we did unfortunately depart slightly unsatisfied. Regardless the experience and ambiance itself is worthwhile nonetheless and one that will leave you pinning for European soujorns and inspiriting family reunions.
JIMMY GRANTS
Eastland Shopping Centre
RINGWOOD, VIC
AUSTRALIA
03 8419 8818
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There's been a string of intriguing and stylish eateries popping up outside of popular high street locales in Melbourne; like Left Field and Sugar Buns for example. More and more youthfully renowned eateries are calling random street corners and outer suburbia home these days. Dare I say this has more to do with Melbourne's ridiculous housing and rental markets seeing Generation Y and younger pushed out further into the greater suburbs. Of course according to "expert" and very much infuriating Baby Boomer Bernard Salt, smashed avocado is what's keeping us out of the housing market. I could compile a thesis on how horrendously idiotic that statement is, but I'd rather not give such nonsense anymore airtime.
If you recall this previous post, I mentioned cravings for a chia pudding I'd consumed the other week. Its generous lashings of mango puree and delectably fresh seasonal fruits are what rekindled such fondness for it.
Well it was here in which such nostalgia took place.
Mr Black Juicery is located in Berwick, and while this suburb is hardly unusual, for me to find this kind of well-being centred eatery certainly feels so. This cafe is neatly ensconced away from the main street; it's brilliantly stark white facade and opulent warehouse-like arched windows are concealed by lush foliage. You'd expect such a nondescript exterior to attract little attention and yet this site is perpetually teeming with energy and verve; much like a well guarded secret.
And from stepping inside it's easy to comprehend why.
The interiors are industrial meets Australian Scandinavian design. A slick combination of monochrome commingled with natural elements like wooden slats and succulents. It's clean and beautifully uncomplicated, much like it's menu.
Or so it would have you believe with a simple page dedicated to either hydration or nourishment. The options may appear somewhat limited but the detail in each dish certainly compensates. From quinoa porridge compiled with coconut milk, dukkah, fresh fruit and apple and rhubarb compote to lunch bowls composed of buckwheat noodles, shredded vegetables, sprouts and served with miso soup and nori strips. (If you hadn't noted the above are two dishes I am very much eager to further examine.)
Hardly straightforward yet very much enticing.
Of course the main star that day was that now infamous chia pudding. An Instagrammable beauty, the creators masterpiece and a delightfully palatable dish for the patron. It was as delicious and as refreshing as it looks. And I personally adored that they shied away from the typical (overused) mason jar to a chic little presentation canister. And the accompaniment of a dollop of their in-house speciality, "coco whip", makes this hearty dish all kinds of amazing. Do yourself a favour and see for yourself. There's also a great selection of juices, smoothies and tea to accompany a health induced feast.
MR BLACK JUICERY
Well it was here in which such nostalgia took place.
Mr Black Juicery is located in Berwick, and while this suburb is hardly unusual, for me to find this kind of well-being centred eatery certainly feels so. This cafe is neatly ensconced away from the main street; it's brilliantly stark white facade and opulent warehouse-like arched windows are concealed by lush foliage. You'd expect such a nondescript exterior to attract little attention and yet this site is perpetually teeming with energy and verve; much like a well guarded secret.
And from stepping inside it's easy to comprehend why.
The interiors are industrial meets Australian Scandinavian design. A slick combination of monochrome commingled with natural elements like wooden slats and succulents. It's clean and beautifully uncomplicated, much like it's menu.
Or so it would have you believe with a simple page dedicated to either hydration or nourishment. The options may appear somewhat limited but the detail in each dish certainly compensates. From quinoa porridge compiled with coconut milk, dukkah, fresh fruit and apple and rhubarb compote to lunch bowls composed of buckwheat noodles, shredded vegetables, sprouts and served with miso soup and nori strips. (If you hadn't noted the above are two dishes I am very much eager to further examine.)
Hardly straightforward yet very much enticing.
Of course the main star that day was that now infamous chia pudding. An Instagrammable beauty, the creators masterpiece and a delightfully palatable dish for the patron. It was as delicious and as refreshing as it looks. And I personally adored that they shied away from the typical (overused) mason jar to a chic little presentation canister. And the accompaniment of a dollop of their in-house speciality, "coco whip", makes this hearty dish all kinds of amazing. Do yourself a favour and see for yourself. There's also a great selection of juices, smoothies and tea to accompany a health induced feast.
1 Blackburne Square
BERWICK, VIC
AUSTRALIA
I remember seeing an article about Left Field on Broadsheet months ago. I was curious, as the tag line promised a delectably seductive new offering on Koornang Road; a road I venture on almost weekly for work. At the time, I had difficulty envisioning anything contemporary at this location, even wondering at times if perhaps the writer of the article had been mistaken about its site. But alas they were not as suddenly work began and I become fixated watching that iconic yet lifeless pink heritage building being transformed into something starkly striking. Seemingly I'd been eagerly anticipating its opening but in turn, so had the rest of Melbourne. For weeks I watched as hoards of people stood in lines that reached out the doors and onto the road itself. And to this day those lines are ridiculous still. I truthfully can not recall a singular day where I am yet to witnessed this business have a "slow" day.
LEFT FIELD
358 Koornang Road
CARNEGIE, VIC
AUSTRALIA
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Have you ever been so captivated by an image, so mesmerized and intrigued that you find yourself moving mountains to attain or draw near to such things? Let me elaborate further. A while back a friend posted a series of magnificent milkshake imagery onto Facebook and I've been drooling ever since. And I am not the only one because his actions inevitably began a chain reaction amongst our circle; seeing the majority of us dining and photographing such delicious finds within the spate of a mere two weeks. Praise upon praise was showered, vibrant and opulent food porn tantalizing and teasing the senses.
And if those innovative milkshakes seem too grandiose to tackle, don't fret because they also come in smaller, more manageable sizes. The same pomp and palaver, just half in stature. There's also a vast breakfast and lunch menu to browse, as well as vivid and tempting cake display to peruse. Being someone incapable resisting a breakfast menu or poached eggs, naturally I gravitated towards the Benedict kind. Accompanied with a seriously crispy and hearty hash brown and bacon; this was utterly delectable on a cold Melbourne morn. Elizabeth settled for some smashed avocado and eggs on toast. Not only was presentation completely on point, the dish itself was inventive and truthfully faultless. Also incredibly Instagramable. Because such things are of high importance these days no?
1a, 55 Hallam Road
HAMPTON PARK, VIC
AUSTRALIA
03 8782 0396
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They say there are certain things one must venture to at least once during the long and somewhat arduous drive to Las Vegas from LA. One of those includes a stop at Peggy Sue's Diner. Truth be told, you can't actually miss this diner because there are numerous vibrantly hued billboards sprinkled along the sides of the freeway. The retro typography and lure of 1950's whimsy daring you to take the exit and proceed towards a large pink building, ever so contrasting against the rust like tones of the surrounding mountainscape and desert sands.
The experience itself is more out of novel fancifulness than for sumptuous cuisine. And while my travel companion may digress, personally I found the food to be lacking. Edible yes, but not something that leaves you salivating for more. And I think this is general understanding for most. You don't come here for award winning burgers and fries, you come here for uniqueness and oddity. You come here to peruse the laminated menus and chuckle over burgers named after Hollywood icons. For the 1950's diner "feels", of worn out booths and pink walls decked in forgotten memorabilia. For the hospitality of waitresses dressed in muted green uniforms with pink frilled aprons and white tennis shoes. And for the free sticks of old fashioned gum you receive upon payment of your bill (you actually need to collect it at their gift store, but still, novel nonetheless).
-Sxx
PEGGY SUE'S 50'S DINER
35654 Yermo Road,
YERMO, CA
AMERICA
(760) 254-3370
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