Proud Mary, Artists Markets, Smith and Brunswick St

Had lunch with some lovely ladies today at Proud Mary cafe on Oxford St, Collingwood, at the Stanley St end of Oxford Street. Having seen some great write ups and having been in for coffee a few times I was excited to try the nosh. It did not disappoint.

The pumpkin and fetta tart with side rocket salad was delicious and just the right size, as agreed by the pretty Fran – we had the same dish. The menu details some yummy looks corn frittas which my lovely friend Joyce had and crushed avocado that Lisa chowed down on.

Proud Mary was bustling and very busy with a 15 minute wait for a table at noon but worth the wait.

After this I was lucky enough to be escorted on a tour around Smith St, to the Rose St Artists Markets, up Johnston St then to Brunswick St by the absolutely gorgeous Lisa – thank you lady, you have such a beautiful soul and kind heart.

Highly recommend exploring these parts of Melbourne because each street is a hidden gem of shops, cafes, markets, street art, shabby chic terrace houses, cobble stones and apartments begging to be renovated. This really is a special part of Melbourne which I am very fond of. Lisa’s passion for the area has certainly rubbed off on me!

Excited about yum cha and Sydney Road, Brunswick Music Festival tomorrow!

Queen Vic Markets

The many marvelous markets Melbourne offers have become a fond favourite of mine. Tonight the Suzuki night markets at Queen Victoria Markets came to an end for the season. I celebrated with some wonderful people whom I have also grown very fond of here in Melbourne.

For a few hours it seems the whole of Melbourne has come to grab some dinner, peruse the stalls and soak up the atmosphere that is busy but buzzing. Aromas from the different food stands swell around the queues that are plenty but well worth the wait in most cases.

To list a few food stalls there is Turkish, Indian, Spanish, Chinese, German, Greek, Vegetarian, Mauritian, Aussie and more.

Tonight I enjoyed a Greek lamb souvlaki followed by rum’n’raisin/honeycomb ice cream and a sample of puffertjes (the spelling of these mini pancakes escapes me!). The selection left me full and happy.

I love the night markets and it’s sad to see them go but many other wonders of Melbourne are getting ready to set upon this lively city, namely the Food and Wine Festival next month.

This is just one of many markets that delight the locals and I recommend anyone in Melbourne – local or visiting – explore as many as possible!