Mother’s Day is right around the corner and if you're like us, you've left things to the last minute. But never fear! One of the best gifts you can give her are memories, so we've pulled together a list of six fun ways to spend time with mum on Sunday 12 May. Rippon Lea Estate Mansion tours Transport yourself to another era at Rippon Lea Estate, a captivating 19th-century mansion surrounded by 14 acres of Victorian gardens. Wander the halls and uncover hidden rooms on the Mansion Tour, and discover the fascinating stories about its rich history. Allow extra time explore the estate's stunning grounds including an abundance of lush trees, expansive lawns, a lake, fruit orchards and the largest fernery in the Southern Hemisphere. WHERE: 192 Hotham St, Elsternwick VIC 3185 ripponleaestate.com.au | Facebook | Instagram Forever Young - Songs of Bob Dylan 20% off tickets for What's On St Kilda Don’t miss this a special concert celebrating Bob Dylan on the eve of his 83rd birthday - on the actual stage Dylan himself has graced – The Palais. Dylan Devotees Ross Wilson, Adalita, Rebecca Barnard, Mick Thomas, Lisa Miller, Charles Jenkins and Rob Snarski join MC Brian Nankervis and the incredible house band, to traverse through Dylan's vast catalog of songs. Book via the link below. WHERE: The Palais Theatre, Lower Esplanade, St Kilda 3182 Get 20% off tickets for Forever Young - the Songs of Bob Dylan. Acland Street Mothers Day Trail Celebrate your Mum on Mother’s Day in Acland Street, with Mother’s Day Trail. For just $5, treat your mum to a day out including coffee, cake and live entertainment in the heart of St Kilda. Each ticket gets you a sweet treat from not one but four different cake shops in this iconic strip including Monarch, Europa, Le Bon and Acland Cake Shops. WHERE: 34 Inkerman Street, St Kilda 3182 aclandstreetvillage.com.au | Facebook | Instagram Mothers Day at the Esplanade Market Markets have everything you could need for Mother’s Day – food and activities and gifts (oh my!). There are some great markets are happening this Sunday including South Melbourne Market, St Kilda Esplanade Market and Trust Makers Market. Why not stop at one or do a market crawl and explore them all? South Melbourne Markets | St Kilda Esplanade Market | Trust Market - Ripponlea Mother’s Day at Luna Park A great family destination, Luna Park is offering Mums free unlimited ride passes with each ticket purchased. Luna Park is the perfect place for mums to relive past family memories and make new ones. It’s sure to offer thrills and laughter for everyone. WHERE: 18 Lower Esplanade, St Kilda, VIC 3182 lunapark.com.au | Facebook | Instagram Paint and sip Art brings us together and Paint and Sip offers a fun opportunity for some great quality time with Mum, whether you’re both experienced painters oryet to pick up a brush. There are three different paint classes available this Mother’s Day – Family Portrait Painting, Paint in the Dark and Mandala Painting in the Dark. WHERE: 252 Graham Street, Port Melbourne 3207 paintforfun.com.au | Facebook | Instagram More ways to spoil mum Agathe x Bonne Maman croissants at South Melbourne Market It's a collaboration made in dessert lovers heaven. French jam and spreads brand Bonne Maman has teamed up with Agathé Pâtisserie to create a distinctive heart-shaped croissant filled with their newly released Hazelnut Chocolate Spread and topped with hazelnuts. Take mum to South Melbourne market between Friday 10 May until Sunday 19 May, to try them for yourselves. As an added bonus, shoppers will receive a complimentary 250g jar of Bonne Maman Hazelnut Chocolate Spread with every purchase at Agathé during the same period. Mother's Day at Stokehouse Treat mum to a luxe afternoon with beach views at Stokehouse. Executive Chef Jason Staudt and his talented team have designed a premium 4-course menu especially for Mother's Day, showcasing the very best seasonal selections and Stokehouse signatures. Mothers Day at The Prince There's plenty of ways to celebrate Mother's Day at The Prince. From complimentary and free flowing Prosecco with breakfast, glasses of Bollinger Special Cuvée Brut at Little Prince wine, to tasting new flavours from Chef Mitch Orr at the Prince Dining Room. Or take it to the next level with her very own staycation and book at night at their boutique accommodation. Mums deserve to be celebrated and we hope this list helps you do just that this Mother’s Day! Make sure to check out our events, blogs and sign up to our newsletter to keep up to date on all the other things happening in our City.
Gift giving, words of affirmation, acts of service, quality time, physical touch. Talk to loved up people (or those looking for love) and most will relate to one of these 5 ‘Love Languages’. But for many, there is another language that drips with romance - one that is, arguably, the most loving and universal of them all. I am, of course, talking about pasta. Whether it’s gnocchi with pine nuts and pesto, fettuccine in a creamy carbonara or Spaghetti alla Puttanesca, we all have our favourite go to plate that gives us comfort, security and a feeling of deep satisfaction. In recognition of this sensual icon, we have collated a few of the best pasta spots from around our neighbourhoods. Park Street Pasta & Wine This elegant, friendly neighbourhood pasta and wine bar is a local treasure. There is a mouthwatering selection of handmade pasta, from spaghettoni to ravioli, conchiglie to pappardelle, all oozing with Tuscan inspired flavours. Plus, a tidy wine least featuring Italian, international and local drops to match. The venue boasts an intimate bar and dining room, plus an exterior terrazzo area- perfect for those warm summer nights. OPENING HOURS: Tuesday to Sunday Lunch and Dinner WHERE: 268 Park Street, South Melbourne VIC 3205 | Image credit: Pettinau Roberto Ciao Cielo Ciao Cielo is an Italian fine dining restaurant, with an exquisite selection of house-made pasta, authentic Italian food, and a little frivolity. Located in the old Port Melbourne Courthouse, by day it’s inspired by casual beachside eats in Portofino and by night it transforms under a sky of twinkling fairy lights, creating a casual, party atmosphere for fabulous nights out. OPENING HOURS: Monday 5 PM to Late | Wednesday to Sunday 12 pm to late. WHERE: 115 Bay Street, Port Melbourne, VIC 3207 | Image Credit: Ciao Cielo Gnoccheria by Take Me Home Want to create your own at home pasta romance? Take Me Home is a family run business serving a menu of artisan, handmade pastas, sauces, pizza bases and more, all made with love. You can pick up their full range plus handmade gnocchi and pasta made fresh daily from their Gnoccheria in Middle Park (And other locations). OPENING HOURS: Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm | Saturday 10am to 4pm WHERE: 11 Armstrong Street Middle Park VIC 3206 | Image credit: Take Me Home Sorsi e Morsi Tucked just around the corner from Acland Street Village, this is local secret worth discovering. The atmosphere is relaxed and cosy, the service is great, and the food is authentic and delicious. With gnocchi that melts in your mouth, sauces rich in Italian flavours plus home-cooked favourites, you’ll be saying ‘Ciao!’ to your own slice of Italy like an old friend. OPENING HOURS: Monday to Tuesday 7 am to 3 pm | Wednesday to Sunday 7 am to late. WHERE: 31 Blessington Street, St Kilda, VIC 3182 | Image credit: Sorsi et Morsi Zanini Pizzeria Stepping into Zanini is like stepping into a foodie tour of Italy, from the Alps to Sicily, passing through the Tuscan hillside and onto Rome. With two locations nestled in the heart of Elwood Village and St Kilda East, this is warm and rustic dining serving authentic plates of pasta, pizza and more with a healthy seasoning of comfort. OPENING HOURS: Pizzeria - Tuesday to Sunday, 5 pm to 9.30 pm WHERE: 106 Ormond Road, Elwood VIC 3184 | 262 Inkerman Street, St Kilda East VIC 3183 | Image credit: Zanini Pizzeria Ripponlea Food & Wine This Ripponlea staple offers comfort, style and a little bit of fancy without the fuss! The menu is bursting with fresh and rich flavours and, of course, some signature pasta dishes. Fresh seafood with white wine, mushrooms and toasted hazelnuts, confit tomato and vodka - matches made in pasta heaven all wait for you in this chic, friendly neighbourhood haunt. OPENING HOURS: Wednesday to Saturday 3 pm to late. WHERE: 15 Glen Eira Road, Ripponlea, VIC 3185 | Image credit: Ripponlea Food & Wine There are, of course, so many more great pasta destinations in our neighbourhoods so get out there and show them some pasta love! Main image credit: Pettinau Roberto (Park Street Pasta & Wine)
Has your social media feed been full of friends on fabulous, European adventures lately? Have you been supportively sitting in jealousy while scrolling through picture after picture of serene sunsets, crisp white wines on equally crisp white tablecloths, piles of fresh seafood and salty sea views? We feel your FOMO and so, now that we’re seeing some warmer sunshine, we’ve scoured our neighbourhoods to find our very own little pockets of Greece and the Mediterranean. Now’s the time to book that table, sit back and let the aromas of saganaki, souvlaki and sizzling seafood create your very own Santorini Sunset by Port Phillip Bay. Get To The Greek Overlooking the gorgeous Port Melbourne beach (arguably a strikingly similar view to that over the Aegean Sea) sits ‘Get to the Greek’. This welcoming and warm restaurant offers traditional Greek dishes, bringing fresh, wholesome cooking from all regions of Greece. They offer an extensive à la carte menu, three set banquets to match your level of hunger, and a takeaway menu offering the full restaurant menu plus a selection of Souvlaki and Gyros packs. Open 5 pm to 11 pm Tuesday to Saturday and 12 pm to 10 pm Sunday (Hours vary in the cooler months so check the website to confirm). WHERE: 100/49 Beach Street, Port Melbourne. Website | Facebook | Instagram The Lady Of St Kilda The Lady of St Kilda offers a Mediterranean fusion menu that celebrates the fresh flavours of this beautiful part of the world. Start your day with the Pita Sunrise, the classic Shakshuka (served mild or spicy) or the full Mediterranean Breaky. The main menu offers Kingfish cooked in a herby, garliccy tomato sauce, eye fillet with cream, garlic mushrooms and tomato, chicken with flavours of Casablanca plus burgers, pizza, fresh salads and plenty to share, all washed down with classic cocktails and a simple selection of wines and beers. Open for lunch and dinner daily from 12 pm. Breakfast available Tuesday to Sunday. WHERE: 204 Barkly Street, St Kilda Website | Facebook | Instagram Odyssey Restaurant Just a short stroll up from Elwood beach sits Odyssey Restaurant. This gorgeous and intimate venue offers delicious Greek specials like slow cooked octopus in red wine and spiced tomatoes with pasta, starters and share plates like grilled stuffed calamari, a selection of Gyros and Souvlaki and sensational salads, fries and ‘Epic Platters’ to share. Time it right and you might also catch some live traditional music to really transport you to your Greek island fantasy - the perfect way to finish a day on one of Melbourne’s most beautiful beaches. Open seven days a week. Opening hours vary so check the website to find out more. WHERE: 100 Ormond Road, Elwood Website | Facebook | Instagram Theodora's Bar and Grill Theodora’s offers old Greek village charm right in the heart of South Melbourne. The menu boasts a wide selection of authentic flavours, including pickled octopus marinated with fresh chili, garlic and herbs, chargrilled haloumi with chilli raisin sauce and pistachio, grilled meats, delicious dips and more. The family run restaurant offers friendly and welcoming service, great food and a fabulous drinks menu that includes a selection of Greek spirits, beers and inspired cocktails. Open Tuesday to Sunday. Check the website for opening hours. WHERE: 270 Park Street, South Melbourne Website | Facebook | Instagram Golden Fleece Hotel If you are looking to step into your white sandstone Santorini fantasy, The Golden Fleece Hotel is sure to check your boxes! Recently renovated with a chic Greek island aesthetic, the hotel boasts various spaces to dine and dance, with an open-air rooftop offering up city views and the perfect spot to soak up the sunset. This is an energetic and fun venue that offers a mouth-watering Mediterranean inspired menu, fresh cocktails and an extensive wine list served with summer beats and good vibes. WHERE: 120 Montague Street, South Melbourne Website | Instagram Stavros Souvlaki Located on the boardwalk at the Sea Baths on St Kilda Beach, Stavros Souvlaki is your seaside dining Greek experience. Using only the best lamb and chicken (and seasoned to perfection), they offer traditional gyros and souvlaki with freshly made hummus, eggplant, tzatziki, tahini, and garlic sauces, with chips, pita and salads – to be enjoyed in the al fresco dining area or right on the beach with the sand between your toes. After a sweet treat? They also have a selection of homemade Greek sweets and ice cream for those warm summer days. Open seven days a week. WHERE: 8H 10-18 Jacka Boulevard, St Kilda Website | Facebook | Instagram Greek'n Out If you're a fan of Greek street food you're in for a treat at Greek'n Out. Flavourful salads topped with either haloumi or lamb gyros carved straight off the spit and topped with a dollop of zesty tzatziki or even a traditional Greek Salad laced with creamy fetta. Gyros are a staple here and you'll find delicious lamb and chicken numbers or Haloumi if you'd prefer. Stuffed with salad, hot chips and tzatziki you'll be instantly transported to Santorini. Open every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 8 am. WHERE: Stall 97, South Melbourne Market, Cecil Street, South Melbourne Website | Instagram
It’s that time of year when we celebrate the mysterious, weird and often misunderstood stories and urban legends from around our City. With an excess of historical sites, there are many stories and places that spark the spooky imagination around our neighbourhoods. While some stories are tragic, others are simply strange. So, if you’re a lover of special spectres, visceral visions, bellowing buildings or howling houses, keep reading for some of our local stories and places to keep your spine nice and chilled. THE FRIENDLY GHOST OF POINT ORMOND Urban legend has it that at the exceptionally beautiful lookout at Point Ormond, lives (Or haunts) a ghost who helps to keep children safe. The tale told is that this friendly ghost (let’s call him Casper) once appeared to a sleeping mother, dressed in a ye olde style outfit. Casper woke the woman and told her to call her children back to her, who were playing by a bayside cliff. She took his notice and called to her children, just in time to see the cliff edge crumble away as they arrived safely back by her side. She turned to thank the child that had warned her, to find he had vanished. THE JOKER GHOST OF LUNA PARK One of our more popular poltergeists is the Joker Ghost of Luna Park, who has been known to appear n the Scenic Railway and the Ferris Wheel, to spook riders before disappearing into thin air. But who is this mysterious figure? There are a number of different theories. One is that he is a snake charmer who was bitten on the neck by one of his tiger snakes during a performance. Another is that it is the spirit of a man who, while riding the Scenic Railway, turned to speak to someone behind him and in doing so, leaned out of the cart and hit his head on an oncoming support pole. The list of possible identities is possibly the most frightening thing about this particular story but don’t be surprised if you see this trickster (and for goodness’ sake, keep your arms, legs and head inside the rides!) PREDICTING THE METROPOLIT AN GAS COMPANY EXPLOSION On 4 April, 1920, the Port Phillip location of the Metropolitan Gas Company exploded with a boom that was heard 60km away, reducing it to a pile of steel and rubble. Incredibly, there were no resulting injuries. What is a bit creepy, is the letter that the secretary of the company received on 31 March saying: ‘I am a student of occult science, and it has come to my knowledge that on or about April 25 there will be an attempt to blow up the company‘s gasometer at South (sic) Melbourne, perhaps more. Feeling the responsibility heavy upon me, I am writing to warn you, so that means may be taken to prevent, if possible, this awful thing. It is purely and simply through the Divine will this came to me. Other knowledge which came to me through the same channel has proved correct’. The cause of the fire was thought to be a pipe leak, with corrosion to metal structures also contributing - no evidence of human or occult interference was found. Image Credit: Gasworks Arts inc. Archives THE WOMAN OF THE GRAHAM HOTEL The two brothers who own The Graham Hotel in Port Melbourne have reported sightings of a mysterious woman, dressed in a bonnet and white night clothes. She appeared to walk through the restaurant to look out the window, then turned and walked back through the restaurant then slowly up the stairs. After rumours began to spread, a regular patron told the brothers that long ago a woman had been murdered upstairs. Image Credit: Port Melbourne Historical and Preservation Society. THE GHOST OF ALFRED FELTON Ok, so technically there are no reports of an Alfred Felton ghost sighting (yet). However, in the former dwelling and place of death of the well-known philanthropist, is the chic, cosy bar named the Ghost of Alfred Felton. Located in the historic Esplanade Hotel, the venue does have other ethereal residents, with a number of floating women sighted in the upper storey windows of rooms that were unoccupied and boarded up at the time. Spirits in this venue are not just behind the bar… (Sorry I had to). SECRETS OF THE PALAIS Theatres are magical places, full of tales told both on stage and by the many people that visit them. The iconic Palais theatre in St Kilda has its fair share of stories to make you shiver. Staff of this great beauty have reporting hearing doors opening when they have been alone in the building (an idea that sends a chill down my spine on its own). There have also been reports of shadows flitting across the upstairs mirrors and not long ago a hidden door was uncovered that used to be the old ladies cloakroom – But why was it covered up!? There have also been sightings of a woman standing in the upstairs seating, staring out towards the stage. A former usher from the 1960s recently visited the venue and turned to the venue manager to simply say “Have you seen her yet?”. HISTORICAL REFLECTION AT ST KILDA CEMETERY St Kilda Cemetery is a beautiful monument to many of Melbourne’s most known residents and much-loved family members with over 51,000 burials. The tranquil grounds are divided into sections by denomination, with areas for Church of England, Catholic, Independent, Presbyterian, Wesleyan, Baptist, Other Denominations, and Hebrew. Walk through the historic tombstones and garden beds, discovering the resting places of names both known and unknown. There are tours available if you want to learn more about this historic site. All images, unless otherwise stated, courtesy of the Port Phillip City Collection.
Many Melburnians celebrate this magical bean every day, but 1 October is officially international coffee day! Luckily for our locals there are so many neighbourhood spots to lounge with a latte, catch a cappuccino or even find the elusive ‘magic’ to get you through a Monday. We’ve pulled together a list of just a few of our favourite spots to power up or recharge, throughout our beautiful suburbs. So whether you love a long black, a macchiato or an iced vanilla frappe with whipped cream, be sure to give your local coffee spot some extra love on this international day of days. Bella Cosi Great Italian food and coffee, plus cooking classes, gifts and delicious products. WHERE: 71 Beach Street, Port Melbourne, VIC 3207 bellacosi.net.au | Instagram | Facebook Blackbox This new spot is not just a space for Bohemians and artists but also a hidden gem for St Kilda locals who love feeling a part of their local theatre (And good coffee!). WHERE: 14 Acland Street, St Kilda, VIC 3182 theatreworks.org.au/blackbox-cafe | Instagram | Facebook Code Black A favourite coffee brand around Melbourne, serving up specialty beans and brews with the hustle and bustle of South Melbourne Market. WHERE: 321 Coventry Street, South Melbourne, VIC 3025 codeblackcoffee.com.au/south-melbourne | Instagram | Facebook Dana Patisserie This family-owned artisan patisserie is a local favourite for coffee, cakes and fresh pastries. The perfect place for a little treat. WHERE: 175 Carlisle Street, Balaclava, VIC 3183 danapatisserie.com | Instagram | Facebook Frankie's Top Shop The coffee is sensational, the food seasonal and the ethos local. Frankie's is your local for brunch, coffee and quality smallgoods. WHERE: 20 Cowderoy Street, St Kilda West, VIC 3182 frankiestopshop.com.au | Instagram | Facebook Hapsburg Empire Once a quiet spot known by locals, this buzzing cafe offers brunch, lunch and plenty of delicious small batch cakes. WHERE: 123 - 125 Bridport Street, Albert Park, VIC 3206 Instagram | Facebook Harper's Kitchen This cute little cafe offers fresh sandwiches and salads, serving terrific coffee with a friendly smile. WHERE: 78 Inkerman Street, St Kilda, VIC 3182 harperskitchen.com.au | Instagram | Facebook Johnny's Coffee Roaster A firm favourite among many of Elwood locals, Johnny's offers up quality coffee, pastry and tasty treats. WHERE: 159 Ormond Road, Elwood, VIC 3184 johnnyscoffeeroasters.com.au Local Rules With great coffee and good food, Local Rules is keeping Port Melbourne caffeinated and well fed. WHERE: 23 Centre Avenue, Port Melbourne, VIC 3207 Instagram | Facebook Monk Bodhi Dharma This special spot is tucked away off the main Carlisle Street strip, offering up a wonderful selection of single estate coffee and an entirely plant-based menu. WHERE: Rear 202 Carlisle Street, Balaclava, VIC 3183 monkbodhidharma.com | Instagram | Facebook Padre A part of South Melbourne Market since 2009, Padre is the perfect coffee spot to power your market shop or pick up a bag of beans to power your week. WHERE: Stall 33, South Melbourne Market, South Melbourne 3205 padrecoffee.com.au/south-melbourne | Instagram | Facebook Spout This cool hangout offers cafe style cuisine with a Middle Eastern touch, along with great coffee and a local flavour. WHERE: 48 Glen Eira Road, Ripponlea, VIC 3185 spoutcafe.com.au | Facebook St Kilda Dispensary This quirky cafe is a favourite of locals, serving rich, delicious food and incredible coffee. The ideal place to fill your 'coffee prescription'! WHERE: 13 Brighton Road, St Kilda, VIC 2182 thestkildadispensary.com.au | Instagram Turning Point Chic vibes, good coffee and mouth-watering food (with a few boozy options), this is the perfect local brunch or lunch spot, right in the heart of Ripponlea village. WHERE: 8 Glen Eira Avenue, Ripponlea, VIC 3185 turningpointripponlea.com.au | Instagram Vertue Coffee Roasters Serving blend and single origin espresson, batch brew and cold brew, with a delicious cabinet stocked full of tasty treats. WHERE: 425 Graham Street, Port Melbourne, VIC 3207 vertuecoffee.com.au/port-melbourne | Instagram | Facebook Wall Two 80 A buzzing meeting place for many a Balaclavian, Wall Two 80 has been proudly slinging chinos and sangas since 1998. WHERE: 280 Carlisle Street, Balaclava, VIC 3183 wallcoffee.com.au | Instagram | Facebook There are so many great spots for brunch, lunch and the magic bean, so get out into your neighbourhood and try somewhere new!