Locavore Studio Lilydale

October 8, 2015April 25, 2018 ~ danib@eatmystreet.net

Locavore Studio Lilydale

Chef Jessie Crossley is a local Melbourne girl who has been off to see the world and then come home to share what she knows at her new cooking school in Lilydale. Jessie has opened Locavore Studio in Lilydale, the Gateway to the stunning Yarra Valley. Locavore is a cooking school set in a beautiful studio. I recently visited as a guest of the Yarra Valley Food Group.

We were there to take a Yarra Valley themed cooking lesson and Jessie charmed us all from the moment we arrived with a tray of sparkling white wine and a tour around her cooking school.

She quickly got down to business and took us through the process of cooking four dishes based around the beautiful Yarra Valley produce that she had available. Continue reading →

Artisanal Producers of Berwick and beyond

October 2, 2015April 25, 2018 ~ danib@eatmystreet.net ~ 7 Comments

Artisanal Producers of Berwick and beyond

At the recent Bendigo Writers Festival I attended a session run by owl-like, creative genius, Marcus Westbury. Marcus is the founder and director of a number of creative festivals. He is also a writer and he has just launched his first book “Creating Cities” which was a crowd founded job. Continue reading →

One, Four: Life

September 13, 2015July 3, 2017 ~ danib@eatmystreet.net ~ 1 Comment

Hello and welcome. Thanks for visiting.

Here we are at week two of the One + Four = Life series. You can find week one, here.

I have had a tres busy, busy week, with birthday parties and sunshine and late nights and a little sadness. All of these good things have reminded me of loved ones who are no longer with here to share it all.

Here are my “one, four: life” photos.

I moved house just over two and a half years ago. Oddly, I still don’t always feel at home here.

Home is where the heart is for sure, but also, where is home? I have moved around a bit and it is hard to know.

But, one of the ace thing about where I am living now is that I get to see a lot more of my sisters. The kids get to play with their cousins. I get to hang out with my nieces and nephews.

I have got sisters. Five of them! Greedy, I know. But I really love having them in my life.

This weekend I visited one of my all time favourite diners Innocent Bystander in Healesville, Victoria. Then we tootled off to the Healesville Sanctuary for a picnic in the sun. We ate cheese and bread and Portuguese tarts and we watched platypus swim. It was lovely.

Maybe the ultimate, Melbourne, Spring day trip….

I’ll have to think on that one. Have you got any other nominations?

Lucky I am food blogger because I seriously had to concentrate to not have all of my images about food. This one is a special Fathers Day dessert I made and coincidentally it represents my family. Grandpa pudding, Mum & Dad pudding and the three little puddings.

Bit silly yes?

Bet your wishing you could eat it though.

I got the recipe from the lovely Jess at Locavore Cooking Studios in the Yarra Valley. Layered trifle with Stroopwafels inside. That is caramel encased between waffle, to the uninitiated. You can buy the Stroofwafels from the stunning Yarra Valley Regional Food Group Farmers Market. Third Sunday of the month and well worth a visit.

Oooo, I could add the Yarra Valley Farmers Market to the Healesville road trip to level up! Sounding good.

My little man had his birthday this weekend. He turned “thour.” For some reason he has trouble pronouncing his “th” a lot of the time, but then it turns up in unexpected places all perfect and well-formed.

Excuse me while I cry from now until November.

The kids really grow up too fast don’t they? No seriously, I am not being glib. THEY GROW UP TOO FAST. Someone should look into that.

The lovely Carolyn at www.irisandedie.com assures me that she is still celebrating with her son at 19, so that made me feel a little better.

I am trying to enjoy the moments, as they happen. without squeezing too long or too tight.

There it is, thanks for listening.

I would love you to sign up to my blog if you are interested.

Or come visit me at Friend Face and let me know your ultimate Melbourne road trip. I am desperately trying to reach 200 likes, so if you read something you enjoy, please share it around.

Enjoy your week.

Spring is in! Yay!

Forrest Brewing Company

August 27, 2015October 18, 2015 ~ danib@eatmystreet.net

Last Friday night we braved school traffic and peak hour traffic to take out little family to the beach for the weekend. I won’t lie to you, I was not feeling overly keen about the 3 1/2 hour drive. Thankfully, just like in all good fairy tales, after a long trip, we stumbled upon something amazing in the Forrest.

The Forrest Brewing Company.

A little oasis of a restaurant/ cafe in the small, scenic township of Forrest. The restaurant serves delicious, informal, locally sourced food and works equally well as a cafe or a restaurant.

I should know, I tested out the coffee and cake on my way home too. It was my birthday after all.

The service was casual but prompt, helpful and very friendly. The restaurant decor was cosy, interesting and comfortable. (I loved the option of crochet blankets for cold knees). There is also a large outdoor seating area that I long to hang out at in the warmer months.

The views were adorable and so was the restaurant.

I ordered the Sumac grilled cauliflower steak, with house made baba ghanoush, chargrilled zucchini, pumpkin, talegggio cheese, olive tapenade and fresh greens. $21

I loved every gluten free, vegetarian mouthful!

Mr eatmystreet ordered the Reuben Sanga with corned silverside, swiss cheese, house-made mustard, sauerkraut, cornichon salad and sourdough bread. $19

The children ordered off the kids menu $8 with varying degrees of success.

There were quite a few other options I would have happily chosen from the menu. To take a look at the menu visit the Forrest Brewing Company website.

Overall we had an excellent dinner and we all left the restaurant feeling a little happier. Which to me is the mark of a great dining venue.

To quote Arnie

Happy Eating.

Yarra Valley Gateway Estate

August 21, 2015March 7, 2018 ~ danib@eatmystreet.net ~ 2 Comments

Last weekend I was lucky enough to be taken on a very special tour through the Yarra Valley, as the guest of the Yarra Valley Regional Food Group. We were in search of good food and wine, and we found it in abundance.

Orson Koch from Yarra Valley Transfers was our chauffeur for the day. Charming and knowledgeable, he was able to fill in the landscape with tall tales, local gossip and foodie tips. He could also drive, which was very handy because we had a lot to cover.

The Yarra Valley sits in the undulating, vineyard-laced hills outside of the World’s Most liveable city, Melbourne. An easy 45 minute drive to the North East from the City, and one definitely worth taking.

Where the roads widen out and the horizon stands tall and green and proud, nestled there amongst the hills, you will find the Yarra Valley.

I visit the Yarra Vally regularly for;

Wine, wineries, wandering.
U-pick cherries. Every November and December, without fail. Unique varietals, local, family-run farms. Amazing, intricate flavours.
Plump, juicy strawberries and blueberries that taste just like the ones that Grandma used to serve.

Well now I have a few more reasons to visit this beautiful part of Victoria.

First stop of the day was Gateway Estate.

Run by Brett and his lovely wife Karen, Gateway Estate is a farm, cafe and local produce shop. This is a local business which Brett runs in conjunction with his brother. His Father also lives on the 110 acre property.

I have driven past this roadside stall many times without stopping. I won’t be making that mistake again. This is a great place to pick up local produce and supplies including beef, pasta, tea, jams, pickles, spices, fruit and veg.

You can visit their on site greenhouse for a small amount of u-pick strawberries all year around. You can also purchase frozen, local berries which are often hard to come by at this time of year.

Gateway Estate started out as a wholesale market with a thriving business growing and selling Capsicum. A roadside stall was eventually added to sell their tomato crop and the business has evolved naturally from there. A lot of other local producers also now sell through the shop.

It now exists as one of the best displays of Yarra Valley produce in the one spot.

Gateway Estate free range grass fed Angus Beef.
seasonal fruit and vegetables.
Yarra Valley Pasta
Yarra Valley Tea co. Organic Tea
Local free range eggs

and more. Visit their website for more information.

On the day I visited these gorgeous Cara Cara oranges were on display. With a very brief growing season they are only available for a short time. They were rich orangey red in colour and sweetly piquant in taste.

Brett was kind enough to take us for a tour of his growing sheds, the true heart of his business. We saw rows upon rows of strawberry plants in the u-pick strawberry growing room.

From there our tour we moved to the herb room. These basil plants look like little obedient herby soldiers, yes? Ready to obey your every cooking request.

Gateway Estate also produce a massive capsicum crop.

Yarra Valley Gateway Estate also has a cafe onsite and we were treated to a delicious egg and bacon roll and a cup of Yarra Valley Tea Co tea.

Visit for a toasted egg, cheese and bacon roll using local ingredients. $9.50

Chunky Beef pie $5.95 , a sausage roll, or a lovely selection of filled donuts $3-$3.50. Visit the Yarra Valley Gateway Estate Facebook page for more information.

All up we had a wonderful morning in a lovely venue. This really is great, local, lovingly produced Australian produce at its best. How could you possibly say no to that?

To visit the Yarra Valley check out www.winecompass.com.au/yarra-valley.

Address: 667 Maroondah Highway, Coldstream VIC

Phone: 03 9739 0568

Open: 9am – 5.30pm everyday.

To hear more about my tour of the Yarra Valley please sign up to my blog, or check me out on Facebook.

For more information and to see what else is happening in the Yarra Valley visit

www.visityarravalley.com.au

www.yarravalleyfood.com.au

Or on Facebook

Yarra Valley Regional Food Group

Yarra Valley and the Dandenongs

Happy Eating. Dani xx

Friday Phone in| Fun Things I’d love to do in Berwick & beyond.

July 11, 2015June 29, 2017 ~ eatmystreet

Friday Phone in| Fun Things I’d love to do in Berwick & beyond.

So we have manned the phones, checked the town noticeboard and scanned the Parish Newsletter. The votes are in for our Friday Favourites and top tips for the weekend.

1. Bastille Day

Tuesday 14th July is Bastille Day. You can celebrate in style right here in Melbourne.

Big Spoon Little Spoon, in Warragul is putting on a 6 course degustation dinner for $60. Includes a glass of French Champagne on arrival. Here for details.
La Baguette Cafe in Berwick are celebrating again this year. Good food, live music, bubbles and fun. Last year I bought a delicious Croquembouche and the atmosphere was sparkly! Here for bookings.
Alliance Francais de Melbourne are having an open day and family treasure hunt in St Kilda. Race against the clock and follow clues to win great prizes. C’est Amusant!
Cafe de Beaumarchais High Tea. $50 pp. 1pm and 3pm.

2. Cameo Cinema in Belgrave seems like the perfect place to visit in this cold weather. You could visit on Tuesday for cheap tickets, or Saturday & Wednesday to see the classics. “Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn,” as long as you do it in style at Cameo.

3. Belgrave Big Dreams Market is on tomorrow. Plus there is an African Dance Workshop being run near by. Great little market, click here for the review.

4. Raynors Stone Fruit Orchard in Woori Yallock is dripping with fruit. Kiwi, lemon, guava, lime & tamarillo. They offer a u-pick option that seems to include a ride on the tractor! They also run fruit bottling workshops.

5. Evolve Fine Food Store. After my little post on 8 Family Friendly Cafes in Berwick and Beyond, I was enthusiastically told to add Evolve Fine Food Store to my list. Broadsheet has posted their review here. 64-68 Monbulk Rd, Belgrave. Lunch anyone?

6. This Friday 17th July @ 7.30pm I will be going to “Ten Poems Gently Fall” at Earthly Pleasures Cafe in Belgrave. I am very excited. Local performance poet Cameron Semmens is launching his latest book. Musician Rod Gear is launching a music album “As Gently Falls.” So many creative people in one place! Entry is free. Will I see you there?

7. Follow the Chocolate Road.

Berwick Gluten Free and Chocolates is a speciality chocolate shop. Stop in for a gift pack or take home goodie bag (not open on Sunday). From there you could follow the chocolate road to Chocolate Sensation in Belgrave, for a light lunch, or Gino’s ah’ cioccolato for some Churro’s. Onward to Cafe de Beaumarchais in Sassafras for a sweet, oozy hot chocolate and maybe some cake. Hyped up on sugar and feeling adventurous? You could aim for the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery in Yarra Glen. The ultimate destination for Chocolate lovers. Otherwise wander up the road in Sassafras, stopping to toast a marshmallow, and then shop until you drop at The Olinda Sweet Company.

Buy me some pear drops, pretty please?

8. It really seems the right time of year for some slow cooked recipes. What with all the tall tales about cold conditions.

I am still cooking my Shredded Chilli Beef at least once a week. Serve with wraps, mash or polenta (to freak out the kids).
Slow roasted Balsamic Lamb Shanks from SBS food, plus more, so much more.
Or maybe a tasty Beef Rendang?

9. Weather such as this calls for a cosy cafe. I recently put out the plea for recommendations of cafes to visit that have an open fire. My street-ers obliged (you are always in the know) with this great list. Feel free to keep adding to it please!

What do you think? Do you know of any other great things to do in our area this week?

Have fun whatever it is you do.

Dani xx

Three Family Friendly activities in Swan Hill

July 8, 2015October 18, 2015 ~ danib@eatmystreet.net ~ 1 Comment

Three Family Friendly activities in Swan Hill

We have made our way to Swan Hill in country Victoria, the Mallee region to be more precise. It is quite picturesque here beside the mighty, gum-lined Murray River. The wide brown river sweeps through the edge of town and forms the border between Victoria and New South Wales. The bridge that joins the two states was apparently once guarded, in another time, when disease struck Swan Hill and New South Wales could not risk having illness cross the border. Today the greatest risk seems to be the dreaded fruit fly, which I am sure is no laughing matter to those in the know.

The mornings here are cold and frosty but the sun has made the kindest of efforts and graced us with her presence, for warmth, glowy photos and orange hued horizons at days end. The five of us are here for three nights, all tucked up together in a small cabin. We are forced to share the same small spaces, to hear nights breath, and to awake eye to eye in the morning. Our days are spent in shared activity and so although I glimpse an Art Gallery, I will not be tempted to visit this time. Instead here are my picks for three family friendly activities in Swan Hill.

1. Pioneer Settlement. The historic village on the edge of the Murray has more than 50 restored buildings plus historic equipment, machinery and household items on display. Step back in time with vintage car rides, spinning demonstration, rope making classes or a lesson in butter churning. The highlight for me is the opportunity to have a cruise along the Murray River aboard the Paddle Steamer Pyap. I love me a boat cruise and will never say no, but seeing the Murray from the water is evocative, scenic and good fun. Open daily 9.30am to 4pm.

2. Lunch at Spoons Riverside Cafe.

spoons riverside cafe Swan Hill — eatmystreet.net

Spoons Riverside is a sweet little cafe on the banks of the Murray River replete with sweeping deck and gorgeous gift shop. The food is delicious and my whole crew were happy to sit and eat on the enclosed deck today. If you find that your children will not sit still for long enough then grab a coffee and cookie (and some gorgeous earrings from the gift shop) and hit the deck. The deck that leads to the walking track that is. A path weaves along the riverbank from the cafe all the way into town. There are multiple playgrounds along the way as well as beautiful gardens, unique wildlife spotting and even an outdoor gym.

3. Pental Island.

Take the turn off to Pental Island as you first come into Swan Hill. Pental Island is bordered by the Murray River in the North and the Little Murray River in the South. If you are feeling adventurous (and maybe even if you are not), cross that teeny tiny bridge over the Little Murray, drive straight on and then pull into the Pental Island Holiday Park. Bring your tent (you can do this!) or stay in one of the simple cabins. 3 km of sweeping river frontage, a spot of fishing, grand old river gums standing sentinel. Maybe a camp fire. The kids will roam organically and you probably will want to join in. If you are a coward, as I am, there are other options. A couple of holiday house type options on the island, or you could just stay in nearby Swan Hill. The important bits are; peace, running river, tall & proud gum trees, adventure, timelessness, roaming free.

Swan Hill was a long drive for us from Melbourne, but it was worth the trek. It is in these times that memories are made, family ties are strengthened and we are reminded how much fun we can have, just us, together.

One last tip for adventure. We went for a lovely river front drive near Nyah and crossed over into NSW. To get back over the border we used the Speewa cable Ferry. It was free and fun. Try it!

Would you be brave enough to try tenting on the Murray? Does staring at rivers do good things for your soul? Visit me at Facebook and let me know what you think.

Happy travels.

Dani xx

Yarra Valley Shortest Lunch

June 20, 2015June 12, 2016 ~ eatmystreet ~ 4 Comments

Yarra Valley Shortest Lunch-3 Today I attended the Yarra Valley Shortest Lunch. Held in honour of the Winter Solstice, the Yarra Valley’s Shortest Lunch showcases fifteen of the smaller wineries in the Yarra Valley, with wine, music and food. I was invited by the gorgeous folk at The Yarra Ranges Herb Farm, who just happen to be two of my best friends. I was so pleased they asked as the day was fantastic, the weather was gorgeous and the backdrop was breathtaking. Honestly, the whole place was just showing off really.

See what I mean? The idea of the shortest lunch is that you visit as many wineries as you would like, stopping at each one to sample the wine and have a small entree sized meal. We had a plan, beautifully curated by the Yarra Ranges Herb Farm and we stuck to it. First stop of the day was Brumfield Winery. This is a small, family run winery but they certainly know how to entertain. We ordered coffee, and toasted sandwiches for the kids and ate them while sitting outside watching the sun burn up the last of the mornings fog. There was also live music playing inside and a “cork throwing game” for the kids. Fun!

Then we took a quick drive to Payne’s Rise where I was immediately blown away by the most amazing scenery before we even got to the car park. Payne’s Rise is something special and the proprietors had really pulled out all the stops for the day. There were small enclosed fires burning outside for warmth, there was giant Jenga for the kids, outdoor tables, live music, amazing food and of course wine. I was served by the most charming gent with his 12 month old baby watching on. She smiled at me. A lot. All the gorgeousness in one place. The wine was delish. My baguette with pulled pork and slow was amazing. The kids played happily. I wanted to walk into one of the gorgeous timber buildings that dot the property and refuse to leave. Still thinking about that idea, I will keep you posted.

Yarra Valley Shortest Lunch Payne’s Rise has a gorgeous path that cuts up the back of their property into the Seville Hill Winery. Here there were meals being served in a huge outdoor shed that was heavy and cosy and bustling. Outside there were gardens and more amazing views so the adults split their time between staring at view/watching children wrestle and tasting wine/having uninterrupted conversation. Mr Eatmystreet mentioned something about a delicious Cherry Cider but I had been distracted by the stylings of a Reserve Chardonnay. So I think a second visit is required to try me some of that liqueur.

Last stop was the elegant Five Oak’s Vineyard where we were served Sweet Pancakes, Hot Chocolate and sunset tinged views.

The Yarra Valley Shortest Lunch runs for the whole weekend so you can still drop by to anyone of the 15 wineries that are throwing their doors open for the special weekend. Souvenir glasses cost $15 and entree sized meals ranged from $7 to $15. Some of the wineries have children’s meals on offer. I loved getting out and discovering these beautiful wineries that are right on our doorstep. I look forward to seeing more next year. Until then you will probably be able to spot me wandering the property and eating cheese at Payne’s Rise. Their cellar door is open Thursday to Sunday.

Have you had a chance to check out the Yarra Valley Shortest Lunch? If so, what was your favourite winery? I’d love to hear from you in the comments here or on Facebook. Happy Eating. Dani B xx

We recommend Sicilian Orange Cake Recipe

5 great things to do in Berwick & beyond.

June 18, 2015June 29, 2017 ~ eatmystreet ~ 5 Comments

5 great things to do in Berwick & beyond.

So we have manned the phones, checked the town noticeboard and scanned the Parish Newsletter. The votes are in for our Friday Favourites and top tips for the weekend.

This weekend is looking fantastic with a lot of Winter Solstice festivities going on. It may even be as good as last weekend, which frankly I thought was unbeatable. Here is a little recap of my time at #VoicesofAu last weekend.

Onward.

1. The Belgrave Lantern Parade is on this weekend and the Hills are alive with the sounds of lantern making. This will be the 9th annual lantern parade, that is held to mark the Winter Solstice. The Parade starts at 5.30pm from Hayes Carpark. People are excited! They are making their own lanterns. The lanterns look amazing. A not to be missed local event say I. Go here for more information.

Image courtesy of Belgrave Lantern Parade Facebook page.

2. I have the privilege of attending the Yarra Valley Shortest Lunch this weekend. Fifteen of the Yarra Valley’s smaller wineries throw open their doors to celebrate the Winter Solstice weekend. Entry is $15 which is paid at the first winery that you attend and which will also reward you entry to all wineries and a souvenir glass to use at every other winery you visit. Proceeds from these glasses will go toward the local CFA, so good things all around. The Yarra Vally Shortest Lunch is about progressive eating and all day dining (sounds perfect) so you can chose a couple of your favourite wineries and visit them or aim for the stars and visit all 18. There will be music and much smiling. Families are welcome. The Yarra Valley is such a beautiful area and I can’t wait to visit some of the sweet little wineries that dot the sweeping hillside. Bliss. For bookings or more information check here.

Bespoke pastry from The Artisan Crust @Emerald Market.

3. Markets. The Emerald Market is on again this Sunday. It runs out the front of the Emerald Community House at 356 Belgrave-Gembrook Rd, Emerald. Home to my favourite market stall ever, The Artisan Crust, they also have hot food, organic produce and craft. Not to mention the stunning backdrop of the surrounding countryside, great local cafes and a sweet community feel.

4. Dining. So many options to chose from, although not many with an open fireplace. How I long for a restaurant with a fireplace at this time of year. On my wish list is French restaurant La Voltaire Bistro Francais in Belgrave and Big Spoon Little Spoon in Warragul (update 2017. Now closed). Big Spoon, Little Spoon have just won the Hospitality & Accommodation gong at the Baw Baw Excellence Awards 2015. If you have visited either of these I would love to hear what you think…. Still just a dream for me at the moment.

5. Reading. My favourite blog of the moment is from my lovely new friend Tonia over at toniawithaneye.com. This girls is funny and gorgeous and she used to work with Bert Newton! What more could you want. Stop by her blog and say “Hi.” You are sure to leave with a smile on your face.

So, what have I missed? Lots, I am sure. Please feel free to add your ideas into the comments below. I love to hear from my readers. And if you find a restaurant with an open fire, I must know about it. Pretty please?

Happy Eating!

Dani xx

We recommend…

Most Luscious Lemon Tart Recipe

Brunch @ Impodimo Cafe, Garfield.

Top 5 things to do in Berwick and beyond this weekend.

June 11, 2015October 16, 2015 ~ eatmystreet ~ 3 Comments

Top 5 things to do in Berwick and beyond this weekend.

stag-768568_640 The weekend is nearly here.

So we have manned the phones, checked the town square noticeboard and scanned the Parish Newsletter. The votes are in for our Friday Favourites and top tips for the weekend.

1. Market. Visit a market. This weekend we have the Farmers Market @ The Old Cheese Factory in Berwick (Saturday) and also the Belgrave Big Dreamers Market in Belgrave on Sunday. The playground at the Cheese Factory has had a much anticipated make over so take the kids and check it out. Belgrave Big Dreamers Market is always dreamy, hills-y and good.

2. Out of town. I am still smiling from my visit to Impodimo Cafe in Garfield. Go for brunch or lunch and stay a while.

3. Eat somewhere cosy. High tea anyone? The Piggery Cafe put on a beautiful afternoon tea and have also started Piggery Winter Nights dinner service, which I would love to try out. Our own Primary @ Pioneer Park has great coffee, beautiful scones and lemon tarts and a great lunch menu. coffee-690422_1280

4. Read. Leanne Cole Photography has the most beautiful blog and sometime soon will have a book too, I believe. Or if homewares or decorating are more your thing check out The Design Files.

5. Make. I will be making another batch of Chocolate Cherry Ripe Balls this weekend as they were so simple, and so good. But Sandra over at The $120 Food Challenge posted an amazing recipe for Steamed Golden Syrup Steamed Pudding which looks nearly as good.

I am going to my first ever bloggers conference this weekend. Wish me good vibes. I don’t know anyone and will have to plaster on my friendly face. Pretty excited but also pretty nervous. I’m sure I am not the only one who struggles in a room full of smiling strangers, right?

Whatever your going to do, enjoy it!

Maybe you would like to take a look at some of my other reviews in beautiful Berwick? Try here for brunch, or here for cake or here for my favourite dinner.

Dani xx

Impodimo Cafe, Garfield.

June 10, 2015August 5, 2015 ~ eatmystreet ~ 1 Comment

Impodimo Cafe Garfield

Impodimo Cafe, 101 Nar Nar Goon – Longwarry Rd, Garfield 3814

What better way to enjoy a public holiday here in Melbourne than to head off in search of new adventure. The sun was shining and the vibes were good (we had all slept in, Yay!). Normally encumbered by three mini eatmystreeters, today we only had two. Mid sized Master eatmystreet was hanging with his cousin, telling silly stories and trying to get away with random rude word usage. Successfully I believe!

The rest of us hit that Freeway, heading East toward the green, rolling hills of Gippsland. The Madden brothers came too, although only offering us their voices on this sad occasion, and not their actual presence. Sing along anyone?

I had done some sleuthing the previous day and spotted a little cafe called Impodimo, in Garfield. It sounded intriguing but best of all it was getting some sweet reviews and some awesome foodie pics. We wound our way through green hilly pastures and came quickly upon the cutest little town you ever did see.

We were pleasantly surprise to find the sweet looking Impodimo Cafe at one end, the amazing Cannibal Creek Bakehouse at the other, and a horse drawn cart in the middle. I kid you not.

Impodimo Cafe is set within a beautiful white weatherboard house with pressed tin walls and it shares the premises with a gorgeous gift shop. The cafe has three separate rooms for eating in and we were lucky enough to be seated in the sun drenched room at the front of the house.

Impodimo Cafe Garfield

We were here for brunch so we ordered the “Famous fig, banana and walnut bread for two” @ $11. Other options included “French Toast” for $16.50 or “Eggs your way” for $10.50. “Roasted strawberry granola with fresh apple” for $10.50 also took my fancy, but so did a lot of the other things on the menu. There was even something for the little ones “Farmers Kid. Poached egg and bacon on sourdough toast” @ $6.50. Alas my non-farmers kid’s wanted cookies and so a blue melting moment cookie it was.

brunch at Impodimo Cafe Garfield

But look at all these other delightful options from the counter.

Cake at Impodimo cafe Garfield

Our coffee’s were a reasonable $3.50 and I am told that the coffee was a house blend from Coffee Snobs. Service was friendly and we all loved Impodimo Cafe. coffee at Impodimo Cafe Garfield Not that I am obsessed, but check out that gorgeous coffee machine.

Afterward we got a little lost at the gorgeous giftstore next door and then we sauntered on down to the Cannibal bread from Cannibal Creek Bakehouse Garfield Creek Bakehouse for some sourdough of our own. Here we found baker James Fisher working hard at his 110 year old woodfired oven, reportedly the only one of its kind in Gippsland. Cannibal Creek Bakehouse uses traditional baking methods and organic stone ground flour for their range of sour dough loaves. We purchased
a Sourdough loaf and also a Malted fruit bread with huge, luscious pieces of apricot and fig and generous smattering of nuts. The bread here is expensive but is also unique and unrecognisable when compared to supermarket bread. It can be purchased form the small unassuming shop at one end of the bakehouse.