Manchester Press

Each laneway in Melboune has their own individual character, charm and hidden surprises. Down Rankins Lane, we find street art and dumpsters. But, if you look carefully enough, you will discover that it is down this lane where you will find one of Melbourne's hottest brunch spots. Yes, I am talking about the bagel and coffee utopia, Manchester Press. Sweet bagels, savoury bagels, plain bagels, filled bagels, bagels for breakfast, bagels for brunch and bagels for lunch. 

Skinny Flat White

Manchester Press, like Loco Coffee uses 8oz Coffee Co, and I would have to say is one of my favourite. I'm not going to lie, both J and I really wanted some sort of full on, show off coffee art though. No biggie,  this cup of goodness still hit the sweet spot. 

12 Hours Roasted Pull Pork With lettuce, BBQ Sauce & Homemade Apple Slaw

Manchester Press' 12 Hours Roasted Pull Pork was juicy, melty and infused with juices. However, both J and I found the pork a little too sweet for our liking. The sesame bagel supported the tender pork well and the addition of lettuce, BBQ sauce and homemade apple slaw created beautiful textures and flavours. A side of fresh  garden salad completed the dish.

Fruit & Nut Bagel topped with Mixed Berry Mascarpone, Strawberries & Pistachio Dust

I'm not normally a big fan of sweets for brunch, however I did make an exception at Manchester Press. How could I not? The Fruit & Nut Bagel topped with Mixed Berry Mascarpone, Strawberries & Pistachio Dust was an absolute standout with the crowd. The mixed mascarpone was served atop two halves of toasted fruit and nut bagel extremely generously. The berry mascarpone was just right, not too heavy, but enough to know it was a treat. 

Although Manchester Press was swamped with brunchers, and the lines forming out front, the staff catered to all our needs and never once rushed us. A great spot if you're after a quality light meal, in a typical Melbourne laneway at very reasonable prices. From the graffiti murals, warehouse setting to the comforting food and coffee, Manchester Press is definitely an experience I would recommend for both local and international friends. 

Manchester Press

8 Rankins Lane 
Melbourne

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Three Bags Full

I always look forward to the end of a semester. The sensation of being stress-free and not feeling guilting for eating out days and days on end excites me. So, on the second day post exams, A and I decided to head to Abbotsford and treat ourselves at Three Bags Full.

No surprises here, I already had my eye on the Overnight Braised Pulled Pork. Still, I decided to have a quick scan of the menu as I waited for A to decide on her order. Truffled eggs, mixed mushroom ragu, and Thai chicken and mango meatballs all sounded extremely inviting, but I could not say no to pulled pork.

Overnight Braised Pulled Pork

The overnight braised pulled pork was served on a brioche bun with celeriac remoulade, and house made barbecue sauce. Together, the juicy and melt-in-my-mouth pulled pork , crunchy sweet celeriac with the fresh soft brioche made thick and juicy bites, with pork juices dripping as I ate. Adding a slice of of pickled tomato or two added yet another flavour and texture, which made a great combination to the sweet celeriac and pulled pork.  Certainly impressive, but did not trump Two Birds One Stone's version.

Toasted Roast Pumpkin

Pillowy, yet crispy, the cypress bread was overflowed with roast pumpkin, caramelised onion, feta, cashew pesto, and rocket. The friend found the thick slices of sweet pumpkin together with the caramalised onion made the overall taste of the sandwich predominantly sweet and overpowered the cashew pesto and feta. Nevertheless, it was delicious, but we both agreed that the Overnight Braised Pulled Pork was the winner for the day.

Three Bags Full was everything I expected it to be.  Coffee and food here made an enjoyable brunch and though extremely busy, I could still feel the warmth emanating from this esablishment. Here, coffee, food and ambience filled three bags full.

Three Bags Full

60 Nicholson Street

Abbotsford

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Mamasita

In celebration of finishing exams, my friend, E and I decided to have lunch at the one and only, Mamasita. As Melbournians, we all know Mamasita as the restaurant on Collins street that serves Mexican cuisine. But restaurant aside, 'mamasita' in Latin-American sling translates to 'hot mama', 'hot babe', or 'hottie'. Go ahead and try it on Google images. And after 142 blog posts on Urbanspoon later, here's my two cents.

Elotes Callejeros

Out first were our piping hot street style chargrilled corn. Beautifully charred, the corn was generously covered in chipotle mayo with queso melted over. A generous squeeze of lime added a dash of citrus to the juicy sweet bursts of corn and spicy smokey chipotle. The smell, taste and appearance was all mouth-watering. These were absolutely demolished.  

Just as we finished munching on our corn, a waitress popped over to place down some toothpicks. This was exactly what we need to wrestle out the corn bits that were unattractively stuck in our teeth. 

de Cabra a la Tinga

Piled high and full of flavour was the braised goat on fried tortillas. Having soaked in tomato chipotle juices, the goat went nicely with the salsa roja, white onion and coriander. Again, with a generous spritz of lime, these tostaditas made a tasty mouthful.

de Arrachera

Taco number uno consisted of a six inch soft shell tortilla with grilled flank steak, tomato frijole salsa & queso fresco. Even E, someone who doesn't usually like red meat agreed that the steak was cooked perfectly.

de Lengua y Cachete

The star of the show certainly went to taco number dos. Filled with braised ox tongue & cheek, pickled veg & ghost chilli mayo, this taco was hands down the favourite dish of the day. Both ox tongue and cheek was soft, tender and melted in our mouths - so good I was tempted to lick my plate clean.

In such a bustling and fun atmosphere, with fast and prompt service, and zestful food, Mamasita was an easy place to love.


Mamasita
Level 1, 11 Collins Street
Melbourne

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