Breakfast Thieves

Quaintly located in what used to be an old chocolate factory, Breakfast Thieves offers brunch-seekers tantalising flavours of modern Australian cuisine with an alluring Asian edge.

The menu ? Usual suspects include croissants and toast from La Madre Bakery, whilst breakfast features the likes of Spanish morcilla served with crisp rosemary & parmesan polenta bars on pepperonata, heirloom tomatoes, pickles, basil oil and poached eggs. If your mouth still isn’t watering (are you even human ?), the Polenta-crusted soft shell crab slathered with fiery chilli crab sauce accompanied with lemon grass salted thrice-cooked chips is sure to do the job.

Skinny Flat White

The Legend

Breakfast Thieves’ Baked Eggs were really something and dare I say, one of the best baked eggs I’ve had. Spanish chorizo, mushrooms, green peas, corn and feta – this dish was out to impress. Not a drop was wasted as I mopped up every nook and cranny with their crunchy herbed garlic toast. It was legen… wait for it… dary !

 
Thieves on the Run

 My fellow brunch buddy opted for the Thieves on the Run – a ciabatta roll heaped with John Harbour bacon, golden folds of English cheddar omelette with wild rocket and homemade relish.

My P B & J

And of course we had to order the P B & J. I mean, how could we not ? We both had the biggest food envy as neighbouring brunch-goers tucked into their P B & J. Brioche French toast, peanut butter soil, sweetened beetroot, candied bacon, raspberry jelly and lemon curd – this crafty dish had taken the humble peanut butter and jelly and took it to a whole new level. It was a piece of art, irresistibly beautiful to admire and eat.

If you are looking to be impressed over and over again, I’d highly recommend Breakfast Thieves. Go on, venture off to the backstreets of Fitzroy and follow the crowds to Breakfast Thieves. You won’t regret it. Just be warned, they might just steal your heart.


Breakfast Thieves

420 Gore Street

Fitzroy, VIC 3065
http://www.breakfastthieves.com.au/

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Industry Beans

You would have had to been hiding under a rock if this is the first time you have heard of Industry Beans.

Positioned in the heart of Fitzroy, Industry Beans is a coffee roastery, restaurant and brew bar. The scene is casual, edgy but with a fine dining influence in that raw warehouse vibe we all love. 

Skinny Flat White

 

Wild Mushrooms

Before I had even tucked in, I was won over. Not only was it my dish, but each and every dish that passed by had me mesmerised. The creativity, the plating, the colours, every single thing - the presentation was just impeccable.

My striking black plate hosted a forest of mushrooms - layers and layers of it. thick, juicy, earthy mushrooms sat atop crunchy polenta chips, dusted with a fine porcini powder and oozing with heavenly truffle foam. A perfectly poached egg too, for extra ooze. Each and every mouthful had me on cloud 9.

 

Avocado Smash

If it is simplicity you’re after, Industry Bean’s Smashed Avocado will do the trick. But of course, they haven’t just let it as that, we’re talking next level avocado smash here - thick crusty sourdough topped with creamy avo intermingling with a generous dose of chevre, poached egg, charred lemon and green tea sea salt. Though chevre is not something I would usually gravitate towards, this I didn't mind.

Complaints ? Yes, just one. I could only wish that Industry Beans was closer to home. To wake up on a lazy Sunday morning and stroll on over for my weekend brunch rituals. Sigh, girl can dream.

Industry Beans. Brunch reimagined.

Industry Beans
3/62 Rose Street
Fitzroy, VIC 3065
http://industrybeans.com/ 

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Nuffnang's Featured Blogger of the Month

Wow, am I really Blogger of the Month ?

Here I am, featured on www.nuffnang.com.au

It is truly an honour to be featured by the World’s Leading Blog Advertising Community ! What an amazing way to finish off the year !

A big thank you to Nuffnang and an even bigger thank you to all my readers and your support.

Check out the feature here.

Nuffnang is the world’s leading blog advertising community, for people who share the passion for blogging. Nuffnang’s community currently reaches out to over 900,000 bloggers in 8 countries and regions - Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Australia, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, and United Kingdom.

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The Peninsula Picnic 2015

Set to be the Peninsula’s largest annual Food, Wine and Music Gathering - The Peninsula Picnic will be showcasing the very best local chefs and restaurants, vignerons and vineyards, producers, growers, orchardists and gourmet storeowners. The Peninsula Picnic offers a perfect opportunity to visit for one unique day in the leafy and sea-salted surrounds of Mornington Racecourse.

Indulge your culinary sense on local produce from celebrity chefs, treat yourself to the best wines, and lounge on picnic rugs with friends and family whilst being entertained by some of Australia’s best live music acts.

We’re talking curated lunch menus from the likes of Terre, Montalto, Ian Curley, Flinders Hotel, Pope Joan, The Long Table, Dee’s Kitchen, Max’s, DOC and more. Matched with a glass, or two of home grown wine from the vineyard region of course. Catering for a cultured musical palate, expect live acts from The Waifs, Paul Dempsey, Tinpan Orange, Pierce Brothers and Hayden Calnin.

The Peninsula Picnic – simply a magical day of indulgence.

What: The Peninsula Picnic 2014

Where: Mornington Racecourse, VIC

When: Sunday, March 29th 2015

Time: 12.00pm

Cost: Adult $74

        Child (17 – 5 years of age) $12

        Children under 5 years of age Free

        MRC Members $54

www.peninsulapicnic.com.au

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Middle Fish

Hip-hip-hooray ! Happy 3rd birthday Middle Fish ! And boy does Middle Fish know how to throw a party. Along with the Thai birthday brunch we indulged in, we also took part in a cooking demonstration where owner, Pla shared her secrets of Thai home cooking and the launch of Middle Fish's brand new shop featuring the eclectic works of international designer Khun Hem. 

The best way to describe Middle Fish ? If Thailand and Melbourne had a baby, Middle Fish would be the product - a fusion of industrial and modern art, large steel bench tops and exposed brick walls. Food wise, it's as authentic as it gets. Though I didn't manage to get my hands on each and every dish, here is a visual highlight of some of Pla's amazing Southern Thai dishes.

Kang Tai Pla

Chocolate and Almond Tea

Sa La Pao

Tiger Prawn Spring Roll

Mushroom Spring Roll

Mini Fish Cake Burgers

Salmon Salad

Thai Desserts

No doubt about, Middle Fish promises to bring the joys of Thailand cultures, customers and cuisines to Melbourne. In fact, I enjoyed my visit so much, I'm heading back tomorrow. Race you there ?

confessions of a little piggy was invited to dine as a guest of Zilla & Brooks and Middle Fish

Middle Fish

122-128 Berkeley Street 

Carlton VIC 3053

http://middlefish.com.au 

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Proud Mary

Please don’t question why it took me forever to visit Proud Mary. Shame on me, I know. I’m not proud of it.

With so many new brunch spots constantly popping up in Melbourne, sometimes it’s easy to get caught up with the new and upcoming and overlook the brunch pioneers. But I’m here to make my amends. So to visit a golden oldie, it only made sense to check it out with some (golden) old uni friends.

Skinny Flat White

Ox Tongue

Mmm, ox tongue - so meltingly tender and flavours so wonderfully deep and rich, matching beautifully with peppers full of natural sweetness, crunchy smoked almonds, and crispy onions. Let’s not forget the perfectly poached egg that oozed liquid gold onto the crisp slice of hot sourdough toast. A playful dish filled with magical flavours and textures.

Proud's Granola 

My friend went for Proud’s Granola, a dish which seemed to be the exact opposite of mine. An energy-boosting house-made granola brought to the next level with lemon balm, coconut sorbet and almond milk.

Avocado

My other neighbour’s brunch choice was simply faultless. A mountain of creamy avocado on farmhouse toast, charred corn, green onion tabouleh, ricotta and roast baby tomatoes on a bed of harissa. A serious case of food envy from my end of the table.

Proud Mary was buzzing and deservedly so considering the inventiveness of their menu, generous serving sizes and hearty brunch fare. Delivered with pride - food, coffee and service were all spot on.


Proud Mary
172 Oxford Street
Collingwood, VIC 3066
http://www.proudmarycoffee.com.au/ 

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Flavour Exchange Summer 2014 Giveaway - 2 x Double Passes

Calling out all lovers of Victorian wine, beer, cider and produce !

Flavour Exchange is coming this Thursday and Friday, and Confessions of a Little Piggy has collaborated with DIG + FISH to give away Double Passes to two lucky Little Piggies !

Kick start the summer of 2014 with Victoria’s greatest collection of boutique beers, small batch ciders, sparkling white wines and dairy fresh cheeses. Gathering over 50 exhibitors and only the best of Victoria’s finest brewers, bakers, growers and makers in one handy CBD location, Flavour Exchange will be the first stop for anyone wanting to find the best food and drinks to fill their BBQs, picnics and Christmas tables.

Allow your sweet tooths to be tempted by Chooh La La‘s fresh Parisian praline roasted onsite and Melbourne’s Rooftop Honey treats made by happy bees hiding in urban Melbourne. Those looking for a savoury bite – keep an eye out for traditional Aussie pies from Coopers Homemade Pie’s, Chocolate Buddha’s traditional Japanese inspired bites and Richie’s Fresh Salsa, which brings the taste of Mexico to Fed Square. Satiate summer’s heat with wholesome Pressed Juices’, Endless Cider and SOFI, to Mediterranean influenced spritzers.

Let the sparkling white wines flow, Pilsners froth and say hello to Summer !

Tickets are 32.50 (pre-paid) or $37.50  (at the door) each and include 14 tasting tokens and a premium wine glass for tasting.

Flavour Exchange Giveaway - 2 x Double Passes

So how do I win ?

1. Like Confessions of a Little Piggy on Facebook

2. Follow Confessions of a Little Piggy on Instagram

3. Subscribe to Confessions of a Little Piggy

3. Send me an email answering "What is your favourite Victorian wine, beer, cider or produce ?" to confessionsofalittlepiggy@gmail.com


Giveaway Terms and Conditions:

- Entries are open until Wednesday, December 3rd at midnight AEST.

- Winners will be notified via email by Thursday, December 4th

- Each winner will receive a Double Pass which entitles them and a friend entrance, 14 tasting tokens and a premium wine glass for tasting.

- Tickets cannot be resold for commercial gain.


What: Summer Flavour Exchange 2014

Where: The Atrium and Deakin Edge, Federation Square

When: Thursday December 4 and Friday December 5, 2014

Time: 4.30pm – 8.30pm

Cost: Tickets are $32.50 pre purchased or $37.50 at the door (includes14 tasting tokens and a premium wine glass for tasting).


http://www.flavourexchange.com.au/

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Nourished:385

#cleaneating is a hashtag that has taken over social media. But what exactly is it ? Simply put, it is the idea of being more mindful of the food’s pathway between its origin and your plate. 

Found in Prahran, Nourished:385 is Melbourne's newest clean eating cafe and restaurant, and is very much the epitome of a cool, calm and collected cafe. Head Chef Benjamin Hildred (ex Proud Mary) has produced a menu that aims to present foods as close to their natural state as possible - preservative free, locally sourced and using only the freshest free-range ingredients. That means no deep fryers, no excess fats or harmful GMOs will be found in his kitchen.

There’s a creative all-day breakfast menu – featuring the likes of Coconut 5 Seed Bircher with berry compote and toasted shredded coconut; Roasted Root Vegetables over tahini with lentil gremolata and poached egg; Vegan Breakfast Scramble with crispy nori over eggplant kasundi on a vegan seed and nut bread - and an equally appetising lunch and dinner menu. 

Caribbean Calypso / Super Charge 

Finding ourselves a table overlooking the gardens in their courtyard, we kicked back, soaked up summer's warmth and fresh air as we sipped on our smoothies. My Super Charge smoothie was delightfully revitalising - bursting with pineapple, mango, watermelon, apple, banana, blueberries, goji berries, spinach and coconut water. On the other end of the table, my friend escaped to paradise with her Caribbean Calypso loaded with mango, passionfruit, banana, orange, shredded coconut and coconut water.

Smashed Avocado

If you know me well, you would also know that I love avocados. So when I heard that Nourished:385 did a Smashed Avocado with a killer twist, I was thrilled. What isn’t stimulating about smashed avocado served with jalapeño infused strawberry chutney, herbed labneh, and sticky balsamic honey on their home-made Nourished house loaf. Though I would usually opt for more savoury dishes, this sweeter number was a refreshing change.

Huevos Rancheros

My friend went for the Huevos Rancheros - baked eggs braised with beans, charred corn, chipotle yoghurt and crunchy corn chips. Typically a richer and heavier brekkie option, we were impressed how these baked eggs were modified to be much lighter and cleaner. 

Chocolate Beetroot Brownie

We were also treated with a slice of their Chocolate Beetroot Brownie which incorporated all sorts of flavours and textures to tempt the tastebuds. The surprising addition of beetroot enhanced the sweetness and moistness, matching well with a scoop of banana coconut sorbet. Packed with all sorts of goodness, this was a slightly less guilty pleasure – easier on the hips, but still as satisfying on the lips. 

Nourished:385 boasts quality food to nourish the body, welcoming staff and a comfortable atmosphere for all to appreciate. Whether it be breakfast, lunch or dinner Nourished:385 could easily become Nourished:365 – a spot to visit all day, every day. 

confessions of a little piggy was invited to dine as a guest of Nourished:385

Nourished:385
385 High Street
Prahran, VIC 3181 
http://nourished385.com.au/

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Night Noodle Markets 2014 - Part II

You may have already seen my first trip down to the Birrarung Marr. It. Was. Amazing. So it really shouldn’t be a surprise that my Night Noodle Market cravings got the better of me and had me begging for more. 

Here are some visual highlights of my second trip down to the Night Noodle Markets. Enjoy !

Twice Cooked Pork Belly / White Cut Chicken / Crispy Prawn - Wonderbao

Miyagi Fried Chicken - Mr. Miyagi 

Nori Taco - Mr. Miyagi

Roti Telur - Mamak

Squid - Seafood World

What: Night Noodle Markets
Where: Birrarung Marr (near Federation Square), Melbourne
Cost: Free entry; dishes from $5-$15
When: Friday 14th to Sunday 30th November (From 5pm daily)

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