AFTER THE AUCTION - IT'S TIME FOR LUNCH!

After a whirlwind morning of property inspections (and maybe even an auction bid or two) why not enjoy one of the fantastic cafes, bars or hotels the local area has on offer.

Let’s start with South Melbourne. For something quirky and a bit different, try ‘The Left-Handed Chef’ in Park Street, South Melbourne (2 doors from the South Melbourne Post Office). Specialising in authentic Israeli food, you can sample shakshuka – Israeli style saucy eggs, malawach – a traditional Yemenite breakfast, sobich in a pan – shaved potato baked in tahini, and much more. Traditionalists can select a falafel bowl or other variations from the menu. Great coffee, great service. Host Ehud Malka welcomes you – Shalom – relax and enjoy. thelhccafe.com

Not far away is a new bar, on the corner of Park Street and Clarendon Street, called Fishers Craft Bar. They offer over 16 craft beers on tap with another 180 different craft varieties available for your enjoyment. It features a simple bar menu – pizzas, beer style snacks, sliders (mini burgers), and a cheese and charcuterie selection – something to please most palates fishers.com.au 

Looking for something a little quieter? Try Wynyard and James, a short walk north from the Park Street corner on the east side. Enter via Wynyard Street or Clarendon Street. A great selection of modern café food with a sensational wine list. Poke bowls, eggs on toast or a great bowl of seasonal salad – the ‘goodness me’ bowl. A gin and tonic? No problem. Sunny seats outside or comfortable warm spots inside. wynyardcafe.com

In Albert Park, try the Hapsburg Empire Café on the corner of Montague Street and Bridport Street – just across from our Albert Park offices. Great coffee, delicious pastries as well as a full menu of traditional café fare with different influences – Vietnamese, Dutch, Austrian and more. Try the fish tacos. Wine, beer and spirits available instagram.com/hapsburgempire 

Eating out is a great opportunity to sample life in the area, get a feel for the suburbs – and relax. Of course, if you’re still bubbling with energy you can head for the South Melbourne Market, open Saturdays and Sundays, or head to the Farmer’s Market at Gasworks Park. Check the website for dates https://www.gasworks.org.au/farmers-market/ – go early then attend the auction or inspection.

It's great to get the feeling for this part of Bayside. It’s rich in history, but it’s so alive, so vibrant, with so much to see and do. It’s simply the place to be – you’ve made the right choice.

 By Michael Nelthorpe MBC

Images: MBC /  Jennie Duggan