My Melbourne Favourites...
WORDS:: Chyka Keebaugh
PHOTOS:: Lisa Atkinson
As much as I love travelling, coming home to Melbourne is such an amazing feeling...
I’m so proud of my home town; it’s a culturally diverse city that has the best of everything. And the shopping! Where do I start…? I love that we still have a huge variety of strip shopping, which I think in this day and age of the mega shopping malls, it is so lovely that one can still wander down to their strip of shops to pick up what they need. I love a good hunt when I am searching for something particular, and some of my favourite stores exist in little strips that are hidden away. It’s these stores that I always gravitate back to to find that certain something. I love finding new brands and falling in love with special unique pieces, and the only way to discover them is to explore…
Three of my favourite stores right now…
Established for Design is one of those beautiful stores I can spend hours in. There is so much gorgeous stuff to see and touch that I rarely leave without a few bags! Stocking a really eclectic selection of homewares, beautiful pottery, great books and textiles, tableware and so much more. I love that Anna, the lovely owner, is an avid supporter of Australian artisans and designers and being a local in the area I love that I can support them as well. She has such a way with putting her collections together that I actually do go home and change the style of my home, so yes! It’s a little dangerous going in there…!
I can never walk past my local nursery! I love plants and flowers (as you all know!) and even just stepping into this space full of lush green makes me feel relaxed and recharged. Everyone should take time out to wander through their local nursery, not necessarily to shop but to have a look at what is in bloom at the moment, to touch the leaves and branches and to maybe get a little inspired to pot something of their own.
Turner and Lane is another little favourite of mine, full to the brim with assorted goodies for your home. The owners, Suzie & Libby have found some great products that are interesting and that I have never seen before. They also now have their own label which is made out of India, that I just adore. You know that when you go there, you are not going to find your usual, run of the mill homewares. Their Malvern store is simply gorgeous and so colourful, their stock changes constantly so there is always something new and fun to look at when I pop in. They have a fab selection of items that will inspire you to dress a table or buffet so beautifully; I always walk away feeling very inspired.
My favourite places to eat right now…
Di Stasio - An iconic Melbourne eatery that I adore, everything I have eaten there is amazing.
Kisume - A fantastic new Japanese eatery by the team who brought us Chin Chin.
Atlas - With a menu that changes every four months, this chef travels the world learning new techniques about different cuisines before bringing the unique flavours back to Melbourne. Such a fabulous concept, I cant wait to eat here.
My favourite tipple of the moment…is the Negroni. May have something to do with the fact I have just returned from Europe where the Negroni was a nightly indulgence, so delish! Want to make one? Simply follow this recipe...
Coffee stops that everyone needs to make…
Capital Kitchen - OK, I may be a little biased but the toasted chicken sandwiches from here… heaven!
Fergus - I can't go past their breakfast salad, the best in town.
Moby - A fun local cafe that always has treats that I cant not take home! And make sure you try the Poke, but keep it our secret!