Breakfast at The Farm Cafe

One of the major highlights of attending primary school in Abbotsford (I’d say the only highlight, but we were also near Victoria Street) was that every so often on a Friday afternoon our teachers would take us to the Collingwood Children's Farm. Once there, two hours of poop scooping was rewarded with about 4 minutes of riding horses tied to a rope on a stick in a 20 x 20 metre paddock. It was awesome.

Various things have taken me back to the Farm over the last decade, and although the awed fascination of those early years has waned somewhat, I still find it an exciting place. Peaceful and soothing, it reminds me of the good things in childhood and life generally, of how we should be caring, nurturing and remember to take things slowly. So when looking for a breakfast place to meet my friend Amelia this week, I couldn’t pass up the chance to check out the Farm’s highly recommended café.

Found inside the entrance but before reception (and the $8-16 entrance fee), The Farm Cafe is near enough to the animals to appreciate the experience (we saw sheep, hens and baby goats from where we sat), but far enough to avoid any bad smells – a much appreciated attribute.

The Goats Toast

The coffee and chai were good, not great, but served with Bonsoy on request which is always a nice touch. I enjoyed the ‘goats toast’, multigrain served with shredded beetroot, fresh spinach and goats cheese, while Amelia opted for the slow cooked beans with toast (also good).

Slow Cooked Beans

The Farm Cafe is not cheap – for a breakfast and a coffee expect to pay between $12 and $18 (more if you add extras like a poached egg). But for an organic (where available), ‘sustainable and ethical’, tasty and filling meal, it was one satisfying Melbourne experience.

Melbourne Profile: the Visitor

If you had asked Daniel Patriksson a year ago whether he ever saw himself living in Melbourne, you would have been met with a blank stare, a thoughtful 'hmm', and a 'probably not'. But that's just what this Swedish-born 23-year-old has done, arriving in Melbourne three weeks ago with plans to stay for at least a year.

'It all began with a hot dog,' says Daniel, who met his Melbourne-based girlfriend Anya earlier this year in Jonkoping, Sweden, where they both studied. 'We shared one on the street after the bars closed, exchanged numbers, and good things have been happening ever since.'

Daniel, who grew up in a small town in southern Sweden ('There were about 250 people,' he says indifferently) moved to Jonkoping for university a few years ago. He has temporarily put off his Masters in Industrial Design to be with Anya in her hometown and explore Melbourne for himself.

'I've always had a dream of going to Australia at some time in my life. But didn't think about Melbourne. Since coming here, it has been a real discovery, it's an awesome city. There is so much to do and see here, so much culture, so much going on. I love that it is a very diverse city, a lot of different cultures coming together. It makes for a good mix.'

And what has he done in Melbourne so far?

'I have felt like a tourist, walking around with a camera,' he says, 'but I've been taking it easy, slowly getting to know the city. I have done some exploring on my own, and Anya has introduced me to some of the fun things to do here.'

In the three weeks since arriving, Daniel has been to gigs (they saw Spinderella @ Ding Dong last Thursday), bars (it didn't take long to find Cookie), restaurants (I may have had a hand in getting him to Shanghai Dumpling House), parties, clubs, festivals ('The High Vibes fest in Northcote was great. So much music, so many diverse people coming together') and other parts of Melbourne life. 

So what next?

'I'm looking forward to doing a lot more of that,' he says. 'This week we are going to Phillip Island, to see the kangaroos, koalas and other stuff. Then it's back to exploring this amazing city.'

7 Days in Melbourne (where to find your culture & entertainment this week)

So, it's both school and uni holidays but I don't see anybody relaxing yet. The least we can do is find the time to have a little fun.

• 'Twilight' back on the big screen
  For those of you who were late to the Twilight party and missed seeing it at the cinema -or for the other gazillion fans- ACMI is screening the Catherine Hardwicke film this week at 1pm. Sure to be full of school kids on holidays, but a bit of fun nonetheless.
  
  September 21 - 25, 1pm
  ACMI Cinemas, Federation Square, City
  acmi.net.au
  
  
• Melbourne Fringe Festival
  A very fun, very exciting annual event, the Fringe Festival always has something to entertain. Solo shows, ensembles, plays, cabaret, comedy, installation, music, drama and at least two too many clown shows. Cheap, largely undiscovered entertainment. Turn off Neighbours and go, go!
  
  September 23 - October 11
  Various venues around Melbourne
  melbournefringe.com.au
  
  
•  Slow Food Farmers' Market
  At the Abbotsford Convent, an often forgotten about place nestled between a Steiner school and the Collingwood Children's Farm. There is a delicious wood fire bakery here, and on the fourth Saturday of each month, a market selling 'organic seasonal fruit, vegetables, seedlings, flowers, herbs, juices, breads, olive oil, eggs, rare breed and free range meat, chooks, fresh & smoked fish, home made condiments, specialist cheeses', etc. Bring your own bags or baskets because the market is plastic bag free.
  
  September 26, 8am - 1pm
  Abbotsford Convent, Abbotsford
  abbotsfordconvent.com.au
  
  
•  Hello Sailor Vintage Fair
  So there's a lot of things to do this Saturday. And if you're one of those lucky souls not working (sigh), then this is probably a good one to consider. The Facebook event tells me: 'There are over 14 stalls consisting of mens/ladies vintage clothing, shoes and accessories. Lots of summer vintage stock has been imported and all is cheap, cheap, cheap. There will be a BBQ at 2pm and drink specials along with some good tunes. Try to get there early as good stock disappears quite quickly. Both days have different stalls so there is fresh stock for the Sunday.' Even if you don't find anything, you'll still spend a weekend with the cool kids.
  
  September 26 - 27, 1pm-6pm
  The Carlton Hotel, 197 Bourke St, City
  
  
• AFL Grand Final
  Whether you are interested in AFL football or not, there is always something peaceful and excitable about Grand Final day in Melbourne. For many of us, Geelong vs St Kilda is a much more interesting pairing than that of last year's final. Though this is the Cats' third in a row, I'm told the Saints have not made it this far in over a decade, and haven't won the premiership since 1966. Unless you are very organised or very connected, you won't have a ticket, so find a TV screen (in almost any bar or pub), choose a side and get barracking.
  
  September 26, 2.30pm - 5.15pm
  Channel 10 or One
  

The Dumpling Chronicles: Shanghai vs Shanghai

On a rainy Tuesday evening in late 2004, as I waited on the steps of Flinders Street station for my friend Shirin to arrive, I contemplated where we could go for dinner. As students on a budget, dressed in school uniform and not wanting to dine at a food court, our options seemed limited. As it turned out, my worrying was for nothing, as Shirin turned up with the suggestion that we go to Shanghai Dumpling House. Being a fan of both Chinese food and low prices, I didn't hesitate and soon found myself sitting in a booth in the sparsely decorated restaurant (see figure 1).

 Figure 1. Shanghai Dumpling House keeps it real. The decor hasn't changed in at least five years. And I'm OK with that.

Two full stomachs and a hefty $12.00 bill later, we were hooked! Dumplings were the new Viva Juice. Dinner? Let's go to Shanghai! Lunch? Mm, Shanghai. Where should we celebrate our engagement? Shanghai! I spread the word and took everybody there. This continued until, well, last Thursday actually. But I'm sorry to say that it may be my last visit there for a while.

Since it was 6.45pm on a weeknight, we were fortunate not to have to wait too long for a table.  The food came quickly and was hot. The Chinese broccoli with oyster sauce was blissful, but the other dishes were lacking. The service was whatever, but we are used to that. At $62.50 for six people (incl. $5 corkage for b.y.o. wine and $1 per beer) the meal was fine. It's just that I've had better.

Figure 2. Chinese broccoli w oyster sauce. Not its best shot.

You see, on my return to Melbourne six weeks ago, I learned of a wonderful new place. A dumpling heaven, if you will - Shanghai Village. Actually, heaven might be a little strong, since as far as I can tell, the menu is exactly the same as at Shanghai Dumpling House and the atmosphere no more comfortable (except this new place has hot pink walls, if you're into that). But of three things, I will enthuse:

1. The food is tastier and fresher
2. The waiting time for tables is far shorter
3. ... I thought I had a third point, but I've forgotten and really, those two are enough.

I'm not one to hastily write off any place that has been so good to me for so long. And I'm sure I will return to Shanghai Dumpling House one day. But for now, I will walk the extra two blocks to Shanghai Village and take pleasure in the quality.

Check them out for yourself:
Shanghai Dumpling House

25 Tattersalls Lane, City
(between Lt Bourke and Lonsdale Streets)
Open every day
Go for: the Chinese broccoli w oyster sauce; to do something 'very Melbourne'

Shanghai Village

112 Lt Bourke St, City

Probably also open every day
Go for: the vegetarian dumplings; a better meal

Political voice = good. Climate change = bad.

I can't imagine there are many young Australians in favour of global warming. (In fact if you are please leave me a comment detailing your argument.) But I also have a hunch that most of us don't do enough about it. I'm not sure when I first became aware of the threat of climate change. But by year 11 Environmental Science I couldn't sleep if the TV was on stand-by or a nearby tap dripped. I'm not perfect, I have been caught driving when I could take public transport (this is bad), consuming meat products (bad), and have been known on occasion to let the complementary shower timer go another around (you try the face wash/body wash/hair wash/leg shave routine in 4 minutes). But for the most part, I do what I can.

According to their website, Youth Decide's organisers believe 'a united youth voice will help compel the Australian government to lead the way in securing a strong global agreement' at the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen later this year.

Voting is already open and closes next Monday (the 21st). It can be done on the website, at the Youth Decide Concert (see previous post) or at selected NAB branches.

I haven't done the research to know what kind of difference the vote's result will make. But if it's something you believe in, why not try?

Youth Decide youth vote on climate change
September 14 - 21

The Australian Youth Climate Coalition in partnership with World Vision

youthdecide.com.au
aycc.org.au

Update (22/09/09): Here's a snapshot of Youth Decide results

- 330 local voting events
- 37,432 votes
- 91.5% voted for world three - 40+ emissions reduction targets
- 5.9% voted for world two - 25 - 40% emissions reduction targets
- 2.5% voted for world one - Government's current emissions reduction target of 4-24%

7 Days in Melbourne (where to find your culture & entertainment this week)

Let's face it, there are always excuses not to get to things. Particularly during weeks which are full of work, school or family commitments (so that is every week, yes?). Being busy can be a legitimate excuse, but often it's that we simply make up our minds that we are too busy to do things not in our regular schedule, and amazing opportunities slip us by...

•  Youth Decide Free Concert
  Not busy Wednesday at 5pm? Catch the Cat Empire, Kisschasy, Jimeon and 'special guests' (perhaps those crazy kids at the Australian Youth Climate Coalition?) at Fed Square from 5pm. Event is to promote the 'Youth Decide' vote on climate change, happening this week,
  September 14 - 21.
  
  September 16, 5pm
  Federation Square, City
  youthdecide.com.au
  
  
• Italian Film Festival
  I picked up the brochure for this annual event at a postcard stand in a Hawthorn cafe and was instantly excited. The highlight this year seems to be Vincere, a drama based on the life of Mussolini's first wife that has scooped various film festival awards, including a Golden Palm nomination at Cannes this year. For those less inclined to the foreignness of foreign films, Michael Winterbottom's Genova (starring Colin Firth) should make for another great Melbourne outing.
  
  September 16 - October 5
  Various Palace/Kino cinemas around Melbourne
  italianfilmfestival.com.au
  
  
• The Royal Melbourne Show
  Man, was this one of the major highlights of my life at ages 10 - 13! Though I will admit I haven't been to the Show since 2004, and it wasn't a thrilling experience then, I still couldn't leave it off this list because it was just so much fun as a kid. My siblings and I would spend hours with the show bag guide and a highlighter, dreaming of our $20 budget stretching to fulfil our fantasies. One day I'll go back. One day...
  
  September 17 - 27
  Royal Melbourne Showgrounds,  Ascot Vale
  royalshow.com.au
  
  
• Short & Girly
  If anything would get me to St Kilda on a Friday night, it would be a comedy show for a good cause. Or possibly free drinks. But this time it's the former, in the form of the Short & Girly Comedy Gala, an all-female show to raise funds for the Victorian AIDS Council. There seems to be some confusion as to the date of the event, but Ticketek tells me it's this Friday, and I'm inclined to believe the people selling us the tickets.
  
  September 18, 8pm
  National Theatre, St Kilda
  Tickets: $45/55  ticketek.com.au
  myspace.com/shortandgirly
  
  
• High Vibes Festival
  Onlymelbourne.com.au says of this High Street festival: "As the finale of the Darebin Music Feast, High Vibes is more than a music festival, it is a celebration of Northcote’s vibrant character. And with more musicians per capita than any other suburb in Australia, there can be little doubt that the ‘cote is the best place in town to get down and jiggy." It's obvious why I had to c&p here instead of describing the event myself, for what better description can there be for anything than one that refers to Northcote as 'the 'cote' and invites us to 'get down and jiggy'? None, I say. In any event, this one sounds like it will make for a great day. See you there!
  
  September 20, 12pm-10pm
  High Street, Northcote
  Entry by gold coin donation
  For further deets, check out: www.onlymelbourne.com.au/melbourne_details.php?id=12312
  
  
• ACMI Open Day
  I love ACMI. I love its location, its affordability, and the fact that we even have an Australian Centre for the Moving Image. If Northcote seems too far to travel for your Sunday entertainment, then maybe you can at least get to Fed Square for the ACMI Open Day. A lot of the activities are aimed at children, but I bet everything that this event would entertain anyone of any age interested in film, or culture, or people. Happy bonus: entry is FREE! Check the website for schedule details.
  
  September 20, from 10am
  ACMI, Federation Square, City
  Entry free
  acmi.net.au

A new way to look at things

I have been in Melbourne for six weeks now. Well, 21 years and six weeks. That's right, I'm revealing both my age and my ability to confuse readers. Particularly once you learn that my 21st birthday was in February, not August. Long story short, I was born and raised in Melbourne but spent the first seven months of this year living and travelling in Europe. No big deal, as far as life experiences go. But upon my return to this extraordinary city, something struck me... something other than its extraordinariness and the high level of wind in August.

I find it fascinating how easily we forget the excitement and interest sparked by every corner of a foreign place (and I mean every corner - I don't know what it would take to get most locals to visit their own museum of haberdashery), yet promptly see our own city as a set reality, one of familiarity and routine.

Don't get me wrong, familiarity and routine are a natural and (mostly) comforting part of life. It's just that I'm keen to hold onto that excitement in experiencing some of the super dooper things this city has to offer.

Ergo, this blog is about documenting these experiences, in the form of reviews, commentary and whatever else strikes my fancy.

Join me on the glorious and ongoing journey of a Melbourne wanderer...