Winter Escape

During the past 3 weeks, I have been enjoying the warmth of European summer. Paris was mild but sunny and Spain was hot, hot, hot. It thawed my winter bones perfectly and now I'm back, ready to embrace coats, scarves and MIFF.

Since I have been back work is all types of hectic and Dan has been hugging me constantly, supposedly in a bid to stop me from leaving the country without him ever again - it might be working. So I haven't had a heap of time for blog lovin'. But here is a quick snapshot of some of my favourite winter escape 'foodie' moments.

Cafe de la Butte, Montmartre

Laduree, Paris

Marche Bastille, Paris

Mandala, Salamanca

Meson Cervantes, Salamanca

Sangria, Madrid

Mercado de San Miguel, Madrid

- Dani

Pireaus Blues

Having visited Pireaus Blues once back at uni, I thought it would be interesting to head back there again. I'd been craving Greek food and thought that it might hit the spot.

Near the corner of Johnston Street and Brunswick Street in Fitzroy, Pireaus Blues has some stiff competition nearby, but the restaurant was far from empty and we found a table for two near the fireplace.

Having craved Greek food for a few weeks, I wanted everything on the menu, so we went with the Rembetiko Banquet. A little indulgent? Yes. But sometimes cravings have their way.

Tourists' day out in Melbourne

It has been a long time between drinks. Between moving house, having no internet connection at home and life being pretty hectic generally, the blog hasn't had a lot of love. But never fear, we are still here.

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Having recently hosted my sister and her boyfriend (the tourists) over the long weekend, I thought I'd share our Sunday shenanigans.

For breakfast I couldn't go past my favourite brunch destination, Dead Man Espresso. It was the perfect setting for quick catch up with one of Michelle's Melbourne-based friends and as usual, the food, beverages and service was great.

Herb and potato rosti w poached egg, avocado and smoked salmon

I wanted the tourists to see parts of Melbourne that I see and love every day. Melbourne from the ground up. So we hired 'Melbourne bikes' and rode around the picturesque inner suburban streets before heading to Federation Square for one of Melbourne's more modern attractions, ACMI - Australian Centre for the Moving Image.

Il Solito Posto

There are so many restaurants in the CBD and I'm constantly astonished when I realise how many I've never been to. There are a few restaurants in particular, some that I walk past nearly every day, that have been on my 'go to' list for some time. With windows filled wine bottles and books, Il Solito Posto has always looked so cosy and warm, and it has been on that list for about a year now. So I finally went there!

My dining companion, the ever enthusiastic Anna, booked us a table in the restaurant/trattoria (there separate caffeteria section too). As we descended into the restaurant area, it felt as if we were hiding beneath Melbourne, escaping the outside world to a place where you can enjoy the delights of wine and food with reckless abandon.

La Petite Creperie

Melbourne, you never fail to amaze me. Walking home from the gym, completely at a loss as to what I should eat for dinner, I stumbled across a little stall, a few people and French music - Le Petite Creperie. Perfect!

Near the corner of Swanston St and Little Collins St, La Petite Creperie has been set up in an old news-stand. It is cute-as-button, very convenient and full of French charm. And best of all... the crepes are delicious!