Hop a tram and venture south-east of Melbourne city to the hipster neighbourhoods of Prahran and Windsor.
When wandering along Chappel Street, you will discover a strip that is an infusion of gritty urbanism and gentrified sleek style. In Windsor, take a seat at the boho Borsch. Vodka and Tears for pierogies (which would be my last meal on earth), boutique vodkas (infused with honey, walnut, clove, jasmine and lilac, anyone?) or the beetroot broth of it’s namesake. Or sit in the sun (well, this is Melbourne, it could be any kind of weather) at the popular courtyard of Tusk Cafe Bar. If pure health is more your thing, then grab an acia bowl or green smoothie at Nutrition Bar, who also hold healthy workshops from time-to-time. For some very-Melbourne threads you should duck your face into Plane Clothes.
Which brings us to Prahran, a suburb long explored for inner-city cool. To further the healthy standard set by Nutrition Bar, you could visit Paleo Den or The Collective yoga and pilates studio. Add to this an enviro-conscious approach to eating and The Source is where you will find seemingly endless tubs of package-free consumables.
If you have no major intention of seeking out health-enhancing meals and activities, you may find Gramercy Bistro’s New York inspired fare more to your liking. And with restaurant or rooftop dining and dishes like Southern fried chicken wings with ranch dressing, caramel glazed pork belly with apple salad, Calamari with zucchini, mint, lemon, rocquette & aioli, risotto with asparagus, pea and goat’s cheese or sides like shoestring fries or maple roasted baby carrots, who’s to judge?
But to truly invest in Prahran living, an arvo (Australian for afternoon) at the newly refurbished-to-the-point-of-architectural-gem Prahran Hotel is justified. With circular window-box port hole (or wood panel hampster wheels? Enlarged beer barrels?) tables, multi-level mezzanines, hanging plant courtyards and lamp shade dining rooms, just staring in wonder may make you look drunk. Nothing a $14 steak and parma won’t fix. A perfect wind-down from a Windsor and Prahran mini-wild spin.
Cute post! Hope you enjoyed your visit Katie.
So much more to tackle next time you come back and see us 😉 Drop my a line if you’re ever back this way and I’ll fill you in!
Thanks Chapel Street Precinct! I’d love some local knowledge on my next visit. This one really was just a wild spin, with not enough time to explore all there is to see. And would even love to do an interview for my show on the area too if you’re keen. Hopefully back in the coming couple of months 🙂