Party at Stagger Lee's!

Dearest internet,

I woke up feeling hipster yesterday so I decided to casually saunter down and assimilate myself into the cult (...ure) that is the glory of Fitzroy.

Took a photo of the entrance of Stagger Lee's and since it didn't turn out blurry (and therefore, utilisable!) I took it as a sign that I should enter (jokes, I stalked it on Urbanspoon first like we all do. edit: which has now changed to Zomato).

Stagger Lee you're so polite!  Don't mind if I do.  

I made myself comfortable at the end of the communal table...

... as it gave the best vantage point of the food display cabinet.

Laboratory glass cold dip brewer just chillin' on the table.

If breathing in second-hand smoke floats your boat, feel free to sit outside.

Latte (not mine).  Made with Proud Mary roasted beans if the numerous packets on the shelves are not just there to look pretty.

Emojis materialised < 3

A thoroughly enjoyable mocha; if I can taste chocolate and not just a tidal wave of coffee I've had a good time.  Um also total bonus with the two marshmallows the barista popped on the side.  HE'S A KEEPER.

Tried their chorizo and cheese quesadilla which was excellent, so much so I ended up ordering another to take-away.  Never before in my life have I done that.  I'll let that sink in.  Problem is, I can't pronounce 'quesadilla' properly so it was all a bit "I'll have the *mumble* please! (points at item) up in there for a while.  Disclaimer: definitely can't comment on its authenticity peeps.

I perused their menu too, and they offer some testosterone charged options like 'THE MAN CAVE GRANOLA' and 'BBQ BEEF BRISKET TOASTY'.  I'm very much inclined towards the 'Buttermilk Fried Chicken' and I'll be sure to go with an empty stomach next time (yes, there will be a next!).  Fret not alternative-diet friends, they are all-inclusive with vegan, vegetarian and paleo alternatives.  Nut allergy?  No problem!  They indicate that on the menu (no more fear of potential death hurrah!).

Waitstaff are very friendly and chilled.  If you like prompt service without being hounded constantly, this place is for you.

BONUS BLURRY PIC:

An evidently rushed photo as I didn't want that table of boys mistakenly thinking I was taking their pics for souvenirs.  

BTW the little corridor on the left towards the back leads to the bathroom.  I feel it my civil duty to like-minded hygiene freaks to note that it was clean, I didn't have to grab a key or step foot outside, there was soap and paper towels and it didn't smell nasty (at that point in time) so no complaints.  Be warned, there is only one toilet for each gender so factor in waiting time because no one wants a questionable puddle on the floor.  

On that pleasant note, see you soon loves x

Stagger Lee's
276 Brunswick Street,
Fitzroy VIC 3065
http://staggerlees.com.au/

Bloglovin

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Why Hello Sailor!

Dearest internet,

I just had a little look through my photos folder and it's definitely time to have a clear out before I start finding dead cats hidden under mouldy files.  

I tend to enjoy eating anything that's edible, and sometimes unwittingly find that I have eaten things that are not (I swear I didn't know!).  That said, if I find something questionable you know you need to avoid it like the bubonic plague.

I digress.  Let's start with a little positivity on this page, however, and I can't think of anything that evokes happy like this elegant set-up called 'Hello Sailor'.

Just look at that table, my my my. Who else is imagining themselves in a Sorrento beach house...

... influenced by Scandinavian design (perhaps?)

Is that a mocha?  I usually order mochas so it must be... and so I've answered myself.  On a side note, they offer the ever evasive almond milk!  REJOICE ALL YE LACTARDS!  Seven Seeds coffee I believe, and Mörk hot chocolate.  Yep, they brought in the big guns, and yes, its taste packs quite a robust punch.

Another angle because it was looking particularly beguiling.

I can't remember what this dish was called exactly but it went a little like this: soft eggs, soldiers (they come gluten-free for a reasonable extra $1.00 as your wish is their command), homemade hot sauce with two sides of home-made baked beans and smoked salmon.  Loved every aspect of this, would order again no hesitation!

#tbt.  Not really, it's not Thursday. (Oh, you don't care?)  This photo is from a while back when they were newly opened.  A banana chocolate chip and tomato with herbs were the picks of the day.  I believe they still offer a savoury and a sweet muffin option every single day (dedication!).  Very worth scoffing down, consistently lovely flavours and a soft, fluffy interior; it's a choice that's never let me down (my flab would like to mention here that it tells me otherwise).

Edit:  Found more food!  I present the smoked salmon bagel:  it was a solid choice, but the smoked salmon was a tad too salty.

Hello Sailor
89 Auburn Road,

Hawthorn VIC 3122

http://www.hellosailorcafe.com.au/

  

Yeeaahhh, that's it.  I'm awkward at goodbyes so please just look away now and I'll slink away slowly.  See you soon loves x

Rum Balls

Dearest internet,

Woke up and decided to make rum balls because I wanted to eat something chocolate-ty (hah! like that's something new?) but required no effort on my part (read: baking).  I decided that this momentous occasion required documenting.

Ingredients

- 1 packet x Arnott's Plain Biscuits (i.e. Marie, Nice, Milk Coffee, Milk Arrowroot)

- 5 tblsp x Cocoa Powder

- 3 tblsp x Milk (I used soy milk because that's what I had in the fridge lol)

- 1 can x Nestle Condensed Milk (feel free to use the skim version, tastes the same to me)

- 1 cup x Shredded Coconut + 1 cup extra for rolling

1.  Take the plain biscuits and turn it into a flour.  Process them in a food processor or, if you're like me, chuck them into a Glad Snaplock bag and have at it with a mallet.  Hey, it ain't pretty but it does the trick (sorta)!

2. Add in the cocoa.

3. Pour in the soy milk. 

4. Open the can of condensed milk...

... and pour it all in.

5.  Mix it all up to create this glorious mess.

Continue until you reach this stage:

7.  Line a tupperware box with baking paper so you can store it in an air-tight container.  I just re-read what I wrote and realised that I've turned into my mother.

8. Roll them into balls (about a 50c piece size?) and coat them in the coconut.

END RESULT.  Definitely not picturesque but my mouth isn't complaining!

WOW. SUCH CHOCOLATE. MUCH YUM.