Pigging Out at Baba Sus!

Dearest internet,

I found myself outside Baba Sus.  Slightly befuddled as to how I got there exactly as it camouflages itself down some random side street in a very suburban part of town.  Stubbornness got me there eventually ("SEETHING SUBTERFUGE! IT WAS I!" says the driver quite indignantly) and I was rewarded with this mirage. (Except, you know, it was real.)

Strategically located next to a post box in case you want to write home about it.

See the trees in the reflection?  That's where the Baba Sus logo is, and precisely what I didn't manage to capture.  Despite that being the whole point.  I was trying desperately hard to be super casual and not... 'sus'. (See what I did there guys? What do you mean 'shut up you're being lame'?  Well sorry for breathing.  Where am I going with this??)

Guess where I chose to sit and why! (Disclaimer: no free chocolate prizes)

Just imagine what it'll be like in spring or summer.

Not only could I stare at the counter, I had a creepily perfect view of the kitchen.  Despite working under what I can only imagine to be intense time pressures, the kitchen staff appeared very much in control with determined precision in every movement.  I know this because I was doing a lot of staring.  Also I was tracking every dish that was prepared with much enthusiasm (IS THAT MINE?)  

This table was highly sought after, and I took this 'ambience' photo (who am I kidding?) while there was a war over who should claim territory somewhere on the left.  All I could hear was a lot of pompous unsolicited noise from a certain customer who decided that he and his entourage should lay claim over another gentle group, rightfully being bestowed with the legal title as they had been patiently waiting to be seated for 10 minutes.  Baba Sus' choice in waitstaff is to be highly commended as they dealt with the situation with a 'the customer is always right!' attitude despite this particular customer being plainly... not quite right.  The waitstaff were so apologetic and provided a clear explanation as to why it wasn't possible and they would be promptly seated soon, but the customer flounced off, despite their best efforts, in a cloud of unjustified huff.  Baba Sus dealt with the situation with such grace and I would go back just for the friendly positive vibes the staff give off!

Now for something completely different (insert segue-way).  This soy mocha had the right balance between chocolate and coffee, with chocolate being the dominant flavour.  That's what I specifically asked for and what was delivered with love.

*whistles* 

Love you too baby!

The Baba Sus latte.  After a friendly and much welcomed chat with the barista and a waiter (such angels!), I was told that they have their own signature Baba Sus coffee blend made by a couture coffee roaster in Bendigo... or was is Ballarat?  Maybe it was neither (my memory fails me!) but it was reportedly good, smooth and a solid choice for those who like their coffee strong (according to the drinker who, in my humble opinion, is a coffee connoisseur and inordinately discerning).

Just because we all appreciate a little latte art.

Carb-loading to start.  Feast your sparkly eyes on these beer battered chips with kaffir lime salt and sriracha aioli.  I've had a lot of chips in my life (said solemnly as my eyes stare off into the distance with nostalgic wisdom) and these rate in my top few.  They were crispy on the outside, but soft and creamy on the inside.  They used fresh oil (unlike some cafes who think they can get away with using sludge scraped off the ocean after an oil spill) which gives the chips a cleaner flavour and a golden colour.  I'm a die-hard Sriracha fan so that little bowl put a spring in my step.  Don't let the photo fool you into thinking it's a small bowl btw. No no noooo, the amount served could be a meal in itself!  I suggest one bowl to share between a couple/few peeps.

LOOK AT THAT SEXY BEAST OF A WAFFLE.  ALL THE FEELS.  RIGHT IN THE HEART.  LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT IS TRUE Y'ALL. 

You know that feeling you get when you meet a celebrity?  I had to calm myself down and fan myself for a bit.  A few lovely inquisitive customers sitting adjacent asked me sociably what it was so I was provided an opportunity to gush about it a little.  Oh, where are my manners?  Let me introduce you to my dish!  They are the exceedingly famous, justly celebrated and highly photographed Hong Kong Egg Waffles conveniently located on the breakfast menu.  I was expecting just a pretty face, but this dish is brains and beauty, with each aspect of the dish tasty in itself.  The egg waffle was soft and pillowy, akin to eating tasty clouds, and were laced with vanilla custard goodness.  I was prepared for a sour berry compete (experience has me traumatised) but was rendered breathless by its candy sweetness.  The matcha ice-cream was... how to say?  Ah yes, perfect.  I was transported straight back to Japan.  It was so good, I would've licked the bowl if I didn't practice decorum.

If you're not as willing to put yourself out there as a strong candidate for diabetes like I am, there appears to be magnificent savoury options too.  I spotted a 'Blue Mountain Wagyu Burger' and many, many bowls of 'Soba Noodles' promenading past and I had to restrain myself mentally from pulling a Gollem with his 'preciiouussss'.  I also spotted vegetarian and gluten free choices on the menu that sounded appealing so rest assured that you're covered.  See you all there!  Talk soon loves x

Baba Sus

15-17 Bardolph Street,

Glen Iris VIC 3146

http://babasus.com.au/

 

Bonjour Monsieur De Clieu!

Dearest internet,

Having opened up Pandora's Box in the last post here, I decided to succumb to the bewitchment of Fitzroy once again so I floated down in a rain of sparkles to De Clieu. 

The circle above the door clearly says 'De Clieu' in reality (as opposed to what? My imagination?) but the lighting was kinda off.

 They were able to seat us straight away and I kinda looked at them like "What? Sorry? I don't have to wait an hour for a seat at the bar AND give you my firstborn as down payment?"  I almost flung myself at the waitress in a fit of sobbing gratitude.

Notice a trend? I always sit where I can fixate on all the glorious food at the counter.

Cosy nook near the front. If I am not mistaken, you can purchase your very own French press from the back wall for all you go-getters with the extra willpower to get up earlier in the morning to make their own coffee.  I SALUTE YOU (... from the comfort of my warm bed... in my dreams).

Do not be deceived by that little area sectioned off by the grill.  It is NOT an outdoor seating area; you see that gentlemen there?  He is, in fact, only a reflection.

He was actually sitting here.  Something my evidently addled mind did not grasp until he got up and left.

This is a latte (not mine), made with Five Senses coffee.  I have always thought of myself as a highly enthusiastic bubble fan, but I was distressed to find that I change my tune when it replaces latte art.  How DARE you ruin my Instagram feed?!  (Jokes guys chill lol I'm not that insane).  However, despite being slightly under-dressed, I am told that it did taste decent.

Mocha, stronger on the chocolate.

I would say the chocolate taste was equal to the coffee, but I think I would have preferred it slightly more chocolate-y (wow, you could mistake me for a linguist with such precise descriptive terms).  Definitely not complaining though!

Alight listen up, public service announcement time.
These babies right here are the BEST soft-shell crab sliders / burgers I've ever had in a Melbourne cafe and modesty priced at $13.  For once I didn't bite into the burger, hit the crab and felt like I've licked a Himalayan salt lamp.  The salad (a mix of greens and pickles) was lightly dressed which was refreshing in-between bites of the spicy crab.  The streak of mayonnaise at the back with peanuts(?) was heaven.  Was I meant to mix it with the salad, was I meant to add it to the burger? Who know and who cares when it tastes that good c'mon.

These will fill you up, no worries.  I reckon they're the equivalent of one large burger (but with more soft-shell crab).  I believe their menu changes quite often (my my how thrilling!), so I won't note what else was available as it'll likely be redundant by the time you read this.  Nonetheless, I will delightedly report to you that they will always remain a loyal friend to vegans / vegetarians.

Yeah, that's about it.  I'll leave you with this photo because I took it and waste not want not right?  See you soon loves x

De Clieu

187 Gertrude Street,

Fitzroy VIC 3065

[No website(?) so go to Zomato for deets]

  

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/

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