Forksake

From 2018 - 2019, I’ve worked and contributed to Forksake, an online food digital publication. I attend events, photograph, and write content for the magazine in Melbourne and Sydney.

Check out my full profile.

Pentolina

Nestled away amongst Little Collins Street, Pentolina Fresh Pasta Bar is the brainchild of Matt and Julia Picone – paying homage to their family history and their desire to put up a plate of home-made Italian goodness to every Melburnian, right in the beating heart of the city. 

The star of the show, of course, is their fresh pasta. It's made in-house (our favourite) and the list packs a punch, with something that everyone can chow down on – yes, even that one vegan friend. With every style imaginable, my favourite was the rigatoni + spaghetti styles, you can lap up the sauce in every-which-way. Delizioso!

Corretto (Sydney)

Sydney has no shortage of Italian restaurants popping up across all over town, but Dee Why's newest hot-spot, Corretto is bringing a slice of the Amalfi Coast to the coastal suburb. A stone's throw away from Collaroy and Narrabeen, this smaller suburb is often over-looked for their offerings in the winter months. Don't let the beach fool you, this place means business (and has a roaring heater, so you'll be nice and cozy). 

The European influences are big here, right down to its namesake, which lends itself to Italian bartenders "correcting" their coffee with shots of alcohol. Naturally – Corretto Dee Why serves both coffee and cocktails for their brunch menu (all heroed by the award-winning bartender, Kurtis Bosley – known for his work at CBK Hospitality Group and Bar Moncur). as well as their liquor being poured 'till midnight for an all-day alfresco menu. 

Nutie Donuts (Sydney)

Sydney’s Nutie Donuts serves up some of the sweetest treats in Central Sydney. After the success of their Balmain store, the team decided that they needed to set up shop somewhere close to the city: and the Surry Hills store was born. If you’re not from Sydney, Surry Hills dabbles in boutiques, market-style stores, some of the best coffee and now, vegan treats.

What makes their Surry Hills location different to the Balmain original is their capacity to produce vegan and vegetarian brunch. 

Rebel Blue Windsor

Chapel Street's getting a bit rebellious in their food offering – the newest kid on the block is Rebel Blue, a Grecian restaurant founded on sharing plates and moreish cocktails: we aint' a rebel without a cause no more. Bring your friends together in a cozy booth: bring your stretchy pants, because the menu is divine.

Just look for the neon blue sign in the window and you're on the right track.

Start off with a cocktail from their extensive drink menu: try out a Grecian G+T, Aperol Spritz or the 'Mimi The Fuzz' with watermelon, aperol + gin (refreshing and tasty, if you ask me). If wine is more your thing, they have a full wine list as well as beer and cider on offer. They also have a 'watermelon' mocktail, equally as delicious.

Magnum & Queens

Known as a hot-spot for all things wine, Magnum and Queens has been around in South Melbourne since 2018, after having success with their online store (which is still a big hit, here.).

The brick-and-mortar store is beautifully laid out – for a perfectionist like me, each style of wine is categorised in large structures. When I usually shop at a boutique wine store, it’s for a gift (i.e.: I’m willing to pay a high price), but I was pleasantly surprised to find a nice range of prices on the shelf for all their wines. With a communal island table in the centre of the store, it beckons you inside to try their open wines of the week, usually following a theme (or that from the subscription box available). Virginia Selleck (who co-owns the store with Kirsten Dickie) notes that the wines that are on the shelf are all her favourite producers, and wine she loves dearly – quality over quantity is a big win for the store.