People Profile: Lauren Heard

Like myself, Lauren is smart, creative, good-looking and has a great passion for both cooking and eating. As her neighbour and friend I have been very fortunate in being able to both try and demolish some of Lauren's cooking. Lauren first launched her instagram page 'Galah Food' late last year and has had some smashing feedback, even getting a liking from famous chef Adam Liaw. This is not hard to believe due to Galah Food's Australian inspired cooking and  visually pleasing food styling.  To learn even more about the girl I know so well - and get some killer restaurant recommendations - I sent her a few questions about herself, and her cooking.

- Olivia

What is Galah food and why did you first start it?

Galah Food started as a place for me to share my love for cooking, and my love for Australian cuisine. Modern Australian Food is one of the hardest cuisines to categorise. It's fresh seafood, native fruits and herbs, Indigenous knowledge of cooking and foraging. But it's also country home cooking, pavlovas, and lamingtons, and scones. And it's heavily inspired by Asian, European and Middle Eastern immigration, which is always bringing new and exciting recipes and techniques to Australia. I love the process of understanding and learning what Australian food is.

What are your plans for galah food?

What I've loved most so far is how it's inspiring me to source out new ingredients. Before starting the blog I had never cooked with wattle seed, or finger limes, or Moreton bay bugs. It's also encouraging me to practice my technical cooking skills and food photography. Earlier in the year I travelled to Cairns and Brisbane, and this trip gave me a different insight into Australian food outside of the Melbourne setting. My plan is to travel more, eat more and cook more.

Who do you look up to for inspiration?

There are a lot of chefs who inspire me, through their recipes, photos, T.V. shows, books and instagram accounts. Namely, Adam Liaw, who has fun with native ingredients mixed with the knowledge from his Chinese/Singaporean heritage, and takes mouth-watering pictures. I also love the Queen of Australian cookery Maggie Beer.

What qualitites of a person are you most attracted to?

All my best-friends have a great and stupid sense of humour.

What makes you happiest?

Eating with friends and talking trash for hours on end. 

You've got food down, but what is a fashion choice you really regret? 

Probably my ITALIANA jumper with the Italian flag on it, which I begged for when I was 10. Only because I have no Italian heritage.

Best places to eat in Melbourne?

I might say a few answers here. Close to my home I love a little cafe called Darling St Espresso. For Italian I love Kaprica in Carlton. For a delicious night, but a long wait, I love Chin Chin in the CBD. I've got a booking in to eat at Charcoal Lane soon, so I'll add it in because of my high hopes for the dinner. Its a non-profit resturant in Fitzroy, which provides work experience in hospitality for vulnerable young people. I can't wait to try the roasted emu fillet.

You can follow Galah foods instagram on @galahfood 

Serotonin Eatery

Their motto is simply at Serotonin Eatery; Every time you eat you are either feeding disease or fighting it. Open 8am till 3pm Wednesday to Sunday, this is the perfect place to get your endorphin-filled brunch fix.

Whenever you walk into Serotonin Eatery, you will be greeted by the friendly and bubbly staff, who are more than happy to help you enjoy the full experience of Serotonin. And there’s so much to experience. From the delicious organic and plant based menu, which can cater to all your dietary needs (vegan, gluten free and wheat free friendly) to their specialty lattes, which come with a signature smiley face made from their house made cacao mix.

If that hasn’t got you hooked, you can choose to be seated at their wonderful couch lounges, or wait for it … their swings!!! Yes you read right, Serotonin has two dedicated benches with swings to get that blood flowing and those positive vibes a-going.

And last but not least, you must end with one of their scrumptious organic raw desserts, which are sugar, gluten and dairy free. Get it take away so you can bring home those happy vibes (or eat it in the car, because you just can’t wait).

Helpful hint: Definitely treat yourself to all that Serotonin Eatery has to offer, so be prepared to spend a small fortune, and you’ll leave with your head in the clouds and a smile on your face.

Serotonin Eatery

52 Madden Grove, Burnley

Facebook: Serotonin Eatery

Instagram: @serotonindealer

- Sarah 

Mister Hoffman.

With a new cafe seemingly popping up in the local suburbs every week, differentiation is the key to success, and Mister Hoffman delivers. Stepping into this local gem on Hoffmans Road you get the immediate sense you've just walked into Barbie's dream kitchen, complete with a retro coffee maker, pastel feature walls, and the odd kitsch accessory including an adorable Galah lamp (my love of bird ceramics is ever growing). I'm a sucker for cute interiors - especially if there are bold splashes of pink included - so it was incredibly easy for me to feel right at home at Mister Hoffman. 

The little, extra details are all thought out, from the aesthetically pleasing sprig of mint in the water jug, to the gorgeous chai serving set (highly reccommend the chai!) Mister Hoffman's unique style sets it apart. The food was also very fresh, and said to be locally sourced. I played it safe with my meal, grabbing sourdough toast with avocado, goat's feta, and bacon, but there are also some more daring options on the menu like pine needle herrings for the ambitious bruncher to late luncher. Whatever you choose you are guaranteed a delightful time at Mister Hoffman.

- Miriam

Mister Hoffman 
Address: 85A Hoffmans Rd, Niddrie VIC 3042
Instagram: @mister.hoffman.cafe

*Mosaik does not take credit for the images used in this article, they have been sourced from the instagram of Mister Hoffman

Movie Review-vie: Chef.

It is very hard for me to watch films about food. Very hard. Saliva fills my mouth and I start to get hungry, instantly craving whatever is on the screen. I go to the fridge and pantry to find something but  there is nothing that could even slightly compare to what I'm seeing and I just go back to watching the movie and convince myself I'm going to start cooking more.

This is literally how Chef made me feel.Hungry... but also happy, incredibly happy.

Jon Favreau, the director and star of the film found the perfect recipe and created a rare feel good movie (where I actually felt good and I didn't cringe at the corniness.) The cast was incredibly diverse, fresh and funny. The story line was relevant and original. When it ended I wanted to do the conga, order a cuban sandwich and go on a road trip all at the same time. 

Rated: As beautiful as Sofia Vergara (she's in it too, so in case I haven't convinced you yet ...) 

- Alessandra 

The Abyssinian

Having spent time in Africa, I would like to think I've had my fair share of vibrantly flavoured African stews and dry fried meats, but my recent meal at The Abyssinian in Kensington was a unique delight. The whole experience was fun with a warm welcome from staff who directed me to my seat next to carved African wood and wicker baskets, bowls and paintings hung on all over the walls. The food was equally as fun as you are made to eat with your hands, an exciting novelty for those of us bound to cutlery in Western culture. 

This Ethiopian tradition is maintained within the restaurant as it is believed "people who eat from the same plate do not betray each-other" and that the "sincerity created between diners is truly unique, and must be experienced by a group to be understood". This very much rang true for my experience and I would recommend the intimacy of the Chef's choice mixed platter for couples and small groups of close friends who are seeking an interesting and intensely flavoured meal that is pleasantly inexpensive.

My meal recommendation: The Chef's choice mixed meat and veggie platter (featuring, amongst various other stews and meats, a delicious slow cooked lamb and spiced lentils piled on homemade "injera" bread - a spongy sourdough flat bread).

Honourable mention: The "Melanzany" - grilled garlic and chilli infused egglant with injera bread.

The Abyssinian is at 277 Racecourse Road Kengsinton and is open Monday to Saturday from 5.30pm - 10pm. Bookings can be made on (03) 9376 8754.

-Beth

*Mosaik does not take credit for any of the images used in this article

San Telmo Restaurant

If you need somewhere to impress a first date, I would recommend San Telmo. This is a restaurant that offers delicious Argentinian food bursting with flavour and encourages that its consumption be communal. The location is chic with a romantically dimly lit, yet energetic atmosphere. Having a cheeky feel of the cow-hide menus and placemats was a pleasure, as was watching the waiters bring your food in beautiful leather aprons. 

Leather detailing aside, the food really stood alone in its amazing flavour imparted by the use of their Argentinian charcoal grill, the Parilla. The dishes we tried and loved were the Polenta, corn and basil chips paired with a lively chipotle mayonnaise, the fried provolene cheese (although the serving size was small in comparison to price), and the main event, the corn fed half chicken with garlic. Not a crumb was spared and the unique interiors served as a talking point. Another novelty was seeing the waiters carry out a small pig, head and all to a large table of chatty customers... I wouldn't recommend San Telmo for vegetarians but for the carnivorous among us, it's a fabulous night out with food full of flavour at an accessible laneway location. 

San Telmo is open 7 days from 12pm till late and take bookings online or over the phone.

Phone: +61 (3) 9650 5525

14 Meyers Place, Melbourne

Between Bourke & Little Collins Street

-Beth 

Fonda Mexican.

Not long ago, I set out to find a quality Mexican restaurant in Melbourne to book for a special occasion. I did a test run with La Tortilleria in Kengsington and was thoroughly disappointed- by the food as well as the service. Urban Spoon wasn't helping matters and food blogs I scoured questioned Melbourne's ability to put on good quality Mexican food. I thought there had to be a light at the end of the tunnel... and then I stumbled upon Fonda. 

To be honest, I didn't exactly 'stumble' upon the place as the CBD restaurant is all the way up Flinders Lane, but it was well worth the walk. After walking up narrow stairs, you are greeted by friendly staff and cutting edge interiors, both projecting some pretty vibrant vibes. Alessandra and I had to wait about 20 minutes as bookings aren't available for under 8 people but in the bustle of the nearby restaurants and galleries that wasn't too bad. They even send you a text when a table is ready in case you want to go for a wander. 

Beth and Alessandra's quick fire Fonda list:

The atmosphere in a sentence:

B: Loud enough to be trendy and full of energy but not so loud you're yelling.

A:Vibrant and colourful- Busy in the good kind of way.

Best food item tasted:

A:THE CORN - I am going to go back and order 5 for myself!

B: I am biased due to my love affair with pulled pork but the Mexican City pork taco was my highlight. I loved the addition pomegranate seeds. It must also be noted that the charred corn was a fantastic start to the meal.

Favourite beverage:

B: I went out of my comfort zone and tried the Cloudy Russian and, provided you like ginger beer, I definitely recommend.

A: Anything with alcohol.

Will you return?

A:YES (but only with people who are prepared to sit across from someone enthusiastically eating a burrito)

B: Yes, give it time and I will have tried out all four locations !

Green Refectory

Better known as Green’s by the locals and hipsters of Brunswick, Green Refectory is located at 115 Sydney Road, Brunswick (just look for the Illy Coffee sign). It is a haven for many of the RMIT Brunswick students like myself who want an awesome meal, but are poor design students who spend too much money on fabric and copic markers.

They provide everything from an all day breakfast, lunch, early dinner and take away meals for around $10 or less. And all their servings are huge, you can get a chicken burrito that is the size of your face, and that’s not even including the side salad! You never leave there feeling like you could eat more, only that, that $10 was the best $10 ever spent. And with so much to choose from, you can order something different off the menu each time you go in there. They also have delectable sweets and desserts that have the ability to soothe and wash away all distressing sewing days. But be warned; ordering a meal AND a dessert is the ultimate challenge, jean buttons will pop.

The cafe has such a cozy and homely feel; with mismatched chairs, little pot plants, colourful cushions and knick-knacks everywhere and to make you feel right at home. On the cozy side of things, especially when busy, it is a tight squeeze, but you will always find a place to dine in.

They are a cash only café, but there are two ATMS located right across the road. They are vegetarian friendly, vegan friendly and gluten free friendly. With a tram stop for the No.19 tram almost in front of the shop, it is only polite that you give the friendly staff of Green’s a visit.

P.S. My favourites from their menu (apart from it all) are the Chicken Burrito, the Banana Pancakes, the Caesar Salad and the almighty Tim-Tam cheesecake ... I’m salivating as I’m typing.

- Sarah  

 *Mosaik does not take credit for the images used in this article

Mister Nice Guy's Bakeshop

When one thinks of 100% vegan baking, it's natural to think there may be a compromise on flavour, but at Mister Nice Guy's Bakeshop you can have your ethical cake and eat it too. 

At this gem of a bakery, the goods vary each day - for me, half the fun is walking in and discovering what's going to be on offer. It's lavender frosting, double layer cake one day, and key lime pie the next, and this is in addition to their wide variety of cupcakes, cinnamon scrolls, polish babkas, bagels, and more.

They also make cakes to order for special occasions.  There are over 50 flavours, so whatever your tastes you are sure to find one that speaks to you. The real problem is stopping yourself at just one, especially when you have to pick between 'Margaritaville' and 'Unicorn Milkshake'. I'm not kidding when I say I have ordered myself two birthday cakes this year.  

Mister Nice Guy's Bakeshop has such a lovely community vibe, and its organic, fair trade stance makes it all the sweeter. You can find it located at 151 Union Road, Ascot Vale. There's lots of on street parking, and it can also be reached by taking the no.57 tram line from Highpoint or the CBD. 

- Miriam

*Mosaik does not take credit for the images used in this article

Queen Victoria Night Market

Wednesday nights are usually uneventful. The only good thing about a Wednesday is that you are half way through the week and you can slowly see the weekend in the horizon. 

But now the Queen Victoria Market has done what it does best: a food market. There are stalls for souvlaki, pizza, noodles, dumplings and kangaroo steaks(?!). People are pushing, arguing and haggling among the smokey haze coming from the Sicilian BBQ as they try to get food and simultaneously get cultured. 

Yes there are also stalls for you to get overpriced henna tattoos or embarrassing caricatures, and inaccurate tarot readings but these stalls are just sideshows for the main act: the food. The Wednesday Night Market is something every Melbournian and every visitor to Melbourne has to experience, because it can't be explained. 

My only piece of advice: get the sangria, always get the sangria. 

-A

*Photo taken by Isabella Gatta

Combi

With the sudden craze for clean eating, super foods and healthy living - Combi has all of that covered for you (as well as delicious-ness! :)) Located in Elwood, just a short walk from the beach, Combi sits on Ormond Road. The vibe from the outside will instantly draw you in - simple walking past will force you to have a peek inside with its adorable takeaway hut at the front of the store. Inside is quite small, however, anywhere you sit, you'll be surrounded with the delicious healthy snacks, craziness of the smoothie-making and gorgeous tropical decorations. 

Myself and O tried the apply crumble, zucchini spaghetti, and both tried a different super-smoothie (I tried the 'Velvet Cacao' - a lovely mix of berries, coconut, banana, cinnamon and loads of other tasty stuff, and O tried the 'Liquid Passion' which is one of their most popular smoothies!) Overall, we had a lovely experience visiting Combi and would go back again. The menu is filled with a bunch of exciting juices and smoothies - whilst the foods may seem a little limited on the menu, there is so much more to pick from in-store from the mouth-watering cake and slice windows! Definitely a place to go and visit (and take gorgeous, colourful photos for Instagram too!)

- C 

Express Experience: The Finders Keepers.

The Finders Keepers market was held on the 17^th/18^th October at the  Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton, Melbourne. The Finders Keepers is an event that invites all Australian based artists and designers to gather together to sell all of their beautiful creations to the public. You can get your hands on anything from hand-crafted jewellery and clothes to digital prints and letter-pressed cards. The place is filled with colour and life. Once you visit the Finders Keepers market it will keep you coming back.
The next Finders Keepers (autumn/winter) market will take place in the early months of 2015 – make sure you don’t miss it!

What made you decide to visit the finders keepers market?

I have been visiting the Finders Keepers market since it started back in 2010 (it started out in a small shed in Docklands) and fell in absolutely love with the stalls and atmosphere of it – so it was easy to decide to go back and visit it this time around! :)

-C

I went to my first Finders Keepers last year and was absolutely in awe of the place. I went to the most recent market because I thought my mum would really enjoy it. The one earlier this year turned me off slightly due to the density of the crowd it was bringing in but this time I found it so much better to wait until the rush of opening night had died down and go towards closing time on the second day. 
-B

What was/were your favourite stall/s?
There are the regulars that I absolutely love including:
- Bespoke Letterpress (a letterpress-printing company who stock gorgeous cards, gift tags and wrapping papers).
- Emily Green (an Aussie-based jewellery and print maker)
- Ena and Albert (a new jewellery company, creating bright and quirky gems!)

And so many more! Everything was just so colourful and beautiful! I could go on forever!
-C

A few highlights for me would have to be:
-Naomi Murrell (beautifully neat and simplistic jewellery design. My mum and I chose the Deco Droplet earrings and the sherbet Stacker ring for me to get as a gift from her for Christmas and I think they are just beautiful)
-Organics for Lily (a range of therapeutic herbal teas that promote good health, founded by Melbourne based Naturopath Melissa Khonsavang)
-Wirely (funky vintage inspired hairpin-leg plant stands as well as modular tops to transform the stands into a table)
-Bridget Bodenham (creator of lovely ceramic works from Victoria) 
-B


How do you feel after attending the finders keepers market?
Going to the Finders Keepers made me want to own my own market stall! I was totally inspired by the bright colours, different jewellery pieces, prints, clothes and other bits and bobs! With the summer holidays coming up, it made me want to learn new skills! Shortly after, my sister and I booked a screen-printing class to learn that new skill! I can’t wait! :)
-C

I always feel so creative after leaving the market. The homemade nature of all the products and the success of the market just brings on a wave of inspiration. The community feel of it all also leaves me feeling so happy as you know that the majority of products are created by local people and it really sheds light to what others in my own city are capable of. 
-B


What was your favourite thing about the market?
The atmosphere of the market is incredible! I love that Aussie-based designers all gather for this event to provide the public with gorgeous, one-of-a-kind pieces. It’s such a lovely setting in the Exhibition Building in Carlton and it was also exciting that they had a large food section this time around!
-C

Rather than visiting for one or two individual stalls in particular, the beauty of the Finders Keepers market is that you just get to wander around and experience the market itself as a whole. The products would be great by themselves to view in stores down Brunswick Street for example, but the fact that there is such a concentrated collection of such quality items in one place while music is playing and people are enjoying themselves just brings it to a new level. 
-B


Would you go again next year?
Absolutely! Have not missed it since I first went, back in 2010.
- C 

No question.
-B

Emily Green Print 

Ena and Albert Necklace

Bespoke Letterpress 

 Bridget Bodenham ceramic cups and saucers

Naomi Murrell Deco Droplet Earrings in Periwinkle

Wirely plant stands

*Mosaik does not take credit for any images used in this article

Hardware Societie.

Hardware Societie is a rustic hidden gem in the heart of the city. From the quirky twist on baked eggs, to the incredible twice-cooked pork belly and the phenomenal hot chocolates, this place will keep you coming back! For somebody who is not even a hot-chocolate-drinker, their chocolate ganache and cream in a cup, paired with frothed hot choc in a mini pour jar is a must-get when you visit the Hardware Societie! Followed by that of course, you’d be safe with absolutely any meal! The homely feel to each dish, alongside the use of fresh ingredients is a heavenly pairing, you can’t go wrong visiting this café! Only a short walk from Melbourne Central, if you’re in the city, this is definitely a place to pop into!

-C 

Cat Café Melbourne

For all the cat lovers in Melbourne a new entity has arrived in our city, and I’m sure you all know of it. After months of speculation and social media awareness, for this amazing commodity that was coming to the City of Melbourne, the Cat Café Melbourne has landed and has already struck Melbournian cat lovers hearts, as they continue to sprawl their love for this café and the amazing felines that reside there. The owner Anita Loughran and her partner are real cat lovers and have always been passionate about animal welfare especially when to do with cats. This was a dream that formed twelve months ago, where the couple decided they were fed up with their corporate careers, and wanted to experience and challenge their career paths in starting something fresh and different, and I am sure you can agree, it is a truly worthy enterprise. 

Speaking with Anita, she explained that starting this café was a big leap into the deep end. With experience in the more retail and the managerial side of things, running and owning a business was not something that herself and her husband were particularly knowledgeable and experienced in. Accompanied with plenty of research behind this idea, the couple had to go through large procedures to find the best felines to represent this café. Forming connections with the Geelong Animal Welfare Society and the Lost Dogs Home Melbourne, they were able to search and find cats that had great interactive skills with other cat friends and also friends of the human variety. With eleven beautiful and friendly cats living there, going by the names of Burma, Braveheart, Winter, Lottie, Clara, Jasper, Lynx, Lexi, Waldo, Lopez, Sherlock and Shakespeare, it is safe to say that these cats are in great care and are well looked after. They have a variety of specialist vets coming to visit every so often, safety precautions due to animal illness, as well as sponsorship from Science Diet. The café also acquires a list of rules and instructions visitors must abide by to ensure their safety and the safety of the cats.

Anita and her husband really wanted to bring along the joy and the fun experience of a relishing café atmosphere chaperoned by adorable furry cats. Despite the obstacles and loopholes that came along with the beginning of the Cat Café Melbourne, the owners are certain that it is truly a rewarding and enriching challenge in their careers, that will bring Melbournians to love and experience the wonderful nature and company of cats and never having to miss out on the delightful encounters which many experience with cats.

-  D

To find more on The Cat Cafe Melbourne and book a session with the cats, visit: catcafemelbourne.com