CHAPEL STREET CHIC COMES TO EAST GIPPSLAND!
Cafe style in Bairnsdale has just been taken up a notch by newcomer, little alice cafe on the corner of Main & Service Street, in the heart of Bairnsdale.
Only recently opened, this bright, inviting cafe looks like it has been lifted out of Chapel Street, Prahran and carefully placed in a prime position for the lucky people of Bairnsdale.
As the gas was only connected yesterday, a full menu is still to come, but the temporary menu has plenty to seduce and satisfy all who are warmly welcomed into the cafe by the staff who REALLY understand what customer service is all about! I have been several times and on each occasion left feeling sated, uplifted and planning my next visit. Whether your taste is for coffee - sensational beans from 7Senses and treated with the utmost respect, or maybe a spice Chai from calmer sutra, or even a standard, herbal or fruit tea, you will find it hard to resist the sumptuous cakes on offer! Flourless orange cupcakes, rich chocolate topped with ganache and rocky road, honeycomb or other delectable toppings, or my favourite lemon meringue - delicate lemon cup cake with a pool of lemon curd hidden inside and topped with meringue frosting.

For something more substantial, try "kick start scramble" - scrambled eggs on sourdough with bacon, chilli, chives and parmesan.
Today I needed a treat to face the tumultuous weather conditions so chose "hello morning" and tucked into perfectly poached eggs on sourdough surrounded by prosciutto, avocado, roasted tomato, rocket, relish and thyme buttered mushrooms. Vying for attention were offerings such as roasted sweet beet salad featuring sweet potato and beetroot chunks on spinach with persian feta and walnuts; pulled pork baguette, gippsland lakes catch served with kipfler potato salad and steak sarnie.
Chips - potato or polenta - are available as sides or just to munch while you chat.

I predict little alice has set a new standard for Bairnsdale; and it seems much of Bairnsdale agrees as on various visits the place has been bustling but not hectic. I for one am happy to make little alice "my regular" and look forward to seeing what else their kitchen will provide for our pleasure.

Prahran - who needs you? We have little alice!!

Approximate cost: $17

I chose Bear Brass as a good central meeting point for one of my rare visits to Melbourne, meeting with family and friends before going to a show at the Arts Centre. Loved the surroundings, the vibe and the menu, there was something for everyone. My Mushroom Risotto with Gorgonzola was exceptional and my mouth is watering at the memory. There were meat dishes, seafood dishes and vegetarian options, and everyone was happy with there choice. HOWEVER... the wait for the food was really unacceptable. Having placed our orders by 7pm, receiving them almost an hour later was a bit of a joke, especially as the place was not particularly full. Surprisingly, the longest orders to be received were the pizzas! I will return to Bear Brass, but next time I will place a time limit on our orders so as to ensure a timely response. Luckily the food WAS worth the wait.

Approximate cost: $22

What a delight is this lovely little cafe! Set on the veranda of a residence, it overlooks the beautiful Tambo River in Swan Reach. The wide veranda features clear cafe blinds to protect against a nippy breeze, or open to the warmer weather. Lovely homemade snacks, the most sensational Passionfruit Sponge, foccacias, the Canadian "French" crumpets cannot be missed! Beautiful gardens with water features house a myriad frogs that croak, trill and squeak with gay abandon. Beautiful coffee, lovely hosts and friendly staff make this a must visit cafe when you are in the area. Open only on weekends.

Approximate cost: $15

Guess what... they are no longer in business. apparently they could not sell enough pizzas... but the crummy service didn't help them at all. No pizza in Metung anymore, but if you are after fish & chips, then try Metung Galley!

This is by far my favourite eating spot in Metung. The menu is always fresh, creative and well priced, the service faultless and the setting is beautiful. Highly recommended!

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