A long list of life-saving recommendations

People influence people. Nothing influences people more than a recommendation from a trusted friend. A trusted referral influences people more than the best broadcast message. A trusted referral is the Holy Grail of advertising.

 Mark Zuckerberg

I read some advice from Blog master Seth Godin. He said that sometimes the best content is to identify  repetitive conversations or topics that keep arising in your communication circles. Use those thoughts or talks, as there is always an opportunity to write about something. 

Over the last two weeks, I have had this exact conversation with a multitude of different people. Some friends, some strangers and some acquaintances:

    Person: “Wow that jacket looks warm.”

P Mama: “Oooof - you know it! I got it last year and ITS CHANGED MY LIFE. I can now comfortably leave the house between June - August.”

    Person: “It looks great. I think this expensive jacket I bought has actually no purpose at all. I am freezing.”

P Mama: “Well this is like a wearable sleeping bag. I think I froze in Melbourne every winter until I got this jacket. I wish when I drove into Victoria six years ago someone handed me a pamphlet of all the things I needed to know about how to make life easier in this beautifully large and unique city.”

So many things would go on the ‘entry-to-Melbourne’ pamphlet. Recommendations to me are life. SO MUCH! Why on earth would I waste time trying a multitude of bad things when I could dedicate that time to eating croissants. Or laying on the floor with the dog. 

Other people out there have done the hard work for me. And they have also done it for you! I have done years of moving through the streets of Melbourne, locating things that have been the best. I have tried so many shitty Spring Rolls in Melbourne that I know where the best ones are. I have spent years eating floury tomatoes, so I could tell you where you locate the ones that can be eaten with JUST balsamic and salt - that’s how good they are. I can also FINALLY tell you all at once where the great public nurseries in Melbourne are. Also, I can tell you what small businesses have whooping ideas and how you can support them too. 

Of course, Melbourne is not lacking AT ALL in recommendations. I cannot even begin to fathom how many ‘Must See/Must Do’ online articles already existing in the web stratosphere - but none are from me. I would like to point out that Melbourne is a very large city, obviously. So the ‘best coffee’ argument could go for weeks - you’ll find most of my recommendations are within the area of my home and studio. I have recommended so many things already on my Instagram stories. However they disappear after 24 hours and when I am answering the 87th person querying about the rug guy I was shouting about, I thought my LONG LIST of recommended things deserved a permanent space on the internet. My version of the “Entry-to-Melbourne-Pamphlet” to make someone's life easier.

This list doesn’t have a theme, it is a jumbled list of many many varying things. I could also have loads of businesses under each title, but I have chosen a few. This list might change, I may find a better Pistachio gelato then the one I currently have here in Collingwood. But for now, here it is. Like Julie Andrews, Oprah and Big Brovaz sang: “Here are a few of my favourite things….”

Best Public Plant Nurseries

I get asked all the time to reveal my wholesale nursery contacts. And I cackle, followed by “Sure, and then I will have to kill you HAHAHA.” No, but really - I was told early in the game to keep some things to yourself, and I have followed that great advice. My joke threat is followed by an enthusiastic and helpful recommendation of where you can find the greatest public nurseries where the plants are fantastic, the prices are absolutely reasonable, and the owners are legends. See as follows:

Northside Indoor Plants:  The Plant Exchange - Collingwood. Michael and Jane are incredibly knowledgeable, are insanely passionate and also house a lot of rare and unusual plants. They are the owners and are 110% involved and offer a fabulous service across many fields.

Southside Indoor Plants: - Into the Wild - Hampton. Marita is so easy to chat to, positive and also very knowledgeable. She has an amazing range of designer pots and mature plants -  the perfect location if you want to get the pots and plants together.

Westside Outdoor & Indoor: Westlake Nursery - Rockbank. These guys are your one stop shop, highly highly recommend. Unfortunately you will need a car to head out there, but you will need one anyway in order to stock up on plants. Their outside range is fabulous, good quality plants and I can pretty much get everything that I need for outdoor landscaping there. They are a family run business, and all around legends. They also have a good range of pots and indoor plants to service all your needs. They all work very hard and are very involved in their business, the ones that you see never taking a holiday - give them ya money!

Southeast Outdoor & Indoor: Springvale Garden World. - Springvale. Huge huge huge nurseries with adjoining plant shops. Everything you will need for both indoor and outdoor can be acquired here.  

Best sandwiches 

I know everyone thinks that they are, but I am the samo queen. My family grew up with sandwiches as the staple lunch meal. Made by Mum with food picked fresh from the garden. I have eaten a lot of salad samos in my time and I have found my favorites in Melbourne. But of course -. my mum makes the best ones. 

Kelso’s Sandwich Shoppe - Abbotsford. Oooooof - This place. Thankfully we are neighbours. The line up at lunchtime signifies that I know what I am talking about here. Everything on this menu is nostalgic, simple, tasty, affordable and addicting. I get the Tuck Shop Salad on Rye every time. The filter coffee is delish, staff are friendly, fries are perfection.

Hectors Deli - Richmond - The menu is simple, but its because they MASTER those few things. Coffee is yum, staff are lovely.

Alimentari Smith St - Collingwood. Well obviously this place for EVERYTHING (all food, treats, wine, coffee, dessert, - everything is outstanding). Although their samos are great, out of the park great. The Hi Top Chicken is mammoth and fresh, as is all the Italian samos. 

Wide Open Road - Brunswick. Sorry vegos and vegans - but this bacon samo is yummy. I have travelled in heavy Sunday traffic for this samo many-a-time. It features provolone, scamorza, apple & ginger relish, pickled cucumber and it will make you sink into your seat.  ENJOY

Best Vet and doggo things!

Random I know - but we all need a good vet! And BOY have I seen some terrible and expensive ones here in Melbourne. Your fur child is important, and so is its care. Walk in Dr Robin from Preston Veterinary Clinic - Preston.

A friend recommended this place and it has been always a great experience. I knew he was good when he referred to Sprout (my border collie) as his ‘client’ and offered assurance that at any time of day, even early morning, him and his staff would always be available to help Sprout and I. The price has always been reasonable, the information detailed and Dr Robin has always provided such an array of deep knowledge about the characteristics of my dogs breed. The general vibe from the rest of the staff is lovely, they are helpful informative and patient.

For the best dog food treats, grooming meals and accessories, my neighbours The Doghouse Café is where it is at!! The fact that someone has dedicated their life to creating healthy, affordable and luxurious dog treats and food deserves all my money. The organise ‘Breed meet ups’ (imagine a Sunday with 33 border collies - HEAVEN) and have grooming onsite, as well as human snacks and coffee. When COVID struck they worked hard to deliver food treats for our furry friends and continue to work hard to make sure our pets are thought of with the best quality fresh food at an absolutely affordable price.

Best fresh produce

If you can get past the screaming vendors and crowds, The Queen Victoria Market in the city always have great produce. Organic, local, imported deli needs and anything food orientated can be located here, and I would say with about 95% of it being great quality.  You just have to locate your favourite vendors.

If you want to avoid all of that, park your car clean and nicely in an undercover spot and slowly and quietly peruse the produce isles, then I would head to Toscanos in Victoria Gardens in Richmond. Quality is great and they have interesting market goods too

Everyone knows about Terra Madre in Northcote and if you don’t you SHOULD. Thank me later.

My neighbours are Organic Ease and they are fabulous! They deliver and drop to your doorstep boxes of organic produce. All from local growers, the money you are spending is going directly to the growers which I love! It’s outrageously affordable, the produce lasts ages and the box features a range of produce varieties meaning you can make a range of recipes. 

Best cuisines

Now, obviously this list specifically could go on for years, as the fabulous cuisine list of Melbourne's endless array of tasting treats in truly never ending - I will do my best to summarize a few favourites.

Pizza - Ritas and Lazer Pig, Red Sparrow for Vegan Pizza.

Greek - Gazi in the city is outstanding and Jims Greek Tavern is a must at some point in your life. But obviously my Greek friends parents and grandparents houses is where the real eats are at huh!!

Thai - Jinda Thai in Richmond will BLOW YOUR MIND

Persian - Hafez on Bridge Road in Richmond is as delicious as the interiors are.

Vegan/Vego -  TRIPPY TACO IS THE BEST DISCOVERY EVER. Its a vego and vegan mexican joint and it will change your life - get the trippy fries. Smith and Daughters is also great Vegan food, Evies offer good Vegan alternative too. 

Falafel - Obviously the outstanding Just Falafs gets mentioned. However I will say The Falafel Place on Smith is under $10 and is very simple with just main options to choose from. But don’t let that fool you in quality and taste - always a winner!

Burgers: Lazer Pig has the yummiest cheeseburger ever. Followed by Easeys, who also have an excellent vege burger. Hectors Deli in Richmond have an outstanding Mushroom burger too.

Vietnamise - Best pho is Pho Hung Vuong 2 on Victoria Parade Richmond. Co Do in Richmond is yummy too!

Indian - A well known Collingwood secret, this has the best curry in Melbourne! Punjabi Curry Cafe on Johnston St.

Pasta/Italian - I always enjoy a Pasta from Mamma Vittoria's in Fitzroy for simple old school pasta, and across the road from Pasta Classica is where Melbourne’s best pasta is. True story. 38 Chairs in South Yarra is fantastic. But OBVIOUSLY Pasta Mama is the best.

Morrocon Soup Bar Fitzroy North just gets its own mention in general. THE CHICKPEA DISH - OH MY FUCKING GOD. 

Nice bars and shopping strips

Soz if you still shop there - but Chapel St has done its dash. Mainly for visiting tourists because they read about it once in Lonely Planet, Melbourne has many other precincts on offer with unique and different offerings available. Of course what I say below reflects that I am very much a Northsider but hey - I live here BECAUSE of these fabulous things. 

For a general day out - Fitzroy and Collingwood are fabulous waltzing areas. Walk down and around anywhere between Brunswick St, Gertrude St and Smith St and you will find a collection of shops filling all your curiosity needs. Small local fashion labels, upcycle boutiques, op-shops galore, unique gift shops, record and vinyl shops, galleries, book shops, little wine bar nooks, crepe shops - honestly the list can go on and on. I take friends and family who visit here for a whole day going around the Johnston St/Gertrude/Brunswick/Smith block. Everything you need to see as to what Melbourne has to offer is put into this fabulous block. Black Cat  on Brunswick St is great bar for a drink both during the day and night and Beermash on Smith St is fabulous for casual beer drinking and banter, Marquis of Lorne is a fabulous pub. And we all love pubs.

There is a little hub of bars that is away from that busier block is my favourite. The Abbotsford/Johnston St prescient has all you need within 100m which I LOVE, I don’t like staying at one location for too long but I also hate walking too far after a few Spritz’s ya know? Lulie St, Dr Morse, Ritas and Bodriggy.

Best Gelato

This is easily my most researched project, I love all gelato. Would eat it for breakfast if it was socially acceptable. I have found that both Piccolina and Pidapipo are both outstanding. It's no Gelateria La Carraia in Florence, but it’s definitely the best we got! If you are at Pidapipo and the White Chocolate with Mint and Crisps is on offer - TAKE IT!!!!

Best clothing alterations person and clothes maker

Honestly the best advice I was ever given by one of my Home Economics teachers was that a well fitted garment is always worth the spend! It took me a long time to locate someone who could turn my beloved second hand gems into well fitted pieces of art - and I found her! Asti is fabulous, she works fast, is incredibly affordable and has experience working in bridal couture - so her skills are seen in the quality of her work. She has both altered clothing for me but also created complete outfits from ideas in my head. Velvet tracksuits, fitted cord boiler suits and reversible bucket hats. SHE. CAN.DO.ANYTHING.

If you need things tailored, or you wish an entire garment be created - Asti is your girl.

Best bedding (that’s affordable and good quality)

Irrelevant the fact that we have worked together, Bed Threads really do make fabulous linen bedding packages. When I wanted to make the leap into linen, I found that the financial mark on a linen set was up to the $600-$800, which I couldn’t afford. Then I purchased a set from these guys and was extremely pleased with the colour options, quality and price point. I own about 5-6 sets now. Another alternative is The Sheet Society and the owners are Melbourne based as well.

Best thoughtful gift

Sometimes I get something that brings me so much joy that it must be shared!! I also love when I get to experience the genius idea of another person. Even MORE SO when the owner is a fellow Toowoomba chick! I was sent a Wine Box last week from Astro Vino. They send you (or the person you love) wine that is matched to their/your astrological sign. They explain themselves as “Astro Vino was born of a fierce interest in people, wine and the parallels which exist between them. This foundation inspired our thoughtful offering — an Online wine gifting service, astrologically-personalised with consideration and expertise.” The personalised notes and detailed description of my sign was filled with LOVE and WARMTH and it was such a pleasure to receive. I will be sending these on FOR SURE.

My beautiful friend Nat from Wildflos does amazing flowers - she’s always my go-to flower gal and she delivers!

I also offer a Plant Mama Visit gift voucher seen here which can be done in person and virtually. 

Best coffee (Collingwood)

All the coffee snobs will be judging me on this one, but I am a girl who can enjoy a nice cup of Nescafe, so maybe don’t listen to my coffee praises too much. Also I can only recommend coffees that I drink currently in my area because - ISO.

ACOFFEE in Collingwood is an experience and it will convert you to black coffee. Terror Twilight (have their Acai bowl!!) and Everyday Coffee both in Collingwood is always a winner winner. Melvin on Johnston St in my local and also Burnside on Smith St is yummy as.

Best winter jacket

Lulu Lemon lovingly gifted me a version of this jacket and it saved me from frostbite, HIGHLY recommend. Also this Patagonia jacket will warm your tootsies too. I pretty much forgo most fashion rules in winter as warmth is my PRIORITY!!!! Amen sis.

Best guaranteed outfit locator 

If you are looking for a dope outfit with little time and want something unique, I can ALWAYS find something rad at Vintage Garage on Smith St. You have to do a lot of searching but there are always big gems in there.

Best beauty places and health services

Makeup, eyebrow and massage lady - Angie Glavas - SHES AMAZING- DM or email angiemakeup@gmail.com

Optometrists - Wink Elwood

Physio - Optimus in Richmond 

Doctors - Richmond Medical 

Facials - Little Company

Saunas - Nimbus & Co

Best skin care - I have had the most success with Go-To, as have a lot of people around me. And I am one of those people that believes the entire beauty industry is a sham. Easy and simple routine, not harmful, smells nice, sooooooo well priced, Australian brand. Gives you a big ass LOL in the shower when reading the bottles. Female led and run, is thoughtful in its ethical processing - yadda yadda yadda. And I use some Aspect products.

Best Home and decor

For the most jaw-dropping, unique and HIGH QUALITY rugs - you go to my main man Israel from The Rug Gallery. Only if you have ever owned a real Persian rug, do you understand the value and craftsmanship in owning one of these. They last a lifetime and are guaranteed to look like nothing anyone else has. 

Fabulous furniture from both Curated Spaces and Dust Vintage. Smith St Bazaar ALWAYS has something to be purchased, as does Modern Times in Fitzroy. If you are on a budget Camberwell Market sometimes has finds as does random Melbourne garage sales. 

Handmade Ceramics is my talented friend, as is her sister Sir Ramics

If you are looking for art, my brother is wildly talented as is my soul sister Bobby Clark. Support them. 

Best experiences 

Vaudvile Drag Cabaret in Fitzroy is A BLAST! Fill your galfriends with a coupla margaritas and head on down for the time of your LIFE!!

For a different kinda boogie, The Night Cat has some great live jazz bands, there can be a lot of good vibes in that place at any one time.

Getting all gussied up on good Tequila from the tequila bar in the city Touche Hombre and heading to Section 8 after for a boogie.

Lune Croissant. Say. No. More.

Step on Grapes with Noisy Ritual and visit Urban Winery Jamsheed

Dejour Jeans. Again. Need I say more.

Hidden and great bars: Bar Margaux and Pizza Pizza Pizza

And although I LIVE in Melbourne, sometimes I stay at a hotel to get lots of work done, and to enjoy myself. The QT in the city is fabulous, and I love them and I love their mattresses and robes.

To experience wearing a cool hat…. see here.

So solve winter plant woes - see here

END OF LIST!!!!

I HOPE I SAVED SOMEONE SOME PRECIOUS CROSSIANT EATING TIME.

love forever from P Mami xx