The Foodies' Guide to Melbourne 2008

[James]

This annual guide is indispensable if you're looking for the best food Melbourne has to offer: whether you're searching for spice-filled snags or whole-roasted duck, organic extra-virgin olive oil or white chocolate and wasabi gelato. Authors Allan Campion and Michele Curtis spend their days scouring the streets (and nearby hills) of Melbourne and report on the best of what they say is "one of the great food capitals of the world".

Foodies' Guide Awards 2008
These awards are part of the release of the Guide and showcase the providores and suppliers who stand out as the best of the best this year.

Bakery - Crabapple Bakery - Factory 37, 756 Burwood Highway Ferntree Gully 9752 2000
Melbourne's love affair with cup cakes continues; here Jennifer Graham is the mistress of all things sweet and decadent.

Butchers - Bouchiers - 551 Malvern Road, Toorak 9827 3629
Peter Bouchiers' dedication to providing the best quality meat continues to scale new dimensions.

Cheese - La Bergerie - 141 Maling Road Canterbury 9830 7915
Probably the best new shop to appear in Melbourne in the last 12 months. Love the attention to detail.

Chocolate and confectionary - Koko Black - 167 Lygon Street Carlton 9349 2775
These five shops are Melbourne's little touch of Paris, from their incredible truffles to their rich hot chocolates and cute salons, these are must visit stores.

Cooking Class - Tony Tan - 28A Lansell Road, Toorak 9827 7347
Tony's meticulous teaching and a program featuring some of Melbourne's top chefs are complimented by his use of state-of-the-art technology.

Delicatessen - Delicatess - Stall 706, Prahran Market, 163 - 185 Commercial Road 9824 1752
10 out of 10 for top service, fantastic range of products (always supporting upcoming new producers) and an awesome cheese selection.

Italian food - Monaco's - 525 Camberwell Road Camberwell 9889 7198
Over 30 years old and getting better and better. The momentum continues with plans to extend.

Spices - Peter Watson - 6 Union Street South Melbourne 9699 2566
Peter Watson hangs onto his crown of spice (and jam, marinade, sauce and all things good).

Takeaway/traiteur - La Fayette - 355 New Street Brighton 9592 3922
A change of address and this shop has taken on a whole new dimension : better and sexier than ever.

Beer - Bright Brewery - Great Alpine Road, Bright 5755 1301
The freshly brewed beer and knowledgeable service make this a must visit destination.

Farmhouse kitchen - The Red Hill Kitchen - 69 Prossers Lane Red Hill 5931 0186
A country kitchen that all food lovers should visit for its rural setting, fantastic seasonal cooking and warm welcome.
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“Blessed are the Cheese Makers!” - Jesus, in the Life of Brian