OPPOSITE PAGE: SEEDLING, PHOTO: JONATHAN KRYWICKI. THIS PAGE: SHORT STRAW, PHOTO: CAT WOODS.
NAUGHTY BOY, CARLTON There are so many great choices at this Carlton hotspot, famous for their InstaShakes™ and pretty-as-a-picture plating. Try the poke bowl, it’s a combination of quinoa, sesame sauce, edamame beans, pickled ginger and seaweed, pickled cabbage and avocado. Typically served with salmon, the menu allows for you to request a vegan or vegetarian option so you replace salmon or egg with tofu instead. The Naughty Boy (bacon, egg, chorizo, hash brown and baked beans) will certainly appeal to paleo-inclined diners. Easily accessible by public transport or driving, you’ll arrive to find a light-filled, welcoming space (with crayons and toys for kids). The coffee is top quality, so do yourself a favour and have at least one. 499–501 Lygon Street, Carlton North. naughtyboycafe.com.au
of the many beautiful parks and gardens in or surrounding Melbourne city. 275 Flinders Lane, Melbourne and 349 Little Collins Street (Corner Equitable Place), Melbourne. seedlingcafe.com.au
THE CAFE IN THE GYM, RICHMOND
SHORT STRAW, HAWTHORN
This café is open to everyone, even though it’s located within Fitness First in Richmond. There’s a tram stop right outside. As you’d expect, this is a dining option for the fit foodie. There’s a daily rotating variety of healthy, delicious and freshly made, portioned meals. If you are very particular about meeting your macros needs, then owner Denise is happy to make up your meal to suit. There’s also “protein packs” for those who want the standard meal with an additional dose of chicken, beef, lamb or other. A vegan protein is currently in the works. I tried the brown rice, roast pumpkin, sundried tomato, green salad with olive oil dressing. The Cafe In The Gym, Fitness First, 560 Church Street, Richmond.
Just a short tram ride from central Melbourne, you’ll find Short Straw in Hawthorn. This café is owned by an experienced team of hospitality experts and it shows in their epicurean approach to nutritious, gourmet menus and meals. The Garden of Eden (peas, avocado and a variety of greens and veggies) is both flavour packed and satiating. The poke bowl and smashed avocado options can both be modified for vegan diners. The food presentation is flawless and you’ll find yourself well-fuelled for a stroll along Glenferrie Road, where clothing, books, music, food and beauty stores abound. 743b Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn. shortstraw.com.au
KEEN ON GREEN
(Opposite page) Seedling. (This page from top) Naughty Boy. Short Straw.
BENS SUPERNATURAL, SOUTH YARRA SEEDLING, CITY There are two Seedling cafés in Melbourne’s CBD. Their emphasis is on nutritious, wholesome food that is super fresh, and they are 100 percent gluten-free. The Winter Bowl with brown rice, roast pumpkin, tomatoes and mushrooms, avocado, crispy chickpeas and pesto dressing is delicious. The Superfood Salads include pea, avocado and cranberry; but there’s a rotating variety. You can eat in, or take your meal to one
With fresh salads, wraps, burgers and a full variety of smoothies and juices, there’s no shortage of delicious choices for the health conscious diner. The wrap with tempeh, which is served in two generous portions with a dipping sauce, is fabulous. There’s plenty of vegan and vegetarian options, including the mushroom burger (hearty mushroom between a generous, fresh bun). 16/670 Chapel Street, South Yarra. benssupernatural.com
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