Lovely French bakes with an Aussie twist. Asian flavours like matcha and red bean figure in the pastries too. You won’t find GF, DF here… everything is full-fat, white grained, French buttery goodness.

I went back no less than 3 times (or was it four?) to the flagship outlet at South Melbourne Market. They’re also at Royal Arcade, off Elizabeth street but the tiny shop there won’t have the full range of croissant flavours.

If my picky, non-burger loving 10 year old skinny dancer says this is worth biting into, you better believe it!

The crispy chicken burger is juicy and flavourful and they also do a gluten-free bun for those so inclined.

Am also a huge fan of their thick-shake and concretes. Go for their seasonal flavours if you want something special.

A lot of people want to do the Great Ocean Road drive to get to the 12 Apostles when they think of Melbourne. I’ve done it myself a few years ago but it was a 1-way Adelaide to Melbourne road trip, done in a leisurely fashion.

I say if you can’t do it slow, don’t waste your hours on the road back and forth. Instead, pick one of the many seaside villages like Torquay, Anglesea, Lorne etc and stay at least a night or two to soak in the beach (picnic and surf!), village and surrounding coastline which has cliffs, lighthouses and views just as majestic as Apollo Bay.

A lot of people like the QVM (Queen Victoria Market) perhaps for the hot jam donuts van (I like that too!) but it’s not my fave. I much prefer South Melbourne Market, a smaller, funkier more local venue that much better-curated. In addition to fresh produce, there are local clothing and homewares, artisanal food, wine, coffee, books, crafts and of course, lots of stalls selling the best of street and international cuisine. Some of my fave finds here: Agathé pastries, Padre Coffee and a lady with a handmade doll shop.

It was Christmas Day and almost everything was closed, which is normal for the festive season. Thank goodness for Cameo Cinemas! A night out under the stars in front of a widescreen, with blankets to keep away the chill and a hot coffee and popcorn in hand really felt like a new way to celebrate.

The halal snack pack is something everyone who’s hungry needs to get their hands on. The very definition of cheap and good, one order of this kebab, chips and sauce meal is good for two or maybe even three small eaters. You can get it from any kebab shop but Airport Ice Cream & Kebab near the site of Melbourne’s Tullamarine airport is next level. The stall operates out of a bus, blasts Hip Hop tunes and is on the flight path of returning aircraft so you can see planes land every few minutes. Very ‘grammable.