stephen blyth’s blog

A shortage of basics like bread, cereal and milk means I’m eating breakfast out for the second day running. I’m sitting here at Mule in Sydney Road listing to Radiohead, Verve and some other britpop bands. The whoosh of the espresso machine interrupts madly. There has been heavy rain over night so the gutters are overflowing, and the street busy with traffic. Mule’s really comfortable: a retro feel happening with school chairs, exposed brick and cyclindrical lampshades. It’s going to be hard to drag myself off to work. Ah, here come the homemade bake beans, stacked high with an Italian parsley flourish…… Yum!

I’m being brave, stepping outside my comfort zone: eating in a cafe not given the seal of approval by The Age’s annual Cheap Eats Guide. I’m not really a slave to lists or guidebooks but I’ve found the guide reliable so far. So, give me any excuse and I’ll try somewhere new.

Last night was a balmy, 25 degrees or something, so I dined at an outside table at the Chocolate Buddha in Federation Square with Kathy, who was here on official, government business from Wellington. For madam, ika yaki don (marinated squid with overshio leaves on a bed of rice; and for sir, namatake don (steamed okra, enoki mushrooms and lotus root with rice). Miso soup and local beer as accompaniments. The lights of the city, Fed Square’s giant screen and bustling Flinders Station served as a vibrant backdrop. A digestive stroll along the Yarra River, followed by both a fire and water show at the Crown Casino capped off a very enjoyable evening.

I’d be happy to loan anyone my copy of the Cheap Eats Guide, let me know.