There’s something about Melbourne. Not just Melbourne, the food, the coffee, ok yes theres the weather and diversity of the area, but everyone who visits Melbourne will tell you about the food.
From coffee vans to quirky cafes through to high end restaurants, Melbourne presents an incredible array of food choices, from many cultures.
We enjoyed a number of meals whilst visiting. The first breakfast, including the silverside Brekky option above, was enjoyed at an interesting quirky suburban cafe Mr. Foxx. Friendly staff, great food and decor with a difference. Something to see in every direction.
Ok it was winter and pretty chilly outside, but once inside the cafe you were enveloped with warmth, homeliness and customer chatter, all rising above the sounds of the coffee machine and kitchen preparations.
Hubby approved of the chai latte it was apparently superb. As a non coffee, non chai drinker, I can only comment to say that a number of people I know who do drink coffee, would move to Melbourne just for the coffee. Apparently its that good.
On another day, we were visiting the Terracotta Warriors at the NGV, which had us finishing just before lunch. A little bit of museum exploring and the onsite Garden Restaurant was discovered. No need to brave the cold, lets give this one a a try.
Seated next to expansive windows, overlooking a lawn area, complete with artworks, as well as pond with a somewhat interesting fountain sculpture in the middle. Ill let you visit and work that one out!
White table cloths, highly attentive staff, matched to an extensive wine & food menu, making for plenty of choice for all. Add to that the garden fresh herbs and vegetables you can see outside the restaurant, and you know this will be a lovely dining experience.
Food arrived in a timely manner, simple tidy presentation. Upon tasting, wow, totally delicious, melt in your mouth food.
I was also lucky to enjoy another breakfast, at a suburban cafe, One Little Place. Highly recommended by some lovely ladies in the Norsu Interiors shop, which just happened to be next door. 
Check this place out too, its unique collection of home interior design items and ideas will give you plenty of inspiration, and enough shopping to fill up your vehicle each trip!
The dish I chose at One Little Place, was the one recommended, Avocado Crush. A deconstructed version of avocado smash which was not only intriguing, but what a superb idea for breakfast! Totally different to the usual presentation on this dish, here you were able to mix and match yourself. Absolutely loved it.
The warmth and character of this little cafe made for a very enjoyable breakfast for one. Add to that a quick chat to the friendly staff when paying the bill and it was certainly well worth stopping by.
Our final stop on the last day, as we headed out to Melbourne Airport, was at the Boathouse, which was an easy stop on our way to the airport.
This restaurant is right on the river, with a huge outside deck. Some braved the chilly conditions to sit out there, and all honesty, on a warmer day, that would have been an awesome place to sit for a while. 
On this particular weekday however, the warmth of the inside fire was definitely much more appealing!
Today I opted for the Express 2 course lunch, which just happened to accompanied by a glass of wine, winning! The lightly batter fried calamari was soft, easy to eat and quite tasty. Follow this up with the creamy carbonara and you have delightful lunch, not to heavy, not to light. Especially after you have shared the calamari!
Hubby was a little more hungry, his choice being a substantial burger and chips, which I’m told was delicious. High praise.
Theres a lot happening at this venue, as we could see looking around. Those cocktails we saw on the blackboard, sound like the ideal accompaniment to a table on the balcony, overlooking the river. Perfect place for summer!
We only touched on a few of the many venues in Melbourne. But as well as dining out, we enjoyed the delectable delights delivered to your door. So many choices, so much food. When you order restaurant quality food to your door, well sometimes its just easier. Bellissimoš
The ceiling of the Great Hall, located within Melbourne’s National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), is impressively beautiful. Even on a dull day, the colourful glass glinted as random sun rays attempted to shine through.
Our visit today was to see the infamous Terracotta Warriors: Guardians of Immortality display, which was being held in conjunction with Cai Guo-Qiang’s The Transient Landscape. On display until October, I would highly recommend taking the time to visit.
To be able to witness firsthand, these incredible historic works of art, is simply mind blowing. Each of these artefacts as well as the warriors themselves, have been handcrafted by ancient civilisation. Thousands of years old, you cannot help but be overwhelmed by the sheer logistics involved.
There are some real warriors on display as well as a few replicas. However, keep in mind each one of these (and there are thousands), were made piece by piece. A hand, an arm, a head a body. All made separately then joined together. 
Remember too, every one of these images, including the horses, are taller than a normal human. These are not small, nor are they plain. Every single statue has their own personality. How many years did it take to achieve this?
We call our selves modern society, but, how advanced were our predecessors? I’m thinking very! An ancient civilisation created all of these incredibly detailed works of art. All to honour their Emperor.
The ceiling above is covered with swallows. Part of the display by Cai Guo-Qiang, this amazing 10 000 porcelain bird mass, represents a 3 dimensional impression of the sacred Mt Li, which is the site of the tomb of Chinas first emperor. This is where the Terracotta Warriors were first discovered in the mid seventies, alongside the first Emperor, Qin Shihuang.
As you stroll through this incredible display, do not forget to look up, or simply sit for a while and become part of the amazing experience you have the opportunity to witness.
After viewing some priceless artefacts as well as irreplaceable warriors, you move through the superb gun powder art of Cai Guo-Qiang, into the area housing tomb stones and miniature.
The entire showing held some personal interest, after having recently found out that Cai was a distant relative from a few generations back. Not only does this spark the interest, but you feel that extra personal touch. 
Mesmerised and still in awe, I cannot explain the feeling of being in the presence of such meaningful historic pieces. Keep in mind these works of art date back to 200BCE. The estimates give us an idea of the sheer size of these massive warriors with more than 8000 soldiers, 130 chariots, led by 520 horses plus another 150 cavalry horses. Add to this the strongmen, musicians, acrobats and officials, all hand crafted and buried with the Emperor and its about now you begin to understand why this archaeological find has held such significant meaning in our history. In particular Chinas history.
Watch the video before you move into the museum shop. Here you will see the intensity and effort behind Cai Guo-Qiangs spectacular art.
DINE LIVE TRAVEL 