melbourne + friends

It's not often I get visitors from Brisbane so I was most fortunate to be paid a visit from two of my best friends from Brisbane over the weekend, Lauren and Candy.

The weekend started mighty early for my friends that woke up at 3am to get on an early bird flight from Brisbane. They were real troopers though, meeting me in the City in the early afternoon where we continued to browse shops, wonder at people's choice in fashion and grumble at the poor customer service at supposedly high end department stores (ok, that last one was just me).

An early dinner was called for and I didn't object. Off we went to Mamasitas - we probably couldn't time it any better. When we walked out, the line was so long I felt sorry for the poor people. I must say, it is definitely worth the wait but it might be best to put your name down on the list and then come back... I can't imagine not knowing how long to wait for a table... Anyway, the food was delicious - fast, fresh and simple. Perhaps they took a leaf out of Donna Hay's book...?

The best thing about old friends coming to visit? You can take them out to all the places you've discovered in your new town and also discover new places with them. Lauren and I went to one of my fav breakfast haunts - 3 bags full, where I enjoyed the house scramble and Lauren, a sweet breakfast that looked amazing. I think it was the french toast... Dinner Saturday night was at Cumulus - the dinner was just gorgeous. Great service, food cooked to perfection, wine to match and great conversations were had in the ambient atmosphere. Dessert at Max Brenner was not as delightful. It started raining so we moved the tables a bit and the staff grumbled at us and our response was to grumble back. Talk about shit customer service. Sunday breakfast was at friend of mine on Swan St - a quaint, not-so-little place (don't let what you see on the outside fool you!) but the breakfast is fresh, fast and delicious. I've already made a mental note to go there again. It does get busy so if you're an early bird that wants to catch the worm, best bet is to arrive before 10am.

But what I enjoyed most about my friends spending the weekend with me is you can reminisce, take stupid photos, gossip and eat complete junk without being judged. A bit like a massive sleepover. Just with more alcohol than the sleepovers I remember...