little eats

Merchants Guild

noreply@blogger.com (little eats) — Thu, 04 Jul 2013 12:47:00 +0000

Basic Info:

Name: Merchants Guild

Address: 680 Centre Road, Bentleigh East VIC 3165

Phone: (03) 9579 0734

Website: http://themerchantsguild.com/

Opening Hours:

Mon - Sun 7am to 5pm

Little Eats ‘soundbite review’:

Merchants Guild was an absolute unexpected treat on an otherwise miserable day. Who knew Bentleigh East could deliver somewhere that is more than a breath of fresh air on the suburban food scene.

Highchair: Yes

Change table: No

Pram access:Yes

Separate kids menu: Yes

Normal menu suitable for kids: Yes - for the bigger kids

Friendly staff: Yes

Play area for kids: No

Activities provided for kids (eg: crayons): Yes - Peppa Pig Colouring page on the menu

Vibe/atmosphere: Buzzing but relaxed, cool but unpretentious

Special Dietary Options: Yes

Prices: reasonable

Other:

Little Eats detailed review:

I had, had a bummer of a morning. We had been in the car for 50 minutes to an appointment at Monash Hospital in Clayton that should have been 35 minutes away. No parking, a car sickness incident and then some the news that my littlest poppet needs to have a procedure had left me feeling flat and drained. I had my eldest daughter with me too who had decided now she was (staaarving and repeatedly reminded me of this) despite rejecting breakfast at home.

I just wanted to curl up in a ball at home to hide under my doona for the rest of the day - maybe week. I knew that there was nowhere great to eat nearby and resigned myself to the fact that we would just have to settle for less than the normal Little Eats standard cafe. Sigh....

We jumped in the car and headed down Centre road. I just kept driving hoping something would stand out. When it didn't, I was just happy to find a parking spot I could drive into - I planned to just find the closest place to eat to that. I believe that sometimes the cafe gods just speak to me, because this FABulous cafe was the one. I saw succulents, I saw industrial stools and lighting, I saw plywood, an amazing espresso machine, I saw prams, I saw high chairs. I felt like crying. I know it sounds dramatic but I needed this place today.

Bentleigh East hit the Jackpot with Mer-chants Guild. The owners are not new to the cafe scene and have run a very successful and popular one in St Kilda previously. They also are the producers of Prana Chai Tea. I am not a chai drinker but apparently this is delicious. They blend it out the back and this gives the rear of the cafe a cool factory feel.

The menu is limited but has some wonderful innovative and interesting options. The kids menu is good with not a nugget in sight - fruit salad, dippie eggs, toasted sandwiches and a vegetable puree for the little eaters. The best part of the kids menu is that it is a colouring page of, wait for it, PEPPA PIG!!! Sometimes it is the simplest things that cafes do that keep the kids entertained. They know their audience.

I don't know if the extremely helpful and friendly waiter could tell that I had no patience left but the coffee came out almost before I ordered it and our brunch/lunch did too. Coffee was great, food was great, interiors were on trend - ply is oh so fly.

With lots of space to swing a pram and a large communal table at the back it's a great option for a mother's group catch up.

I walked in with a frown on my crown and out with a smile on my dial. Not many cafes can do that for a person.

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LivingRoom

noreply@blogger.com (little eats) — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 11:28:00 +0000

Basic Info:

Name: Livingroom Restaurant

Address: 12-18 Claremont Ave, Malvern 3144 VIC

Phone: (03) 9576 0356

Website: http://www.lroom.com.au/home

Opening Hours:

Dinner Tuesday - Saturday 6pm-11pm
Lunch Wednesday - Sunday 12 noon-3pm
Weekend Breakfast - 8am-3pm

Little Eats ‘soundbite review’:

A lovely upscale suburban restaurant in a side street in Malvern serving delicious hearty plates in a warm relaxed atmosphere. Great for families!

Highchair: Yes

Change table:

Pram access:

Separate kids menu: Yes

Normal menu suitable for kids: Yes mostly not except for fries/toast

Friendly staff: Yes

Play area for kids: No

Activities provided for kids (eg: crayons): Yes - colouring in

Vibe/atmosphere: smart but cosy local

Special Dietary Options: Yes

Prices: pretty high

Other: kids eat free with adults tues-fri when out by 7:30pm. Dinner. Starters: $9-23, main $29-40, dessert: $12-17. Breakfast $6.50-18 including kids size drinks ☺.

Little Eats detailed review:

On Friday night, instead of our usual cheap and cheerful family early dinner haunts we decided to try our local 'nice' restaurant. We were definitely not disappointed. True to a promotional email I had received earlier in the week, a kids menu, crayons and colouring in sheets arrived as soon as we were seated. A big stack of Ikea Antilop high chairs offered even more promise for a successful night out. Malvern's livingroom is currently offering a 'kids eat free' deal Tuesday through Friday nights, as long as the table is vacated before 7:30pm. How perfect!?!
Mr Wonderful and I thoroughly enjoyed the house made gnocchi with mushrooms, pedro ximinez ox cheek with parsnip fritters and a fantastic roast pumpkin and feta salad. The warm (and delicious) house baked bread satisfied Miss Four and Tiny (aged 20 months) until their fish and chips and cheesy risotto arrived. The kiddies were treated to ice-cream sundaes, complete with sprinkles, as part of the kids meal. Tiny proceeded to feed most of her ice-cream to her Daddy while Miss Four was in sugar heaven. I should add that she had donned lippy and stick-on earrings in preparation for the 'fancy restaurant.'
Overall the night was a hit and we will definitely be going back! Meals aren't cheap but the food was great and we were won over by the lovely atmosphere and service. I think the girls were excited by the romantic vibe (think mood lighting and tea light candles) as their behaviour was impeccable. Highly recommend. A fantastic little restaurant to introduce young ones to fine dining.

This guest review was by the lovely Romy, Melbourne based Mum of 2 little girly girls and founder of baby-friendly jewellery label; tiny and i.

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St Ali North

noreply@blogger.com (little eats) — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 10:48:00 +0000

Basic Info:

Name: St. Ali North

Address: 815 Nicholson St, Carlton North

Phone: (03) 9686 2990

Website: http://stali.com.au/tag/st-ali-north/

Opening Hours:

Mon - Sun: 06:00 - 18:00

Little Eats ‘soundbite review’:

This fab cafe is great for cool young Carltonites, push bikers and this is one of the coolest cafes for parents. It ticks a lot of the Little Eats boxes!

Highchair: Yes

Change table:

Pram access: Yes

Separate kids menu: Yes

Normal menu suitable for kids: Yes

Friendly staff: Yes

Play area for kids: No but there is an outdoor seating area right next to a play ground

Activities provided for kids (eg: crayons): Yes colouring in

Vibe/atmosphere: cool, cool, cool

Special Dietary Options: Yes

Prices: pretty high

Other: This place is trendy with a capital T so get pretty busy and sometimes you have to wait for a table.

Little Eats detailed review:

I desperately wanted to give St. Ali's North our highest ranking or 5 Milkshakes. Those of you who know the original St. Ali's in South Melbourne already know they do amazing food and even better coffee and there decor are pretty exciting too. The only reason I didn't, is the prices are a bit over the top for a family or group of mums. You get what you pay for tho, the coffee is yum and so is the food!

St Ali's North, in my opinion is bigger and better when it comes to 'kid-friendly-ness'. The staff are, as a rule super helpful with your and your bub's needs, the menu options are many and varied with heaps of super brunch options with creative names. The kids menu has little versions of the big people's menu items. It also doubles as a colouring page for the littlies.

If the sun is shinning grab a takeaway coffee and one of their picnic rugs and take the kids to the play ground right next to it!

900 × 503 - messageconsultants.com

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Epicurean Red Hill

noreply@blogger.com (little eats) — Fri, 24 May 2013 01:05:00 +0000

Basic Info:

Name: Epicurean Red Hil

Address: 165 Shoreham, Red hill South

Phone: (03) 5989 4000

Website: www.redhillepicurean.com.au/

Opening Hours:

Daily 8am to late

Little Eats ‘soundbite review’:

The Epicurean is a modern culinary destination located in a heritage-listed premise oozing warmth, localness and gourmet traditions of Red Hill, just an hour from Melbourne.

Highchair: Yes

Change table: yes

Pram access: Yes

Separate kids menu: Yes

Normal menu suitable for kids: Yes

Friendly staff: Yes

Play area for kids: Toys, colouring in and an outdoor area

Activities provided for kids (eg: crayons): Yes

Vibe/atmosphere: Relaxed but classy – suit any occasion, from a coffee to a wedding

Special Dietary Options: No but most will find an option to suit

Prices:Moderate to high

Other:

Little Eats detailed review:

As you enter the Epicurean you are presented with the Bakery – where a wood fired oven cooks the best local breads (and an easy rival to some of Melbourne’s finest). This is the perfect spot to do a spot of shopping or stop for a coffee and a quick bite.

Head down the hall passed the Bakery into the Shed – a massive space which offers relaxed dinning with an attention to culinary detail – it’s the Mornington Peninsula’s most innovative and exciting new gourmet destination.

The Shed is a huge space with three open fires, a wood fired pizza oven, two function rooms to the side, a back area with some grass and a combination of seating: bar, lounge and table. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner and walk in dinning (although large groups can make reservations) the Epicurean’s Shed is the kind of space you can pop into (we’ve been twice and our second visit was for a coffee sitting on the back lounge in front of the fire on a Sunday afternoon) for a quick visit or settle in for the long haul!

For the kids there is a couple of buckets of toys, pencils and colouring in books (although supplies were a bit low on our second visit – it was the end of the weekend though) and a dedicated kids menu. However with pizza on the menu it’s easy to bypass the kid’s menu and pick and choose dishes to share from the main menu. And if you have little ones who would rather be climbing or playing ball the space out the back has two areas of undercover table seating (with outdoor heating) that is a great spot for families.

Inside is also very family friendly as the generous proportions mean that if it’s not busy there is enough space for everyone to spread out – and if it is busy, well then it’s noisy enough to drown out any mini meltdown, so whilst the food and presentation are high quality – the relaxed vibe ensures it’s not intimidating. The Sunday we popped in for an afternoon coffee one of the function spaces had been taken over by a large group, including lots of toddlers and babies, all looking very content.

Our first visit was on a Friday night at about 6pm for a quick dinner with my parents – the kids were handed colouring in sheets and we ordered a pizza for the kids to share, which arrived promptly and was delicious. All the food we ordered was beautiful and we will definitely be heading back (I can only imagine again and again). The menu and wine list are available for download from the website.

Local produce features highly, from cheese and wines through to ingredients on the menu. Possibly the only downside is it’s hugely popular (so while we lucked a spot both times easily I can imagine others haven’t been so lucky).

Oh and did I mention the cheese room? Did I tell you about the herb gardens in the middle of the room? Could this place be any cooler?

Our guest reviewer, Kate Nelson, writes meetoo.com.au, a website where you can find individually reviewed activities, classes, events, playgrounds and school holiday programs for children and families.

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Rap.ture Cafe

noreply@blogger.com (little eats) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 11:35:00 +0000

Basic Info:

Name: Rap.ture Cafe

Address: 41 Forest Rd, Ferntree Gully, VIC

Phone: 03 9758 4966

Website: http://rapture.net.au/

Opening Hours:

Mon-Fri - 6:30AM - 4:30PM
Sat - 7:00AM - 3:00PM

Little Eats ‘soundbite review’:

This little cafe may be a bit hidden, opposite a cemetery but it is full of life and good food inside, and great for families.

Highchair: Yes

Change table: Yes

Pram access: Yes

Separate kids menu: Yes

Normal menu suitable for kids: Yes

Friendly staff: Yes

Play area for kids: Yes

Activities provided for kids (eg: crayons): Yes

Vibe/atmosphere: Homely with the smell of baked goods in the air

Special Dietary Options: Yes

Prices: Reasonable

Other:

Little Eats detailed review:

5/5 all the way!!! Mumma's and Pappa's with toddlers cannot go past this cafe. The kids play area is just lovely and stocked with plenty to keep them occupied after they have had their fill. This corner has drawers full of toys, pencils and crayons, blackboards, books, couches kiddy table and chairs. It is playful and colourful with it's cute furniture and wall mural of cute monkey's in a tree. My 8 year old even stepped in for a small play.

The menu for kids is ok. There is not heaps of variety but it has fresh sandwiches and toasties, milkshakes and baby chinos - the basics. The big people menu has a lot more variety and they pride themselves on their gourmet, in-house-made baked goods.

This ticks all the boxes for a child friendly cafe.

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D.O.C. Mornington

noreply@blogger.com (little eats) — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 10:35:00 +0000

Basic Info:

Name: D.O.C

Address: 22 Main St Mornington VIC 3931

Phone: 03 5977 0988

Website: www.docgroup.net/

Opening Hours:

They say they are always open but to narrow it down - Monday – Friday 10.30am – 10.30pm, Saturday – Sunday 10am – 10.30pm

Little Eats ‘soundbite review’:

Authentic, delicious, fresh, Italian. There are too many reasons to try DOC, Mornington to list in a 'sound bite review'. They firstly, welcome the kids, secondly, have divine food and wine and finally, the eye candy. With such handsome genuine-authentic-Italian waiters with beautifully thick yet comprehensible accents to take your order, D.O.C is a little piece of Italian heaven for we yummy mummies... drool...

Highchair: Yes

Change table: Yes - well there is a table in the bathroom that you can use if you pop a change mat down

Pram access: A stroller would be ok - but it gets busy most days so can get crowded

Separate kids menu: No

Normal menu suitable for kids: Yes

Friendly staff: Yes and No

Play area for kids: No

Activities provided for kids (eg: crayons): Yes crayons

Vibe/atmosphere: Bellisimo

Special Dietary Options: No but most will find an option to suit

Prices:As pizza goes a little on the expensive side

Other:

Little Eats detailed review:

So lets just get the most important part out of the way first, the waiters are just drool-worthy. They can come across as a little rude. Having been to D.O.C. on a few occasions now, I can see where some may get this opinion. They were friendly and accommodating with my children & I and they are so, so pretty with accents so divine, that I can forgive their perceived abruptness.

Ok, enough of sounding like a depraved woman! Like I said the kids were welcomed and we were seated at one of their many communal long tables. The pizzas are generally pretty quick to the table. I did expressed my need for it to be extra quick. I am one of those crazy routine-dependent-mums and it bites me on the bum sometimes because my kids expect it too. They eat dinner every night at almost 5 on the dot and it was 5 when we ordered. My hungry bubs barely had time to colour-in one province of the map of Italy on the paper menus before they had the pizza, lasagne and calzone at our table in record time. Tick, tick tick for me!

The food is yum and authentic and fresh. We had a Sopressa pizza, a Margarita, a lasagne and calzone. They were simply delish. I (surprisingly) wasn't in need of my mummy medicine (a huge glass of wine) that night, but that menu is impressive too.

I had previously gone for dessert only and if you only go for one reason the Nutella calzone or white chocolate pizza would be enough - scrumptious and indulgent!

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Oscar's Hangout

noreply@blogger.com (little eats) — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 06:41:00 +0000

Basic Info:

Name: Oscar's Hangout

Address: 2/11 Hallmark Rd Mordialloc

Phone: 03 9580 9941

Website: www.oscarshangout.com.au

Opening Hours:

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9am – 6pm
Wednesday: 9am – 6pm
Thursday: 9am – 8pm
Friday: 9am – 10:30pm
Saturday: 8am – 10:30pm
Sunday: 8am – 3:00pm

Little Eats ‘soundbite review’:

A trendy cafe winebar in Mordialloc who welcome kids, dogs, prams, mothers groups etc. Serving great breakfasts with outstanding coffee. After breakfast, Oscar's Hangout turns into a winebar serving share style food.

Highchair: Yes

Change table: Yes

Pram access: A stroller would be ok - but it gets busy most days so can get crowded

Separate kids menu: Yes

Normal menu suitable for kids: Yes

Friendly staff: Yes

Play area for kids: kind of

Activities provided for kids (eg: crayons): Yes a small toy box and crayons

Vibe/atmosphere: bright, big and easy clean

Special Dietary Options: Yes

Prices: Reasonable

Other:

There's no play area inside but it's adjacent to parklands with huge windows so if your so inclined your kids can go nutty while you don't share your eggs with them.

Little Eats detailed review:

This cafe is so, so welcoming and childfreindly, I am actually beyond jealous of this little community. Oscar's Hangout is the kind of hub that I long for in my area. It's hidden but so central and walkable for the locals. I kind of feel like I'm letting a little secret out but sharing is caring mumma and pappa's of Mordialloc!!

The kids menu has a few options, the usual lunch menu (nuggets, pizza, fish, chips) but the kids breakfast menu had a little bit more variety than the norm. I always appreciate cereal, fruit salad and other options beside eggs. My little one has an egg allergy. I need choices so I can avoid having it at our table at all. She loves them - they don't like her so it's just easier to avoid sometimes.

The adults menu is a real well-rounded breakfast/lunch/brunch menu. I had the pan-fried corn fritters, smashed avocado, smoke salmon, dill cream and free-range eggs. Next time it will be caramelised Leek, semi-dried tomatoes, goats curd omelette or even the smashed avo.

All in all it's a great little spot for locals and even worth an out of the way trip.

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Win Win Win.... 5 Copies of The Good Schools Guide up for grabs!

noreply@blogger.com (little eats) — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 08:46:00 +0000

We have 5 copies of the 2014 Good Schools Guide up for grabs!!!

The Good Schools Guide is the ultimate handbook for parents looking to choose the right school for their child.

The Guide contains profiles on every Victorian secondary school: Government, Independent, Catholic and Boarding! Read more about the Guide.

Just email us at info@littleeats.com.au and tell us your name and what age the child you are researching schools for is.

Competition closes on Sunday, 1 Sept 2013 at midnight. Entry drawn randomly on Mon 2 September at 9am. Winners will be contacted via email.

Huff Bagelry

noreply@blogger.com (little eats) — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 03:35:00 +0000

Basic Info:

Name: Huff Bagelry

Address: 112 Koornang Rd, Carnegie VIC 3163 , 3162

Phone: (03) 9568 3866

Website:

Opening Hours:

Monday hours 6:00 am–5:00 pm

Little Eats ‘soundbite review’:

Great little place. Good vibe, friendly and efficient staff, great coffee (including a nifty take-away window) and, of course, a terrific assortment of bagels and toppings that are the main focus. For brekky or brunch, I can't go past salmon and cream cheese on a bagel - fresh and sensational!

Highchair: Yes

Change table:

Pram access: Yes

Separate kids menu: No but they have mini bagels

Normal menu suitable for kids: Yes

Friendly staff: Yes

Play area for kids: No

Activities provided for kids (eg: crayons): Yes toy basket

Vibe/atmosphere: Modern Urban, Casual

Special Dietary Options:

Prices: Reasonable

Other:

Mr Brightside

noreply@blogger.com (little eats) — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 05:04:00 +0000

Basic Info:

Name: Mr Brightside Cafe

Address: 189a Booran Road, Caulfield South VIC, 3162

Phone: 03 9576 9588

Website:

Opening Hours:

Breakfast and Lunch - Monday thru' Sunday

Little Eats ‘soundbite review’:

A lifeless corner of a new building in Caulfield South has been turned into a cosy cafe with a modern cabin-like feel. It's fun, open & airy and casual & welcoming enough to keep the whole family happy.

Highchair: Yes

Change table:

Pram access: A stroller would be ok - but it gets busy most days so can get crowded

Separate kids menu: Yes

Normal menu suitable for kids: Yes

Friendly staff: Yes

Play area for kids: No

Activities provided for kids (eg: crayons): Yes

Vibe/atmosphere: Modern Urban, Casual

Special Dietary Options: Yes

Prices: Reasonable

Other:

They offer picnic blankets so that you and the family or mothers group can enjoy the parks outside. It is surrounded by parks in 2 directions- one with a play equipment.

Little Eats detailed review:

I can't help but start with the look of this place. It has been so cleverly designed. In an empty shell a timber-framed indoor pergola type structure has been erected, creating cosy nooks that encouraged relaxation even with my two year old devil-woman-child in toe!

My gorgeous little 2 year old daughter has been pushing boundaries of late (like any good 2 year old does). My recent dining experiences have been down right horrid. Due to tantrums and badly timed reactions to food the last few times I have dined out with her have almost put me off ever leaving the house let alone to eat in a public place. However I could not stay away for too long - we would both go nutso!

Mr Brightside was a great choice to renew my faith in dining out with kids. They are more than welcomed by their staff, menu and decor. Coincidence or not she was a dream and so was the experience. The waitstaff were almost too efficient, food yum and fast and the weather also obliged - sunshine streaming into this open cafe. I had already had 3 coffees by 11am that day so did not try one but I hear they are pretty good.

A long overdue catch up was had over delicious the smashed avo for me, yummy and huge breakfast hashbrowns for my friend and fresh fruit salad for the terror herself.

Before trying Mr Brightside out, I had heard some mixed reviews about the variety and quality of food and service. I can't fault it so I assume it was just teething problems.

A word of warning that this place gets busy so you may have to wait for a table and be prepared to have someone almost dive on your seats as your leaving!

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Cafe Republic

noreply@blogger.com (little eats) — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 04:27:00 +0000

Basic Info:

Name: Cafe Republic

Address: 160 Toorak Road, South Yarra VIC

Phone: 03 9820 0800

Website: www.republiccafe.com.au

Opening Hours:

Mon - Thu: 07:00 - 22:00
Fri - Sat: 07:00 - 23:45
Sun: 07:00 - 22:00

Little Eats ‘soundbite review’:

Not many cafes are great for a mothers group catch up but this one definitely is! Reasonable food and good coffee with a cool decor. It's spacious and a great place for catch ups whether it be your mother's group or girlfriends or the whole family - bringing the babies is just too easy.

Highchair: Yes

Change table: No

Pram access: Yes

Separate kids menu: Yes

Normal menu suitable for kids: Yes

Friendly staff: Yes

Play area for kids: Yes

Activities provided for kids (eg: crayons): Yes toys and a playmat

Vibe/atmosphere: Cool, casual, fun and energetic

Special Dietary Options: Yes - gluten free

Prices: Reasonable

Other: Close to train and iconic Melbourne boutiques

Little Eats detailed review:

This cafe is owned by parents of little bubbas and you can tell they know what mummas and papas who eat out need and want.

They have a function room set up for mother's groups three days a week, this is a private space that is utilised for mums to be able to feed and meet in private whilst still being able to enjoy a great meal and coffee.
They also have a spectacular child's menu and have high chairs and change facilities.

Kids Menu – $10 (includes a milkshake or soft drink)
Margherita pizza
Chicken nuggets with chips or salad
Linguini with napoli and parmesan cheese
Fish and chips or salad

Super Babycino - $1.50 (includes novelty ring & lollies)
Choose from Tinkerbell, Spiderman, Batman, Superman,
Supergirl and Princess

They are pram friendly and the staff are very motivated to give families a great experience. The function room can also be booked for children's birthday parties!

Check out a sample of their summer menu here.

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The Grand Hotel

noreply@blogger.com (little eats) — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 00:35:00 +0000

Basic Info:

Name: Yarra Valley Grand Hotel

Address: 19 Bell Street, Yarra Glen

Phone: 03 9730 1230

Website: www.yarravalleygrand.com.au

Opening Hours:

LUNCH
Monday - Friday 12.00pm - 2.30pm
Saturday - Sunday 12. 00pm - 3.00pm
SNACK
Saturday snack 3.00pm - 6.00pm
Sunday snack 3.30pm - 5.30pm
DINNER
Monday to Thursday 6.00pm - 8.30pm
Friday/Saturday 6.00pm - 9.00pm
Sunday 5.30pm - 8.30pm

Little Eats ‘soundbite review’:

The perfect spot to stop for a meal with kids when you’re out and about in the Yarra Valley – decent pub fare, relaxed atmosphere and an easy option for families.

Highchair: Yes

Change table: Yes

Pram access: Yes

Separate kids menu: Yes, $6.50 dinner includes drink and dessert

Normal menu suitable for kids: Yes

Friendly staff: Yes

Play area for kids: No

Activities provided for kids (eg: crayons): Yes

Vibe/atmosphere: Very busy, popular, family-friendly, local icon

Special Dietary Options:

Prices: Reasonable

Other:

Outdoor dining options as well as inside

Little Eats detailed review:

There is so much to do in the Yarra Valley it’s a perfect day out with the family.. although if you’re anything like us sometimes you just don’t feel quite up to the pressure of eating in a beautiful winery and you’d rather just enjoy a meal without pestering the kids to sit still and be quiet.

The Yarra Valley Grand Hotel offers a really friendly atmosphere for families – their play corner provides a perfect diversion while you line up to order your meal at the meal counter. The generous array of colouring sheets ensures that everyone is catered for with entertainment back at the table. And the relaxed vibe gives little ones space to practice their table etiquette without you feeling you might be ruining your fellow diners meal.

Like any good pub the meals were generous and hit the spot – and the kids meals were extremely good value (compared to city prices anyway!). We opted for a juice (rather than a soft drink) and that was absolutely no problem – and the jelly cup (which was a frog in a pond) for desert was the perfect incentive for our little ones to make a good effort with eating a dent in the ample dinner serving.

The kids ordered fish and chips (which came with a salad garnish) and spaghetti bolognaise – both of which were generous portions (think adults entre size).

We arrived shortly after 5.30pm on a Sunday – there was plenty of seating options and we were second in the queue to order our meals. By the time we departed (just before 6.30pm) it was getting really busy – so you may want to call ahead and book if you want to reserve a table. The service was friendly and fairly prompt.

There is also outside dining options and a grassy area – the evening we attended it was a cool autumn day so we hustled straight inside, but on a warm day/evening this would offer an alternative spot for a family meal.

A perfect ending to our day out at Healesville Sanctuary!

Our guest reviewer, Kate Nelson, writes meetoo.com.au, a website where you can find individually reviewed activities, classes, events, playgrounds and school holiday programs for children and families.

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THE CUPCAKE QUEENS ADD MOONEE PONDS STORE TO THE BATCH

noreply@blogger.com (little eats) — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 05:05:00 +0000

THE CUPCAKE QUEENS ADD MOONEE PONDS STORE TO THE BATCH

Melbourne’s most delicious destination

The Cupcake Queens is Melbourne’s most delicious family destination for fine treats, and now their new children’s cake decorating workshops will share the joy of a traditional pastime.
On Thursday November 8, the much-loved The Cupcake Queens is celebrating the grand opening of their fourth shop, in Moonee Ponds in Melbourne’s north-west, with the fun of kids cupcake decorating classes.
Reigning sweets royalty, Queens founder Monique Milenkovic, says the workshops are a wonderfully old-fashioned way for children to get creative with their friends and parents.
Children can decorate fresh batches of The Cupcake Queens’ famous cakes, which are baked in a home-style method, using only the freshest, quality ingredients and local produce, wherever possible.
The one hour cupcake decorating workshops for ages 3 - 12, at $20 per child, will run Monday to Saturday throughout November (from 8 November) and then re-commence in January 2013.
Each child decorates 4 cupcakes of their own and takes home a complimentary 6 pack (value $20).
For further information contact 1300 972 827.
The Cupcake Queens in Moonee Ponds, in convenient Hall Street parallel to the iconic Puckle Street shopping strip, is bound to see many repeat order for their signature, buttery-soft treats when doors open on November 8.
“Imagination will flourish in our cupcake decorating workshops, which encourage youngsters to be tactile and creative while learning important kitchen skills,” says Monique.
“Our cupcakes are adored for their whimsy and sense of fun, which is what children will experience at the new Moonee Ponds store, playing with new friends and making something special for mum and dad.
“It’s a pleasure knowing our treats are such an important part of celebrations for so many families, from birthdays to christenings, or simply for a special treat.

“The workshops are a fun and unique option for parents looking to for ways for their children to roll up their sleeves and try a new activity.”
The swift expansion of The Cupcake Queens, after Monique opened her first shop in Douglas Parade in Williamstown in May of 2010, is an Australian business success story.
Melbournians couldn’t get enough of Monique’s creations and as word spread of her cupcakes, she too decided to spread.
Williamstown was followed by Bridport Street in Albert Park in October last year, and the Armadale store in Kings Arcade (off High Street) in November.
The Cupcake Queens’ luscious cakes are a celebrity favourite, with high profile repeat customers including pop star Dannii Minogue, popular television host Chrissie Swan, presenter Lauren Phillips, models and football WAGS Alex Davis and Nadia Coppolino, and entertainment personalities Tottie Goldsmith and Tania Zaetta.
As well as being loved by Melbourne’s most high-profile, The Cupcake Queens is also the perfect centrepiece for birthdays to christenings, and weddings to work functions.
No occasion is complete without a batch of The Cupcake Queens lovingly baked delicacies.

The Big Design Market - Free Entry

noreply@blogger.com (little eats) — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 05:02:00 +0000

LITTLE EATS NOTICE BOARD

noreply@blogger.com (little eats) — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 04:55:00 +0000

Our Notice Board will fill you in on whats happening around the traps.

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Melbourne Mamma's Market is a massive Designer Label Kid's Sale

SUNDAY, 3 MARCH 2013

Phoenix Park Community Centre, Rob Roy Rd, East Malvern

10am (VIP Entry)
11am – 2pm (General Entry)

The sale will feature 27 of Melbourne's favourite children's retailers together in one convenient location for a not to be missed end of season sale!

More than 80 designer labels all marked down by 50%-80% off RRP.

Clothing, shoes, accessories, toys & more.

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Hawk & Hunter

noreply@blogger.com (little eats) — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 08:46:00 +0000

photo credits to cherry & me and haven lifestyle photography

Basic Info:

Name: Hawk & Hunter

Address: Glen Eira Avenue, Ripponlea

Phone: 03 9528 2719

Website: www.hawkandhunter.com.au

Opening Hours:

Open Monday to Sun 6:30am - 8pm

Little Eats ‘soundbite review’:

Good food and coffee with a cool vibe and a comfortable, spacious café to take the little ones. If you’re near by, it’s a great place to check out!

Highchair: Yes

Change table: No

Pram access: Yes

Separate kids menu: No

Normal menu suitable for kids: Yes

Friendly staff: Yes

Play area for kids: No

Activities provided for kids (eg: crayons): Yes - crayons and colouring books

Vibe/atmosphere: Cool, casual, fun and energetic

Special Dietary Options:

Prices: Reasonable

Other: Close to great grocery shopping and home-ware boutiques

Little Eats detailed review:

Hidden in a quiet side street behind Ripponlea train station, Hawk & Hunter is a trendy, hip and happening café, suitable for parents with little ones. Cherry, my 18 month daughter and I, regularly meet there for lunch with friends during the week. There’s always a great vibe with lots of happy customers but sometimes on weekends there can be a short wait for a table. Parking is convenient with lots 1-hour spots just out the front.

The newly renovated space has a stylish industrial look with polished concrete floors, Tolix chairs and large metal dome pendant lamps, painted in fluro colours. But my favourite thing about the interior is the big communal dining table at the back and the stunning handmade wall mural created by DoReMe, a local design and craft space in Elsternwick.

I quite often see mothers groups lunching around the communal table, sipping lattés and rocking their newborns, so cute! The large space is suitable for prams but there are a couple of steps to combat at the entrance, although I’m sure the friendly staff would be happy to lend a hand.

Hawk & Hunter is a great spot for breaky, brunch and lunch. My favourite item on the menu is the salad of baby spinach, lentils and house cured ocean trout. There is no separate kids menu so Cherry usually shares whatever I’m eating. She also loves the shoe-sting fries, freshly squeezed orange and watermelon juice and of course a babychino which comes with a couple of cheeky marshmallows. The eggs are great and so is the coffee. I’m a soy late drinker and they use Bonsoy which makes all the difference!

They do offer high chairs but Cherry prefers to sit next to me on the cushioned banquet seating. I usually ask the staff for some crayons and a colouring in book to keep the little ones amused for some grownup mummy talk.

The staff are very friendly and always say hello to their regular customer, Cherry. They are quick to take our order and the food comes out reasonably fast when they’re not too busy, however today our coffees arrived during our meal.

Back in the 80’s my grandparents used to take me grocery shopping in Ripponlea village, just around the corner on Glen Eira Road. For years the shopping strip was neglected and slowly the Eastern European delicateness started closing down. Now the village has been resurrected with a new generation of cool cafes and designer home-ware boutiques opening up. The old stone-mill bakery and fishmonger are still thriving and the recently renovated fruit and veg shop has an excellent selection of organic and specialty foods.

Cherry and I highly recommend a visit to Hawk & Hunter. Who knows, we might even see you there!

This special guest review was written by the lovely Elle - Graphic Designer and mother to a gorgeous baby girl called Cherry. A new years resolution has resulted in a gorgeous blog with beautiful pictures and short stories about the creative things she does. You can follow her blog here or find here on twitter and Facebook.

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Baha Black Sheep Kids Cafe

noreply@blogger.com (little eats) — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 00:50:00 +0000

Basic Info:

Name: Baha Black Sheep Kids Cafe

Address: 2201 Point Nepean Road, Rye, Vic 3941

Phone: (03) 5985 2077

Website: http://www.bahatacos.com.au/

Opening Hours: Wed - Sun: 10:00 - 15:00

Little Eats ‘soundbite review’:

Baha Black Sheep Kids Cafe is a rocking' restaurant/bar by night with original live tunes and delish Mexican and Mediterranean food. By day it converts to a funky, fun kids cafe with a fantastic menu influenced by the night time menu. Great kids play room that encourages creative play.

Highchair: Yes

Change table: Yes

Pram access: Yes

Separate kids menu: Yes

Normal menu suitable for kids: Yes

Friendly staff: Yes

Play area for kids:Yes

Activities provided for kids (eg: crayons): NYes

Vibe/atmosphere: Casual, chilled-out, fun!

Special Dietary Options: Vegetarian

Prices: Reasonable

Other: There is a playpen for the littler ones

Little Eats detailed review:

We spent one of the first sunny Sunday's morning in ages down in Rye. Firstly at Top Fun playing carnival games then headed down to the newly opened Baha Black Sheep Kids Cafe for a bite to eat. Both the hubby and I needed a place to zone out after all the TOP FUN stimulus!

Across from the foreshore, Baha Black Sheep Kids Cafe is located at the cool Baha Tacos location. By day they converted one of the spaces into a playroom with crafty supplies, soft flooring and climbing equipment, dress-ups and huge tables one of which had a huge sheet covering the table to create a "cubby house". The kids were immediately drawn to the room and barely left it except to scoff down there food and drinks.

We adults sat back with a paper a coffee and brekky burritos which were yummo and could have an adult chat!

The menu has mexican influences which is such a welcome change to the usually eggs benedict and museli (which we still love but change is good :)).

It is a bit of a schlep for non locals but definitely worth a stop by if you are holidaying down this way. For the locals, it is perfect for you guys! As Baha Balck Sheep say, Bring your mothers groups, bring your spouse, bring your best friend, but most of all, bring your kids!

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Tiger Tribe

noreply@blogger.com (little eats) — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 03:04:00 +0000

We were so lucky to be given the opportunity to review some of the amazing Tiger Tribe activity and magnetic ranges this year. They are a real little gem in the form of educational entertainment for the little ones, with many of them being very compact and portable and perfect for outings.

We first found their toys at one of our local kids boutiques. We left with a their Beach Villa Box Set , a clever little beach house with dolls and furniture all contained in the one portable little fold out wooden box. This was a 3rd birthday pressie for one of our littlies. From the day she unwrapped it, over a year ago, this has been a real favourite for her. She has taken is out on many occasions, uses it as part of a bigger town she has created out of Lego and most recently put it out in the garden to encourage a safe, happy place for fairies to stay.

So when we came across the Tiger Tribe ranges that seemed to be specifically designed to entertain while out and about, we were pretty excited. We obviously love a cafe that has all the 'bells and whistles' when is comes to being kid friendly but lets face it, not all of them can or do have an amazing play space to entertain so sometimes you just have to go prepared. That's where something like the stuff below comes in handy.

Washable Colouring Books

A lot of Tiger Tribe toys are all about keeping it compact, portal and interesting. This colouring book has little pockets at the back for its 5 different coloured felt markers so we have surprisingly been able to keep this thing in one piece despite it being dragged all over the house and carried in the car to many cafes.

It has 6 pages and as the name suggests it is well, washable. The little ones can colour, wash, then colour again keeping it interesting. As the pens are non toxic, my little ones have taken their coloured works into the bathtub with them and been amazed as it disappears off the pages colouring the bath water instead. It will just wash off under a tap though but comes with a little sponge which when wet also takes the colour off. It does dry quickly but they are usually still asking immediately to do it again.

We have the transport, "Things that go" version. It comes in an alphabet, garden and animal too.

Magnetic Range

Magna Play & Magna Junior

The Magna Play and Magna Junior puzzles are both vibrant and colourful and again so portable in their little tin suitcase style carry cases. The puzzle pieces are magnetic so the whole imaginative play experience is all contained in this one tin.

Magna Play - creative creatures

Magna Play seems to be a new take on the old fashioned educational toy where you could make pictures out of plastic coloured geometric shapes. These magnetic pieces however are of a variety of shapes and colours and pattern so the kids can create scenes or creatures by copying the cards provided or by getting imaginative and making up their own. My 3 year old is so proud when she figures out how to make exactly whats on the cards and my 7 year old enjoys making the most obscure creatures and scenes. I really love that about this one - it encourages creative and (ironically) out of the box thinking ;)

This one also comes in Forest Fantasy, Secret Garden and a Robots in Space theme.

Magna Junior - Dress up girls

Well it's pretty much exactly that - the junior version of Magna Play. You mix and match blouses with skirts with heads with accessories (little girl heaven?) or mix heads with paws with tails with jaws or bills with beaks with hooves with udders or pirates can wear capes and firemen can wear tights. Ok, enough, you get the picture. I just love seeing the kids crack up laughing when they mismatch the traditional heads and bodies of these puzzles. Again encouraging creative play are the Magna Junior ranges in Dress up girls, Animals, Safari and Boys in Town versions.

Be sure to check out the other stuff Tiger Tribe have. There are some really cool products many that are great for travel and most educational and creative in a variety of ways. Spring has sprung and that means Christmas will be here before you know it!!!

If you'd like to know more about amazing mumma of 2 and Director of Tiger Tribe, Naomi Green's take on the kids cafe scene read here.

Interview with Naomi Green

noreply@blogger.com (little eats) — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 00:23:00 +0000

Name: Naomi Green

Occupation: Director, Tiger Tribe
Suburb: Glen Iris
Kids: Lucy, aged 9 and Joel aged 7

How often do you eat out at cafes and restaurants with your little ones?

About once a month.

Do you eat out more or less often since you have had kids? Why is that?

Probably less. We did eat out more when the kids were toddlers – I think it was because I was more exhausted then! Now we are too busy rushing from activity to activity to sit still for a café meal. Sunday nights are usually the one that ends up in a café.

Do you have any horror stories or embarrassing moments that have happened when eating out at cafes with your little ones?

I remember having a recently toilet trained child who was so fascinated with toilets in new places, that we spent more time in the bathroom than at the table eating! After that, I limited toilet activity to one visit per restaurant meal. They chose their moments more carefully after that!

Do you have any tips for taking little ones to Cafes?

Yes – come prepared!!!! We always have an activity in the bag to do – sometimes it is simply paper and pens, other times it is a game to play together (the card game SETS is our favourite!). Tiger Tribe have actually developed a range of of cafe friendly toys - specifically designed to keep kids busy (and young minds nourished) while giving mum and dad a little bit of quiet time over their coffee. My tip? Make sure whatever you take to a cafe with you is compact, easily portable and filled with engaging content.

Also know your menus – if you have a fussy kid, there is no point taking them out for lunch to a cafe if there is nothing that they will eat!

What is your favourite kid-friendly Melbourne Cafe?

We like Thread in Malvern Road, Malvern. .

Thankyou Naomi for your interview.
Don't forget to check out the Tiger Tribe product line. They have created the most beautiful, innovative toys for your little ones. They are so perfect for those with Little Eater Outerers and travelers too. They have been keeping my little ones entertained on many of our outings lately.

Red Hill General Store

noreply@blogger.com (little eats) — Sat, 25 Aug 2012 05:04:00 +0000

Basic Info:

Name: Red Hill General Store

Address: 83 Arthurs Seat Road, Red Hill, VIC

Phone: (03) 5989 2222

Website:

Opening Hours:

Mon to Friday: 7 til 4:30
Sat: 7 til 3:00
Sun: 8 til around 12:30

Little Eats ‘soundbite review’:

A quaint little old fashioned "General Store" in the heart of the Mornginton Peninsula. Drop in for the papers and milk, a coffee or chai, gourmet pie or to browse through the range of local and regional quality food produce, including Cazan's jams and chutneys, delicious and fresh Red Hill Muesli and locally roasted Red Hill Coffee.

Highchair: Yes

Change table: No

Pram access: Yes

Separate kids menu: No

Normal menu suitable for kids: Yes

Friendly staff: Yes

Play area for kids:Yes

Activities provided for kids (eg: crayons): No

Vibe/atmosphere: Casual, relaxed, authentic country store feel

Special Dietary Options: Yes - Gluten Free, Vegetarian

Prices: Reasonable

Other:

They have a great "craft room" full of some really cute locally-made finds.

Little Eats detailed review:

The hubby recently headed away for a boys snowboarding trip and while the boys are away, the girls will play. Ah, how "playing" has changed since becoming a mum! I so enjoy getting out with my girls to have a coffee and shop. One of our favourite things to shop for are quirky, eclectic homemade things. So Red Hill General Store was a great find for us - it had all of the above and as an added bonus a wonderful bedroom-sized play room to entertain the little ones while I first had my coffee then lunch and then a browse. It has got be a good play room to keep them busy for that long - I was impressed.

The playroom is well thought out and not just an add-on. It is safe and clean with some toys, books, playmats, little chairs and a TV.

The food choices are really wholesome. It is bakery style with freshly made sandwiches of your choice and some great looking treats. I had a yummy Boscastle chicken pie, and the kids had vegemite toast with babycinos of course! The coffee was good and HUGE!

The service is cheerful, helpful and friendly and like the name suggests they also stock some toiletries and other supplies. The current owners took over the Red Hill General Store after a terrible personal family tragedy. What they have created at Red Hill General Store is a true inspiration. You can really feel the positive, family atmosphere they are generating here for their visitors and perhaps themselves.

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BeachHouse Barwon Heads

noreply@blogger.com (little eats) — Sat, 25 Aug 2012 04:03:00 +0000

Basic Info:

Name: BeachHouse Barwon Heads

Address: 48 Hitchcock Avenue, Barwon Heads, VIC 3227

Phone: 03 5254 3376

Website: www.beachhousebarwonheads.com.au

Opening Hours:

Open Seven Days
Weekdays 10am until late
Weekends 8am until late

Little Eats ‘soundbite review’:

If it is a casual, family friendly Sunday lunch with the whole clan that you are after then BeachHouse Barwon Heads is your spot. Oversized wicker fans and tongue and groove panelling in the dining room add to the rustic charm of this beachside gem. A well considered kids menu, sharing plates and wines by the glass it is perfect for the whole family.

Highchair: Yes

Change table: Yes

Pram access: Yes

Separate kids menu: Yes

Normal menu suitable for kids: Yes

Friendly staff: Yes

Play area for kids: No

Activities provided for kids (eg: crayons): Yes, Pencils

Vibe/atmosphere: Busy, beachy, casual, cool

Special Dietary Options:

Prices: Standard to high

Other:

Little Eats detailed review:

There are some trips out to lunch that really work – those ones where you are calm, the kids are well behaved and everything is just peachy. Nearly every visit we have had to BeachHouse Barwon Heads has been just that.

On this particular Sunday, it was blowing a gale when we made a last minute call to the restaurant to see if would could snare a rare weekend table. And we scored very well indeed! They tucked us up closely to the sandstone gas fire so whilst the Bellarine weather was showing her wild and windy side outdoors we were sat in glorious comfort.

The kids menu in this beachy cool space is short but good with options such as mini steak and salad; fat three cheese pillowy gnocchi, fish and chips or a lovely risotto. Well planned, nutritious and respectful. Whilst the kids were entertained with their bowls of delight, we selected a few bites from the tapas selection – fabulous, fat pork dim sims with sticky sauce, a salt and pepper calamari salad and some leek and gruyere arancini. We had a hard time getting any for ourselves after the small people at the table decided they liked our meals too! With a glass of local pinot noir in hand, we were pretty relaxed about sharing Sunday lunch with those we love. One, two, three...aw!

We usually go for the sharing plates at BeachHouse Barwon Heads as it is a great way of eating. But the lunch menu has some terrific Sunday lunch staples like fresh fish and chips or a really, really decent steak sandwich. And the breakfast options are solid – house made baked beans as part of a big breakfast or their house made banana bread with pistachios.

Perhaps the pièce de résistance of BeachHouse Barwon Heads is the outdoor deck at the front of the building. Constructed from recycled timber and basking in glorious sunshine, this deck area provides the most wonderful vantage point for people watching on Hitchcock Avenue! It is a great spot to stop a while, quench the thirst and continue on your way. When you add to this relaxing weekend formula, a great sharing menu, wines by the glass and a dedicated kids menu then it is nearly impossible not to enjoy yourself. BeachHouse Barwon Heads is in itself, worth the trip to the Bellarine. No doubt, you’ll see us there too!

This special guest review was written by Anna Spurling - fellow foodie, Geelong local, Mamma of 3 gorgeous girls and a baby boy, and co-owner of artisan bread company La Madre.

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Fress Cafe

noreply@blogger.com (little eats) — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 11:05:00 +0000

Basic Info:

Name: Fress Cafe

Address: 239 Bambra Road, Caulfield South, Vic 3162

Phone: 9523 7377

Website: www.fresscafe.com.au

Opening Hours:

7:30am to 4:00pm everyday

Little Eats ‘soundbite review’:

Fress is a welcome breathe of fresh air in this area. It's surprisingly hard to find a good brekky spot in Caulfield. There are plenty of yummy places to eat especially with traditional european flavours. Fress brings a great menu to the area, yummy coffee and ofcourse welcomes the little tackers too.

Highchair: Yes

Change table: No

Pram access: Not great for prams but you could make it work

Separate kids menu: Yes

Normal menu suitable for kids: Yes

Friendly staff: Yes

Play area for kids: No

Activities provided for kids (eg: crayons): Yes

Vibe/atmosphere: Busy Busy Busy

Special Dietary Options: Yes - Gluten Free, Vegetarian and some kosher options too

Prices: Reasonable

Other:

Just a hop skip and a jump up the road is the massive princes park

Little Eats detailed review:

This little eats family are originally from Caulfield South. Funnily enough our first house was on Bambra Road, my parents in law lived on Bambra Road, my sister in law (before she was) lived on Bambra Road and after they were married they built (and sold) a house on Bambra Road. We are Bambarians from way back and welcomed Fress when it opened it's doors on Bambra Road 2(ish) years ago.

We headed back to the area this weekend to meet our newborn nephew and hang out with our 3 other nephews/cousins and popped into Fress for a quick lunch. That first sip of my cappuccino felt like home!

Fress can get chockas and it was this day too. We waited for no more than five minutes for a table, the staff cleaned the table like a whirlwind and had us seated with menus before we knew it. The kids knew immediately to go grab the colouring pencils and cute picnic tea sets and set themselves up for a play.

The staff are amazing and accommodated our every need and had our orders taken and delivered to our table in no time - huge tick! I had the smashed avo with fetta and mixed seeds - yummo. Leni had her new favourite shipships (chips). Ami had the kids chicken schnitzel which was probably a bit too big for a kid's serve (Daddy finished it off though). Jules and daddy had eggs. There are plenty of yummy fresh things to choose from on their menu. Most options have Israeli influences. I hear amazing things about the shakshuka. The coffee was yum but stronger than I remember.

While this cafe is not huge, with a courtyard out the back, a row of tables on the footpath and one large table at the front it can accommodate a bigger party.

The kids menu is oh so cute and stuck to the inside cover of a Mister Men book. My eldest proceeded to read the story to my 2 little ones keeping them entertained while dad read the newspaper and I drank my coffee in peace (if you call the hum of a busy cafe full of families, oldies, youngies and middle agies, peace). Ahhhh heaven.....

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Celebrate National Healthy Bones week

noreply@blogger.com (little eats) — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 04:09:00 +0000

What better way to celebrate National Healthy Bones Week than with the time-honoured, classic calcium booster – the milkshake!

Throughout NHBW (August 19-25, 2012) a number of cute, quirky and calcium-loving cafes around Austtralia are helping the public get their daily serve of calcium with free milkshakes and smoothies. During NHBW, milkshake-lovers can head down to participating cafés and pick up a delicious free shake and calcium boost. National Healthy Bones Week Free Shake Days will be held at the following cafes on the dates below.

Jerry’s Milk Bar 345 Barkley St, Elwood
Sunday 19th August
2pm – 5pm

Rowena Parade Corner Store
44 Rowena Parade, Richmond
Tuesday 21st August
1pm – 4pm

Café No. 12
12 Commercial Rd, Prahran
Thursday 23rd August
1pm – 3:30pm

Jam Cafe Gallery

noreply@blogger.com (little eats) — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 06:23:00 +0000

Basic Info:

Name: Jam Cafe Gallery
Address: 486 Neerim Road, Murrumbeena
Phone: 0457 082 847
Website:
Opening Hours:

8:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Saturday (will eventually open Sundays also)

Little Eats ‘soundbite review’:

Only a couple of months young, this playful cafe is truly a delight. Sharing its love of art, wholesome locally sourced food and delish coffee, it is just what this local shopping strip needed. A fun, family run cafe with dining with the kids in the forefront of their minds.

Highchair: Yes
Change table: No
Pram access: No
Separate kids menu: Yes
Normal menu suitable for kids: Yes
Friendly staff: Yes
Play area for kids: Yes
Activities provided for kids (eg: crayons): Yes
Vibe/atmosphere: Caters for all ages, fun, relaxed & even has games adults can play!
Special Dietary Options: Yes - Gluten Free & Vegetarian
Prices: Reasonable breakfast menu, getting up there at lunch
Other:
Your pram will fit in the doorway but can be tricky to manoeuvre through the cafe. Only having one highchair at this point could mean you will need the pram for your little one. Eventually I think they’ll find a need for additional highchairs as I think this cafe will certainly take off! They do take reservations though so get in quick and book a table with a highchair if needed!

Little Eats detailed review:

As I strolled down Neerim Road, on my way to take my daughter to the park I notice a cute vintage bicycle parked on the footpath. Upon closer inspection I notice a gorgeous, art filled cafe, occupied by another young mummy and some elderly ladies enjoying warm scones with jam & cream – I’m in!!

Immediately I was assisted by a happy & chatty staff member to manoeuvre my pram and my little miss 14mths to a cosy 2 seater table. Decorated by playful games such as a jar of dominos or snakes & ladders board, you can tell this cafe is here to accommodate those with little people in their lives.

I ordered my usual coffee ($3.50 or $4.20 for a mug) and .50c babycino for my daughter. The coffee did not disappoint. The creamy, strong flavour of the mug I ordered to combat my lack of sleep due to a teething baby really did its job!

A delicious selection of breakfast foods made it a difficult choice but I settled on the extremely tasty (& also naughty) breakfast burrito with cheesy scrambled eggs & spinach on a fresh light wrap – YUM!

Gorgeous kids snack boxes, decorated by the owners daughter which I found just too cute, consist of a sandwich (your choice of filling), sweet treat (I really enjoyed the Freddo Frog) & a juice – this more than satisfied my little miss fussy! The rest of the kids menu is delightful, with half serves available too.

They have a fairly varied lunch menu also but it does get a little pricey at first thought! I will definitely be back to try it out though.

For those not wishing to eat in, take away is available and they have a yummy selection of baked treats and even take away lolly jars!

There is a generous rear courtyard with large a table and bench seats and plenty of space for prams and the kiddies to run around.

No more than 500m up the road you will find gorgeous Springthorpe Gardens with a large kids playground and huge grass areas for the kids to play, perfect to take away a coffee and let the kids run free while you relax.

Lovely service and a wonderful addition to Murrumbeena. Just what we were looking for here.

This special guest review was written by my lovely friend Renee, Mumma to the gorgeous little Olivia. Thank so much Nays!

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Baby Lets Cruz

noreply@blogger.com (little eats) — Sat, 28 Jul 2012 22:56:00 +0000

Basic Info:

Name: Baby Lets Cruz
Address: 41 Wray Cres, Mt Evelyn
Phone: 03 9736 4884
Website: www.babyletscruz.com.au f www.facebook.com/pages/baby-lets-cruz/107931506285
Opening Hours:

Monday to Friday - 9:30-4:30pm
Saturday 9:00 - 1:00pm

Little Eats ‘soundbite review’:

A light and bright cafe, with very welcoming staff and lots of room for prams. Set up specially to welcome parents with littlies, this is a great spot for a coffee and light lunch or snack.

Highchair: Yes
Change table: Yes – the bathroom is large with a change table set up – including several different brands of wipes!
Pram access: Yes
Separate kids menu: Yes
Normal menu suitable for kids: Yes
Friendly staff: Yes - very happy to chat with little ones and parents
Play area for kids: Yes – corner with beanbags, tv/dvd, table and toys
Activities provided for kids (eg: crayons): Yes
Vibe/atmosphere: Friendly, chatty and welcoming
Prices: Very reasonable ($4 - $10)
Other: A room is available to book with toys and a table, which makes it perfect for mum’s groups.

Little Eats detailed review:

Baby Lets Cruz is a lovely little cafe in Mt Evelyn (The Yarra Ranges) and it is great. It has been set up specifically to welcome parents with little ones and has been open for about a month, as an addition to their boutique kids store that has been open for some time. It is light and open, with a great kid's play area set up at the back that can be seen from all of the tables. The play area has bean bags, a table and chairs, a tv/dvd running, toys and blocks. There are plenty of IKEA style high chairs and room for prams at the tables as well. The bathroom has a change table (with wipes) and the toilet has a kid’s seat as well. The tables are white and furnished with a bright, colourful mix of chairs.

The menu is simple and caters well for littlies, with kids sized servings of cereal, sandwiches, rolls or soup available. Parents can choose from frittata, rolls, soup or for breakfast there is bircher muesli, baked eggs and toast. I paid $8.00 for a big bowl of minestrone that came with pesto and parmesan and toasted slices of sourdough. Delicious. My 1 year old enjoyed a honey sandwich and much of my soup and she loved toddling around the play area in between. She also loved her free babycino, while I enjoyed my $3.50 latte – it could have been stronger, but the second time I went there, it was fine. For those who are really feeling the need for a coffee fix, there is the $5 ‘epidural’ – a bowl of coffee to take away all your pain!

Next time I go (because I will be back!) I’m going to try out their fabulous looking muffins or one of their other yummy looking baked goods. An added bonus, there is a room that can be booked for two hour periods that is perfect for groups and seems quite popular with mum’s groups. It has a big table for the parents and toys for the little ones. The only proviso on its use is that you order food and drinks at the cafe. It is advisable to book, as it is quite popular on certain days.

Baby Lets Cruz is in a great spot – not only is it part of its own boutique store, where they stock beautiful children’s and babies clothes, soft toys and items for mums, it is opposite the local library. Further up the road is a great shop, Pip Squeakz Recycle, which has a huge range of second hand children’s clothes, toys, furniture, car seats and prams. If you are feeling active, the cafe is very close to the Warburton Rail Trail, a lovely trail for cycling or walking.

With such happy service and a great set up where kids are welcomed, we will definitely become regular customers!

This special guest review was written by Kelly, Mamma to a fabulous little miss and one on the way, creator of Tully & Mishka... Tully & Mishka is a blog about Kelly learning to sew, stumbling through parenting, attempting a sustainable and budget conscious lifestyle, and the absolute joy she receives from my family and friends.

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little eats

Merchants Guild

LivingRoom

St Ali North

Epicurean Red Hill

Rap.ture Cafe

D.O.C. Mornington

Oscar's Hangout

Win Win Win.... 5 Copies of The Good Schools Guide up for grabs!

Huff Bagelry

Mr Brightside

Cafe Republic

The Grand Hotel

THE CUPCAKE QUEENS ADD MOONEE PONDS STORE TO THE BATCH

The Big Design Market - Free Entry

LITTLE EATS NOTICE BOARD

SUNDAY, 3 MARCH 2013

Phoenix Park Community Centre, Rob Roy Rd, East Malvern

10am (VIP Entry)11am – 2pm (General Entry)

Hawk & Hunter

Baha Black Sheep Kids Cafe

Tiger Tribe

Interview with Naomi Green

Red Hill General Store

BeachHouse Barwon Heads

Fress Cafe

Celebrate National Healthy Bones week

Jam Cafe Gallery

Baby Lets Cruz

10am (VIP Entry)
11am – 2pm (General Entry)