I managed to explore a little of this quirky suburb called Northcote :) A mish-mash of modern Greek cafes, family owned Lebanese grocery/kebab shops, Italian pizzerias and cutesy vintage shops line the main streets. We walked down High St in the search of an outdoor cafe to enjoy the cool evening air and found.... Wesley Anne (250 High St, Northcote Hill). A former church now converted into a music/bar/restaurant, Wesley Anne also has great outdoor area . We've been having an unusually hot weather this spring and what better way to cool down than with a beer; or for today, vodka lemon lime bitters ;)

We shared some salt and pepper seared calamari and a light and yummy platter. Food here is supposed proudly organic and also supports the Free Trade label. Now I know where to head to when the hot summer nights swing by!

These miniature roses (a housewarming gift) are almost a year old and I'm glad that they survived the winter :) I suppose my garden and the lonely garden gnome could do with more plants!

Finally got to try the bak chor mee at Singapore Chom Chom (188 Bourke St, MEL) :D For A$9.50 a bowl, the famous SG dish looked authentic - meepok, braised mushrooms, meatballs, fishcake, beansprouts, lettuce, pork mince and even... pork liver!! But there was an egg on the side and the taste was a little too light for me... probably healthy even ;) Oh well, toss in a few spoonfuls of black vinegar and it felt like I was back home at Food Republic!

My lovely housemate decided to throw a feast! Assam fish (salmon), chilli crabs, scallops with scrambled eggs and veggie stir fry. YUM :D

In true Emi style, I decided to fulfill my pancake craving this morning using whatever I could lay my hands on at home ;) Chilli chocolate pancakes topped with this season's strawberries and the last of my vanilla ice cream! Plus a new find - cinnamon frangelico coffee in my little red plunger.