I have a theory when it comes to shopping…..if you want some fabulous new winter boots, head to a shoe shop; if you want a new lipstick, head down to your nearest cosmetic counter, and if a set of sexy new lingerie is needed to impress your boyfriend then head to Bras’n'Things. While every Sportsgirl, Portmans and Forever New chain store is now branching into the fields of cosmetics, shoes and lingerie, it is really best to just purchase they products they excel in – ie. the clothes! It is what they founded their business in, and what they do their best at. It is only now that these companies have realised ‘Ah, our loyal shoppers don’t only desire fashionable clothes, they also want a matching bag, some shimmery lip gloss, heels that add to the sexiness of their outfit…why don’t we give them these as well?’ No! I say….When I want something, I want the best possible product that meets my needs, I do not want some by product offered by a company that only adds to increase their overall profits….taking money from those businesses that have spent both time and money researching exactly what it is that makes their niche products perfect!
Which is why I take complete and utter responsibility for the disastrous Saturday morning brunch endured by myself and two friends on the last of these sunny mornings before the chill of winter sets in. Why oh why did I suggest Lygon street?! Their speciality is italian food, not all day breakfasts!
Lygon street after dark....the time to head there!
What started as a way to get fit for us three girls to compete in the Run for kids marathon – meeting at Federation Square on a Saturday morning and participating in a complimentary running group – has since become a way of life….each and every week we meet somewhere throughout Melbourne, run for an hour or so, then head to a close cafe for lattes, breakfast and a chat. Brilliant! We each love it, and we each enjoy the delicious coffees, yummy and healthy meals and browsing the newspapers at leisure. Fitzroy St, Southbank, Degraves Lane, we pick our cafe based on the track we jog around that particular morning, and thus far have had some to die for breakfasts.
This week’s track was Princes Park…close to home, and close to Errol St….a street I live two blocks from and am, to understate, slightly over! So where do I suggest as an alternative? Lygon Street. The street you head to on hot summer nights for a cool refreshing gelati; the street on which groups of girls get accosted by italian men begging you to sit at their restaurant and enjoy complimentary nachos with your wine, so you entice other customers into spending their money there as well; the street where I have had many a romantic date, enjoying master chef worthy main meals, across the table from my latest love. I have not one single memory of ever ever EVER eating breakfast down Lygon St. And now that I have one, I am determined to never ever give this one memory company.
Bubbles in the milk of the ‘so weak its basically hot milk’ coffee; mushrooms not freshly purchased from the market, but hurriedly poured out of a can; spinach with no flavor whatsoever that even generous helpings of salt and pepper could not help rectify….I could go on and on. Needless to say, I will be in future only heading to this part of town once the street lights are turned off, and I am craving a hot filling gnocci, or a fresh bruchetta to accompany my wine. I love you Lygon street, but to be honest my love for you is the same as my love for Italians in general – yes, you excel at some things (ie. soccer)…but there are some things you should just leave alone (ie. womanizing, but that cold be another post!).
And to make matters worst, on the way home we passed a packed cafe promoting their breakfast all day just minutes from home! Ahhhh well….next time!
