A walk down memory lane

In my endeavours to increase my physical activity.. my physios stern advice to walk, walk and walk some more was ringing loudly in my ears and I knew if I was going to obey his orders,  Sunday (the day of rest, oh the irony!!) was a perfect day for me to begin!

I contemplated a walk around the Tan :not too keen on that Anderson St hill, maybe Princes Park: not much to look at except insanely fit people, or Albert Park Lake, too long and windy and  it just happened  to be Grand Prix weekend, so that was off the list! what a a shame.....



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Photo taking and trying to be discreet!!





So I enlisted my sister and decided on walking up and down Lygon St,  East Brunswick Precinct. Whenever I drive down that strip  I always  glance whimsically  at the cafes and  shops instead of having my eyes on the road so this would be a perfect opportunity to really see how much its changed in the 6 years since I have left and much safer for everyone!!  Plus up and back would be a decent walk and surely better sight seeing than any lake, tan or oval.

I parked at the Brunswick Rd end and  we began our journey! I wasn't ruling out a coffee stop or 2 , I think I did subconsciously  plan this all along, but I liked to tell myself it was just an afterthought!

After a few hundred metres we were starting to get parched, luckily for us we saw a mirage (pardon the pun)  actually it was  El Mirage, a cafe on my list, another lucky coincidence!

El Mirage is set a way back from the road, and if no one was sitting outside on the large decking, you could easily walk past with out noticing the non descript facade.

I had read recently that the owners were the original brains behind an old old favorite of mine up the road - Small Block! So I was guessing it was going to be pretty impressive.



Living in the 70's

The interior was slightly industrial and  slightly 70s diner. Concrete floors, curved wooden roof and a long green vinyl bench seat spanning the length of the cafe. The wall paper, also green and funky, looked like it was straight off the walls of my parents house in Heathcote in 1979, not that I was old enough to remember. The opposite side was quite open and in Small Block style the coffee machine and Barista are on complete display in the cafe, not hidden behind a counter like is usually found.

Laura and I decided that we couldn't just stop at coffee and the food looked rather tempting  (not a great start to what was meant to be a heart pumping brisk walk!). I went for a safe and healthy option and ordered fruit of the day which happened to be Pineapple and Laura ordered a home made muffin; chocolate and raspberry!(so much for cutting chocolate out of your life Laura!) 
 Our coffees arrived and mine  was a lovely and delicate, a very smooth brew, strong on the palate with only a slight bitterness but was super easy to drink. The staff were very accommodating, and didn't tell me off for my not so subtle photo taking! ( I will have to get better at this!)

After our good start to the day we continued north heading towards Albion St. I could not get over the amount this area has changed for the better, and I get slightly nostalgic and very jealous that I am not a resident of this post code any more! Although I am glad that I'm only a 20min drive away to come back and reminisce any time I like!

With our hearts pumping and arms swinging we thought it was probably time to stop again for another coffee! We decided on East Brunswick Project. I wanted to see if the coffee I declared as my best so far could live up to its reputation dining in!

As soon as you walk into the bright and airy Brunswick East Project the aroma of coffee beans is intoxicating  and overwhelming in the most magical way! We managed to get a seat overlooking the immaculate Slayer Espresso Machines . The place is packed with Sunday morning traffic, people wanting a true caffeine hit  to start the day. This is a place that has coffee  purely on its mind, they do have an array of delicious looking pastries, quiches, cakes and muffins, but the hero is here is definitely the coffee.



Patrons enjoying a Sunday coffee



I have been to a fair few cafes now,  36 and counting, plus dozens more  but not one from memory is  as busy with people  just to drink coffee... normally you would find  there is  some kind of  accompaniment of great  food to draw in  people , but that's not needed here!

 My coffee came in a green ceramic, almost square cup with no handle, it was certainly a different experience and definitely a more intimate one, I find the coffee different to the week before, but no less enjoyable. It is so easy to drink, but I take my time and enjoy each sip, a third coffee this early is definitely living on the wild side, and not sure I'm ready to do it just yet!



Couldn't resist a picture of the toilet door
handle (I have my pants up!!)  



I also did probably a politely incorrect thing, or just plain abnormal really   and took a picture of the Toilet door handle! Luckily it was coffee related, so that helps me justify it!!  As one friend commented, It was lucky I took the picture with my pants up!!!  



My Sunday ended with the purchase of my first gorgeous red Keep Cup - at least now I feel as though I am doing something good for the environment! Plus I liked the company's slogan - "Sometimes you have to turn left to go right" - So Melbourne.. and I of course went for the standout color: Fire engine Red!  http://www.hookturnindustries.com.au/byo-coffee-cup.html

Our Walk back to the car took us past Small Block - packed with a hungry Sunday crowd! I will come back one day soon , when I'm not buzzing on caffeine and when it is quieter!  We also ventured past a shop that wasn't open, but I ventured back to later and found this tin sign that sums me up!!!!!!!  I love it, but have no wall space for it at home, so its now taking prime position on my dresser in my lounge room!

Ahh Until next time , enjoy your coffee xxxx

PS - We walked about  3.2km all up! That's about the length of Princes Park  and oh so much more fun!