Smith Street

I have lived just off Smith Street for over a year now and in that time I have observed the rate of shop changes, which rivals the housing repossession rate in America. The shop owners seem to delight in packing up all their goods and moving them to the next block for a change of scenery. Luckily for the overworked Smith Street sign writers there are two shops that will probably still be in the same place tomorrow - Smith St McDonald's and Melissa's Cake Shop. I have too many stories about Smith St McDonald's, all tinted with an alcoholic haze, so I will write about Melissa.

Melissa's Cake Shop is a relic from the bustling Smith St of the 1960s; back when housewives kitten heeled across the pavements, nothing except Church was open on Sunday and linoleum was groovy. From a time when Greek's and Italian's were new immigrants to the 'lucky country' and brought with them delicious recipes with long names that are still being mispronounced.

"I'll have a Spanner...(long pause)...co-op-pita?" Says the still helmeted cyclist, who then hurries out sinking teeth into pastry and a little bit of serrated paper bag edge. I do believe the plastic curtain tendrils of the door that inflict annoying cheek slaps are payback from the Melissa staff for the amount of massacred Greek words they listen to each day. But trust me, it's worth it.

The pastry is flaky yet crisp, the spinach to cheese ratio is spot on and the size makes it a substantial lunch. My only dilemma is choosing whether to get Spanakopita or Tiropita. I usually do a quick calculation of my supposed iron levels. If I feel a little low and unhealthy I go with the spinach filled and therefore iron containing Spanikopita. If I feel well and defiant...I trust in my youthful health and demolish a very cheesy (no spinach) and therefore unbelievably delicious Tiropita.

The pastries are what people walk off the street for at Melissa's, but if you have time I insist you pay the extra 20cents and eat in. It's really special. The chairs are brown, the floors are brown and the table tops are beige faux-wood paneled linoleum (try saying that with a mouth full of Baklava). Each table has a little flower arrangement and paper serviettes. Nothing has been changed since the 70s, including the extensive drinks list which boasts milk shakes, spiders AND thick shakes. There is even a handwritten sign tacked onto the wall, 'Chai Latte Available', Melissa has moved with the times. Beware that if you plan on drinking in the presence of this lovely decor it will cost you 50cents more than take away.

Also it is a 'cake shop', so you can purchase sweet treats. I have only tasted the baklava, which was a excellent. But I urge you to be less health conscious and try them all. I have my eye on, but have managed to resist, the syrup drenched wedges of cake and the white powdered mound of Kourabiedes. My resistance is weakening though and you may have an add on to this review soon.

So do practice your Greek and order a Spanakopita or Tiropita from Melissa's Cake Shop, but do remember they're not open Sunday.

God Save Afternoon Tea

Busy, busy, busy! I adore being busy, there is nothing like having little calendar boxes to look forward to. Unfortunately busyness can get to the point of consumption; every event becomes another dreaded chore and you feel the calendar grazing your cheek as it flips through your life. At this point I like to organise every meal, because no matter how busy you are, food will need to be consumed for your important continuation in the great calendar of life.

May I suggest, afternoon tea?

May I also suggest that it be at the Hopetoun Tea Rooms in Melbourne's Block Arcade?

My first outing to the the Hopetoun was as an infant in the superior company of mother and grandmama. From then on days in town were always fueled by scones and sandwiches at the Hopetoun. Alas at this bratty age I did not share my mother's love for the place and would frequently whine abominable sentences such as "I want a Happy Meal, such and such plastic figurine is all I will ever want or need in life." Well, maybe I indulge myself and was not quite so polite or philosophical. It still doesn't change the fact that I would drag my patent leather shoes into shreds and sit glaring at the brocade walls as mother tried to force nourishment and refinement into my obstinate self.

Time continues and now I am a young lady who looks and acts a lot like my mother, and therefore delights in afternoon tea at the Hopetoun. Recently being a very busy lady I arranged to kill two birds with one scone (sorry I think puns are scrumptious) and combined mealtime with meeting mother, sadly grandmama passed away in the middle of infancy to now.
We shared a delightful meal of non-stop chatter and gossip, encouraged by the devilishly brocaded walls and unwitting persons who tread the Block Arcade tiles. To nourish I ate three asparagus rolls which were just a bit too heavy with mayonnaise and selected a dessert worth writing about. The Almond and Coconut Cake was heaven with a scoop of ice cream and a fresh strawberry. The texture was smooth and there was no hint of dryness or age. The flavor was not too sweet as is the case with many store dessert cakes, and the ice cream added a lovely base to the delicate coconut/almond combination. After dessert I regretted not getting the cucumber sandwiches which are perfect for summer and would have anticipated the delicateness of the dessert. Mother dearest went very traditional and digested pin wheel sandwiches and almost all of her plum pudding which was particularly fine and filling.

My only warning to other Hopetoun tea goers, is to ask for a jug of hot water with your pot of tea. That way you will get three cups each from the pot, instead of two. Also the service is more casual due to a change in ownership but one must move with the times and be a little more assertive for good service.

Happy Hopetouning!