At just 17 kilometres south-west of Melbourne’s Central Business District, Laverton – located in the City of Hobsons Bay is a multicultural suburb brimming with atmospheric cafes, delicious eateries and artisanal producers. Here’s a guide of the best foodie finds to check out next time you’re in Laverton.
Get to know Laverton’s cultural side
Once you arrive at Laverton Station, you can’t miss the giant sculpture in the neighbouring park made by Victorian sculptor Grant Finck, which has become a popular icon for daily commuters. The sculpture has been created from two great double ended pod-shaped orbs of steel and reinforced polyester resin that wrap around each other.
Brunch at Cheeky Chewies
Guide your tastebuds on a tour through Asia with Cheeky Chewies inventive fusion menu. The atmospheric cafe is owned by Johnny from Malaysia, with his Japanese wife Erica who also grew up in Thailand. Here you can feast on classics like smashed avocado and sumptuous breakfast boards washed down by a super smooth St Ali flat white. Don’t miss the ‘Fruity Tick-Tac-Toe,’ homemade waffles teamed with fresh strawberries, bananas, maple syrup and vanilla ice cream and my personal favourite, their take on the Japanese pancake (okonomiyaki) filled with cabbage, carrot, bacon and spring onion. For something more on the warming side, their homemade laksa is a treat.
Lunch at Favor & Grace
Another popular believer in the ethos of paddock to plate, local favourite Favor and Grace, opposite the train station on Railway Avenue, goes out of their way to partner with local suppliers who share their passion for seasonal and sustainable produce. Enjoy a perfectly blended Industry Beans coffee and one of their famous burgers. My tip is the 150g grass-fed beef burger with tomato, cheese, lettuce, onions, pickles, mustard and aioli on a toasted milk bread bun. I’m getting hungry just thinking about it.
Stock up on Gourmet Goodies at Paddock to Plate
Take a short stroll to Neville Street and you’ll find Paddock to Plate, a butcher like no other, hidden at the back of a carpark. Owned and operated by father and son duo Frank and Daniel Scomazzon, the butcher has years of experience raising their own animals and specialise in free range beef and pork from their own farm. Don’t miss the dry aged beef, particularly the rib eye steaks. They also sell old fashioned offal, organic honey and all kinds of gourmet goodies for you to plan your next gourmet barbeque.
Sweet Treats at Pizza Cult
For the most delicious Italian pizzas, venture to Pizza Cult in Railway Avenue. Pizza Cult specialise in woodfired Italian pizzas served on their signature stone baked base. They serve all the traditional pizzas like margarita but if you’re feeling more adventurous try their Tandoori Chicken/Paneer with onion, capsicum, chili, yoghurt and cilantro. If you have a sweet tooth in the afternoon like me, try my personal fvourite the ’nutella calazone’ served with a hint of orange and vanilla or if you’re feeling extra indulgent, the ’Nutella Giant’ teamed with chocolate bits, berries, whipped cream, marshmallow and rainbow sprinkles is one not to be missed.
Discover the art of tempeh making
Move over tofu, the new darling of plant-based diets is tempeh – a fermented soybean product that’s rich in both protein and probiotics. At Take and Eat Tempeh you can see all the action behind the scenes of authentic Indonesian tempeh production in their family run factory in Laverton. It has a firm yet chewy texture with a mild nutty flavour, so is a popular addition to a variety of dishes including salads, stir fries, burgers and sandwiches. It is known to have many microflora probiotic benefits including helping to increase bone density, reducing cholesterol, aiding in muscle recovery and improving immune function It’s also packed full of Vitamin C.
Take a Hike on the Laverton Creek Trail
See Laverton from a different perspective with a hike or cycle along the Laverton Creek Trail. Start where the trail crosses the creek over a long wooden footbridge and either head upstream or downstream using the older track on the south side.
Dine at Fresh Chilli Thai
For the ultimate dinner experience, feast on Thai delicacies at Fresh Chilli Thai, Laverton’s favourite Thai restaurant. Here you can enjoy a delicious range of dishes including Thai stir fries, curries and noodles. The service is always super friendly and welcoming so you always feel at home. Don’t leave without trying the beef massaman and the green chicken curry.
To discover more in the Hobsons City Council visit www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/visit.
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