Hidden Secrets Musings....

WE ARE HIRING! Jan 2012

2012-01-17T13:57:00.001+11:00

Are you working in the Tourism and Events Industry?
Love Melbourne as much as we do, have a true interest in customer service?
Are you looking for something new, and ready for a challenge as two small companies grow?

Hidden Secrets and our friends at Makeovers, Manicures and Martinis are joining together to find a fabulous office assistant.

Could that be you?

See attached overview, or email us for a copy the Job Description - Hiddensecretsevents@gmail.com as we are looking to interview suitable applicants as soon as possible.
Join us on an exciting ride into 2012 and beyond - We look forward to hearing from you!
Fiona ( HST) and Linda (M3)

POP UPs everywhere!!

2011-12-09T18:47:00.001+11:00

THIS IS NOT THE MOST BEAUTIFUL post... - but an invaluable list!... to start with at least

Ok, so we know Melbourne loves a pop up, and some of our lovely friends who share our City Studio have been involved in a pretty ambitious one - Melbournalia - they Have 4 locations until Christmas eve!!

BUT THERE ARE SO MANY MORE!!! ( pics from ones we have visited below)

Also the LUMBI Melbourne store that opens in Equitable Lane 16th Dec

The Nicholas Building is the HOT SPOT of Pop Ups this Month...
Moulin Rouge - was on !st - 3rd December ( sorry but still have a peek!! at Luccello
HandmadeLove Christmas Pop up 8th - 10th December
The Quick and The Dead - open since 1st Dec ( every Wed to Saturday)
Tailor Made - just one night - tonight until 9pm!!
Craft Victoira's Craft Hatch is on tomorrow - December 10th
Bend And Snap Craft Market - - on Dec 18th
Designed in Brunswick has a Pop Up in Brunswick 9th - 18th December
Indigo Prarie Pop Up in Brunwick this Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th December
and how about The Kirkdale Christmas Pop Up?? - 9th - 10th December
and we have already been to The Design Files House - you can still buy online!
The Christmas PopUpMarket in Prahran - December 17th
the Until Never Grand Sale - amazing Street Art ( but portable!) 15th - 18th December
and the Beloved Modern Times is continuing on with its POP UP in Brunswick
THERE ARE SO SO MANY MORE i am sure... we will post when we know of them!

More will be added soon!! or send us your suggestions!!!

SALE - Shoes! Need we say more. Melbourne Made

2011-09-02T18:07:00.000+10:00

So..... in times of hypnosis ( yes we are under the Preston Zly spell) ,

why rewrite things when they are so beautifully done already!!

These are seriously some of the most delicious SHOES - not crazy stilettos, ( ouch!!) not runners, nor flip flops, but SHOES... and if you are at all inclined to adopt the austerity measures of the current season -

Read on!

( thanks to the Preston Zly Mail out today - direct copy - for you!)

"I am too poor to buy cheap shoes"

Preston Zly Online Sale

24 Hours Only

From 11am Friday 2nd September -

Ends 11am Saturday 3rd September 2011

Winter 2011 Collection

50% OFF
While stock lasts
You will need the Online Discount Code: 24hours
(to be entered when prompted at the checkout)

www.prestonzly.bigcartel.com

BEES - Join us in the crusade!

2011-08-26T19:11:00.000+10:00

Do you Subscribe to DUMBO FEATHER?
We love that they are now MELBOURNE based... oh, and here is a wonderful opportunity to see their amazing - yes amazing new diggs.. This post below - is from their recent update...

Direct import Via - Dumbo Feather...

Keep your own bees with Vanessa and Mat

Photo via Dumbo Feather

After profiling urban beekeepers Vanessa Kwiatkowski and Mat Lumalasi for our current issue, we fell in love with all things bees and honey and decided that the logical next step was to get our very own beehive. To share in our excitement, we would like to invite you to take part in a hands-on workshop on bees and beekeeping, run by Vanessa and Mat themselves.

As well as offering a wealth of information the workshop will give you the chance to handle bees inside a real hive and taste the different honeys from Melbourne’s own Urban Beehives. All attendees will receive a gift bag packed with lots of info, sweet goodies and the wonderful Bee Book by Ann Cliff.

When: Sunday 25 September 1pm – 5pm
Where: 11 Princes St, St Kilda
How much: $150 (includes workshop, gift bag and afternoon tea)

Places will be limited to 20 people so book now to secure your spot.

Hidden Secrets Tours is very excited to be a sponsor of one of the newest Hives on a Little Collins Street balcony!

GETAWAY - Get out of the Big smoke.. and discover ARCHITECTURE

2011-08-24T19:17:00.000+10:00

Wow, a special event needs to be celebrated sometimes, whether it is a coming of age, or wonderful achievement.. OR just because... - We love those ones the best ... so where do you go, what do you do...

THIS time... Melbourne is not our destination.. ( we will miss it though ) but Melton and Bacchus Marsh... WHERE you say... I too agree, so we did a reccy today to one of ~~Melbourne's~~ Australia's most influential Architect's masterpiece.. The Boyd Baker House.

We are not sure what more to say other than its booked out for weekends until early next year... and we are super excited to know some people who have asked us to share in the place with them!!!

Feedback - we love your emails!

2011-08-16T11:48:00.000+10:00

Today we received a lovely email from on of our guests... I couldn't help but post it here..
: : Of course whilst we enjoy a cup of Chilli Hot Chocolate at Koko Black

Q1. The tour was FAR MORE than what we expected because a) it was well organised and we saw many more arcades and laneways than if we were wondering around by ourselves and b) if was really really interesting to take some time to learn about the history of the beautiful buildings and arcades of Melbourne.

Q2. It is hard to pick one thing that we liked about the tour because we really liked EVERYTHING but, not wishing to sound naf but, what I liked the most was that as we went along and saw all the beautiful shop window displays, architecture etc an sense/feeling developed that I was in Australia's Paris (rather than just another Oz city so's to speak)...Melbourne became something for me.

Q3. I have been to Melbourne many many years ago with my husband...can't remember anything about all that except that I bought some stunning boots and I enjoyed the Dandenong area. I also went in 2009 again with my daughter Lee for my 60th birthday and we did your Vintage Tour and had THE BEST time which is of course, why we came back to you guys again.

Thanks Rae, we too enjoyed your enthusiasm...

Do you have any feedback for us? send it to : feedback@hiddensecretstours.com

SALE - Sassy Women do a Pop Up

2011-07-22T16:30:00.003+10:00

We love it when there are some exciting happenings in our building - The Nicholas Building.. and we have some new sassy women joining us - even if for just a short time... EARLY AUGUST... dont forget - put it in your diary!

Play Melbourne | Deals

2011-07-21T22:27:00.000+10:00

Play Melbourne | Deals - Via Visit Victoria ( pic is not mine! - see www.playmelbourne.com.au)

If you haven't seen the new Tourism Victoria Campaign for Melbourne, then join us here... We are so excited to part of the project.. and can only say the BIGGEST thanks to Mr Matt Irwin, for helping us with a fabulous photograph for our New Cafe Cutlture Walk, which is included in the ROLL THE DICE option!

SURF & ART - Take a trip to start a collection

2011-07-06T15:09:00.000+10:00

As we head into the new year ( financially speaking) , its time to look again at how we work hard, and how we reward those around us, or even ourselves...

Sometimes its just a walk in the park, or a gluttonous Macaron - thats another post!! - but sometimes it is also something to make your everyday view of the world just a little more... you...

If you have not seen Claire Whitney's Work, then don't forget to join us for the Nicholas Building Open Studio... as Fiona bought one for our office...

BUT next week, perhaps wander out of the city centre, and head to Geelong.. not just for the freezing cold wetsuit obligatory surf, but a little art and design watching... and perhaps a little gluttony - this one should be on everyones Southcoast adventure!

Metropolis Gallery is ready to excite you about the Geelong scene... and now there are FIVE lanes on the Westgate there are NO Excuses..

THEATRE : get on down to the Donkey

2011-06-15T10:27:00.000+10:00

One of our lovely past team members Zoe is part of the most amazing new program this weekend.

Its a must see! with such a fabulous ensemble and we are proud to be supporting Zoe on this.. we'll be there... and if you have not been to the Donkey Wheel house.., get down there.. this is a perfect place for the play!

Read here as described by a great little Theatre website:

CHANTS DES CATACOMBES is a filthy little storyabout a showgirl, a surgeon and a courtesan. The innocence of each has been stripped. For these three women history has turned its page, and they’re now entombed creatures of the catacombs.

This promenade piece of theatre will inhabit the basement of the gorgeous Donkey Wheel House building. This production will be an entire sensory experience, with a special series of scents created by perfumer Emma Leah.

Chants Des Catacombs is the brainchild of Anna Boulic, a NIDA trained voice teacher, harpist and singer, who developed a ten-minute version alongside theatre maker Bryce Ives. Last year it was the winner of the Short+Sweet Cabaret Festival.

This new cabaret experience mixes the styles of musical theatre, vaudeville, burlesco, indie pop, hip-hop and the macabre.

SO TO BOOK:

http://www.trybooking.com/9503

or at the door

Tickets:
$ 30 Adult
$25 Concession/ Student

Thursday 16th of June at 8.30pm,
Friday 17th of June at 8.30pm & 10.30pm
Saturday 18th of June at 8.30pm &10.30pm
Sunday 19th of June at 6pm

Postcript - go get em ZOE, we are very excited for you!

Fiona and the team at HST

EVENT - Dinner in the Studio - Middle Park

2011-06-08T11:33:00.000+10:00

This is a little update for a fabulous event our friends are doing.. join us! It will be delicious!

Dinner in the Studio - 4th and 5th July

Nicolas Poelaert from Embrasse Restaurant, Andrew Marks from The Wanderer and Gembrook Hill Vineyards and Potter, Shelley Panton

Shelley as she does a demo during dinner

See our blog about the dinner that was at Shelley's Studio that Fiona took the photos for...

Back in March Shelley Panton hosted two dinners in the studio with chef Matthew Wilkinson and winemaker Mac Forbes. It was a warming experience to collaborate with foodies alike to celebrate all things artisan for the table from the produce, to the plates, to the wines.

Shelley is pleased to announce that she will be hosting two more events in July with chef Nicolas Poelaert of Embrasse Restaurant and Andrew Marks of The Wanderer  and Gembrook Hill vineyards

Set in the century-old butcher’s shop which houses Shelley's home based studio-come-store, guests will savour four courses created by Nic alongside wines by Andrew Marks, presented on stoneware clay plates made by Shelley, especially for this dinner

Event Details

When:   Monday 4th and Tuesday 5th July 2011

Where: At Shelley Panton's Studio and Store - 88 Park Road, Middle Park

Time:   7.00pm - 11.00pm

Cost: $145 per head, inclusive

To Book: Call the studio on 03 9537 0737 or email: info@shelleypanton.com
Places are limited to 24 guests per evening, so we suggest you book ahead if you would like to join this amazing event.

NEW - Coffee spots and directional dilemas

2011-06-02T14:37:00.000+10:00

YES - we have a coffee problem - a good one :) ... a Melbourne one..

How to choose the next step once out of the lift - left to see Jo at Switchboard, left then right to head up to Shany and Danny at Liason, or perhaps our newest short cut - sharp Right and then down to the right again, and we find Rob, and Hugh at Hoboken... Thanks to some well experienced and passionate locals.. this is a great addition to our corner of town! -

It is a dilema! ( and so far that is just the first 3 off the top of my head.. we have 15 that we share on our Cafe Culture Walk but thats another story!)

Great Salads, fresh pastries, and amazing Soups! - oh some other yummy's too

Hoboken with great coffee from Seven Seeds - home is Hosier Lane

SALE: Leather jacket TODAY ONLY

2011-06-02T14:14:00.001+10:00

Just for you, our loyal clients, we are looking for all the good MELBOURNE sales we can find.. Austerity measures are all about us, but that's not to say you shouldn't keep your eyes peeled..
This is only in ONE size - they are all size 10!

get dialing!

WORK for us - Internships, part time admin positions avalable soon.

2011-05-27T22:36:00.000+10:00

Have you ever thought of working in a small tourism comapany?

Or perhaps even an event company, or a marketing, or even a PR company...

Well thats what you would get to do with us...

Life is never dull thats for sure.

Award winners in the 2008 Melbourne Awards.

We are looking for someone who loves what we stand for, for where we are, and for what we do.

It may sound simple.. but we have not found such people very easily.

With several awards to our name, and more to come, we're keen for an energetic individual to join us.

Some of our team are moving on to do other things, we'll miss them, but its a great time to make an impression.. shine brightly as help will be needed, and there is room to develop.

Laughter in our group of hosts is always present

Think about what you can bring with you.. Do you know the city, and those who work it? Do you like to write blogs? Do you enjoy making people feel as though they have no cares in the world? Are you good with databases, and relationship building? Do you have a good phone manner that will be both professional and at ease? Are you full of youthful ideas, but also able to manage clients of wealth and prestige...

We are a small team, and need someone who wants to grow with us...

Depending on how you fit, and what you are interested in, we can discuss Internships, or hours of employement.

Tight knit team, that has a lot of fun.

Start time we'd like as late June, so in the mean time email Fiona...

work(at)hiddensecretstours.com

With researched proposals. More info will come in weeks to come.

Cheers, and thanks. Fiona

Happy BIRTHDAY - its the NGV's 150th.. celebrate!

2011-05-27T20:04:00.000+10:00

If you are not sure where to wander in the morning.. then perhaps you can check out this map - dont forget, we have some tour spots for early afternoon - but you may need a break from all the festivities .. see earlier post to know what I am talking about..
Happy Birthday NGV, you inspire us every day!..

May 28th 2011

Sale: This Saturday SPECIAL TOUR....

2011-05-27T15:17:00.005+10:00

Fiona in Union Lane in late 2010

Helloooo - we have squashed in an extra special tour TOMORROW... so if you feel like joining us, call 0447868788 to book - we start at 1.30 from Federation Square and the price is $70.00 per person. your tour host will be our Co-Founder Fiona Sweetman, and with all that's on in Melbourne, she will surely fill your diary with plenty of other ideas too!

You cannot book this online, it must be done by phone!

All things GLITZERN are gold and more - SALE

2011-05-27T14:17:00.009+10:00

GLITZERN is having a sale!!

ohhhh, its a sad day when a store that really spells out the Creative Culture story that is Melbourne tells us they will soon close their doors !!

But they will not be going without a bang.. so make sure you are ready next week... special finds will become heirlooms we are sure!!

Art - its not always $$$ - check it out this weekend

2011-05-18T15:29:00.002+10:00

We try to visit this show each year its amazing what locals and others are making, painting, selling and thinking... its great fun. You do need to be ready to buy if you like, so bring your credit card, but enjoy the wander, and chat to the artists... love it or not, the art is the conversation... start one this weekend... ( corny but true! ) and Melbourne's own are well represented!

MAY 29th this little piggy goes to MARKIT

2011-05-17T10:39:00.005+10:00

If you have not been before, , then make a note in your diary for this great little market of local crafts people, who take over the wonderful Atrium at Federation Square in a week or so, and presents, fashion, great home-wares and more, are all available to buy, order or OGGLE:)

See you there!

LIKE our Vintage Outings page to win!

2011-05-12T13:28:00.000+10:00

Hi All, its that time when the creative juices get restless,

and we are very excited to let you know that we are in the final stages of working on a new tour - a new Vintage Outing, so the fabulous Fiats will be back out there, to combat this chilly weather.

We'd Love you to LIKE our facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Vintage-Outing-Melbourne/124467714281690 for a chance to win a double pass to our newest tour.

your taste buds will thank you! Be first in!

La Piccola Cucina- An Italian food Outing

This is a three hour chauffeured outing indulging in delicious Italian treats and exploring the history of Italian cusine in the northern suburbs of Melbourne..

Its cold out, but CELEBRATE with us.... and maybe get a bargain too

2011-05-10T16:49:00.005+10:00

I have some room in my closet, do you??... I only do because we have had a huge clean out...

And then I get a gorgeous invitation to Celebrate with our good friends at Nevenka.

This is truly a one off event not to be missed. I will certainly be there!

I have a few Nevenka pieces, and the fabrics are what got me the first time, the amazing prints, Vintage cottons and lace details, make you feel fabulous any old day!

Prices I am told are to be wholesale ( they don't do that much these days for the good stuff!!! ) and will range from $50-250 with sizes 6-14 available. ( something for all)

Sponsored by Yering Station - customers will be treated to champagne and wine to help them shop throughout the weekend. - Now thats what I call a Celebration.

I've had a chat with Rosemary, Emily and the team, and the fabrics I love are to be used again - having spent hours designing a new collection Rosemary is using her very much loved vintage fabric and trims library. - - I'm loving the idea of re-using past fabric and trims into brand new garments in a sustainable matter!! How fabulous.. !!

As a past dress maker, for me the little charms of fabric left are often the saddest part of production, so how wonderful to look at ways to make sure all fabrics are used, even if from last season... its STILL new season!

If you don't know Nevenka you should! ( I dont say that too often!) but if you have been to one of their little sales in store, well this is DIFFERENT - it will be SO MUCH MORE

There will be champagne and wine, beautiful flowers and the chance to meet and be personally styled by the nevenka team.

The "celebration" is not instore, but at the gorgeous Anna Pappas gallery in Melbourne from the 20^th -22^nd May. The exhibitions will be available for viewing throughout the weekend

So please join me, and our team as we Celebrate with Rosemary and her team in Prahran in May!

CHEERS - FIONA

BRRR Getting ready to hibernate avec le bon goût!

2011-04-20T19:13:00.007+10:00

Oh its not often I get to feel like La Normandie is close by... but a short walk around an already Parisienne corner of town I ventured down another laneway to find Melbourne's newest addition to the Patissiere craze! But of course Melbourne Style.. - a little industrial, a few corners, and amazing craftsmanship and detail in the interiors.

Opened just last Friday, Andrea Reiss was busy with her francophone kitchen - OOHH i loved the opportunity to share in the language, and Andrea was so welcoming. This LARGE hole in the wall - well it is once you are inside - is a venture she has undertaken with Stephen of Libertine - and I truly do wish them all well. I know I will be back, the bread is by Noisette ( fabulous too) mainly as they do not have enough room .... so head on down, and say Bonjour! and it will soon become CHEZ TOI!

MFWF - Pt 2 - A potter, a chef, and winemaker - mm

2011-03-16T21:32:00.015+11:00

Following on from my last post - The event at Shelley Pantons Studio was just a delight, a mix of locals and foodies, with Shelley getting on the wheel herself, see just some of the snaps I took on the night!

Well done to all!

Melbourne Food and Wine Festival - PT 1

2011-03-16T14:12:00.018+11:00

March Madness is certainly upon us, and Melbourne always manages to cram the best of all tastes into this month... mmmm :) Food, Wine, Fashion, Footy, Comedy and Fast cars to mention but a few!

It was with great pleasure this year that I made time to participate in the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival 2011

Part 1 Monday 7th March 2011 - was a lovely intimate dinner for 25 or so in the "hidden" Shelley Panton Studio in Middle Park.

With Matt Wilkinson of Pope Joan and Mac Forbes of the Yarra Valley, Shelley put on a fabulous evening showcasing the local artisans ideology of entertaining...

A feast was prepared, the table ware was made for the event, and the wine had arrived just days before! ( Mac had made some in Austria, and customs had just let it in the country in time!)

The tables were artworks in themselves, and pictures, olives, and table settings were cut fresh the day before!

More photos to come!

MELBURN - Bikes, coffee, prizes and a laneway - get ready!

2011-03-15T17:50:00.009+11:00

You know I have a soft spot for Cafe Liason, the peace and quiet of this leafy laneway -

BUT it will not be so quiet at the end of this month, as a group of enthusiastic (and possibly fanatic) Melbourne Bike riders aim to make the BIKESHARE bikes a little more sexy... and enjoy our favourite coffee... but perhaps more importantly, get as many of the Blue Bikes ( 500) in a small laneway at the top end of the city... Join in, grab a blue Bike, your biggest smile, maybe some lycra?? and definitely a helmet and enjoy a LONG lunch hour... prizes and more to be won...

FOR MARCH 31st 2011 - see info above for this facebook group - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=156762307712240 or read more here: http://www.fyxomatosis.com/

Pop ups are fun, but prefer the real thing -

2011-03-04T13:27:00.004+11:00

I ventured out today to catch up with some small businesses I have not been chatting to for a while, and amongst saying "Hi" to valued colleagues, I visited the much hyped Broadsheet Cafe in Crossley Street....

Day 1 is by Seven Seeds, and passionate founder Mark Dundon was there orchestrating the tiny room... Great to see him out front.. The room was quietly filling, and almost all food was gone..

Pop ups are great for the buzz they generate, and congrats to Broadsheet on the idea, but for my money ( precious as it is) do your self a favour and go fr the real thing.. its not even that far - Seven Seeds is an awesome venue, the machines and products are worked, tuned loved daily.. and this is seen in the results! ( I don't know how to make coffee or the essentials to do so, but know those who do...)

So take yourself for a walk, or a tram ride and head to one of their 3 current locations.. http://www.sevenseeds.com.au/cms-locations/ and get a great coffee, that you can go back for again.. as you will surely want to!

Flying High... volunteers needed

2011-03-02T16:47:00.006+11:00

I received a wonderful email today - and thought I should share - I think it would be fun to be there...

We are looking for a diverse range of volunteers to fly 10 000 paper planes into the La Trobe Domed reading room at the State Library of Victoria on Monday March 14 (public holiday), for those of you who attended the test on Saturday thank you and stay tuned for more.

Much in the same way as fireworks are choreographed, 180 volunteers will be cued to release 10,000 pre-folded paper planes into this magnificent space.
A camera, skyward facing and central to the room will capture this event in one take, slowly spiraling from ceiling to floor.

If you go - take some pics, and let us know how you enjoyed it!

This is an opportunity to be a part of the exciting new project by artist Ross Coulter, meet people and soar ideas and paper planes sky high.
There is an information/registration session for this project on Tuesday March 8 at 6.30pm at the State Library of Victoria (Entry 3, 179 La Trobe Street, Melbourne). Registration and attendance is essential.

If you are interested and can attend this session, or would like further information, please contact us at paperplanes10000@hotmail.com

Could you be an award winner?

2011-03-02T10:30:00.004+11:00

This morning I attended the Melbourne Awards Launch Breakfast, and was humbled to be around so many passionate people. Passionate about Melbourne! I sat next to John Bertrand - an inspiring man in so many ways, and his enthusiasm for all that he does is infectious - well it seems to be in the few hours since!

I won such an award back in 2008, and am so proud of the idea that I have personally contributed to the profile of Melbourne - locally, nationally and globally - the real Melbourne, the people of Melbourne that make it tick.. and their story's -past and present!

SO if you you know anyone, or think that you are up for the accolade and amazing alumni - follow this link...I know I have a few thoughts myself, and will fill you in soon... Melbourne inspires me - how about you? -

Visit www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/melbourneawards to download an entry form or call 9658 9348.

A sweet tooth? we can help...

2011-02-24T19:25:00.004+11:00

We must thank the Sunday Herald Sun ( Escape Section) for their little note about our new Cafe Culture tour last Sunday - we have such a lovely lot of new clients book in.. I think it even got into the Sydney one too - need to find a copy!

Tomorrow I have an extra early start for some VIP Malaysian Journo's to try out our tour... Little tastes along the way will compliment our coffee stops.. and get stuck into the lovely macarons from Maylynn and Hugh of La Belle Miette - they only use butter made in Victoria, and their boxes are designed in Melbourne too!

BROADSHEET CAFE is coming!! to MELBOURNE CITY

2011-02-23T12:20:00.003+11:00

We are avid supporters of Broadsheet, and love seeing their take on the things we love about Melbourne... so as a direct report of Caroline Clements Broadsheet article today join with us, and probably too many others, as they open a little gem of this years Melbourne food and wine festival!

There will be much more said by others, but this is the Schedule of the Cafe operators starting NEXT week!!

Broadsheet Cafe Operator Schedule:

Fri 4 - Seven Seeds
Sat 5 - Five Senses
Sun 6 - Dead Man Espresso
Mon 7 - Market Lane
Tue 8 - The Premises
Wed 9 - Seven Seeds
Thu 10 - Proud Mary
Fri 11 - Proud Mary
Sat 12 - Dead Man Espresso
Sun 13 - Coffee Collaboration
Mon 14 - Market Lane

The Broadsheet Cafe will run from March 4-14 at 24 Crossley Street, Melbourne.

melbournefoodandwine.com.au

MMMM coffee - walk with us & meet our friends

2011-02-16T16:38:00.003+11:00

Its 2 days after Valentines Day, and one who finds this commercialism a little over the top, was still excited to see such a gorgeous way to display roses!

And even better its for a birthday... today!

Ps if you love a good coffee, and a spectacularly positive start to you day - or even an end.. head on down and say hi to our friends at Liason.. or better still join our newest tour... the Cafe Culture walk....

Cyclone comparisons - more than just numbers

2011-02-02T10:46:00.003+11:00

I have never been near a Cyclone, or in fact known anyone who has, so this diagram courtesy of the Herald Sun this morning helped me a little...

Thinking of all our friends and colleagues in the North of Queensland, please be safe, and leave - even if just for 2 days.. better than being in it.

Melbourne will never know such weather, though we do claim to have all sorts..., but we are supporting our fellow Australians.

FIND - Hands to Hold and urban paper cuts

2011-01-27T00:38:00.009+11:00

We are not always the first to write about spots in the city, that is not our mission, but to share them, as we like them is! SO if you have not found this lovely little gallery yet, don't fret, there is actually not much room in there any way! BUT a recent exhibition opening has compelled a post here! DO SEEK it out!

Kathy Fahey's Work ( from http://handheldgallery.blogspot.com/)

Its a tiny difficult to find gallery called "Hand Held" - Its upstairs in the Paramount Arcade
108 Bourke Street, Melbourne.. Look for Suite 18..

Jan 13 - Feb 5: Melbourne artist Kathy Fahey presents her work : 'To Penang and Back'.
This is a collection of the artist books, sculptures of sorts in paper and drawings inspired by a month Kathy spent as artist-in-residence in Penang in 2010

We at Hidden Secrets Tours walk the streets daily, and Kathy's deft and beautiful small works are an inspiration for us to re- look at our own surrounds..

What will you take away from Hand Held Gallery Melbourne?.......

Tomorrow = LAST day to send in your clothes for Flood Fundraiser

2011-01-21T14:42:00.000+11:00

Alice Euphemia in the Nicholas Arcade, Melbourne

We certainly love a good bargain, and a good deed, and when they are put together... we have to share!!:)
Our dear friends at Alice Euphemia - yes the ground breaking store in the Cathedral Arcade of the Nicholas Building - are having a fund raiser at the end of this month - one day only on January 29th a raffle is also going on , so Tomorrow 22 Jan is the last day that you can take your best unwanted clothes, that will then be sold, and 100% of Proceeds will go to the QLD RSPCA flood relief programs.

SO Get to it, those of you who are near, feel good, New year wardrobe clean out, and dip in your pocket for an amazing raffle prize!

Or thoughts go out to all of the Flood Victims of Australia and especially for us Victoria - , and today to the Pyrenees region - amazing wine growing country is preparing for the worst donate to the Victorian Flood relief via the Redcross

Music is the remedy - Flood relief! The Corner Hotel ->in Ultimate Art Series Hotel prize

2011-01-18T19:36:00.000+11:00

We have been overwhelmed by the engaging nature of the local communities everywhere, and before we knew of the devastation heading to Melbourne, we made a donation of our fabulous Sommelier's City Walk to the "Sound of Music To Help Ease The Pain Event" this Thursday at the Corner - which has sensationally has sold out!

The 'Ultimate Arts Series + Friends experience' with the following is being raffled off on the night.

Dont forget about the Victorian Floods - where you can donate to: http://www.redcross.org.au

Get those deep pockets ready - great raffle prizes even if we say so! - check out the list of items as below... and enjoy this Amazing Melbourne Indulgence.. and the music will be all the sweeter!! ( hint hint....)

Finally the Ultimate opportunity we can share!

2011-01-17T23:41:00.002+11:00

Fiona and the team at Hidden Secrets Tours after a month of secrecy are so pleased to be able to share that we were hand picked to share Melbourne with Oprah's Ultimate Viewers over two days in December 2010. It was the Ultimate Viewers holiday after all, so we steered clear of the paparazzi, and gave them a true Melbourne City morning stroll. A good coffee, a little chocolate, and some shopping ideas in our wonderful Lanes and Arcades!

***The show goes to air on Wednesday here is Australia, so don't forget to Watch on ten.com.au this Wednesday 19th January - we were probably too discrete for their cameras, but it will be a must watch show! Who knows who you will see. - There really is nothing like Australia!

FIND your Coffee Relief this FRIDAY for Queensland Flood Relief Appeals

2011-01-13T17:52:00.006+11:00

We love coffee, just check out our latest projects.. but how proud we are to be Melburnian, when so many of our favourite coffee houses are joining in the opportunity to HELP.. SOMEHOW.... SEE LIST BELOW

If you are like us, we are so not sure what to do to help, but every little bit, in a bank of little bits, can actually make a pretty sizeable donation.. We will have news about a fabulous Live Show fundraiser for next week, that we are donating raffle prizes for!

BUT !!! Owners of Melbourne's cafe 65 Degrees have come up with a great idea they’ve called Coffee Relief to raise money for the Appeal. see Twitter or facebook for more during the day #coffeerelief - So head out and buy a coffee at one of these and hopefully many more cafes TOMORROW - FRIDAY 14th JAN 2011 - http://www.qld.gov.au/floods/donate.html

From what I can glean from all the Blogs tweets and Posts... these are the places to go!

65 Degrees : 309 Exhibition St Melbourne will donate all proceeds from the sale of their 250Gram retail bags of FRESH coffee
Elevenses Espresso Bar: 585 Little Collins Street, Melbourne - will be donating tips, 40 cents from each coffee & profits from each 250g bag of coffee and donating it to QLD RSPCA
Human Powered Cafe 562 High Street Thornbury donating to the Queensland Flood Relief Appeal & RSPCA QLD, i.e.: a tip jar & whatever else we can think up by Friday.
Cafenatics : 500 Bourke Street - will donate $1 from every coffee sold
3 Bags Full : Nicholson st. Abbotsford will donate $1.00 from every coffee sold
Campos Melbourne - 144 Elgin St, Carlton
Monk Bodhi Dharma Rear 202 Carlisle St, Balaclava will donate $2 from every coffee sold
Windsor Deli 33 Hornby Street Windsor - is in too
Friends of Mine: - 506 Swan St, RICHMOND will donate $1.00 from every coffee sold
Studio Movida - 138 Cotham Rd, Kew is in !

National Architecture Week - Only two more sleeps

2010-10-22T17:21:00.005+11:00

NAWmelbourne: Only two more sleeps: "Only two more sleeps until Melbourne starts celebrating architecture! National Architecture Week Melbourne starts this Sunday (October 24) ..."

Did you know, this is the Innaugural celebration of its kind in this town, and of course we are leading the way!! head down to Federation Square to look at the UB archipad! OR join in one of our exclusive tours! - just for the National Architecture week

Book here!

www.nawmelbourne.com

Melbourne is 175years young

2010-08-19T01:04:00.000+10:00

August 30, is known to insiders as Melbourne Day, 1835 was the year our home town was founded, as a boat sailed up the Yarra River, and this site was chosen upon to start a village.. little did they know what we would become!!

The Melbourne City Council of today has chosen to celebrate this milestone, by celebrating August! 2010 is 175th year of the city, 150th year of the Melbourne Cup, 100th birthday of our beloved Flinders Street Station, and 20th August is the 150th Anniversary of the fateful Bourke and Wills departure from Royal Park to find a northern coast line.

Next week is the start of the mayhem... good mayhem!! First mark for us is the Melbourne Day debate

That Melbourne is still the Foodies Capital - what would you bring to the debate!?
Indulge in the Melbourne we are so lucky to call home!

Happy Birthday!

Winter is STILL here - fluff on up

2010-08-11T20:13:00.005+10:00

I am a little excited, so much so its taken me too long to write... but lovely little Howey Place has redeemed itself with a Melbourne Local label filling in the vacant store, left behind by jasonGrech - Rosemary - of Nevenka brings her FIRST fully fledged boutique to life... after a pop up success earlier in the year..

I have certianly succumbed, but if your struggling with this long winter, then look at that fabulous "gillet" the window... cosy!

PS there is a little sale on too!

THIS SUNDAY - to MARKit ... Fed square et al

2010-07-08T16:04:00.006+10:00

Its cold out side... but when you think of all the flurry of energy and creative brain space that is happening in Melbourne town at the moment, you cant help but feel the warm inner glow!

So much activity .. its like friction.. rub those bark and wood pieces together and Fire will be yours! Well this Sunday that fire may burn a hole in your pocket!

Can you believe it.. the State of Design Festival is not even upon us yet, and Federation Square is to play host to not one but TWO design markets this coming Sunday..

In the CARPARK are of Federation Square - you will find all sorts of incredible DESIGN focused stalls, some more established labels that others - look out for NEST and Melbourne's own KeepCUP to name just a few - there is a promise of many new Stall holders this year... so worth heading down..

Beware.. there are CROWDS at these things... and you may want to be aware - not all stall holders have EFTPOS or Credit card.

The inaugural MARK it ( reference to decorative and illustrative design) market in the Atrium will bring some new player to the already successful market precinct with local design favourites such as Beci Orpin, our own tour hotspot Corky St Claire ( look out for their special signage made just for the event!) and my own personal BLine will be made for these great little note books!

OH and f course there will also be the Arts Centre Sunday Market - up on the Lawn area on St Kilda road - due to the Hamer Hall renovations..

Wave if you see us!.. we love show and tell....

Fiona

Leonard St.- New Melbourne city store

2010-07-06T11:09:00.002+10:00

Fantastic to see that Leonard St. has opened a new store in the city-289 Flinders Lane. Melbourne designer, Amanda McCarthy, represents the fourth generation of her family to operate a fashion business in Flinders Lane. I couldn't resist a look the other day...a stunning collection of colourful winter jackets, print silk pieces, statement knits...suffice to say I did not come out of there empty handed!

Katherine

Choosing a coffee and a charity....

2010-07-01T17:11:00.001+10:00

The other day whilst I was exploring, for me, a somewhat unfamiliar area of the city-the west end of Bourke Street.... I stumbled across a new cafe, Kinfolk, a non for profit business that supports international development projects.This was intriguing to me so I went in to find out more.
Delightfully welcomed in for a coffee, I was shown the current selection of four local & international charities, creatively displayed on chalkboards and using photos, the likes of an anti-traficking program in Ghana, a Malawian development project 'Pump it'and Melbourne based charity, Urban Seed.

After purchasing my coffee I was shown a big jar of coffee beans on the counter, asked to take out a bean and place in one of four jars, each labeled with a selected project. My small coffee donation in contribution to others....
Kinfolk Cafe is situated within 'Donkey Wheel House' a 'new dynamic social space' for artists, philanthropic organizations....well worth a visit.

Katherine

There's Nothing Like Australia!

2010-06-01T15:19:00.005+10:00

Tourism Austrlia's new tourism campaign has been launched, and the TV ad is a little cheesy, but some of the imagery is beautiful.

I was able to share my Melbourne with Anson Smart, and after what I can guess to be days of preparation and consultation with the AdAgency, this is what they ended up with.. I dont think it was just my infuence, but am pretty chuffed with the end result!.... lets hope with the reno of Hamer Hall such a beautiful bar will exist!

Nitts, Lice, and all things nice.. Dandruff = Art

2010-03-04T20:41:00.007+11:00

Its all in the way you sell it... Hair, Dandruff, Lines, ....

No Vacancy gallery - a clever use of space in the corridoor filled QV - in Jane Bell Lane.. has a new show next week... with Indonesian born Melbourne artisit Eveline - check out her Video...:)

Eveline Tarunadjaja is ready to share her love if hair with us in the middle of Fashion Week - and its Dandruff... :) Her lines, and mischevious details have caught my eye before, and I look forward to seeing more works in this great open space.. whether for Opening Night on 11th March, or heading in just for a quiet look, No vacancy and the team will always in spire with local and international works.. see you there...

Fiona

March Madness is HERE -- start with the MOUSE

2010-03-04T20:20:00.009+11:00

The fabulous team at MOTH have shone the spot light on yet another one of Melbourne's Relics... this time the ill-fated, and yet to be redefined,( not from want of trying)... Military and Navy Club - up on Little Collins Street -

This Friday those in the know, will celebrate the return of the always inspiring, but fleeting Penthouse Mouse... and if you have been before... this year promises more of the same in a less industrial wasteland space.... though industrial is still a flavour - of sorts - then of course the rest of us will visit in a more calm environment on Saturday - or the days that follow - all the while artists, sound makers, and the newer breed of Local fashion folks.. will share, indulge and sell... Join in the fun.. it will be gone before you can tell your friends... so even more reason to be part of it!

Join the busy bees at the HIVE - FEB 23rd

2010-02-19T12:07:00.005+11:00

Wow, doesn't time pass ...

When visiting Melbourne sometimes its not just the monuments that make the trip, BUT the amazing people you meet or learn about during your stay....
and Michelle Matthews is one I of course talk about a lot.. Hidden Secrets Tours would not be around if it was not for her!
Its been well over 6 years that the little Deck of Secrets cards have been on the market, and you can hear her story next week in a great local bar setting!

From an innovative pager service, to delicious shopping books, tiny free press adventure - A7, and her eventual plans of world domination... ( a bar discovery job, many would die for) :) there is lots to love about the city that inspired her, and Michelle's savvy business model that enables us to love it too!!

Next Tuesday 7pm make the most of the opportunity to hear the story from Michelle herself - There will be many other locals who have inspired Michelle's projetcs to continually expand - Join the conversation!! - Head to the Emerald Peacock at 233 Lonsdale Street for the latest HIVE event in Melbourne.

Festival of the Photocopier.. more productive than you think!

2010-02-13T17:37:00.009+11:00

Campbell Arcade has had its fair share of distraught times recently.. not least of which was Thursdays Flood!! but as always, its best to rise above it all,.. change the attitude, or space...

Love Sticky, and the crew.. the Photocopier survived the deluge.. and the show must go on!

today was the ZINE FAIR.. such fun to see them all lined up the length of Campbell Arcade.. selling all sorts..
I bought the most beautiful Audrey & Audrey book by Ayano Takeuchi. Such a delight to find a new copy of WIPE, Where did my sock go by Frankie Pan.. and so much more.. The energy of enthusiasm is infectious.. thanks Sticky. Tour clients loved it too!!

Now the festival is winding up, done forget to head down the stairs in Degreaves street, and see some of the works at Platform Art Space..

Share the love!:)

Unique Valentines Day shopping options.. for next 3 days only

2010-02-11T13:12:00.000+11:00

This week The Lovely Marche Rouge is on again! - just in time for Valentines Day... today is the First day!

over Thursday, Friday and Saturday heading up to the second floor of the Nicholas Building for another Shopping Event! - head into the Cathedral Arcade - just off Swanston Street and Flinders Lane.

Fashion ADDICTS... - September Issue on for Free at FED Square

2010-02-10T17:14:00.000+11:00

Film Buff's, some hilights of the 2009 MIFF festival will be on show at Federation Square this month! head on down to the big screen, and perhaps join us for the wonderful insider film THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE - to be shown on Thursday 18 February, 7.00pm

Hang out on the Deck chairs.. and enjoy the FREEdom...

grab a friend.. and soak it in .. we'll be there..

An engrossing glimpse into the life of Vogue Editor, Anna Wintour and the glamour of the fashion biz.

The guys and gals at Madman have arranged all the legal stuff to get it on the screen for you, so go support them... The picture here is shown courtesy of the Promotional Material of the Film in 2009

TROP FEST UPDATE - to be at Fed Square - Feb 21st

2010-02-10T16:43:00.000+11:00

Movie Extra Tropfest is pleased to announce Federation Square as the new Melbourne host venue for one of Australia’s most iconic cultural events.

Movie Extra Tropfest - the world’s largest short film festival – will take place on Sunday 21 February 2010 at Federation Square, the cultural and entertainment hub of Melbourne

See all finalists in Pic below.

John Polson, Director and Founder of Tropfest, said today: I’m incredibly excited about our new Melbourne home. Melbourne’s interest and involvement in Tropfest has been growing exponentially over the past few years, culminating in the increasing number of Victorian entrants and finalists. Federation Square couldn’t be a better fit for us. It’s the perfect place for Melbourne’s film lovers to come together and celebrate the best of Australia’s up and coming film talent.

Federation Square will be one of eight free, public, outdoor venues across Australia hosting the festival live via satellite:

FREE fashion Seminar Feb 19 - Sustainable Living Festival

2010-02-07T20:44:00.004+11:00

The Sustainable Living Festival started this weekend - 6th - 21st Feb - so many things to see and learn- this is one we can highly recommend!

A forum at BMW Edge Feb 19th - with Australia's leading ethical and sustainable fashion experts including Cameron Neil, Emer Diveney, Sue Thomas, Grace McQuilten and Tiffany Treloar. Hosted by Kate Luckins.Following a very successful ethical fashion forum hosted by Alice Euphemia earlier in the year,This will be an opportunity to ask all the questions about fair trade, sustainable textiles and design principles, while picking up some tangible tips to reduce their fashion footprints.

Cameron Neil is the Operations Manager for the Australian and New Zealand branches of Fairtrade. He has founded 'otherWISE' - a capacity-building program that educates young people about sustainable consumption. Cameron is a very well-informed and engaging speaker with many ideas about how the fashion industry can embrace sustainability and get the Fairtrade stamp of approval.

Emer Diveney has a solid background both within the fashion industry and the corporate responsibility sector. She is the author of numerous research reports on the social and environmental impacts of the Australian fashion industry. Emer is the National Coordinator of Ethical Clothing Australia and is Chair of the RMIT Fashion Program Advisory Committee.

Sue Thomas is a renowned sustainable fashion academic from RMIT University (The Fashion Department, Architecture and Design). She is currently completing her PhD in Sustainable Fashion Ethics and Buddhism while she teaches the RMIT fashion students. Sue's witty commentary can often be heard on the radio as she is one of Australia's sustainable fashion experts.

In 2009 Grace McQuilten founded the Social Studio, a not-for-profit organisation which facilitates education and employment pathways for the young refugee community in Melbourne. Grace's interest in social enterprise developed after working in community development for several years, along with extensive research on the relationship between design, sustainability and social change.

Tiffany Treloar has been sewing since she was just 10 years old and she has been working in the fashion design industry throughout various incarnations of her own label. In recent times, she is working towards a complete synergy between her environmental values and her work. This journey has influenced her design process, studio footprint and material selections for her collection entitled PROJECT 332.

Kate Luckins is the founder of The Clothing Exchange, a unique clothes swapping event that has inspired a swapping movement in Australia! She has a Masters of Fashion from RMIT University (on sustainable fashion consumption) and is currently finishing her PhD research into the sustainable lifestyles of young people. Kate is a sustainable consumption researcher who writes for Peppermint Magazine

New Venue - Red Bennies

2010-02-07T15:27:00.006+11:00

Out on a Saturday night on Chapel Street is not always on my radar of a great night ( traffic, queues, hoons, and an acute awareness that time has changed... The New Orleans, The Black Prince, Greville street amazing furniture markets... oh dear! was is that long ago..)

And - when I am told we are heading the old Viper Room... hmmmm - really??!!

BUT.. The guys behind Red Bennies are up to adding a new slice of amusement to this strip...

We went to the 3rd of three opening nights, on Saturday, and were greeted with a room full of a supportive and funky crowd.. comedic MC, yoyo mime act, and a couple of Burlesque acts including swings and parasols as apparatus.. - though would have loved more!

Some live music the crowd danced to, finishing up with 2 good DJ's and a few more waxed Moustaches than I had expected to see. (The circus is in town after all I suppose...)

I left with a certainty I'd be back, and that the venue will continue to improve as a spot to watch for in the haze of sameness in Prahran / South Yarra Chapel Street.

Fiona

Flash Girls occupy Bar Nancy in Northcote

2010-02-04T10:36:00.001+11:00

They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but for Michael Brady it's also in the flaws of human composition. In Flash Girls for the 2010 Midsumma Festival, Brady presents harlots of the nineteenth century and Vogue cover models of the twentieth century, continuing his exploration of the concept of beauty and the role of the façade. The result is a new series of contrastive black and white paintings revealing subjects that appear surgically enhanced or unrealistically beautiful. On closer view however, this façade veils a heavily textured surface of cracks, lumps and other imperfections rendered in plaster, acrylic, enamel spray and ink.

While Midsumma 2010 is (sadly) coming to an end, Flash Girls will remain open to the public until at least March, as a semi-permanent installation in the northside Bar Nancy (which doubles as Vivurtu Gallery). See Michael’s latest works (all for sale) at the bar during regular opening hours - installed high above the front bar or tantalisingly low in the back room, where each flash girl occupies her own private booth. Naturally, they are best viewed after dark, with a cocktail in hand.

Bar Nancy is open Tues - Sun 5pm - late

Michael can be contacted on 0430 111 061, or michael@arcadepublications.com

To Market.. to Market.. Sisters Market!

2010-02-03T14:46:00.004+11:00

So yes there is another Market that has come within my radar..

so many these days...

Maru designs directed me this way... and if you have done the Rose Street Market thing.. then perhaps this another option!?

Brunswick Town Hall 233 Sydney Road, Brunswick

Saturday 13th Feb - 10am-4pm

Trop Fest... Sunday 21st - Melbourne venue still TBC!

2010-02-03T14:44:00.000+11:00

It started for us as just a little bit of curiosity... but Tropfest is high on our Melbourne ( Australian) calendar of Must Do's - especially when its free!
Tropfest - an amazing showcase of amateur and professional short films that are exclusively made for this festival... they must include a signature item somewhere in the film each year, ( this year the item is DICE ) and the film must be of a specific length, so each film entered has never been publically seen before.. then a final group of 16 are presented in a simulcast style event ( beamed out of Sydney) its a laugh, inspirational, and always surprising who you may see on the screen...
Traditionally its been at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in the Kings Domain - Melbourne... so lets hope if not there.. its as fabulous..
Grab a cooler bag, a few epicurean supplies, and pull up the picnic rug.. and settle in Sunday 21st.. we will let you know where when we know!

Drink - your shout... make the most of this Summer"sunshine week

2010-02-02T21:29:00.001+11:00

We know its not Friday yet... but wow.. if only it was!
Seamstress... or should I Sweatshop - basement hang out... brings Chinese New Year good times early... and 5-8pm Every Friday 'til Autumn... :) - pic supplied by Seamstress..

Here's a deal to wash away working day worries
all so very retro too:)

Cooler Cups with a refreshing blend of seasonal fruit and vodka, all elegantly topped off with a West Coast Cooler - $8

Gents, come to the party with a Coopers Green for a fiver, or have two for a tenner... One for you, one for Barry. Cheers!

Wash away bad 'round the water cooler chat' from the week in the air-conditioned basement or enjoy the sunshine in the courtyard.

Laneway Festival 2010

2010-02-02T16:44:00.004+11:00

Its a discrace I know, I never got to the Real laneways festival in the City urban laneways... some may say I am not a true believer... but know this... I was there, next to it, in the crowds, working! :) so this year... it came to be that I could venture off, and join the throng of 2010!

Here is a little pic of Dappled Cities... too much in their GOLD one piece suits on back to front... in 36degrees.. madness ... :)

XX, Florence and the Machine, as well as youngsters Frowning Clouds kept the folky vibe upbeat... NICE work Footscray!

Fiona

2010-02-02T15:42:00.003+11:00

So if you are like me, the re-discovery of a label is always like finding an old friend...!

this little pop up shop in Collins Two3four is just the same, and this time we may actually be friends...

Well after buying 2 dresses last friday... it could be love...

Say hi to Rosemary... the designer and WATCH this label...

dont miss out!

Fiona... :)

dont spit :) on the Sommelier's Walk - Melbourne City

2010-01-20T21:12:00.008+11:00

Tonight was just one of those lovely Melbourne nights... the sun was out, people are about for the Australian Tennis Open, and I had a small possy of folks join our Sommelier's City walk..

2 from Woolongong, 1 from Dubbo, and 2 guys of East Melbourne... ( they bought voucher at a Charity Aucton for The Warwick Foundation in Oct 2009

First stop was La Vita Buona - a little wine store

right in the city square - and Jeanette served a few little delicacies.. includng the not so buttery ( thankfully) Chestnut Hill Chardonay.. and the Greenstone Heathcote Rose..

The Pop corn school prawns were fabulous with the Rose' and the pear and goats fetta salad worked well too.

Next stop was the always fabulous Verge, where Simon was on board for the night, after having a busy festive / opening season down at his new place Izakaya Den .. but at Verge, Chef Dallas Cuddy surely must entertain himself.. with mouth watering Veal tartare with Olive crumbs, or pickled vegetables in yuzu.. oh and the white almond Gazpacho was something to behold!! We loved all!

OH.. and wines were a sparking trio.. Prosecco italian style first up!, followed by Gembrook Hill Blanc De Blanc, then Gossett champagne.. hmmmm!

Last stop for the night... Seamstress - after walking Crossley Street, Ridgeway Place, and a few more side streets..

Here we had the dollar scallops stuffed with water chestnuts,, the Zuchini flowers, and Pigs ears.. despite what you think... wow.. all amazing.

To accompany we had a Wild Duck Creek estate Heathcote Shiraz, a Crittendens Los Hamernos - Savignin and a lovely Fratelli Sauv Blanc..

( sorry pic was not todays lot.. but is at Seamstress! - scallops are at front!)

Thanks Narelle, Peg, Greg, and local lads James and John for a great evening.. and I am sure to see you again out and about..

Cheers

Fiona

A little Vintage Outing...

2010-01-16T19:22:00.001+11:00

We had a group of Melbourne girls head out on the Vintage Outing today.... Danielle was well prepared for the likely hot day - that didn't really evenutuate! check out Florence the car!

Join us on one of these cute little Shopping Tours.... one of our tours.. but around the city.. book here...

Melbourne Burning... no... its a visual of our weather..

2010-01-16T17:47:00.000+11:00

It is amazing how much we discuss our weather in Melbourne... and not just because we have nothing else to say...
Here.. is a clever time waster.. http://www.melbourneburning.com/ thanks to Lime Drop clothings FB for the alert.. Love the visuals.. Graphs of humidity, temp, and forcasts.. just 72 hours... so concise and easy.. :)

Scrummy Coffee @ Dr Jekyll and courtyard too

2010-01-16T09:58:00.006+11:00

We spend so much of our time in the city, that sometimes I forget to check out my own backyard.. just before Christmas I found a fabulous little haunt.. and I dropped in to grab a takeaway coffee as I was running late for a big Saturday of tours...

Yes we have lots of great coffee places in and around this city... but when you get such a welcome as I did on this particular day.. how can you not go back...!
I walked in, no doubt looking a little tired - mornings are not my thing really, and was greeted with an enthusiastic Hi! - subsequently introduced by Roy, and Matt.. - and a little more banter.. that made me laugh out loud... I wonder how often that spontaneous laugh really does remind you of whats simple and precious!... coffee made, and a giggle about what bread should be served or some amazing muesli... and I was off to work with a smile and a need to tell more people of this lovely cafe!

Its called Dr Jekyll... and its on 107 Grey Street - just near the Hotel Barkly.. not much from the front.. not even a sign on the wall.... but the welcome aura is all you need.. follow your nose.

Back to my first days... I went back the next day and just had to tell them the impact they made on my day... and ended up in the lovely courtyard out the back.. with Scrambled eggs Viennoise.. no wonder the gym is calling!.. and since I have visited a few more times.. including today!
Fruit salad with amazing yoghurt (with real Vanilla seed, nectarines, plump blackberries, half a passionfruit.. and more...) and coffee -organic I am pretty sure.. (see scancal -labels are not the issue for me.. the quality and treatment of the bean is the high note! )Tom in the kitchen works wonders in a small space - right in front of you!

Well done Boys.. I have already told too many people.. the quiet little corner will soon not be... but am sure I am not the only one to spread the word! LOVE it..

Geoffrey Rush in MTC theatre - grab tickets fast

2010-01-15T18:09:00.006+11:00

New Tickets for The MTC's Drowsy Chaperone will go on Sale tomorrow - after a great start to the season has instigated an extension - they go on Sale at 9am Sat 16th.

It will be the Australian Premier.. and starts on Monday.. there are still a few tickets forpreview shows.. and I would be jealous to say the least.. might just try for Monday night...
Check the MTC ( Melbourne Theatre Company) Website for more shows. http://www.mtc.com.au/

Wireless - free or otherwise - this is not New York!

2010-01-13T09:55:00.003+11:00

Its Wednesday morning and a lovely friend of Fiona's, Romy - amazing local paste up adventurer.. called for a catch up, and her limitations were that she needs to access the internet... I wont get into the broadband debate.. but suffice to say there really is a lot to be learned from the practice of FREE wireless that abounds in NEW YORK.... to be able to leave the office for even just an hour and sit in a park, and do some catch up on the all important Vitamin D.. as well as little social networking, or general emails...
WHY doesn't Melbourne have more of it! So today is my starting effort to share those little gems of Wireless Hotspots.. where business owners are keen to keep your loyalty by sharing the love and their Wireless access.

As with all things of Hidden Secrets Tours... we are not out to exploit such generosity.. I will scout out those that actually tell you of their services!..

first of the rank FED SQUARE... the WHOLE place is free!!! - Swanston Street, Melbourne
The New Middle Park Hotel - Canterbury Road, Middle Park
Presse Cafe Wine Bar - Brighton Road, Elwood

Please stay intouch and tell us any that you know of! - PS.. this is one of Romy's Paste ups... at Wall280 cafe Balaclava...

x Fiona

Artisan in Middle Park.....

2010-01-12T20:17:00.005+11:00

Just been to visit my lovely friend Shelley - when looking for local designers.. yes the city of Melbourne is a great places to start.. but just a short tram ride or two, and you can find such gorgeous things as Shelley Pantons local store - and old shop front in a back street of Middle Park - 88 Park Road - head and say hi!

oh and they are on SALE.... :)
get there - catch the 112 tram (Fraser Street stop), or the 96 tram ( Fraser st stop)

love your work Shell!

Its HOT!

2010-01-11T14:21:00.000+11:00

Yes , we know its a little warm out there! but remember the little things.. perhaps an iced coffee at Koko Black may help... or a drink at the Martini Bar at the Westin hotel - its going to be the way of it for the next few months... but of course we will soldier on... the laneways are cooler than the mains streets - so join us!

OH, and perhaps play at some of the markets.... got a few to share... next blog!

Blek, Fish, Ned, and the Roo...

2009-12-21T13:42:00.000+11:00

Its never clear as to who knows who, or even how the collective of artists come to be in Hosier lane at the Same time.. but when Internationally renowned creatives work alongside our local heros... you surely can only smile... no matter the context..

pop ups...!

2009-12-21T13:32:00.001+11:00

As the last few days fo Christmas shopping takes a whole new meaning to retail therapy.. not so theraputic! I stumbled past another new cafe!! in Block Place.. seems to be called OLIO.. opposite Segovia.. but I will have to go further to investigate... Loving the lampshades.. seemingly old food (tomato?) tins..

What have you found thats made you stop and take another look!?

Les Francophiles - a summer christmas and Pushka

2009-12-19T17:51:00.000+11:00

Todays tour was such a delight, with young family of western France.. .. very excited to see they had read about us in the article of Le Monde!! oh la la...
The sun was out.. and we got to see Pushka's new instalation ( well a few weeks old now).. dont forget to head there for a fab coffee...
http://akustikstudio.blogspot.com/2009/12/pushka-by-bower.html