Located right at the corner of Federation Square and Flinders street you can now hire a bike for as cheap as $2.50 a day or $8 a week!

All you need is a credit or debit card, a helmet (for those saftey buffs) and you are set to explore!

It was only after I had placed my drink order and started chatting with the friendly bar staff it clicked. I pretty much said to myself “Wait?! This is the place I can use as my second feature.”

I should probably make mention, while my purpose here is to show you – the hidden spots to Melbourne, I am also doing this to uncover some of the best hiddent secrets. I mean, I know that if I’m revealing them to the world, they may not be as ‘secretive’ as they currently are – but I write in good faith that the places I write about will attract the right crowds. I have a wide taste in vibe and feeling I go for – You will see that in good time. Anyway’s, enough of this longest introduction – Let’s cut to the point and unearth another brilliant Melbourne Location!

About:

Rue Bebelons: 267 Lt Lonsdale, Melbourne/03 9663 1700

Rue Bebelons: 267 Lt Lonsdale, Melbourne

Rue Bebelons is definatley a gem tucked away in the big smoke!

The minute you walk in, the staff greet you with a friendly & relaxed appraoch. Upon my initial arrival, I felt like I had been re-united with an old friend. Being that I hadn’t paid this place a visit in a good 12-18 months, It felt good. The staff were busy chatting amongst themselves discussing new cool beverage options. I wanted to visit a place where I could be refreshed with a cool ice coffee (being the place I went earlier for my morning wake up, failed me dismally) – Normally when this is the case, my expectations of the make up coffee place are quite high. (Which I do hate to do, however i’m sure someone out there can relate with me – If you are ever served a bad first coffee, it could very well move your day into a downward, tiring spiral)

Anyhoo, I placed my order with bar staff, Pop Corn (yes, that’s her name! Pretty groovy hey?) and the result – was the Mona Lisa of Ice Coffee’s. For $4.00, this ice coffee was most definaley the BEST I have had in some time. You could taste the amazing zest to the coffee mixed in with the milk, and to make it picture perfect, sprinkled with a few coffee beans on top. I ordered another, not because the first one lacked anything. Simply: I wanted to enjoy it again – and to see if the 2nd would be like the first. And it was! It total random talk, I will say – OH MY WOW WOW! Get you’re walking boots in there on a weekday and ask Pop Corn to make you up a coffee or Ice coffee (what ever your poison is) – I promise, you will leave with a big smile on your face. Just check out the photo!

Simply AMAZING Ice Coffee: Rue Bebelons

Now, as much as I would like to talk about how amazing the ice coffee was, I am sure you are keen to know what finds I came across about this amazing bar/cafe? Good.

When entering and taking those initial moments to look around – you are faced with what seem’s the pandora’s box in location, exterior & interior. From the outside, you see a large glass window, a glass door and you can just make out the larger objects (being bar, furniture and people moving around on the inside) – However when you walk in, you get an automatic sense of a relaxed vibe. Looking behind the bar on the walls sits a beautiful coffee machine (where all the love is made) a set of shelves which is home to the cool beverage offerings (beers, mineral waters, priceless momento’s collected by management and staff over the years) and furthering left, something that made me smile (like I had just won lottery) – Two turntables and a large collection of Vinyl records. Yep! In good direction, there is nothing too modern about this place. When I say “back to basic’s” I mean – back to basic’s. This is the perfect escape place from the outside reality. No wi-fi hot spot, no I-pod hooked up, cash till and no eftpos (so be cashed up if you plan to hang for a few hours, which I assure you – any relaxed body will end up doing)

While staff move around taking and getting customer orders, the turn tables are playing only the best of the best in African, Soul, Jazz, 70′s upbeat funk – and in all seriousness – the list in artists and genre’s go on.

Rue Bebelons - Lounge areaRue Bebelons: Vinyl & Booze feature wall

Rue Bebelons: $6 Sangria

 Keeping up with the simplicity of the venue, this laid back cafe/bar does not have a website. It’s simply by word of mouth and what’s posted through similar websites to The Melbourne Explorer. I will endeavour to keep you posted and updated re: any changes and up coming events. I have promised myself and the staff – I will be a regular.

How to get there:

Walking up swanston street away from Flinders street – going over Collins, Bourke & Lonsdale Street’s you will approach little Lonsdale street. Turn left, and just a few doors down, you will see Rue Bebelon’s. If you aren’t a directions person, check out google maps.

 Other photo’s:

Rue Bebelons

Feb 19/20 The Burrinja/Hillside Film Festival (Belgrave) – Short films by Victorian film makers Under 30 (Annual event) Tix: $19 (Full) / $14 (Concession)

For more details on this event, visit the website by clicking ->here <-

Audrey, the Vinegar skipping girl

Click here for detailed Wikipedia article.

For those who have not yet been along to Lentil as Anything (or as most Melburnian’s nick name this fine establishment, “Lentils”)

About:

Lentil as Anything: The Old Convent, Abbotsford

Lentil as Anything opened it’s first set of doors in 2000, as a vegetarian food spot where Melburnian’s could take time away from the run and busyness of the city, soak in a friendly atmosphere around amazing & relaxed people while enjoying a delicious and healthy vegetarian meal. To my understanding, Lentils has always worked on the basis, you pay what you can afford. While they do ask each visitor to be generous with donations (which gets placed in the “Magic Box”) – A wood box, located at the counter, without being judged. This is to cater as an honesty system, also helping those who are going through financial hardship. Believe you me, we have or we all will one day be in a position we do not expect to be in. In the past, Lentils has not only helped me, but no doubt SO Many other people in times of crisis. It is a re-assuring feeling, if times are bad – you are still able to get a healthy meal.

On the opposite side though, when times have come good – I do put in more than my share (through the donation box), and now venturing into the life of a student, will make time to offer my services as a volunteer. Yes. Lentils welcome anyone who is able to do the slightest bit in helping. I will mention now, being a long running patron to Lentils (at their Abbotsford and St Kilda locations) the type of crowd this amazing food spot attracts is: Friendly. Confident (on the sense, no one is afraid to say ‘hello’ to a new face/stranger) – Lentils welcomes all walks of life, regardless of race, sexuality or community.

You will find the staff are more than friendly and willing to help. It is for this reason, I still go there to this day. I tell all my friends (with pride) about this amazing spot. I even, one year hosted my birthday lunch at their Abbotsford location. Because of that one lunch, my friends now have fond memories of Lentils, and I know they would have made mention to their friends.

Anyways! So… Lentils, is very much a place that operates on community spirit and in put. They are always out supporting many local projects (the list is quite diverse) and what I admire, educating people the many different ways you can eat healthy.

Lentils, now in it’s ten years of operation has four! Locations.

ABBOTSFORD: In the grounds of (the old) Abbotsford Convent (1 St. Heliers St, Abbotsford), this is the largest of all of the Lentil restaurants; The surrounding beauty to the convent grounds is truly amazing and also breath taking. (see following picture)

The old Abbotsford Convent

ST KILDA: 41 Blessington Street St Kilda, Vic

They do say that amazing thing’s can come in small packages – This is a brilliant example. While St Kilda strikes me as the smallest of Lentil locations, the vibe is still of an amazing one. The staff, are more than likely all locals, and welcome many a face each day. The St Kilda location does operate differently (re: different menu selections/operations) so be excited to experience Lentils on a new level.

(See here for photo of this location and information on all Lentil locations)

Other locations are the Collingwood college canteen (not open to public) and the newest of locations in
Footscray: 233 Barkly Street, Footscray VIC

My fave: The Abbotsford location: Why? Because I love the visual landscape around the restaurant and while I eat I do see a couple of friends either working (in apart with the lentils team) or I do put my hand up in saying hello to faces I haven’ yet met.

The Abbotsford restaurant has also taken on the operations as daily buffets (with a VERY Large selection in vegie foods to select from) plus as I will call it, when you (after eating) experience what a “Lentils tummy” feels like (just from the name, not based on if you actually ate lentils or not) you may want to go on a very Scenic walk along  Collingwood’s, Meri Creek – The path almost feels, Endless – but me, having a strong passion for walking – why would that scare me? -> See photo of the Meri Creek walking path

Photo taken from file: The Meri Creek walking path

Photo from file: Meri Creek walking path (2nd shot)

What’s on offer:

My Lentils selection from Dinner 16/02

Amazing food, from Breakfast – Lunch & Dinner, Hot beverages (everything from Hot Coffee’s to cool Ice chocolates/Juices and TONNES of water – Even home made cakes and depending on which location you go to, scrumptious deserts. Some locations (Abbotsford being a main host) also offer’s day’s or evenings of live music from African beat to Salsa! Lentils is more than just a restaurant – but very much a an active, thriving community!

You can get more information on this amazing network, by clicking -> here <- to see their website OR -> here <- for the Lentil as anything community blog.

Upcoming events:  At lentil as anything Abbotsford, Saturday February 20, 2010 – global celebration in great music, food, dance & lovely people. (More info to be posted soon!)

How to get there: (advise per metlinkmelbourne.com)

Take the Route 48 tram towards North Balwyn
Get off at stop 32-Kew Junction/High St (Kew)
From Stop 32-Kew Junction/High St (Kew)
Walk
To Kew Junction/Studley Park Rd (Kew)
Take the Route 201 bus towards City (Lonsdale Street)
or take the Route 207 bus towards City (Lonsdale St)
Get off at stop Clarke St/Johnston St (Abbotsford)
Walk about 310 metres
To 1 St Heliers St (Abbotsford)

Do try! All locations are family friendly, and will guarantee each person will leave with a full stomach!

WOW & wow. Those are the only words I can really start with, after the late adventures in my world.

Things are Officially on the move! Now some of you may know me (in person, fellow friend, former work colleague, etc etc) However, some of you may not know me. So here is a brief run-down.

My name is Nicholas, i’m currently twenty four years old. I was born in Melbourne – & have spent most of my life in Melbourne, ( Victoria/Australia) – I have also at times in my life, taken a break from the collective that is Melbourne and live in other cities around Australia. Sydney, Perth and have visited BrisVegas (Brisbane/QLD) – Adelaide and of course the sunny and very lovely Surfers Paradise (Also in Queensland/The Goldcoast)

-> Here is a very recent picture of me:

Photo: Taken from File.

Just over a year ago, I decided (after returning to Melbourne//8 months – from being in Perth, Western Australia for 8 months) to take some  time out and try find some life balance, learn new things and get some new (and much needed) skills under my belt in Sydney. While Sydney was able to provide these things for me, I will be honest and admit, Sydney is NO place like Melbourne, AT ALL!

In my eyes (please quote me) Melbourne, is a relaxed city – which is, well. Yes. Diverse (with citizens from many of Australia’s other states) – our new folk from other countries (whether it be international students, new migrants, etc) Melbourne has always been (to me) a well rich/diverse city – where the people are friendly, the businesses are genius (as most business owners will make the effort in treating ALL customers with exceptional customer service) and Melbourne, as a city – is just a more slow paced environment where people aren’t constantly always on the run to get around.

My main love for Melbourne, which I have said to my friends (on many occasions) is that regardless of the time of year, what season it is or what major events are happening around the city – every time you turn, look at a new direction, there is ALWAYS something new, or a project in the midst. My theories for why, because we have so many very happy, imaginative people who aren’t afraid to turn idea’s into a reality. Melbourne has come A LONG way in the past ten years. Yes, Sure you hear Melburnian’s being annoyed about our sluggish public transport, or visitors in shock over how a city can really experience four seasons in one day.

Any Melburnian will also know, if our city was perfect – we more than likely wouldn’t be able to appreciate it as much.

I will say now, with experience from recent years, I don’t centre my life around public transport – what ever happens, happens. I have two feet and great sense (be it sight or hearing) to go for a walk, rather than spend money – and really take in all this beautiful city has to offer. RE: The weather. Well *laughs* four seasons in one day, is not such a bad thing. To be honest, I would feel weird (having felt so in Sydney for a year) if the day was only Just sun, or Just rain. I think, my body has become use to the whole different weather patterns. I can re-assure you, any “up with the times” Melburnians, will be able to say – Four seasons in one day, is a perfect reason to do what we Melburnians are so proud of – To shop. I mean honestly. Have you had a look at the very many and different styles in outfits that are worn around this city? I LOVE IT! So many colors, so many textures, so much individuality and at times – some walking originals that you or not even the biggest designers could buy.

In summery, In my eyes: Melbourne is the trendy, hip and happening art student who would go to an ultra groovy community college. You think you may know Melbourne from afar, but when it comes to the end of the day – HAVE you really zoomed in, and tried taking it all in? I would doubt you could confidently say yes. There are so many underground, and above ground pockets to Melbourne.

Join me today – for the journey we are just about to embark on.

Grab yourself an original explorers hat life no other – get one of the best Coffee’s from your FAVE Melbourne Coffee house and lets explore like no other person has done before!

Upcoming event: African Affair, a celebration of the ‘rich and diverse’ African culture in Australia, hosted by Video Hits host, Fuzzy.

With the event to be held at the Footscray Community Art’s centre, not far (at all) from the Melbourne city centre (visit Google Maps) it has been listed as a free event, and perfect opportunity to learn all there is to know about an unknown style in music or to simply enjoy who wouldn’t want to go along?

I will def be attending and reporting back with pics of this awesome day!

My name is Nicholas, im a twenty something guy – who, also like’s guys. I have created this project/blog to share with the world – the many Amazing things of/about the city, Melbourne (Victoria, Australia).

Im an originally from Melbourne, and ironically can say – even as a born local, every time you turn in a different direction – there is ALWAYS something new, or un earthed. Melbourne is a city of many amazing secret spots, new ventures and well, the people are just spot on great!

So, if you are a Melburnian, want to learn more about this fine city or are even planning on visiting soon – you have found the right place!

Watch this space as we get started. I have a feeling, once we start we won’t stop.

Nicholas.

Oh! feel free to follow us on twitter (^_*)