In Review:

In Review: Rue Bebelons

Posted on February 19, 2010. Filed under: $$: Student friendly/Affordable, Bar, Cafe, In Review:, Night Spot, Strongly Suggested |

After my first feature on Lentil as Anything, I really wasn’t sure which direction to go for my second feature. I knew the feel & vibe of the places I want to introduce you to. Without inetionally going to write up my next spot as a feature, I found myself at Rue Bebelons. A place which a friend introduced me to many moon’s ago.

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

After finishing my two mighty delicious ice coffee’s, I took some time getting to know the staff and having a look at what other things make up this quirky yet humble relaxed environment. Owner, Kash (also family man) has been the big khanua for coming on 8 years now (in the past was co-partner) then taking on this cafe/bar of groove, funk and basic’ness as his own baby. The feeling with each staff member, is the venue is of a “family” type nature one you’d expect in a family business, when truth betold, it’s a good mix of family with friends.

The staff aren’t at all cocky and owner, is more than generous to customers with very affordable prices. The thing I admire the most, they don’t boast about success or come across to full on about how they operate. The buzz in the air is, honestly – anything goes. As a music legend once sang “Don’t worry – be happy” – this would be a suitable tune for this environment.

Rue Bebelon’s offer’s an extensive cold and hot beverage line up with light meals & snacks. I was able to see the start of the lunch rush, popular choice are the assorted bread rolls (with home made mustard mayo) as any regular will tell you, these are clearly the best home made rolls in Melbourne. They aren’t already prepared – the wait staff will prepare you on on the spot. Other after work snack choices include Pizza’s/Vegetarian & Meat ($7), Bowl O’ fries ($5), Breads with dip ($5) and the bar staff favourite set to make a come back this winter, the seasonal home made soups ($6) I have it on good word the spicey lentil is the one to try!

The hours of operation are pretty decent too:

Opening Times:

Mon – Friday’s opening is: 9am – Saturday’s & Sunday’s; 12 (noon)

Closing times:

Monday’s at Dusk – Tuesday’s, 11pm – Wednesday to Saturday’s 3am

Price Wise:

Food: As briefly mentioned, anywhere from $5 – $10 (light snacks, rolls and soups only)

Drinks: With quite a large collection in beers, prices (for beer) go between $5 – $8, $20 for a long neck of quilmes beer, basic spirits $6.

I was able to try the famous $6 Sangria (also freshly made and chilled) – unlike other places I have Sangria at, this was an explosion to the taste buds. Perfect for a warm/hot day!

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

If you pop in, (which I think you should!!) make mention of The Melbourne Explorer. Who know’s what it will get you.

Rue Bebelons UPDATE Introducing new happy hour, $5 beers and basic spirits between 4 – 8pm. Head down and check it out!

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In Review: Lentil as Anything

Posted on February 16, 2010. Filed under: $$: Pay what you think, Food Spot, In Review:, Strongly Suggested |

Am I happy to finally be posting my first “In Review” location and strongly suggested place of interest.

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)