Macro

I had a visit from this little creature at lunch, he was sitting in my salad having survived a wash and a night in the fridge!

I recently discovered Macro which is a whole foods store. (Whole foods have been minimally processed and are not neccesarily organic.) No, I haven't suddenly turned into a health nut but I've noticed the standard of fruit and veggies at the supermarket really deteriorating. The veggies do look much healthier from Macro and my Mum always says, "You know vegetables are good when the grubs choose to eat them." (Illustrated above!)

I'm sure I'd pay much less at the market for regular produce however I haven't quite got going to the market in my routine. Actually, most of the organic vegetables are quite well priced it's the fruit that is dear so sadly I'm still getting some fruit at the supermarket! Also remember that without pesticides, things won't last as long. There's also organic meat, a dairy and deli section, lots of household things like detergents and even wine.

Macro has a cafe with plenty of healthy dishes. Imagine breakfast with free range bacon and organic eggs, fresh juices, tempeh burgers, spelt items and plenty of gluten free alternatives. Yes it all sounds very good for you! ;-) I had a magnificent tofu curry with brown rice and T had a "healthy" bacon and egg sandwhich!

Parking can be hell along Bridge Road but there is a carpark in Macro's basement (limited spaces) as well as a public one at the back of their building.

Macro Wholefoods Market - Richmond
153 Bridge Road
Richmond

Petit picnique

I was walking along Lygon St ("Little Italy") when I spotted this charcuterie (France in Little Italy!) and decided to wander in. On one side were shelves of Luc biscuits - "can get that elsewhere",- and walnut oil and homemade jams - "this is starting to look interesting" - then I turned around and saw the homemade sausages, pâté/rilette*, cheeses, terrines and even ready made dishes to take home. I knew I had to buy something!

*The difference, I think, is that rillete is more coarse and is cooked in fat.

I settled on cheese, pâté and of course, a baguette - Pavé d'Affinois and chicken, sage and brandy pâté to be specific. Not a diet menu but it was delicious! The cheese (literally "paving stone") is a soft cow's milk cheese similar to brie and it was oh so creamy (oops it's triple cream!) and oozed from the rind. The pâté was just as delicious... I will return.


La Parisienne Pâté
307 Lygon St
Carlton

The Lure of Supermarkets

My friend, Niki was looking for Chocopies in Melbourne. Knowing that Lotte is a Korean brand, I knew that I'd seen them in a Korean supermarket that I'd discovered. I'd also seen Chocopies, and variations of the treat, in Asian supermarkets so told Niki that I'd check next time I walked past one. (Plenty in the city.)

I went into Green Mart which stocks only Korean products and yes, Chocopies were definitely there! There are also some really good ice-creams in Green Mart; the Japanese and Koreans seem to like ice-creams that come in a biscuit/waffle case and I love that they come in interesting shapes like a shell, a fish or even a sweet potato!

Not knowing any Korean, it's fun guessing what's in the various packets. On this day, I also bought some "Alive" candy - ummm not sure why it's alive that's what was on the shelf label and there is not a word of English on the packet! (There are 3 flavours: banana, peach and strawberry and are basically chewy sweets with a gooey inside. Definitely nothing moving.)

I remember being in Tokyo and being absolutely fascinated by the supermarkets because there was all this new stuff to look at and taste. So, check this place out!

Green Mart
Shop 2/ 222 LaTrobe St, Melbourne