Melbourne Miscellaneous

Welcome to a recap of my photographic odds and ends from Melbourne!

First up, here is a cozy French restaurant Mon Ami just around the corner from my hostel. While its menu is pricy, I consider treating myself to a meal because it’s so darn cute. I settle for photos and I love how they turned out — it looks like something out of a movie. Can you picture a romantic date at the window table over a bottle of red wine?

And here’s a mini theater update — one of my favorite plays, One Man Two Guvnors, is playing at the Arts Centre. I don’t get tickets because I’ve already seen it with the original cast on Broadway (you’re not surprised… three cheers for James Cordon!). During the daytime the theater is open to the public so I take full advantage. They also run tours but I don’t feel like shelling out $20 dollars when I can wander around on my own.

The box office lobby is a feast for the eyes — so much red velvet and showy display cases.

Einstein on the Beach? I’m impressed, Melbourne. Good on you.

(FYI — everyone in Australia and New Zealand says “good on you” instead of “good for you.” I’m still getting used to it.)

Imagine my surprise when I tug on a theater door and it actually opens. I take that as an open invitation to sneak into the house and snap a photo or two… I’m so naughty.

I recognize that set!

Afterwards I head back to the lobby. I snap a photo of brochures for upcoming shows, but a security guard stops me and says if I want to take photos, I have to bring the brochures outside.

Little does he know I was just inside the main theater with my camera.

But yes, if I were in Melbourne for any of these events, I would buy tickets. There’s even a Sound of Music Sing-a-Long, a la the Hollywood Bowl annual event!

The National Gallery of Victoria is right next door. I don’t go inside but it looks stately.

And a few miscellaneous food shots:

This is the garlic pizza I cried into while finishing The Art of Racing in the Rain.

This broccoli and pulled pork sandwich hit the spot. I can’t recall the restaurant but it was somewhere in the trendy Fitzroy neighborhood.

FroYo. Not as good as Menchie’s in the States, but I’ll take it.

And below left is the cheapest dessert in Australia — 30 CENTS for a McDonald’s soft serve cone.

Below right is a flyer for a very low-budget production of David Mamet’s American Buffalo that I attended.

This “theater” is located in a parking garage (!) and I’m the first audience member to arrive. Luckily just before 8pm a few more curious patrons show up (maybe 8 in total).

But I crave unique theatrical experiences and this certainly fits the bill. I only wish I’d brought a warmer jacket… the garage is practically outside.

My daily breakfast at the hostel — crunchy flakes, banana, and vanilla soy milk.

This particular hostel has Soup Night every Wedneday, free of charge. It’s delicious. And as you can see I spent the meal perusing my WWOOF book in anticipation of applying to host families in Tasmania.

I (heart) coffee…

I get a kick out of this sign at the Princess Theatre — they specify that it’s Legally Blonde: Australia. Is this to explain the Aussie accents?

King Kong: The Musical made its world premiere in Melbourne recently. Unfortunately it began previews the day I left town. Bummer!

I’ll end with an Instagram photo (username = AsHerWorldTurns) I snapped while walking around the CBD in Melbourne. Best name of a french fry chain ever, or best name of a french fry chain ever?