Nestled in the east, just a shy 15 minute drive from the city, is a gorgeous leafy suburb called Kew. Although it’s easy to think that Kew is dominated by private schools and spotless Range Rovers, little by little this suburb is curating its own character with hidden gems abound.
Get your coffee hit: Ora
159 Pakington Street, Kew 3101
In a less frequented area of Kew, you will find one of the best coffee spots around. Ora is always bursting at the seams come late morning, once the children have been dropped off to school and office workers need their second pick me up, which is a testament to their consistent coffee quality. Proud Mary is the house blend, but there are always new single origins on the menu and just about any kind of coffee preparation you could ask for: filter, siphon, cold drip…the list goes on, but it’s hard to go past an easy latte.
If you’re feeling a bit peckish, the seasonal menu is rich with flavour and highly creative, with some absolutely gorgeous produce, not your typical brunch fare here!
Pick up the groceries: Toscano’s
http://www.toscanos.com.au/
217 High Street, Kew, 3101
Why buy your fresh produce at a mainstream supermarket, when you could pop by Toscano’s, a grocery megastore established over 50 years ago with some of the freshest produce and friendliest staff around. When was the last time a checkout chick or chap gave you a personalized suggestion? Well, for me it was last week and it was eggplant and basil to compliment my roast – perfection. And if you’re after something special, Toscano’s also carries exotic treats, truffles (when in season) and zucchini flowers, amongst many other goodies to ignite your culinary imagination.
Brunch/Lunch: Percy’s Aeroplane
https://www.facebook.com/flywithpercys
96 Denmark Street, Kew, 3101
Kick back in Percy’s Aeroplane’s cosy courtyard, flick through the paper and sip on their own sweet and spicy chai blend. When it comes to setting the mood for R & R, Percy’s got you covered. Don’t forget to get some filling and tasty lunch while you’re there as well!
For something quick and easy, the fresh baguettes, salads and little sweet treats in the display cabinet make for a very sensible choice. However, for those with a bit of extra time up their sleeves, be sure to tuck into one of the hot dishes on the short and concise menu. With all your classics, but done up real good, you should find something for everyone here.
On a plus as well, the cafe tries to source as locally as they can, making their own house blend and buying their bread fresh from the Abbotsford Convent Bakery.
For the shopaholic: Oscar and Wild Boutique
http://www.oscarandwild.com/
167 High Street, Kew, 3101
Think you’re the girl who has everything? You haven’t been to Persian inspired Oscar and Wild Boutique yet. Stocking over 50 Australian and international designers, Oscar and Wild boutique is renowned for stocking unique and hard-to-source labels.
Start with dinner, stay for drinks: Lil Boy Blue
http://www.lilboyblue.com.au/
309 High Street, Kew, 3101
All day eatery Lil Boy Blue, with its bare brick walls, jazzy tunes and contemporary wall decorations, makes for a relaxed space to end your day.
The food is diverse, and split into little and big plates, leaving it up to you whether you want to make it a sharing affair, or a more substantial feed. Choose from 5-spice duck breast, to a vegetarian plate loaded with crispy chickpeas, curried potato and goats cheese fill cigars and much more.
Be sure to sneak upstairs into the little cocktail lounge to recline on leather seats and have a quiet tipple. Don’t forget dessert though, the Turkish delight doughnuts with cinnamon ice-cream are not to be missed!
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