Coffee & Shopping: Croydon, Dandenong Ranges, Richmond

Every now and then, I'll post my recommendations for cafe's, coffee shops and other stores in and around Melbourne and Australia. Unless stated otherwise, places listed are in Victoria.

Here's some I love, and highly recommend you visit!

Croydon

Cafe

Kofi Beans, Main Street.

This place has a great vibe, delicious food and drink, and is both eco & socially conscious. Winner.
Whether you love a good cup of Java (Organic & Fairtrade to boot), one of the best cooked breakfasts in Melbourne, a delicious dinner (made with local organic produce), or a browse around the Moroccan homewares on offer, it's all here.

Inside the cafe, the feeling is cosy. A variety of small tables and, if you're lucky, couches up the front, are a great place to sit and ponder the world or chat with a friend or two. If you enjoy being outside, the courtyard out the back is just gorgeous (and heated in winter).

Sure, it's a little bit pricier than some places, but totally worth it.

Shopping: Clothing

The Red Parasol, Main Street

Just a short walk away from Kofi Beans is this delightful store. Girls - If you're into good quality second hand and reasonably priced vintage clothing and accessories, you must visit The Red Parasol.

The lady who owns this store sources her products through auctions and markets around Australia and has new stock coming in most days.

My younger sister discovered this gem and I have since recruited several other fans.

The great thing about this shop is that it's a great mix of everything you love from both Op Shops and Trendy Vintage Boutiques.

You don't have to sort through too much crap to find the good stuff and yet it won't break the bank like the boutiques do. I found a beautiful Jacques Rue dress, tag still attached (with original price of $149-), I paid just $29. And an extremely cute vintage summer dress - just $12.

There is also an incredible variety of jewellery and other accessories.

Well worth a look - you won't regret it!

Dandenong Ranges

Cafe

Cafe de Beaumarchais, Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd, Sassafrass

I used to visit this shop to buy my coffee - Jasper Fairtrade Organic. There were huge bins of beans, the aroma filling the store and making my mouth water. The bins are now gone, and a new elegant and warm French style of decor has reappeared where once they lay. You can still buy a variety of Jasper's Fairtrade and Organic coffee range but the vibe is now more one of a cafe than a coffee dealer. I visited this place with a friend just the other day and thoroughly enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere, sitting in the dim light of the cafe, watching the world go by outside. What's more, the cake cabinet is a truly mouth watering vision, and currently includes 5 gluten free desserts, no less tempting than the others (more so, if like me, you are intolerant to wheat!). My friend and I devoured a beautful Lindt chocolate, raspberry and almond cake which was paired just perfectly with a cup of coffee (Mine: Soy, Decaf Latte, My Friend: Long Black)

If you need a break from suburbia, come for a drive and check this place out. While you're in Sassafrass, take the time to explore another tempting find, just 2 doors down...

Shopping: Food

Cream, Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd, Sassafrass.
A friend told me about this place and it really is delicious!
Cream showcases a range of delectable gourmet food; oils, bread, cheese, dukkah, vinegars, pastries, sorbet, sweets and tea blends. All the stock is sourced from small Australian family owned producers, mostly from Victoria and South Australia.
Almost all the products are available to taste, and trust me, it's worth doing. I particularly recommend trying the Chilli Lime glaze - yum! 
Cream also put on regular dinners for around 25 people, showcasing the produce they offer. Well worth asking about. They also cater for food intolerances and allergies.




Richmond

Cafe
Richmond HIll Cafe & Larder, 48-50 Bridge Rd, Richmond.
OK, so most people already know about this place but I still reckon it's worth a mention. A very popular cafe spot in the bustling Bridge Rd shopping precinct. Good coffee, great staff, for what I know the food aint bad either. What really sets this place apart, however, is it's cheese larder. After entering through the front door, to the left of the cafe area is the larder, filled with a variety of cheeses; different varieties and ages. Plus, for those of you who are are both a cheese lover and on a tight budget, like me, there are free samples available - yay! But be careful... once you try, it's hard not to buy!


Cafe
Chimmys, 344 Bridge Rd, Richmond.
Recommended to me by a friend, this lovely little cafe (cafe by day, restaurant by night) situated away from the business of Bridge Rd's shopping and discount outlet scene, is rated 4/5 stars on urbanspoon.com and for good reason. First and foremost, Chimmys has good coffee. (Fairtrade). Beyond that, its also known for it's beautiful fresh bread, and delicious sweets. If you're 'eating in' the atmosphere is cosy and comfortable - with tables ranging from intimate to large communal tables, big enough to lay out several copies of 'The Age'. Tables out front are perfect for a lazy breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea. 
If you haven't already tried it, give Chimmys a go.






That's all my recommendations for today! If you have already visited one of my above recommendations, do so as a result of this blog, or have somewhere else that you love, please share your experience by leaving a comment.