Proud Mary is one of those uber popular Collingwood in the know cafes. Tucked away on Oxford Street in the middle of the trendy urban loft warehouse district you will find this cool and comfortable northern favourite. Proud Mary is a slick warehouse conversion with exposed brick walls, chalk board menus, bar stools, a few […]
About James Ridenour
Your man in Melbourne - Local Expert - Worldwide Contacts - Chef Concierge Clefs d'Or at the InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto - Assistant General Secretary Les Clefs d'Or InternationalAuthor Archive | James Ridenour
30 Marvelous Melbourne’s Facts and Tips
1) History of Melbourne Melbourne was founded on the mouth of the Yarra River in 1835. In 1851 gold was found in Melbourne’s surrounding regions sparking a massive influx of people. In the decade that followed gold worth over 100 million British pounds was pulled from the earth making Melbourne the richest city […]
Matteo’s
Tucked away at the Fitzroy North end of Brunswick Street away from the trendy shops, bars and cafes of Fitzroy is the sophisticated diners secret that is Matteo’s. Matteo opened his restaurant 18 years ago and has been a local northern favourite ever since. For a very long time now Matteo’s has been my ace […]
Ezard
In 1999 Teage Ezard decided to take the giant step of opening his own restaurant and I am so glad he did. For years now Ezard has been a leader in the fine dining scene in Melbourne. Simply put, Ezard consistently rates as one of the best restaurants in town. It’s reputation is well-earned and […]
Children’s Activities in Melbourne
The Collingwood Children’s Farm Situated on 16 acres of land, just 4 kilometres from the centre of Melbourne, the Children’s Farm is a magic place for children and adults alike. Open every day of the year from 9 to 5 PM with daily activities and lots of animals – horses, cows, ducks, pigs, chickens – just […]
Hidden Secrets Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour
Fiona Sweetman loves Melbourne. Several years ago Fiona decided that there might be some interest in a walking tour that focused on what makes Melbourne such a unique and livable city. Fiona was bang on the money and she’s never looked back. Hidden Secrets now do several dynamic tours including a Cafe Culture Walk, Sommeliers […]
Yum Cha at Spice Temple
I recently had the pleasure of enjoying Yum Cha at Spice Temple. To describe it in a word it was exemplary. Spice Temple is Neil Perry’s 3rd Melbourne restaurant and bar (with Rosetta Neil’s 4th restaurant soon to open). The restaurant is located in Melbourne’s Crown Complex and is situated right next to Rockpool Bar and […]
Top 10 Things to do in Vancouver, Canada
As an ex-pat Vancouverite I am proud to be able to share with you my favourite things to do in and around the Vancouver area. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have over the years. Family and friends keep me coming back but the beauty of this incredible city makes it an absolute pleasure. […]
Umberto Espresso Bar
Ciao! Make no mistake, this is my local. I feel like family at Umberto’s, I am welcomed, made to feel at home and even taught a bit of basic Italian. Bellissimo! This is the charm of this modern inner-urban cafe. It has a bit of an old school/old country flair that makes it inviting and […]
Insider’s Video Tour of Melbourne
Come along for a tour of my favourite city and check out some of my favourite places with me.
