Melbourne
Review
Coburg
‘Tough economic climates are temporary, but community is forever’: Why Gemini is a gem
This crowd-funded cafe, bar, restaurant and pantry has changed Coburg for the better. If you’re local, you’re lucky.
- by Dani Valent
Latest
Pulped fiction: Thousands of library books removed as collection culled
A truckload of books has been taken away under plans to reduce shelving at Melbourne’s City Library and replace it with meeting spaces.
- by Tom Cowie
Private school seeks 40-year lease over public sporting grounds
Opponents of the idea argue a proposed new lease deal hands virtual ownership of a public park to a private school – for generations.
- by Tom Cowie
Review
Footscray
This market restaurant serves the South American version of a halal snack pack
I was full about five seconds after starting but kept diving back in, writes Dani Valent.
- by Dani Valent
★★★★
Hotel reviews
New Melbourne hotel feels like New York meets ... Collingwood
The convenience of a serviced apartment meets the fun and facilities of a hotel at this stylish new Collingwood property.
- by Guy Wilkinson
Review
St Kilda
These ‘genius’ dumplings are not what you might expect at a typical suburban Thai
Charlong is clever, creative, run by women and could only be in Melbourne.
- by Dani Valent
A Grampians town’s remarkable recovery after ‘the beast’ burnt through
A bushfire wiped out one-third of the tiny Grampians town of Pomonal 12 weeks ago. The town knew about resilience before the fire hit, and now it’s putting it into action.
- by Clay Lucas
From strip clubs to Korean BBQ: King Street’s revival as Melbourne’s K-Town
A block away, in Healeys Lane, there are so many Korean eateries that it’s referred to as kimchi lane.
- by Cara Waters
Exclusive
Housing crisis
Daniel Andrews promised a new body to help renters. No one seems to know much about it
Government emails released under freedom-of-information laws show state bureaucrats couldn’t answer basic questions about Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria – after it had been announced.
- by Broede Carmody
From KFC to the NGV, every place in Melbourne gets rated by the super reviewers
Staff at the JB Hi-Fi outlet (★★★★★) were friendly and the wait was short. The potato and gravy at the KFC (★★) was a bit watery.
- by Tom Cowie
Review
Brunswick East
This retro cafe is all about ’90s vibes and honest food with 101 per cent heart
Affordable sandwiches, sunset-coloured walls and sweet bakes are the order of the day at Suntop Plaza in Brunswick East.
- by Dani Valent