Places to eat, places to drink, places to just sit and watch the world go by. Just my thoughts on a bunch of places I visit — trapped in time, written in 2003 or 2004. The good, the bad, and the ugly…

Santucci's
Rita's happy smiling face, an eclectic mix of decorations and tasty food. It had the added advantage that it was just around the corner from where I first lived after moving to Melbourne.
Blue Heaven
A favourite Saturday-morning very-large-breakfast kind of place. The Blue Heaven Special is a delicious bagel too. I'm not sure what happened to Rayner (sp?) who I thought used to own the place.
Groove Train
… for when I want dinner and don't want to think of where to go. Comfortable, reliable and enjoyable! Seemed to go downhill gradually once the boss became an absent boss and an endless churn of staff came through.
Silvio's Pizza
No nonsense, nothing fancy. Just tasty pizza, piping hot, straight from the oven. That and a glass of the house's red wine.
Via Ponte
An Italian restaurant that opened and seemed to suddenly have been around for years. Ian did a fantastic job of making everyone feel welcome, and the food is excellent. The mix of a Spanish proprietor, Scottish chef and English waiters running an Italian restaurant just added to the enjoyment.

Sadly, I think Via Ponte has succumbed to the common blight affecting small business in Australia – failure to survive its first year. They closed for Christmas 2002 and in mid-February 2003 still hadn't opened… Latest news I've heard is that its been sold and should open “soon.” Well surprise surprise, it re-opened as a dull and boring place that didn't last long.

Da Joint
Another local. They can't seem to make up their mind whether they're a bar or a a café. The foods pretty good, but I'm put off by the distraction of two TVs, each on different channels, and a blaring commerical radio as well. The totally disinterested staff don't help either.
Rickett's Point
I don't know why I bother. Too many times I've stopped in here while riding along Beach Road. The service is usually slow, the coffee never seems to be as good as I expect, and the staff all seem to be minimal-wage casuals who don't care. I guess its a convenient location and has a good view – that's about all its got going for it.