Meals and Bars in the 'Bourne

Winter's heading in... No more beer gardens and rooftop patios. I thought it time to check out a few venues that I have not frequented since I've been back, or that have, well, just appeared.

First off, Section 8, the shipping container place. It is sorta like the anti-St Jerome's, open (except for the cyclone wire fence), tree filled, and situated in a mirrored location, on a laneway just the other side of Swanston. Reasonable wine, great atmosphere though the palattes that make up the seating "booths" can tend toward the damp side.

Next up, the newest of the new, St Jerome's younger sibling, Sista Bella. Tucked away, all Melbourne-like, behind a dumpster, down a lane that comes off another lane. I'm surprised they don't have a secret knock to get you in. Decor is what you'd expect from the crew, something like Kingswood Country come to life. There is food coming but at time moment the staff will order you a pizza. Good enough for me.

The latest find, and the one that will be most sorely missed over the winter, is the patio out back of The Green Grocer on St Georges Road in North Fitzroy. Best brekkie in the city. I know Byron has been raving about it for years but I'd never bothered to believe him, to my detriment. Fantasticly peaceful organic glory.

Oh well.

It is time to start sourcing new hangouts for those chilly nights. The other side of Melbourne beckons.