
Day 2 – Foodie Tour and Sightseeing
I woke up this morning with a bit of a sleep in. When I looked at the clock, I was surprised to see that I had slept in until nearly 6 o’clock.
I got up, made a couple of tea, gave M a ring, had a shower, made my breakfast and got myself sorted for the day.
Today is the day that I had booked my Queen Victoria Market Foodie Tour, and I had to be at the market at 10 o’clock.
Thankfully, it was only a short 400 metre or so walk and it was easy enough to find the lady who was conducting the tour.
For the next two hours, we wandered around the markets, learning a lot of the history and the stories behind the stalls, behind the traders, and tasting food as we went along. The market really is quite huge, covering of an area of seven hectares and has been here since 1878.
If ever you’re in Melbourne, I would highly recommend the Queen Victoria Market Foodie tour. Our guide was very knowledgable, having worked for the tour company for over 23 years, and it was quite it was fun to see the banter that she had with many of the stall owners.
As we walked around, we got taste testings of all sorts of different food. From breads to cheese and jams. To fresh oysters and sashimi salmon.
Finishing off with a fruit tasting and donuts to end the day.
I was certainly very impressed with the quality of the produce at the markets and the incredible low prices. It really was no dearer and often far cheaper than you would buy in the supermarkets.
I can see why Melbourneites love to shop here.
While on the tour, I took note of places where I could come back to and buy provisions for my dinner tonight.
And that’s what I did after the tour.
So for my dinner tonight, I have lamb cutlets with fresh vegetables.
One of the stalls we visited was a spice market, and I could see that they had all sorts of different herbs and spices.
So after I bought my lamb chops, I went back to that stall and spoke to the girl that we had seen earlier.
I told her I had bought lamb chops and what herb or spice mix would be suitable. And she had, funnily enough, lamb spices. So that’s what I bought
From the spice stand, you could buy all their spices and herbs in whatever quantities you like. And the minimum was just 20 grams.
And that’s what I ended up getting. I had just over 20 grams, so she just charged me the minimum. Which was $1.20.
I can mix it with with some butter and that’s what I’ll cook the lamb chops in
My lamb chops cost me $12 for three beautiful cutlets. I spent $1.20 on a bunch of little heritage heirloom carrots. 20 cents for my three little tiny new potatoes and $2 for some snow peas
My dinner is going to be very tasty tonight.


After my shopping, I took everything back to the hotel, gave M a ring, and just had a little bit of a rest before heading out and just doing some exploring around the city.
Spending the next couple of hours just wandering around and finding amazing sites and historic buildings.
Places like the Block Arcade has been here since 1892, with its mosaic floors and beautiful ceilings, it really was quite amazing.
I also came across China Town. I saw a man selling freshly roasted chestnuts. I have never had a chestnut so I asked the man I could try one.
He was lovely and gave me a fresh hot chestnut from the cooker. I had to ask him how to eat it :).
You have to remove the skin first, which is quite hard to do, especially when they are HOT.
The resulting nut is really good though. Sort of sweet, creamy and “nutty”. I did not buy any though as he was selling them in 250g and 500g tubs.


Heading back to the hotel. Heading back to my hotel, I got in just before five o’clock.
I certainly was not hot today. 16 and 17 degrees is not the weather to be wearing a woolen coat. So I really did need a shower when I got home.
I cooked my dinner ( it was delicious), gave M a ring, and had a quiet night, ready for the French Impressionists at the National Gallery tomorrow.



Sometimes you do need to improvise :). A metal colendar makes for a good steamer basket 🙂
I did need to cut the chops off the bone to fit them on the tiny plate.
