When he’s not pedalling around town on his bike for work you’ll likely find him stocking up on a deal from the market to whip up his next delicious feast. Here’s how he does it when he does it in Melbourne.
I know I’m in Melbourne when I order a magic. Enough said.
In the mornings you’ll find me walking loops towards Queen Vic Market and trying desperately to only buy the two items I set off to buy – this rarely happens.
My local is Fenton Farmhouse. The food cares for you, the people have so much heart, and you can’t possibly go there without running into friends from all walks of life at once. Day or night, it’s a true joy.
My not-local is Don’s Prahran. The team always has the vibe so dialled, the food is beyond excellent and changes weekly, and perfect for any occasion – well worth crossing the river for.
My defining food moment in Melbourne was eating a five-course dinner by Casey Wall (Falco, Capitano, Rockwell, Bar Liberty) back in the day – such a damn treat and in a total random person’s house on the other side of town. High-level surprise and delight – I think we had lamb’s brains tartare (which he didn’t tell us until the end of the dinner).
And when it comes to taking pictures of food, cooking and dining, my go-to people are Arjun Sohal, Sarah Forgie, Hayden Dib, Parker Blain, and Griffin Simm. Shut the door.
When I want to show the city off to friends from out of town, I like to take them out really, really late (we’re talking 11pm here) for dinner and take them somewhere hidden like Bar Margaux or Purple Pit, then go dancing at Music Room at Her bar after.
My favourite place to stock up on supplies is KFL Flemington. It’s a cinematic timewarp to the ’70s, and then Cheaper Buy Miles next door for random snack delights and bulk bargain cheese.
The best new thing I’ve found is an offset spatula – how did I cook without one for so long?
When I want to go all out on a special meal, I would probably make it myself! Or if out, I try to go somewhere low-key, not fussy and not too loud and really sink into enjoying the company – a recent highlight was Julie at Abbotsford Convent.
There’s no better value in Melbourne than the plethora of amazing banh mi spots, no matter which side of town you’re on. Shoutouts Bun Bun in Springvale, Selina Hot Bread and Cakes in Sunshine, Luke’s Bakery in Moonee Ponds, Phuoc Thanh on Victoria Street and Ca Com on Bridge Road, both in Richmond.
If I could change one thing about eating and drinking here it would be Asian food being priced as appropriately as Italian food.
But the one thing I hope never changes in Melbourne is the markets – whether it’s Queen Vic, Footscray, Preston, Gleadell Street, Abbotsford Farmers’… I love them all.
Follow Michael’s adventures in food and photography at @phamstapham, @looseplates and michaelpham.net.