Melbourne is known for good coffee. Since most of us have two or more coffees per day the non-recyclable cups contribute to an enormous amount of landfill. So as a means to maintain coffee drinking standards and save the environment, Abigail and Jamie Forsyth created the KeepCup. The KeepCup is reusable and colours can be mixed and matched to your liking! Baristas all over Melbourne are happy to put your coffee in your own eco-to-go cup! Stylish and reusable - Loves it!   

Ahh Melbourne, the city that sleeps with one eye open! Now I know we are famous for our city hideaway bars and restaurants but what good is having a restaurant so hidden that it can’t be shared? My point exactly! So I wish to expose an underground and delicious secret! It’s called Coda- Asian inspired, modern and fresh seems to come to mind when I think of my meal. The presentation of the food makes each meal look like a piece of artwork. To match your meal they even have Travis the Sommelier to help you chose from a long list of beverages or if you’re feeling gutsy he will whip you up any surprise cocktail! Crack the code and discover the hidden gem’s of Melbourne’s laneways, you never know what scrumptious things you might find! 

Richmond is home to many top bars but my personal favourite is Der Raum. Ok so when you walk in and peer over the bar it might look like some weird science class but don't let dry ice and cups on fire frighten you! They have won numerous awards such as cocktail list of the year, the world's Top Ten Bar's for 2009 and Bartender of the year. The roof over the bar area is covered with hanging bottles and tools to make the unique signature cocktails. Some of the Der Raum classics consist of "Pharmacy" which is served with a citrus pill, syringe filled with sweet Italian bitters and a pot filled with pear and roasted capsicum gin. A clever mix of themes, ideas and flavours its definitely a must see!

From the 8-16^th of August the Young Guns of Wine Festival will take place at various venues around Melbourne. The festival gathers the best young winemakers from around Australia to celebrate their delicious achievements! Awards are distributed based on the People’s choice and industry leaders. In addition to the awards, a series of mini events will take place, where winemakers will perfectly match wines to a four-course dinner. Talk about a way to compliment your pallet!  

It's official, Melbourne's tastebuds are watering! The Taste of Melbourne will be returning this year from the 26th-29th of August. Over the four days Melbourne's finest restaurants and chefs will prepare their signature dishes and hold master classes for those mini master chefs in training! Held at the Royal Exhibition building, to purchase your samples you must exchange your dollars for "Crowns", the official currency of the festival. Wine testing and additional stalls ranging from cheeses, sweets and drinks will also take up your time so make sure you have a game plan with your stomach, wear stretch pants and don't fill up on the samples!

Borsch, Vodka and Tears is renown for its beverages. I have even been told that the drinks menu is so popular that people have been caught stealing them! With an array of flavoured Vodka to choose from their cocktails are just as exciting and don’t let the eccentric names fool you! If you like a little spice with all things nice make sure you try “The drink with no name”- chilli vodka, pink grapefruit, dry ginger ale & fresh lime. 

High and hidden above Melbourne’s city lane ways is a secret door. Follow the stairs all the way up until you reach another door. Knock three times. Wait. If you’re lucky you will be invited into the history of Berlin. Berlin bar will give you a unique drinking experience. Divided by a wall one part of the bar represents West Berlin, with luxury and opulence of a German parlour. The other side becomes East Berlin filled ammunition case tables, and army green’s coating the wall. No matter what side of the wall you are seated at you will be sure to find a creative cocktail to help you with that history lesson! 

The once famed Candy bar in Greville St Prahran has undergone a delicious transformation! Now known as Ladro, the new modern Italian pizza joint is the place to see and be seen. With a contemporary interior this place still has the warm feel of an authentic Italian restaurant that you would find in Carlton. Open for both lunch and dinner we recommend the Scout and the Boscaiola thin-based pizzas! It is also worth leaving room for the Bomboloni- Italian doughnuts with vanilla ice cream and blood orange syrup!.....Salivation is at a whole new level!

This weekend, Melbourne will be graced with the presence of food gods! The Good Food and Wine show will allow foodies to get up close and personal, with demonstrations, taste testing and wine classes. Our favourite chefs, George Calombaris, Gary Mehigan, Matt Moran, Manu Feildel (with his melting French accent) and Tobie Puttock are sure to teach you a thing or two in the kitchen. Oh did I mention, Lindt chocolate were taking a masterclass! 

Melbourne’s gastronomes have had their tastebuds tantalised with Mexican restaurants popping up faster than you can Dorito! From Bluecorn in Barkly Street, Maya on Toorak road and Mamasita in Collins Street, you are sure to find a taco and tequila to suit you. I recommend the vanilla margaritas from Maya; it’s the perfect mix between sour and sweet. So here is an idea, take a group of friends and make a night out of it. You never know, you might end up leaving the restaurant speaking fluent Spanish!