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!

Checkout Zimmermann’s latest swimwear, if this doesn’t have you itching for summer I don’t know what will! 

The Melbourne International Film Festival 2010 has just commenced and is showcasing films from around the world. Documentaries, black comedies, international short films and all that is in-between there are so many films to choose from. Films are located in various cinemas throughout the CBD such as ACMI, The Forum, Greater Union and Palace Cinemas. Book your tickets now before the festival ends on the 8th of August. Go on, get cultured! 

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. 

I know for us locals we can tend to get a tad jaded by the same pubs, clubs and bars. However, I think I may have found the place to put the spring in your step - The Night Cat! Located in both the CBD and Fitzroy The Night Cat has live music from an array of genres such as Latin American, Afro-Cuban, Reggae and Funk. Even if you're not such a salsa dancer it is worth going just to experience the vibe and watch the dancers do their thing.

Ahh Brazil, it is famous for the beaches, babes and berries! Although it's hard to import the beaches and babes, the Acai berries have cleared customs and made their way down under, thanks to the boys at Purple Foods. The Acai berry is found deep within the rainforest of the Brazilian Amazon. The berry is served cold and consumed typically with granola and banana (or as the locals say "Con granola, con banana!"). To have your taste of the delicious fruit head to selected shops in Hawthorn, Sprout and Yo-get-it. It really is refreshing and feels like a Carnival in your mouth! 

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! 

American Apparel has just launched their new range of nail polishes. Coming in a variety of colours we are sure that you will be able to find something to match your American Apparel lycra bodysuit!

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!

The trench coat made famous by Burberry, Humphrey Bogart and Inspector gadget appears every winter in Melbourne. In an array or colours, shapes and sizes it is the original beige colour, which remains the classic piece year after year. So why is that it doesn’t date?  I guess it is the classic cut which seems to flatter most shapes and sizes. The lining of the coat appears to be just as important as the outer. Burberry’s classic plaid lining is what makes it distinct from all the copycats! But at the end of the day no matter what brand of trench you choose to buy pairing it with big black heels, the coat will always scream effortlessly chic.