Fish and chips are a traditional English meal, which Australians have wholeheartedly embraced and made their own. With our sun kissed coasts and beach culture, the paper parcel of salty fried goodness has become a way of life for most Australians.

Moving to Melbourne there have been many subtle differences in everyday life. One such difference is the name for a purveyor of fish and chips being called a “Fish & Chippery” or “Fish & Chipper”. And while the old-school chipper can still be found in every suburb, Melbourne’s best are usually serving fish that’s fresh and local.

Finding ourselves craving some fish and chips one sunny Sunday, we were quickly en-route to Cerberus Beach House. It’s Melbourne’s most iconic spot to sit and feast on fish and chips and for a very good reason. Though Cerberus is a bit of a hike out of Melbourne, it’s entirely worth it for the picturesque bayside view.

While the beach has nothing on a West Australian beach, the food offering from the Cerberus kiosk is top notch — Brooke and I opted for grilled Dory fillet which was wonderfully flaky and sweet. The chips are fine, and you’re charged for sauces, but it’s a small price to pay for a sensational summer experience.

If you feel like some making some seafood then check out our recipe for Salt and Pepper Squid. 

Cerberus Beach House:
Boat Shed 212, Half Moon Bay, Black Rock
Phone: 03 9598 4230
Open: Tues.-Fri. 10.30am-sunset; Sat-Sun 9am-sunset
cerberusbeachhouse.com.au

2015 is here and we’re back with the first post for the year. After taking a few months off blogging while we relocated to Melbourne, we’ve decided to change things up a bit by writing about our culinary adventures as well as our favourite recipes. This leads us to write up on The American Doughnut Kitchen.

Moving to Melbourne, one of the things we are most excited about is being able to shop at the Queen Victoria Market also known affectionately as ‘Vic Market’ or ‘Queen Vic’. Established in 1878, the Queen Victoria Market has been the heart and soul of Melbourne for more than a century.

This Melbourne institution is spread over two city blocks. It’s a vibrant and bustling inner-city Market where you can shop for everything from Australian fruit and vegetables, local and imported gourmet foods, cosmetics, clothing and souvenirs… but most importantly it’s the home of the American Doughnut Kitchen – which we will get to in a minute.

The market is open five days a week, with Sunday taking on a carnival atmosphere as entertainers delight the crowds. Guided tours highlight the market’s food, heritage and culture, shopping and history. However exploring the market on your own is just as fun.

The American Doughnut Kitchen van is almost as big of a Melbourne icon as the market itself. Operating from the Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne since 1950, the American Doughnut Kitchen serves hot jam doughnuts to thousands of customers every week from their 1950′s style bus.

The dough is made fresh the day before trade and transported to the market ready for production right before your eyes. Watch through the bus windows as the staff, roll out, cut out and cook these sugary beauties ready for your consumption.

As most of you would know I love jam doughnuts, Brooke and I have even made our own jam doughnuts. The American Doughnut Kitchen sells their jam filled parcels of doughy goodness along Queen St. My recommendation is to always eat them while they are hot as you wander through the Market shopping for goods. Although it doesn’t hurt to buy a second batch for the drive home either!

Looking for other Victorian food adventures then check out are posts on Cerberus Beach House and Timboon Railway Distillery.