Christmas Special: Savour the Season

St Kilda and the Southside neighbourhoods come alive in summer as people flock to the beaches, fill the iconic hospitality venues, and experience all the arts and entertainment events on offer. For those packing a picnic, preparing a post-swim dinner party or even planning an at-home bottomless brunch, the neighbourhood high streets are full of tasty specialty grocers where you can fill your basket with all the products you desire.

Ripponlea

1. Victoria Fruit Palace
Victoria Fruit Palace is the oldest existing fruit shop in metropolitan Melbourne, having served Ripponlea locals for almost 100 years. Stop by for a quality selection of fruit and veggies, delicious deli foods and warm and friendly service. 51/53 Glen Eira Rd, Ripponlea

2. Zelda Bakery
Zelda Bakery is a Ripponlea icon. Offering an incredible selection of sourdough breads, cookies, rugelach, babka, pastries and cakes, this famous bakery is only open Wednesdays and Fridays, from 7.30am until they are sold out. 54 Glen Eira Rd, Ripponlea

3. Kleins Gourmet Food
If you’re looking for something fast, convenient and delicious, Kleins Gourmet Foods is the perfect stop for you. They offer quality pre-made meals and menus, with family and single serves of home-cooked meals to meet any dietary requirements. 47 Glen Eira Road, Ripponlea

St Kilda

4. Veg Out Market
On the first Saturday of every month, the Veg Out St Kilda Farmers’ Market hosts award-winning farm producers from across Victoria. You want fresh produce? This is the place to buy direct from the people who make, bake, grow, pick, pack and prepare mouth-watering produce. 12 Chaucer Street, St Kilda

5. Meatsmith
Meatsmith is a local butcher, providore and wine merchant in Fitzroy and St. Kilda. Their distinct vision is to provide exceptional quality and service for their customers. As well as quality heritage meats, they have a selection of restaurant quality meals prepared by their chefs. If you’re looking for a little more from your local butcher, this is the place. 227A Barkly Street, St Kilda

Elwood

7. Leaf Store
Founded in 2007, the team at Leaf is dedicated to providing you with high-quality ingredients so that you can create and enjoy culinary delights in your home with your family and loved ones. They source conventional and organic products from local growers, farmers and suppliers, and also stock a range of specialty and artisanal pantry items from all corners of the globe. 111-113 Ormond Road, Elwood

8. Elwood Farmers Market
Can’t get enough farmers markets? The Elwood market is held in the grounds of Elwood Primary School on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. Explore the freshest produce and artisan foods, direct from the community of Victorian farmers. Elwood Primary School, 49 Scott Street, Elwood

9. Gram Sustainable
This eco-friendly bulk food store is located right in the heart of Elwood. It produces its own organic juice and almond milk, which is available on tap. It has a number of sustainable packaging options (including reusing your own containers) and a selection of pantry staples and specialty products, all at affordable prices. 3/122 Ormond Road, Elwood

Port Melbourne

10. The Fruiterer’s Wife
Nestled in the vibrant enclave of Port Melbourne, The Fruiterers Wife stands as a testament to the art of fresh produce and community connection. With a rich history rooted in providing quality fruits and vegetables to locals, this beloved establishment has evolved into more than just a market — it’s a culinary destination. 37 Crockford Street, Port Melbourne

11. Vinseto
Vinseto is a little-known Japanese grocer in Port Melbourne. Here you can find specialty Japanese ingredients and foods, plus sake, beer, plum wine and whisky direct from Japan. They also offer free copies of recipes, cooking consultations and Japanese liquor paring. 203 Rouse Street, Port Melbourne

12. Decanters by the Bay
Decanters by the Bay is an independently owned and run liquor store. The team pride themselves on their service and industry knowledge, which means you will find the best and brightest wines, beers and spirits on their shelves, including limited- and special-edition releases. 174 Nott Street, Port Melbourne

South Melbourne

13. Essential Ingredient
For those home kitchen chefs who like to create truly special dishes, Essential Ingredient is the go-to place for those truly special products (and more!). Their range of ingredients, cookware, tableware gifts and global flavours will bring the most unique flavours and dishes to life. 266 Coventry Street, South Melbourne

14. South Melbourne Markets
You can’t talk about South Melbourne and food and not mention South Melbourne Markets! There is so much here to explore, but you can’t go past Agathé Pâtisserie for incredible pastries, cakes, tarts and more (believe us, the queue is worth it!). If you’re looking for summer seafood, Aptus Seafoods is famous for moving more than six tonnes of prawns over the Christmas period. 322–326 Coventry Street, South Melbourne

15. Dessertopia by 196 Below
Dessertopia by 196 Below is exactly that, a one-of-a-kind, one-stop bar where all dessert dreams come to play together. One that brings the happiness of awe and fun when you step in. Imagine a selection of character cakes, brightly coloured sweet creations and incredible range of ice cream creations. This is not your regular soft serve. 342 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne

Albert Park and Middle Park

16. Gum Tree Good Food
Gum Tree Good Food stores are your one-stop shops for the best produce in and around Melbourne. They work closely with their passionate suppliers and producers to give their customers and community the best produce and food experiences all year round. 36 Armstrong Street, Middle Park

17. Gasworks Farmers Market
Deep-coloured, ripe and delicious fruit and vegetables, aromatic hand-made cakes and jams, freshly laid free-range eggs and just-cut flowers are only a few of the sumptuous goods you’ll find at the monthly Gasworks Farmers’ Market, held on the third Saturday of each month.
a. 21 Graham Street, Albert Park
b. 87 Dundas Place, Albert Park

18. Gnoccheria by Take Me Home
This Gnoccheria offers an incredible range of handmade artisan Italian favourites, bringing restaurant-level cooking into your own kitchen. Traditional lasagnes, pizza bases, pasta and, of course, gnocchi are all yours for the taking. There are also sauces and gluten-free options available.
11 Armstrong Street, Middle Park

Hydralyte Passionfruit Punch Flavoured Effervescent Electrolyte Tablets

Fancy some fizz or craving some bubbles? Hydralyte Passionfruit Punch Electrolyte tablets are conveniently self-dissolving and a great hydration pick-me-up so you can get back to your day (or night!) without missing a beat. Not only does it taste great with a burst of delicious passionfruit flavour, it rapidly rehydrates you from dehydration due to heat, heavy sweating, the occasional hangover and more! Simply add two tablets to 200mL of fresh, cold drinking water.
For more visit hydralyte.com.au

Always read the label and follow the directions for use.

Featured in EatWell Magazine 55 featuring the Emma Dean Christmas Special!