The top part of Lygon Street is a treasure trove of good eating and drinking spots that many Melburnians who don’t live in the area probably don’t go to as much as they should. A night out last weekend at ‘Melbourne’s best Indian’ Kaki Di Hatti made me notice something. I walked past Small Block cafe and it was closed. Then an hour later I walked past and it was pumping. I know they are very open to giving people the chance to use the space so I stuck my nose in.
I was told that it was a test night for family and friends only but they would be cracking the doors to the public on Thursday. So it’s a case of You Know What We Did Tonight.
How did this Pop Up Summer Fling come to happen? Three friends visited Vietnam last year, had a smashing time sitting in Bia Hois on street corners and were constantly saying (as we did when we visited) “I wish we had something like this in Melbourne”. Well they pooled their ideas, approached the owners of Small Lots to see if they could use the space when the cafe was closed – and the answer was affirmative.
So they have put together a tight little menu and rolled in a keg in a fridge serving Thunder Road brewskis and invited people to give it a go.
Being very bad bloggers and starving to boot we started scoffing the lot before we realised the photo opportunity had almost been missed. So here are just a few shots to whet the whistle.
You can guess what the dishes are but know that it all was super tasty, you will be served more than what was photographed and do not miss out on the bahn mi.
The Pop Up Summer Fling is only on from this Sunday through to March 24 – Only on Thursday and Sundays from 6.30pm.
Small Lots
130 Lygon Street, Brunswick East , Melbourne
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Look at that guys finger-nails… disgusting and no gloves… doubt he has his food handlers certificate!
But I ask you who can you trust that has completely clean hands? Not me and definitely not a chef. Don’t know what restaurants you frequent that must look like laboratories.
Absolutely superb find. It has definitely got me thinking about my next Soi 38.
Do you know any other venues who sublet their space in this way?
Hey Krapow
Other venues who let up and comers in are: Storm in a Tea Cup, Hell of the North, Mama Ganoush, Bistro Flor, Rumi, Mixed Business, Easy Tiger, Three Bags Full, Union Dining, Libertine and Jorg.
They let people use their kitchen when the restaurant is officially closed.
Can’t wait for your next residency.
Great suggestions. Sounds like I have a few venues to visit. The Mixed Business and Three Bags Full spaces look awesome.
Thanks for the tips, it has really got me fired up to get something going before the end of Summer! Sorry you missed our last (and first) event but I’ll make sure I keep you informed about what happens next!
Er have you never heard of gloves? Fortunately most GOOD restaurants have!
That’s a fucking comment mate!
I’ll take that as a comment then. #ACurrentAffair
This place looks rad. Not usually found in this side of town but will add it to my list to eats to try!