Red Door Corner Store

Hooray!!! We did it! Bill and I finally breakfasted together and he even chose the spot!! We knew it would happen - we just had to be patient. We set off this beautiful Melbourne morning to a mystery location. I love surprises but Bill doesn't, so he did very well keeping this to himself until we arrived. He took me to Red Door Corner Store in Northcote.

Red Door Corner Store 70 Mitchell Street Northcote VIC 3070

Phone: (03) 94898040

In Melbourne many of the milk bars, or corner/convenience stores have closed their doors and been refurbished as very quaint, inviting cafes - this is one of them.

It is set right on a roundabout in the middle of a stunning old residential area, surrounded by beautiful houses like this one.

The area is brimming with young families, many of whom were enjoying the joys of this welcoming eatery. Some arrived pushing strollers, others walked or rode their bikes, a very common past time in this part of the world.

You can sit outside here on the footpath on an eclectic mix of stools as the street isn't too busy, but we headed inside to soak up the atmosphere. We ignored the bad headlines on the ad for this morning's paper on the verandah post as we wanted to feel totally self indulgent just for a short time.

The decor is earthy, homey, with a selection of delicious looking goodies to buy and take away if you haven't the time to prop, as we did.

We chose to sit on a bench in the front window as we are both a couple of sticky beaks and enjoy watching the passing parade outside on the street.

I wasn't terribly hungry so chose the Breakfast Tart - cherry tomatoes, feta, caramelised onions and bacon enclosed in a thin crust of pastry. It was the perfect size and the flavour was just fabulous. I ate it slowly so I could relish every mouthful!

Bill chose scrambled eggs on Dench's toast with smoked bacon and it was a huge meal. We had to sit for a while just to let everything settle!!

Before heading off (we do have to work sometime) we had a little wander around the shop and just loved their decor - basic materials from around the home, but beautifully arranged.

Bill, you did well - now the challenge is back on me. Hmmmm, where to next?