We’re really lucky in Melbourne. It’s a real melting pot of cultures here. As a result, we are spoiled for choice, especially when it comes to cuisine. And if you know the areas to shop in, there are some amazing grocery stores with incredible imported products that are so unique.
You might not know this from my name, but my family’s background is Italian and Slovenian {mostly, but that’s a whole other post!}.
So the piece of me that’s Italian, got all giddy with excitement today, visiting Mediterranean Wholesalers in Brunswick. Unbelievably, it was only my second time there. I’ve been meaning to go, like, forever!
The products are great. The cheeses are great. The alcohol section is great. The coffee is DIRT CHEAP but good. The breads are fresh. The bottled porcini are awesome.
I found some great things today, new fun things to try. Many of which, I bought purely based on their packaging design, and the way the product looked. From my taste tests so far, the products are as good as they look!
Like this box of Amaretti biscuits. O. M. G. If the retro box design wasn’t enough, if the individual pastel beautiful old design wrapping wasn’t enough…. the taste sure was!
Got this lovely tin of biscotti to keep in the gift shelf for last minute emergency gifts…..
I love Limoncello. I love it even more when it comes in a BOOT bottle!
I make good risotto – actual proper risotto. But thought I’d test out this cheat option. I figure it has to be half decent, right?
My new favourite beauty product line. And today I discovered a 3 litre bottle of laundry detergent. The smell is so clean and fresh. Also bought extras for the gift shelf. If you receive this from me, you will know I love ya, because I want to keep it for me!!
Adorable little cafetiera that makes a short black for one! Got one for me, one for the gift shelf, lol!
The highlight of my finds was the HUGE pasta selection. I mean HUGE. Spent a small fortune on so many different kinds, but just LOOK at them! They are adorable! And make me smile. Wait until the last photo….
Yep, that’s REAL pasta. Coloured naturally with things like spinach, tomato, beetroot…. I bought it mostly to photograph it. Even if it tastes horrible, it looks nice 
Leroy can’t wait to try this one out. I think he just wants to play with the coloured farfalle {butterflies} !!
Bye for now,
Natasha xo
Looks like a fabulous and fun place! As a fellow Italian I see why you love it.
ReplyDeleteKarla
You had me at "italian!"
ReplyDeleteI would love to try it all, too! Have fun...
Ciao, Bella!
How fun! I would love to visit a place that offers such delicious looking goodies! ! ! ! Thank you so much for sharing! I hope you let us know how all that beautiful pasta tastes! Is it as divine as it looks? ? ?
ReplyDeleteHi Natasha!
ReplyDeletelooks like a great shopping trip. I love the colored and fancy pastas too.. they have some similar where I shop and I often think of buying them..but then dont... maybe this weekend youve inspired me to try one!
have a great day! (it just got VERY dark out here.. going to storm any second!)
happy day!
vivian
Oh, hello heaven! You are a lucky duck! I wish I could come over and shop with you, Natasha! I was laughing about the gift shelf......lucky recipients!
ReplyDeleteMiss you!
Andrea
yum!
ReplyDeleteloved the markets in Melb and looks like you have an extra special one there
Someday I'll get to Australia.....
ReplyDeletethat is just around the corner from where I work. I have been reading your blog for ages,Next time you plan on visiting would love to catch up for a coffee
ReplyDeleteHey Jodii if you're reading this - send me an email so I have a contact for you - I couldn't leave a comment for you or reply to your comment :)
ReplyDeleteMy direct email is natashaburns1[at]gmail[dot]com
Oh my, Natasha! Always having/using these products at home, I had never REALLY noticed how pretty they look like! Thanks for reminding me ;) Looove Spuma di Sciampagna!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Monica.
Hi Natasha!!! Just stopping in to see what you have been up to! Your photos are just gorgeous!!! I can see why Leroy is wanting to get his hands on the bow tie pasta - too cute!
ReplyDeletexo
Becky
Italian shopping envy! My Princess would adore the colored pasta! I loved shopping at Gervasi during my brief time of living in Melbourne. Rachael xo
ReplyDeleteHello there!
ReplyDeleteHope you have been well, such a lovely post now you have made me hungry!
Sandra Evertson
Natasha ... I am in pasta heaven seeing this post ... what a great way to show others what us Italians are all about .... FOOD!!! LOL Colorful food at that ... you are so lucky to have a wonderful place like this so close by ....
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for stopping by ... things have been rough ... we will talk soon ...
HUGS
JO
Yumm, talk about eye candy. It's a bonus when it's as good as it looks!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea...a gift shelf. I am going to start one right away. I would love some of the pretty pasta in the last picture. It sounds delicious with the different veggies...Ahhh Italian. I wish I were a better cook!!!
ReplyDeletexo
Jil
Hi Natasha. I've been thinking a lot about my little Austrailian t-shirt maker from Silver Bella! I am actually coming to Australia in one week. We will actually be in Sydney on a school trip. I love your post....I love to go to grocery stores when I travel abroad!
ReplyDeleteXO-Hope
Yummy and pretty delights! The candies are too pretty to unwrap and eat. WOW! True natural pasta. Im curious to know if it taste as good as it looks. Oh heavens....Limoncello! Now your talking. :) xoxo,Jenn
ReplyDeleteThis was going to be the best accessories for children cakes. It looks very tasty and flavorful. I love the colors and even the texture of every candies. Indeed, I almost forgot that I wasn't a child anymore cause my addiction on sweets rise again.
ReplyDelete