Bread Street is a local Icon. It is not just a bakery it is..... in a class of it's own. What this business has done for the community is so beneficial, so generous, so worthy it makes one want to pop the whole thing on the photocopier glass and press copy, infinitely.
I am proud to be an Australian whenever I share this bread with friends. So is every other family in the district.
My pick: Bread Street High Tin loaf.

Supermarkets and variety..... is there such a thing? YES. The Templestowe IGA Supermarket is an example of a seemingly subruban bland supermarket. Oh no, no, no. Plenty of lovely Gourmet treats, new products and plenty of friendly staff.
If you can't find it Fiona the Manager will get it in for you. She is friendly, thorough and well regarded by locals.

That's what I call service.

This little gem is a beauty for filling your shopping trolley on loose change.
Mick has been working in this store for the 8 years I have been getting along there. Now there's loyalty you don't see much of these days. Bravo to Mick.
If you are ever nearby go in and see what they have.
Parking out the back and coming up through the Dry Cleaners is how the locals do it every day as the parking out the very front can be tricky.

Aaahh. Another Pastry Chef has traveled the world and declared his love for Melbourne. How lucky we are. Zimt have purpose built their shiny new Cafe, sorry, Patisserie, up the Road near Surrey Hills Station. The cakes, the Royal icing, breathtaking. The savory options not so. I have been disappointed each time I make a special trip for lunch.Why, why, why do patisseries even have microwaves? Expensive, my word. A gingerbread creation with Royal Icing will give your mortgage a nudge, which given surrounding house prices will nudge your blood pressure as well. Looking for that special gift for someone who has everything..... be brave..... order one of their Birthday cakes. Go on. Yes they make Coffee too.

Mick used to ride high on his local ABC radio spot reviewing video tapes (yes that long ago). Now he, via his talented offspring, Lords over the Cafe Via Biscotti coffee machine. There are 3 coffee spots, a bakery and a milk bar in this tiny Surrey Hills strip. There is a new set of traffic lights (praise the Lord), if you are at them with your Nan - go see Mick and his family. If you are with your funky, just back from London, nephew, don't. Coffee - Oh yes they make it too.

Laurent Boulangerie Patisserie - that's a mouthful. But hey if your eyes need some 'luvven' give them a feast at the cake display. Boy Howdy now there's something to Tweet about. Coffee, not so much a tweet as a high pitched ''chiirrrp' like the one made by a cricket when everything goes awkwardly silent. ............ not flash. A must if you would like a spot to take Mum, Dad, Aunt, Uncle, little sister for a luxurious treat. Accessibility is well thought out. Their 'bathrooms' deserve an award even if used so much in their short life the fittings are coming off. Locals want it all to themselves. Nooooooooo.

I went to this Cafe full of hope. It looks the goods. Atmosphere is great. Unfortunately the coffee is not as good as the 'etheral' reputation it has. The food is great, although, expensive for a little suburban cafe. I guess that is how they pay a chef. Really. A chef. Would any one else prefer a great coffee or is it just me?

So first point. This is seriously good Pizza. Second - your kids will love you if you eat in, drawing on the table cloth is always fun. Third, your wallet may not be so happy. As the family budget tightens so may the patronage here. There are plenty of staff. So there are no excuses for poor service. Which we experienced. I guess they get away with it because it is a Pizza place not a 'restaurant'. Sigh. Pity.

Once upon a time this was the jewel in the crown of Wattle Park Cafes. There is much to like about this Cafe. The fish in their fountain, the warm winter sun in the gorgeous rear courtyard, the tunes on the speaker system and the free chocolate with every cuppa. We all know though, the magnet for return business is a warm inviting atmosphere with personalities to match. It is a great place for a warm, out of the way, private conversation.... you see all the locals have moved on.

Sonia has gone out on a limb here at the "Five Ways" Wattle Park Shopping precinct. The locals are catching on though. Local produce, workshops, food for EVERY allergy under our Sun. You name it and Sonia will get it in for you. Oh and if you want she will deliver too! A steady stream of passengers go straight from the terminating tram to her counter. Lunchtimes are getting a little too popular for my liking. Try it. You'll be back!