Hollyhock

Christmas has brought some change to the dining scene down at Beacon Cove. Of the three restaurants overlooking the nautical beacon itself, Campari was always the more affordable, if least exciting option. Now however it has been replaced by Hollyhock.

The good news is that they seem to be aiming for the same market share, so it's not too extortionate to eat here (although you're still paying a bit of a premium for the setting - which is fair enough on a sunny day I guess). The food quality and service aren't likely to cause 3 Station Pier or the Waterfront any sleepless nights, but they do seem to be a step-up from their forerunners, and their Turkish pizzas are an art-form in themselves.

I do however have a bone to pick with caterers like this who call their chips fat, just because they're chubbier than french fries. "Fat chips" should be reserved exclusively for when each potato is hand-cut into no more than twelve pieces. OK rant over.

It's Christmas!!

Excessive exterior festive illuminations are one of those things that you either love or hate. Judging by the darkness on the rest of Dow Street, I'd hazard a guess that the neighbours of this property fall squarely into the latter category.

There's no doubt that they're over the top, but at least you are left in no doubt that Christmas is coming when you come past, unlike when you walk down Bay Street.

Brewsters millions

Tucked oh so cheekily into the side of the Coles building is Port Melbourne's latest grocery store Brewsters. Like Thomas Dux they are clearly aiming for the high disposable income demographic, although they have a much greater focus on the delicatessen side - boasting more counter space I'd say than Coles. I'll expect they'll do very well during the barbie season; it'll be interesting to see how they fare come winter.

I would've liked to have updated my comprehensive price comparison to take account of this development, but Brewsters don't do cat food. I can however tell you that they stay open until 8pm ... ish.

07:00

seven:am was arguably Port Melbourne's first hip cafe. Now they have some competition of course, especially in the coffee stakes, however they still set the standard for interesting variations on the standard breakfast and lunch options.

Now they've opened up a small courtyard, which is gloriously sheltered and shady on a hot day. This is one of very few outdoor eating spaces in Port Melbourne that don't require a face mask to avoid exhaust fume poisioning.

It's about time they updated their blog though.

Shagy

Another hidden gem off the main Bay Street strip comes in the somewhat surprising form of Shagy's Pizza. Despite specialising in undoubtedly the least original cuisine in Port Melbourne, and being decked out a little like a college cafe, Shagy's has a secret weapon. They do a lot more than pizza, and their salads, pasta, and grilled meals are ... really rather good.

They're fully licensed too, evening offering grog delivery. Now that's what I call service. It's just a shame that they don't have any external wall space, as that mural would look great on the outside.

Advent

I'm pretty sure that Port Melbourne is safe this year from accusations of going overboard with Christmas decorations. These tinsel stars on the few lamp-posts, that aren't already sporting the ingenious "not as crappy as you thought" advertising campaign, certainly help convey the message of a cost-conscious suburb keen to avoid wasting money on frivolous festive cheer.

Actually the Santa banners at the Crockford Street end of town are a bit better. At least they're vaguely in proportion with the street lights. Here's hoping that this is just the first phase of the Christmas makeover.