the ups and downs of cafe food
Some time in the latter part of 2025, we wandered along Maling Road in Canterbury (Melbourne). This is a small street with loads of character. It is not a main thoroughfare for the suburb. We had been perviously to the antiques shop and this time went to find some lunch.
The first cafe had staff that were too busy to hand out a menu or answer any questions. We left.
A few doors down was The Good Food Collective. They have lunches written on the counter glass with examples underneath. We settled for a curry and a chicken salad. We sat outside as it was noisy inside. The pavement seating is covered and offers a pleasant experience. The food was very good – and the same goes for the coffee. All served by helpful friendly staff. On that occasion 8 stars (out of ten).
On Monday this week we returned for lunch about 12.00 mid day. Again, it was noisy inside and luckily a table had just become available outside. This time I chose a small soba noodle salad and the other choice was a simple ham salad panini (roll). Again, the coffee was very good and my salad was delicious. Sadly the panini was stale and lacking any real taste. On this occasion 6 stars (out of ten).
The stale bread must have been a mistake for a cafe that specialises in freshness. On that basis, the recommendation sticks – please do give them a go.
And then there was the entertainment for the day – and this was free!
First, when we arrived we noticed an empty table with a dog poo bag on it. Then we realised there was a dog sitting quietly under the table. Some thing new! A used dog poo bag was used to book the table while the costumer was inside placing the order.
Two: Inside there was a guy sitting by himself. A couple of minutes after we sat down outside, he came out talking loudly into his phone that was also on speaker. So what he had done was taken the call but stepped out side so as not to disturb those inside – or maybe because it was noisy inside. As a result the customers outside had to put up with about ten minutes while he and the other person spoke about their travels and other banal stuff in loud voices. Apparently you need to shout at your phone when taking calls!
Three: The table next to us had three people. On was taking the opportunity to read her own poetry in a voice loud enough to be heard clearly. Or at least, I am sure she thought it was poetry. It actually sounded like a mash up of all those corny well-being saying you used to read on posters. It was good american feel-good naivety being read in a loudish American voice. It was possible to tune out – but whenever I tuned in to listen – it was hard not to burst out laughing!
Despite any of that, this cafe on Maling Road is worth the visit – especially on the quieter days for lunch. We will be returning. But will be giving the panini a miss!
more about The Good Food Collective