KEY POINTS:
You can't teleport Melbourne's marvellous restaurants, but you should be able to stow a few cheap comestibles in your hand luggage, just watch the weight.
As long as you make sure the goods are professionally packaged and sealed and don't forget to declare them, Customs should wave you through.
1. A larder full
Stephanie Alexander's A Cook's Companion is a favourite in foodies' homes on both sides of the Tasman. The Melbourne identity runs the Richmond Hill Cafe and Larder, where her fresh, flavoursome approach to food is on display daily. It's near the outlet stores of Bridge Rd, Richmond, so shop first then take some sustenance. Alexander also markets a range of chutneys, relishes, jams and confits, available at the larder and readily elsewhere. We love the gutsy Mushroom Confit.
Richmond Hill Cafe & Larder, 48-50 Bridge Rd, Richmond. Open daily from 9am.
2. Spice it up
Malouf's Spice Mezza is a selection of snazzily packaged middle-eastern inspired condiments. Ras el Hanout is a legendary North African spice mix, roughly translated as "house mix". Some varieties have up to 30 ingredients, with each cook treasuring their own recipe. That made by renowned chef Greg Malouf comes in a 100g jar and includes paprika, cinnamon, coriander, tumeric, cayenne, cumin, peppers, cardamon and more. Mix with flour as a coating or use as a seasoning in meat and vegetable dishes.
3. Appearances matter
At Viva we love a nice label and that was what first drew our eye to The Gardens Produce range. But our tastebuds demand substance as well as style, and this raspberry vinegar delivers both. Royalties from the range go to the Royal Botanic Gardens. A perfect gift for the gardener in your family. If you have time, visit the gardens and dine at the excellent Botanical.
Botanical is open 8am-11pm daily. Expect fine dining, not a tired tearooms.
4. Salad secret
A friend swears by lemon myrtle oil as the way to pep up a salad dressing. We're convinced. Try it drizzled over vine-ripened tomatoes or in marinades. Brookfarm's Macadamia Oil infused with Lemon Myrtle actually comes from over the border in NSW, but it adds a zingy fresh-as Italian flavour. There's also the New World twist of being made from a native shrub and mild macadamia nuts. The oil is cholesterol-free and apparently a richer source of monounsaturates than extra virgin olive oil.
* Viva sourced our Victorian delights at the David Jones Foodhall in Bourke St Mall. All products cost less than $15 each.
