This capital of the Southern coastal state of Victoria, Australia, is home to the PGA of Australia, which is headquartered at the Sandhurst Club. This private club has two championship courses, and each hole on the Championship Course features a plaque illustrating the history of the game. Other top-rated links include the two courses at Royal Melbourne Golf Club, host of the prestigious Presidents Cup in 1998 and 2011. The city offers a huge variety of dining options, including Spanish cuisine.
Movida Melbourne
Reservations are required at this upscale restaurant, tapas and wine bar near the city's central commuter rail hub and Federation Square, a massive complex of retail, entertainment and public spaces. Barcelona-born chef and co-owner Frank Camorra offers off-menu specials every day. The regular menu features tapas (small plate) selections that include quail filled with ham and cheese, roasted scallops with ham and potato foam, and a roast lamb cutlet. Larger dishes are available for family-style sharing. It's open seven days a week from lunch through dinner.
Movida Melbourne
1 Hosier Lane
Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
011 (+61) 03 9663 3038
movida.com.au
Kanela Spanish Flamenco Bar & Restaurant
This casual flamenco-themed tapas bar in the Spanish quarter offers traditional Spanish cuisine and live dance performances. It's operated by brothers Johnny and Richard Tedesco, well-known flamenco dancers in Australia. The lively, colorful interior comprises a bar and dining room. Guests can enjoy sangria---a drink of red wine and chunks of fruit---and sample from the tapas menu as they watch the show. The house paella---a slow-cooked mixture of chicken, seafood and rice---is served family style. The stage is located in the intimate dining room, and there are live shows Thursday through Sunday nights. Kanela's churros con chocolate (sort of like a Spanish donut) are a popular choice for dessert. It's open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday, and reservations are required Thursday through Sunday.
Kanela Spanish Flamenco Bar & Restaurant
56 Johnston St.
Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
011 (+61) 03 9419 0424
kanela.com.au
De Los Santos
The elegant De Los Santos is housed in a 150-year-old corner building in the Fitzroy suburb, just outside the central business district. The vibe here is comfortable and casual. The small-plate menu features sautéed chorizo (Spanish sausage), tempura-battered zucchini, meatballs in a caramelized tomato salsa and empanadas (a flaky stuffed pastry) with beef and onion. It offers three styles of paella, including a vegetarian option. It has a full bar, extensive wine and dessert lists, and is on the pricey side. De Los Santos is open for dinner Monday through Saturday, and brunch only on Sunday. Reservations are recommended.
De Los Santos
175 Brunswick St.
Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
011 (+61) 03 9417 1567
delossantos.com.au
About The Author
Based in the Southwest, John C. Lauzon is a freelance writer and editor who has been writing professionally since 1997. His articles have appeared in "Details," "New York Press," "Entertainment Weekly," "British Esquire," "Penthouse" and "German GQ." He worked in magazine publishing for 10 years in New York City. Lauzon received a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology from Indiana University.
