Markov's makeover

Location: 350 Drummond Street, Carlton
Phone: 03 9347 7113
Link: http://www.markov.com.au/
Cuisine: Gastropub, Pub/Bar

Markov Beer & Dining had recently undergone an "extreme makeover". Now it’s Markov: a craft beer and dining venue in a designer warehouse space.

White walls that once displayed dated Spanish posters have been chipped back to reveal original brick foundations. The red feature wall is now a white canvas for a sea of metallic stick figures by local street artist Tom Civil, a nod to another of his pieces in the rear laneway, Markov Place.
 The new menu features 'Urban Comfort Food' which aims to serve the food that respects seasonal produce without disguising it as something it’s not.
Head Chef Trumble Dewé, has worked beer into dishes where he can—chicken schnitzel with apple cabbage slaw and pale ale relish, and pork and porter spare ribs with shallots, lime and coriander.
Other highlights include hot wings with ranch, lime and spiced salt school prawns, and warm beetroot, grain and yoghurt salad. Markov’s wine list is an around the world ticket from France, Italy and Spain to America, Argentina and then back home again. There are 15 reds and 15 whites, with three of each available by the glass.
From the sweet corner, lemon and ginger doughnuts served with passionfruit curd are popular.
Markov ditches fussiness in favour of deliciousness with a focus on affordability (mains average $22) and generous portion sizes. With its attractive and comfortable décor, unfussy menu and a drinks list that doesn’t forgo craft for accessibility, the new Markov is sure to become a regular dining destination for locals and newcomers alike.

  Markov on Urbanspoon

Media Release: A slice of New York in Fitzroy

Location: 324 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
Phone: 03 9419 9596
Link: http://www.shawcrosspizza.com.au/
Cuisine: Coffee, Pizza, Salad
Shawcross Pizza is the latest offering from the Phat Brats crew and Iza Dawkins. An independent New York-style pizza joint serving 12 inch pizzas and King Kong-sized slices, cooked in massive custom-made 22 inch pans, Shawcross is an American-style pizza joint with an old school vibe.
Head Chef Damian Thompson (Phat Brats) snagged pizza master Alessio Albano (who has kneaded dough in Melbourne’s best pizza kitchens, including D.O.C, 400 Gradi, Fire Chief and +39) to show him how to perfect that all-important crust. Shawcross Pizza also offers nachos and a selection of “kick-ass salads” – such as the ‘Pumpkin Patch’ with roast pumpkin, spinach, quinoa, pine nuts, goats cheese and cherry tomato – ideal for those who won’t eat carbs after 5pm. 
Thompson has sourced local produce to create pizzas such as the ‘Notorious P.I.G’ with Italian pork sausage, bacon, jalapenos, mozzarella, BBQ sauce and onion; along with ‘The Mexicutioner’; piled with chorizo, mozzarella, spicy salsa, chilli and a drizzle of sour cream. Vegetarians, vegans and the gluten intolerant are catered for at Shawcross, thanks to rennet free cheese and the option of a GF base. 

Herbivores will love the ‘RidgyDidge’ with roast pumpkin, hummus, goats cheese, mozzarella and green peas, or for vegans, there’s the cheese-free ‘Bloody Vegans’ with hummus, spinach, tomato, red onions, green olives and lemon.

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Media Release: Neighbourhood cafe culture on Greville Street

By pioneering a culture of food, St Edmonds, has helped to develop a neighbourhood vibe in what is now a thriving hub. Greville Street, two years on, is alive with a bustling breakfast, brunch and lunch trade. Adopting a chilled Greville St culture, St Edmonds is joined by newer venues including Oskar Cooper, Cup of Truth’s Pardon Café and Ladro which are ready and waiting on a new influx of clients from soon to be complete residential developments. 
Colourful street art sets the scene at St Edmonds. Their patrons can be spotted relaxing over coffee, beer, wine and food. 
The food at St Edmonds is developed around the seasons with daily specials. Serious about coffee, the café roasts its own.

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