Lunch In The Urban Jungle

18. Apr, 2011

Lunch time in Melbourne can be exciting experience; the thrill of the hunt, the politics of waiting in line and the almost inhuman speed of food consumption. All types emerge in search of food, but none know a humble lunch spot better than a tradesman.

If you’re lucky enough to spot one around lunch time, I suggest you follow and perhaps you’ll end up at Le Croissant Des Halles at the Victoria Market. Don’t be fooled by its name, this quaint bakery holds with it the Tradie’s Seal of Approval (TSA) as it offers food that is cheap, fast, no frills and delicious.

Whilst in line you may also see office workers, some stray tourists and even the hungry passer-by drawn in by the crowd. Here, under the TSA, everyone comes to enjoy the main attraction: the sandwich bar.

A team of tiny, efficient women ask for your order before you’ve even had a chance to take in your surroundings, prompting you at every stage: roll size, bread type, then off to the bain marie to deliberate between roast meats, golden schnitzels or cold cuts.

After carving you a generous serving of roast pork, they direct your attention to the salad bar. Sure, the avocado and home-made mayo are going to cost more, but you get them anyway. You eye off the baby spinach but follow the tradie’s cue and ask for iceberg. A few more touches, then they ask you to part with something around $5. The cost can be differ, even if you think you ordered the same thing, but it’s cheap enough for you not to care.

Enjoy al fresco and watch the world go by, or if you spent too much time window-shopping like I did, hurry back to work and fill the office with the mouth-watering smell of a hot roast.