Danger or desire?
Where there’s an alley, there’s... Sweeney Todd! You’ve all have heard of Johnny Depp role as the famous murderous barber right? I’m actually a huge huge HUGE fan of him and Tim Burton’s movies and for the ones that don’t know him, basically sneaky Todd, surreptitiously murders his clients that come in for a shave and more shockingly, the victims are profitably made into... delicious meat pies
Yes, that is the number one thing I think when I think of an alley. That and couples sneaking in a narrow street for their private romantic moments 😂 and well the Alleyway has smoothies in skulls. Skulls can be qualified as scary, agreed? So how can a name be any more appropriate and matching the vibes, right? A bloody good combo I would say!
The venue is located at Heidelberg on the main road and although the sign is not clearly and brightly visible... well, I guess an alley can be dark and hiding sometimes the most amazing things! And it sure did in this case!
I had seen and heard about this place for ages and I have been wanting to visit it because of their incredible thematic thematic menu and decoration and it 👏 did 👏 not 👏 disappoint! From the moment I walked in I felt like I was entering a true fairytale scenery. Not in a cheesy way, not at all, but more like in the way that there is so much vibrant energy in the air and so many lights that’s basically impossible not to feel overwhelmed and welcomed straight away. There are neon logos, paintings and different signs on the walls, and even the most amazing bulb lights! The plants are carefully chosen and even the whole counter is beautifully arranged! They have immaculately bottles lined higher up and on the lower level the most fresh and BIG cakes and pastries. Some very curious and peculiar items also can be found here and across the whole venue and I found them so interesting and even some of them quite... cute! 😂 they have some Disney toys, some boards with puns and bold captions and even an inspiring sentence written on the wall that says ‘When things go wrong, go right’. Plus, if you visit the toilets you’ll find another interesting sign ‘Men to the left because women and always right’. I find that these little things give so much character and so much added value to the venues and highlight not only the ethos is the people that run the business but also tell an actual story and set up a great environment just from the very start!
The place itself is quite vast and the back area is again matching the mood and actually similarly to a dark alley, with dark roasted wood tables, wall bricks and enlightened purely by the bulb lights and the iconic ‘The Alleyway’ red neon logo about a fireplace. It is a place I would definitely to be fake. On a date as it gives some privacy and ‘sets up the mood’ 😂 even the huge mural on one of its walls is quite romantic and honestly, even though I have just visited the place, I do want to go back and just spend more time admiring how beautiful this place is and how it makes you dream ❤️
We were kindly welcomed by Heeb, the owner, who not only showed us the magnificent seats for us but also carefully asked if we were happy with the place chosen! Seriously, if was already in love from the moment I walked in, the approachable and welcoming way that he addressed me was just 👏👏👏 I could see straight way from the way he talked and his inviting gestures that he definitely was one of those ‘chilled vibes’ and easy going people and I wasn’t wrong at all. I even chatted with him after enjoying my meal and he not only did he asked me how my meal had been but the made one single question that, for me, just puts this place, right up the top of my favourites 👏❤️. He asked ‘what do you think we can improve on?’.
Even though there has been an increasingly bigger awareness regarding costumer feedback and cafes being more receptive when it comes to constructive criticism, there’s still a lot of taboo and even fear by the business owners to ask for feedback. Because honestly, it’s fair enough, you never know what people will say! And these days with so much competition it is sometimes easy to create a massive downwards trend in popularity. But business people that do what to thrive and reach higher, for that those risks and and even bold to ask in advance for the opinion of their costumers. And there is nothing more gratifying that having someone asking for our thoughts and genuinely wanting to improve the service that they provide (and in this case I have NOTHING to point! Really 👏👏👏).
This not only makes the business prosper more but it’s even a very clever strategy!
Anyway (because this is getting way to extensive already 😂) I told him that I thought that the sign outdoor wasn’t very visible and that if they wanted to make the inside even more impressive (which is actually hard as it’s already so WOW) they could have some of the neon lights on the counter above the cakes and barista station making it seem that there was some lighting strikes inside! But besides that everything was just on point - really - ad trust me when I say that it’s quite hard to not point out anything (as similarly to highlighting the positives, I am also very proactive and willing to improve and make things even better than they are!). In terms of meals... well let’s get on to it!
The whole menu is mouth drooling and with a doubt very tempting! I was quite indecisive between a couple of things (and I can say straight away that I will OBVIOUSLY go back to try basically... everything 😂 because it’s so flawless designed that I’m sure anyone that visits will have the same feelings!). However there were a few main things that I REALLY wanted to try, so here’s what we got:
- Acai Superbowl - it’s possibly one of the best acai bowls in Melbourne. And yes, this is a huge claim for someone that has tried quiiiiiite a few (let’s say basically almost every single one 😂) and that creates her one acai bowls too. Why is this one so perfectly achieved? Well, size is ideal - not too small and not too big for the average costumer (of course acai is never too much and I did wish I had more than just a bowl, but in terms of serving I have to say it is a good portion 👏), then the bowl itself they use has that rustic look and is very beautiful, and then... the toppings! That’s what makes this a winner. To be honest the acai itself was a bit runny - not watery or anything , but it came quite liquid - and I personally would have liked it to be thicker. Also, there isn’t much acai compared to the toppings and I think the quantity could be slightly more and it will still perfectly in the bowl (but seriously you’ll be so overwhelmed with the different and delicious toppings that you probably would even care). There is a massive portion of a VERY delicious and with just the right of sweetness granola that I had never tried before - the combo with grains, nuts and seeds is just ideal and it even has actual dates in it that combined in a spoonful of acai + fruits + granola, it will take you to a sweet sweet paradise 😍🤩 even date ‘haters’ (😂) cannot say no to this - oh no, they cannot. The portion of the granola is also ideal and i seriously want to know which brand they use of if they make their own granola because this was DELICIOUS. And saying delicious is even an understatement! 👏 they also add chia seeds and quite a few fruits such as kiwi, mango (that works SO WELL here!), banana, strawberries and blueberries which are a must in all bowls 👌 and of course that the surprises didn’t end here! The bowl also came with the BEST hazelnut crumb I’ve ever tried and just to show you how attentive with detail they are, they actually separate the granola from the crumb (which naturally could get slightly mixed!) with some coconut shreds 👏👏👏 really well thought of!
Another thing I want to highlight that stocked me was that the coconut yoghurt came on the side even without me asking! Loved this idea and I think places could definitely consider this option more as it allows you to choose how much coyo you want to add (or even if you want to add!). Overall, I don’t think I could have been happier (maybe if I had another bowl 😂!)
- Tapioca & Chia Porridge - this was an absolute wow 😮 👏🤩 I hadn’t seen any tapioca porridge on Melbourne this winter and I hadn’t had tapioca for so long (it’s quite uncommon to find it here in cafes!) that I had even forgotten how delicious it was. The taste is quite gooey and at the same time bubbly and light and it is in three words: a pure delight. I even think that I liked this type of porridge even more than the one with oats (as sometimes with oats it can become too filling and dense!). It has quite a transparent and whitish colour and you can clearly see the chia seeds across the whole meal and even the fact that they use chia here is, again, very well thought of! Chia attracts the liquid and creates that gooey consistency and here with the coconut milk the taste and final result is just sooooo creamy and even unreal! 👌 the use some aromatic spices, dried fruits & pomegranate molasses as toppings and the whole combo is ideally achieved and very balanced! Magnificent! One thing they could potentially try would be to add some sprinkled green pistachios or hemp seeds but... I’m not entirely sure how it would work with the rest of the ingredients 😂 and to be honest this is just already such a winner meal, rocking all the boxes of size, consistency/texture and taste! A massive congratulations on this one indeed!
- Veggie Burger VG version with sweet potato fries - I had recently seen some pictures of the this burger as obviously it would catch everyone’s eye with that instagramable beetroot brioche bun 😂👏 but not only it is beautifully presented but the actual burger is delicious! And different from your usual burger! So there is actually no bun per se here and they just combine a couple of ingredients in between the buns creating again a winner and distinct meal - a good portion of mixed roast vegetables, relish and spinach along with corn kernels (& goats cheese in the vegetarian version). I also decided to ask for some mushrooms as I thought it would pair very well with the rest of the veggies and I wasn’t wrong (at least not this time 😂👏). And don’t let me even start about the fries. Because seriously who does love sweet potatoes fries?! Possibly one of the most delicious chips I’ve ever had and yes, DEFINITELY ask for them if you try this meal. They are decadently crunchy on the outside and simultaneously hot and fluffy inside and you can even take it to the next level by dipping them in the yellow aioli mayo 👏😍🤭 the thing is that even if you are not a burger fan because you think that burgers are ‘unhealthy’, well, 1- there’s no inherently bad or good food - everything should be balanced. And 2-you will love this because it’s incomparable to any other ‘typical’ burger you’ve had before! I was sold 🥰
- Dragon Fruit & Mixed Berry Smoothie - the first thing that stands out is how exquisite and iconic the drink comes - served in a big skull glass, with such a vibrant colour and captivating chia and coconut sprinkles on top. Portion is incredible and it’s definitely more than enough 👌👏 actually I feel like some people will even find it too much (not me 😂). In terms of taste that was slightly disappointing - not that it isn’t good, no, but it’s not a sweet drink compared to an acai smoothie or banana smoothie and the taste is slightly bland compared to other pitaya smoothies I’ve had before. It is a blend of dragon fruit, blueberries, strawberries and raspberries and the fact that they use coconut water doesn’t help in terms of enhancing the flavour. It’s still a good choice, not sour, but I think that if they were to add more dragonfruit and less coconut water, the final result would be much more appreciated! Even blending in some dates would work really well! Consistency is still great so in my personal opinion this drink is just a tiny step away from becoming flawless!
- Kale Supagreen Cold Press Juice - my friend decided to ask for this drink as she enjoys drinking juices more than smoothies and I was also quite curious to try it! It comes in a little adorable and thematic chemistry laboratory measuring glass (those ones used for experiments!) and it has basically ‘all the health’ inside it 😂 kale, cucumber, cos, celery, capsicum and apple - those are the ingredients. Personally I wasn’t a huge fan as the final tasting combo is not very sweet but my friend found it filling and really appreciated the flavour! I think I would have enjoyed it in a hot day more butt well, I will certainly go back soon and I am more than willing to give it another go and try some other juices too - even if it’s just to feel special for drinking it in a special glass. No, this is not ‘just the average’ juice! 😂
- Flat White - my friend had this coffee and it came perfectly executed, with good latte art and just very much welcomed to give that caffeine hit. I’m sure this place is very popular amongst the locals to get their daily coffee fix (as the venue and the baristas where endlessly working!)
- Almond Beetroot Latte - this was again another surprise! It was possibly one of the most delicious and well achieved beetroot lattes I’ve tried - not even kidding! Taste is flawless, no earth-like aftertaste and with a touch of sweetness even! They told me they use a special ingredient to make it so good and creamy and I’m not supposed to give it away 🤭😂 all I can say is that the drink was just perfectly blended and a true delight... with the bonus of the most eternal and welcoming heart drawn on top. Yes, eternal! 😂 as I kept drinking it, the art and top foam surprisingly stayed on, almost until the very end! I was actually so stocked because usually the foam starts to spread and lose its semi solid ‘consistency’ but not on this case! I would SO recommend you to try this one - it will be different than all other beetroot lattes you’ve tried without a doubt!
Wow, that was long 😂 (as usual 😂). Thank you for the person that actually took the time to read it and potentially benefit from it!
It’s definitely WAY more than worth making a trip to visit this place. Everything was just incredibly full of flavour and with the upmost detailed presentation. It’s a very passionate family business and all the people that are involved that run it are wonderfully friendly and really care about their customers - they are constantly walking around, attentive, and ready to check on you, asking how everything is and it you need anything else. Plus, not only are the meals instaworthy and actually AMAZING but this is a true gem of MELBOURNE that’s going to impress anyone you bring!
I cannot wait for them to launch their spring/summer menu soon and to try more of their CLEARLY soon-to-be amazing meals! 👏🎉
An error has occurred! Please try again in a few minutes