LFS - "THE" Lunch Spot

So it was cold and windy in Melbourne today, but that was not enough as an excuse to stop me from having lunch at LFS with JP. (JP's a colleague and a good friend of mine, where J is the girl who jumped out of the plane after me...)

What is LFS? What's so special about LFS that makes it qualify as "THE" lunch spot?

LFS is short for Lygon Food Store. Located at the heart of Lygon Street - the little Italy of Melbourne, it's a small Italian shop that sells plenty of cheeses, roasted & pickled veggies, ham, antipasto, and many things that look very interesting and mouth-watering.

As The Age Cheap Eats says, "On ANY given day at Lygon Food Store, you'll find a group of Italian cronies discussing the weather, the horses ad their daughters." Of course I wouldn't have any idea if they are discussing anything else more (Non parlo Italiano!), but it is literally true! You can also hear the shop keepers speaking in Italian while customers queue up to order (probably complaining about the customers!).

LFS has been on Lygon Street for 40 years. It originally started as a shop selling Italian cheeses. Lots of antipasto, such as artichokes, olives, eggplant, peppers, onions, mushrooms and - my favorite - sun-dried tomatoes. There are also lots of pasta, olive oils and different kinds of vinegars. But what makes me love going back again and again is #9!

LFS serves freshly prepared bread that's simple yet tasty. Now this is not your average toasted sandwich that you can get easily on the street. There are plenty of freshly prepared fillings to choose from with your choice of fresh ciabatta, focaccia or baguette. You can either be creative with the combination, or you can order from the menu (about 20 kinds). Finish off with a nice cup of genuine Italian coffee, no frills, just good Lavazza. Yummmm! Good quality food with an average price of AU$7.00, that's why it is "THE" lunch spot!

Of course the feeling of sitting out il fresco where you can enjoy the food and sunshine at the same time is another important factor. Kinda makes you wanna sit there forever...

Photo: J & A cappuccino - one-third creamy froth, one-third steamed milk, and one-third freshly brewed espresso, topped with chocolate and cinnamon spice. Something you cannot get anywhere else!