the choc top icecream co, mornington
Who says Choc Tops only belong in movie theatres?!
Mamma can’t think of anything better to indulge in whilst being in the comfort of your own couch!
Who says Choc Tops only belong in movie theatres?!
Mamma can’t think of anything better to indulge in whilst watching Tv in the comfort of your own couch!
Did you know that you can pick up these amazingly delicious choc tops from The Choc Top Co factory in Mornington? You can choose from flavours like Vanilla, Choc-mint, Chocolate, Banana, Boysenberry, and Mamma’s fave - Salted Caramel!
The flavours go on rotation and you get some monthly specials - like Rainbow - and Coffee! But you can always get the staples - Vanilla, Choc Mint, Boysenberry. You can just rock up to the factory during open hours and pick some up - or you can also book online with 24 hours notice to pick up.
Trust Mamma, you will LOVE them!
GREAT NEWS!
Mamma Knows you’ve probably heard the exciting - Public transport is now FREE for kids!
Check out more here:
the nitty gritty
2/22 Bennetts Rd, Mornington 3931
Open
Monday - Friday
9am - 3.30pm
wanna know more? click here
Mamma’s special mention
Keep the fun going and test your skills in Locked In Escape Rooms!
high tea @ mr burch, mckinnon
Treat yourself to some decadence and indulge in this great vintage inspired cafe
Treat the family to some decadence and indulge in a delightful traditional high tea, at this great vintage inspired cafe.
Mamma is in love with this gorgeous “old fashioned” (as Little Miss calls it) cafe. The building itself is over 100 years old and you could be forgiven for thinking you have stepped back in time as you walk up the creaky narrow stairway. Make sure you say hello to ‘Mr Burch’ as you step into the High Tea room. Here you will find a cosy room, decorated with local artwork, a fireplace, some lounge chairs and tables decked out with fine china plates.
Then comes the High Tea! Depending on the option you choose, you will have a 3-tiered stand complete with mini sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, and an assortment of cakes, biscuits and desserts. Mamma opted for the cheese plate as well - full decadence! Topped off with a glass of bubbly, of course.
The Little Ladies also thought they were in heaven and a little bit ‘fancy’ as they munched on their cookies and slurped down their milkshakes.
Mamma can highly recommend this place for a bit of a treat on the weekend or school holidays. It is full of charm, fantastic service and delicious food!
Mamma's special mention: Grab a coffee to go and head down the road for a play at the stunning Allnut park.
the nitty gritty
OPEN
High Tea
Saturday and Sunday 2pm - 4pm
Bookings are essential
Cafe is open
Monday - Sunday
8am - 4pm
*current restrictions include maximum of 20 people indoors
wanna know more? click here
urban ground, mordialloc
This awesome precinct offers outdoor dining, an onsite cafe, outdoor (undercover) kids play area - AND a distillery specialising in Brandy!
Now here is a place that makes Mamma jealous of the locals!
Imagine having this as your go-to!
This precinct offers outdoor undercover dining and kids play area - including swings, cubby house- AND a distillery specialising in Brandy! What’s more, there are rotating food trucks, as well as a permanent pizza truck - from the folks who own D.O.C pizza and mozzarella bar.
This will become a favourite. Especially with the rotating food trucks, a large screen, cocktails and music! Grab your mates - mother’s groups - partners and check it out!
the details
OPEN
FOOD TRUCKS
Thurs & Fri – 5pm to 9pm
Sat & Sun – 12pm to 9pm
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention:
Head to the awesome Peter Scullin Reserve Playground for a play before or after your visit!
madam mekong, frankston
You can choose an entree like crispy spring rolls or rice paper rolls; mains like rice dishes, vermicelli noodle salads and from Thursdays to Saturdays you can take home a “make at home” Pho!
Yum! This bright, tasty and fresh new Vietnamese restaurant has just opened up its doors. For now, it is strictly take-away only (due to Covid) but when restrictions ease, there will be the opportunity to eat in.
You can choose an entree like crispy spring rolls or rice paper rolls; mains like rice dishes, vermicelli noodle salads and from Thursdays to Saturdays you can take home a “make at home” Pho! You get all the goodies and then heat up the broth and pour it over the meat (or veg option) and sprinkle in the herbs. Delicious!
There are options for vegetarians and vegans, and most things are also gluten-free! Everyone is covered! You can also grab a Vietnamese iced coffee, iced tea and other fresh drinks.
Mamma's special mention: Grab some pho to go and head to the awesome Ballam Park just down the road.
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Tuesday - Saturday 12pm - 3pm
5pm - 8pm
*Takeaway only available at the moment due to Covid
Pho to go Thursday - Saturday only.
wanna know more? click here
rocky road festival @ mornington peninsula chocolaterie & ice creamery, flinders
It’s Rocky Road heaven right here at home
Caution - Rocky Road AHEAD! For the month of May, the Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie celebrate all things marshmallow and chocolate with the ROCKY ROAD FESTIVAL. 31 different flavours in all sorts of combinations of milk, dark or white chocolate.
It’s a great excuse to head down to the stunning Flinders!
Mamma's special mention: Rocky road is ALWAYS on offer at the Chocolaterie not just in May but never to this extreme. The BEST thing that is on offer here is always the REAL hot chocolate!
the nitty gritty
Rocky Road Festival is on 1st - 31st May
OPEN
7 days a week
9am - 5pm
wanna know more? click here
click here for more great eats in Melbourne's South
okay lucy gelato, mornington
Here you can choose from delicious hand-made gelato and fresh and fruity sorbet, with rotating daily flavours. And to put the cherry on top - you can have your scoop drizzled with nutella!
If you are a gelato fan (who isn’t?) you are gonna LOVE this place.
Perfectly located opposite Mornington Park, is this light, bright and funky new ice cream shop.
Here you can choose from delicious hand-made gelato and fresh and fruity sorbet, with rotating daily flavours. And to put the cherry on top - you can have your scoop drizzled with nutella!
The gelato is seriously delicious, this Mamma has to keep visiting to make sure every flavour has been sampled!
With a few tables outside under the shelter of umbrellas, and a few bench seats; you can savour the flavour as you watch the world go by. Or you can head across the road to the Mornington Park reserve.
Friendly staff, delicious flavours and a great location make this the perfect spot to grab a scoop!
Special note - takeaway available
Mamma’s special mention
Head across the road to have a play at Mornington Playground.
chiavelli gourmet ice cream, mordialloc
Perfectly positioned across the road from the gorgeous Mordialloc beach, Chiavelli will be a MUST for those hot summer days - or any day really!
Mamma LOVES a really good gelato, and this brand new ice cream shop definitely delivers!
Perfectly positioned across the road from the gorgeous Mordialloc beach, Chiavelli will be a MUST for those hot summer days - or any day really!
Not only do they have dozens of delicious gourmet flavours such as, coconut lime, baci, an amazing choc-mint and more; they also sell cakes, too! Yum!
You can sit out on the deck and enjoy, or cross the road to sit in the silky sand and soak up the goodness.
Mamma’s special mention
Grab one to go and head across to the awesome Peter Scullin Reserve Playground.
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Monday - Thursday 12pm - 10pm
Friday - Sunday 11am - 10pm
wanna know more?
click here
the famished wolf, braeside
Make sure you bring your appetite when you come here, folks! The burgers are big and the brats are packed full of flavour.
This little gem is hidden away in an industrial estate, so you may not have discovered it yet. Make sure you bring your appetite when you come here, folks! The burgers are big and the brats are packed full of flavour. The kids meals are very generous, especially if you get the fab kids pack. This comes with the choice of a burger, chicken strips or fish, chips and a decadent milkshake served with whipped cream, lollies and a Tim Tam! You can opt to purchase an activity pack for $2 - that goes to Make A Wish charity.
They are licensed so you can enjoy a cool beverage as you sit in the undercover decking area out front.
Great food, great service and a cool vibe makes this the perfect spot to enjoy a tasty meal with the family.
SPECIAL NOTE - Burgers can be collected and delivered to you!
Mamma’s special mention
After you’ve grabbed a bite, head down the road to Garden world and check out all the cool Dinosaurs.
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Monday - Friday 9.30am - 9pm
Saturday - Sunday 12pm - 9pm
wanna know more?
click here
tooradin ice cream shop, tooradin
Mamma’s giving you a heads up - with over 30 flavours of scrumptious ice-cream to choose from here, you may have a hard time making a decision!
Mamma’s giving you a heads up - with over 30 flavours of scrumptious ice-cream to choose from here, you may have a hard time making a decision! Unless, of course, you are like Mamma’s little ones and simply cannot order anything other than Bubblegum!
The ice-cream here is delicious and plentiful. Mamma cannot resist a really good choc-mint, and this one is just perfect. But so is the toffee, jaffa, coffee, chocolate .. and the list goes on.
Perched on the foreshore of Tooradin Jetty, you can have the option of grabbing a cone to go and walking across the road to the river, or down the road to the sandy foreshore, amongst the mangroves.
Mamma and crew love this place. It is always a MUST do on the way (and way back!) to Phillip Island.
Mamma’s special mention
Head across the road and have a play at the very cool Lighthouse Playground.
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Monday - Friday 12pm - 5pm
Saturday - Sunday 11am - 5pm
wanna know more?
click here
little olly's, frankston
This great little coffee van resides at the bottom of Oliver’s Hill in Frankston, for all your coffee needs!
Coffee and the beach. Two of Mamma’s most favourite things in the world. Now, thanks to Little Olly’s - Mamma can indulge in both at the same time!
Newly opened, this great little coffee van resides at the bottom of Oliver’s Hill in Frankston. It has permanently set up home in the boat ramp car park, for all your coffee needs! Of course, there is more than just coffee on offer, you can also choose from delicious smoothies, hot chocolate, tea or treat yourself to a little snack as well.
There a few tables that you can sit and enjoy the view at, or grab a takeaway as you stroll along the water’s edge.
Mamma’s special mention
Drive down to the next carpark and have a play at the Frankston Foreshore Playground.
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Monday - Friday
5am - 12pm
Saturday - Sunday
8am - 3pm
coffee van - some seats available
wanna know more?
click here
blue mini cafe, rosebud
Now THIS is a cool place!
Set in the old Rosebud Ten Pin Bowling Alley, is this great cafe and emporium.
Now THIS is a cool place!
Set in the old Rosebud Ten Pin Bowling Alley, is this great cafe and emporium.
With a delicious menu packed full of fresh peninsula produce, terrific coffee - and there’s even a bar! The bowling theme is spread throughout the decor, as well as showcasing retro wall art and signs - think the Skipping Girl, Peters Ice cream and Vegemite.
There’s also a little nook with tables for the kids to colour/read at.
You can also sit out in the courtyard amongst the cute little garden.
The emporium stocks great eco-friendly products, the cutest little pot plants (you MUST see the piggies) lots of locally made candles and SO much more.
Mamma’s special mention
Head down the road to the awesome Rosebud Jetty Foreshore Playspace and let the kids have some more play time!
just delicious gelato, chelsea
There’s a cute little courtyard out the back, where you can sit and saviour your treats, as well as a few tables and chairs out front. It’s always a good day for delicious ice-cream!
It’s hard not to notice this colourful shop along the Nepean Highway in Chelsea. There’s some fantastic street art on the roller door that you can see when the shop is closed.
Inside the shop the art continues! There’s a couple of cartoon ice-creams and coffee cups. You will notice one of the ice-creams is in a wheel-chair. There is a great story behind this. Before the shopfront had a renovation, the ice-cream fridges were at the back of the shop. One day a bunch of kids with special needs could not access the shop. This resulted in a lot of disappointed faces. Faces which the friendly owners don’t associate with ice-cream! So they completely re-designed the shop, making sure it is wheel-chair friendly, so that they wouldn’t have to see disappointment on kids faces again! How good is that?!
Speaking of good, the ice-cream is superb. Mamma can never resist a choc-hazelnut, and the kids can’t go past a rainbow!
There’s a cute little courtyard out the back, where you can sit and saviour your treats, as well as a few tables and chairs out front. It’s always a good day for delicious ice-cream!
Mamma's special mention
Take the kids down the road to play at the awesome Chelsea Beach Playground.
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Monday - Wednesday
2.30pm - 8pm
Thursday - Friday
2.30pm - 10.00pm
Saturday - Sunday
11am - 11pm
wanna know more?
click here
two farm girls, aspendale
What is it that makes a really great cafe? A combination of the following things; great food, friendly service, a great vibe and things to keep the kids happy!
Two Farm Girls offers ALL of this, and more!
What is it that makes a really great cafe? Well, for Mamma, it’s a combination of the following things; great food, friendly service, a great vibe and things to keep the kids happy!
Two Farm Girls offers ALL of this, and more!
With the loveliest staff, who are just fabulous with kids, the service is simply spot on.
The menu is terrific. Offering lots of healthy, nourishing food that is packed with flavour, smoothies and juices too. There’s a great kids menu and perfect sized kids milkshakes in cute little animal-printed glass bottles.
Kids can be kept busy with colouring or they can try their luck at a board game of noughts and crosses.
With seating inside and outside, it’s the perfect spot for any day of the week!
Mamma's special mention
Take the kids down the road to play at the awesome Chelsea Beach Playground.
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Monday - Friday
7am - 3pm
Saturday - Sunday
7.30am - 3.00pm
wanna know more?
click here
hotel esplanade (the espy), st kilda
When is the last time you visited the iconic Espy? And if you haven’t been, what are you waiting for?
When is the last time you visited the iconic Espy? And if you haven’t been, what are you waiting for?
Recently renovated, this absolutely stunning historical building is bursting with charm.
Whether you are in the mood for a drink with girls, a laid back family lunch, date night or catching a band - you will find the perfect spot to perch.
You can choose from a delicious Cantonese banquet (so much food!) upstairs in the Mya Tiger room; a laid back ‘cellar-door’ inspired meal at The Espy Kitchen or a casual meal from The Main Bar.
Feel like a cocktail (or 3?), they have you covered in spectacular fashion. Upstairs, just around from the Mya Tiger room, is a stunning cocktail lounge. Complete with green velour circular booths and an incredible list of unique, delicious cocktails.
Of course, there are many bars scattered throughout the building to cater for all tastes.
In fact, there are 12 bars spread over the five levels.
There’s also lots of gigs, comedy, art and events happening most nights of the week, so check their website to keep up to date.
Oh, and make sure you ask about the ‘secret room’.
Special Note - The Espy offers School Holiday Programs which are heaps of fun. Click here for more info.
Mamma's special mention
There’s heaps of things to do in St Kilda. You can’t go past Luna Park. Or Pony Rides. A play at Catani Gardens. Walk the iconic St Kilda Pier or the awesome Solar System Trail.
the pancake train, braeside
Design your own decadent pancakes!
This place is a little bit of a hidden secret. Tucked away inside JV Marine World, you will find this pancake heaven!
Delivered to your table on a platter, you can choose what flavour topping (lemon curd was Mamma’s Favourite), what flavour ice-cream (peanut butter was the crew’s fave) and little vial of ‘dust’ to top it off (choc mint is a winner).
There are loads of flavours which means there are plenty of possible combinations. Mamma will need to go back a few times to try them all - chocolate fudge is next on the list!
You don’t have to design your own, you can opt for ‘regular style’ - but why miss out on the fun? There are also savoury options if sweet isn’t your style.
The Pancake Train is only open on weekends; during the week it is a regular cafe.
A deliciously decadent way to enjoy a family brunch!
Mamma's special mention:
Head down the road to check out the Dinosaurs at Gardenworld - or across the road to play at Pencil Park
the nitty gritty
Open
Saturday - Sunday
9.30am - 2.30pm
(and open during school holidays)
Cafe is quite small and not a lot of room inside for prams.
wanna know more?
click here
878 Springvale Rd,
Braeside
(inside JV Marine World)
click here for more great eats in Melbourne's South
jetty road brewery, dromana
Looking for a cool spot to chill out with an ice-cold beer, to warm yourself over the open fire, and where the kids are welcome? You’ve found it!
Looking for a cool spot to chill out with an ice-cold beer, to warm yourself over the open fire, and where the kids are welcome? You’ve found it!
Jetty Road brewery serves up the tastiest beer and food, with a side of awesome atmosphere.
You can kick back and enjoy a Sunday sesh (or any day sesh) and bring the kids with you. Kids can colour and draw at the table, or let them run out their energy outdoors in the undercover cubby house area. There’s also a kids menu, too.
You’ve just gotta try the beer though, obviously! Mamma recommends the tasting paddle - so you can sample a few of the delicious brews on offer.
Mamma will be back soon to sample the rest!
Such a great family-friendly spot.
Mamma's special mention:
Head down the road for a play at the awesome Rosebud Jetty Foreshore Playspace or drop in for some mini golf at Boneo Maze Discovery Park.
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Wednesday - Thursday
4pm - 9pm
Friday - Saturday
12 -11pm
Sunday
12pm - 9pm
wanna know more? CLICK HERE
mr grumpy, mulgrave
Grumpy by name but joyful by nature, this Mulgrave favourite is more than meets the eye. From the street, you would never guess Mr Grumpy’s Cafe was as large or as cheerful as it is. Mamma and the fam were certainly surprised to find out just how far back the undercover, heated courtyard stretched.
Grumpy by name but joyful by nature, this Mulgrave favourite is more than meets the eye. From the street, you would never guess Mr Grumpy’s Cafe was as large or as cheerful as it is. Mamma and the fam were certainly surprised to find out just how far back the undercover, heated courtyard stretched.
This Narnia-esque revelation only added to the excitement of discovering the many different characters and pop culture references that can be found on the murals that sprawl across the walls both inside and out.
The murals were definitely a high point of our visit but this mamma couldn’t go past the well stocked book case brimming with kids books, toys and colouring-in stuff. The grown ups even managed to polish off coffee number three for the morning while both littlies entertained themselves - win!
From the menu, Mamma’s little girl couldn’t go past the scrambled eggs on toast with avo, while the toddler made quick work of Mr Grumpy’s signature granola and yogurt. Mamma and Mr Mamma were treated to very generous serves of the breakfast burrito and pork beni which filled us up for the rest of the day.
Though there is no dedicated kids menu, Mr Grumpy is still very much a child friendly cafe - from asking if the kids food should come garnish free to the sheet of stickers little miss 4 received at the counter… mamma’s kids were well looked after!
the nitty gritty
OPEN
Monday - Friday
6am - 3pm
Saturday - Sunday
7am - 3pm
wanna know more? click here
Mamma's special mention:
once refueled, head over to Ellis Park for a play!
phillip island winery, ventnor
Mamma loves a winery lunch outing with the family. Gorgeous open spaces, great food and a drop or two of wine. The Phillip Island Winery is definitely one of Mamma’s favourites. Grab a seat in the cozy indoor spaces with sheepskin adorning the chairs, or the outside tables where the kids can run around on the grass.
Mamma loves a winery lunch outing with the family. Gorgeous open spaces, great food and a drop or two of wine. The Phillip Island Winery is definitely one of Mamma’s favourites. Grab a seat in the cozy indoor spaces with sheepskin adorning the chairs, or the outside tables where the kids can run around on the grass.
They have a great menu! The food is incredible and they also have a kids menu AND a POOCH menu! Naww.
Oh and make sure you pop into the GORGEOUS cellar door and homewares shed - The Yards, that sits to the right of the restaurant. Good luck not wanting to buy EVERYTHING for home! Hot tip: There is a larger Yards store in San Remo if you need to stop on your way home, just sayin’…
the nitty gritty
Open Wednesday – Sunday 11.30am until 5.30pm (unless there are weddings booked)
wanna know more?
click here
Mamma's special mention: There are so many great places to explore in Phillip Island - check out what else Mamma recommends here!
click here for more great eats in Melbourne's South
the pantry, phillip island
ALL the cheese, crackers, sourdough , nuts, meats and fruit that you could want; all great quality and totally delish!
A visit to Phillip Island isn’t complete without treating yourself to a bit of decadence. The best thing about The Pantry is that it comes to YOU, wherever you may be!
Wanting to take a picnic as you explore the coastline? Done. Want to indulge in the comfort of your own accommodation? Easy. However you choose to enjoy this sensational grazing platter, you will be in heaven.
It has ALL the cheese, crackers, sourdough, nuts, meats and fruit that you could want; all great quality and totally delish!
Mamma still dreams about the creamy soft cheese with honeycomb on top…
Mamma's special mention:
To really treat yourself, order your platter to enjoy as you stay at the luxurious Five Acres Farms Stay.
the nitty gritty
Delivered anywhere in Phillip Island & San Remo
Prices start from $120
wanna know more?
click here
click here for more Must Do’s in Phillip Island
san remo bakehouse, san remo
Award winning pies and views of the bay! What could be better than that?! Oh, wait - maybe having a kids corner, free babycinos and a charging station!
Award winning pies and views of the bay - what could be better than that?! Oh, wait - maybe having a kids corner, free babycinos and a charging station!
They really do have everything at this cute little bakery. A huge range of pies, delicious coffee and lots of vegan options, too. Don’t even get Mamma started on the sweet section …
The bakery is decorated with adorable little furnishes like a fairy door, large metal eggs, a fairy house decked out with little street signs, mushroom stool and lots of greenery.
The kids corner has toys, books, a pencil case full of pencils/crayons/textas, and some bean bags and cushions to sit comfortably on.
A perfect stop for some lunch and a spot of people (and pelican!) watching.
Mamma's special mention:
Right across the road is a playground and at 12pm every day you can view the wonderful Pelican Feeding.