I’ve discovered some suburban gems I wanted to share with you – one that is close to work on the eastside and the other being near my place in the westside. These babies don’t share the same cuisine. However, they do have one thing in common, in that they aren’t dine in restaurants but rather take away joints serving up some of Melbourne’s best charcoal chicken and a humble little deli owned and operated by a mom and pop not a corporation, who don’t need a press conference just a conversation for word of mouth to spread about their baguettes.
I work in the burbs but am fortunate to be relatively close to a variety of restaurants along Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn. Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to work in the CBD, but I count my blessings knowing that there are a few gems along the strip that I frequent such as the uber French patisserie La Tropezienne (macaron heaven), Italian fare at Rococo ( their Ricotta Gnocchi in Tomato Sugo has me screaming…woah!) and the hearty beef bugnion pie at Depot De Pain that seems to rid my Mondayitis. I mention these restaurants because for some strange reason, I rarely to blog about anything near my work despite eating at these restaurants several times a week.
Being at work, these photos were taken with my mobile phone…
Continental Deli, hidden away inside the arcade, has been trading for more than 30 years. In addition to stocking local and imported European delights from jams, biscotti, baklava to fresh pasta and spices, they also serve up some larger than life sized baguettes (aka Sfilatino in Italian) filled with whatever you fancy on the day from salami, prosciutto, chicken, turkey, basil pest, tomato pesto, olives, eggplant and three kinds of cheeses.
If you think a Subway foot long is big, they got nothing on these bad boys can be either be used as a weapon during cos play or can easily be shared between two people.
How I came about finding the deli was actually quite funny. I was on the hunt for Ben & Jerry’s ice cream one lunch hour and was told Continental Deli was the nearest outlet! I then saw a bunch of uni students walking out with these mammoth sized bread sticks and being the curious creature that I am, I asked myself “Surely they’re all not heading to a damn picnic?!”
The simple combination of ingredients laden on your choice of either a crusty freshly baked white bread roll or sourdough has made this meal my weekly ritual. A perfect take on the less is more approach and it works. Devouring one of these gems gives you an insight into how the Italians prepare and eat bread. A staple in Italy, bread usually accompanies all meals. On that, I love the aroma of the freshly cut sourdough, the sounds of the knife cutting into its crusty soul and tearing away at it my all my teeth’s might. Such a pleasure to eat – a wee bit messy though, but worth the crumbed trail.
My favourite combinations include:
- Prosciutto, Sundried tomato pesto, swiss cheese – a combination of tangy and salty flavours.
- Turkey, capsicum pesto, eggplant and cheddar cheese
To order, you must follow the system:
- Look for the order form to the left-hand side of the counter
- Choose from up to 3 fillings for $5, 4 fillings $6 or go wild with 5 for $7.
- Circle your choices and take this to the counter when handing over your benjamins
- Wander around the deli drooling over specialty biscuits, ice creams and chocolates whilst you wait for your name to be called
So what are ya waiting for? If you’re in the Hawthorn area, venture into the Woolworths arcade and take a bite out of this crunchy delight!
Next time on Food Rehab: Remember that amazing charcoal chicken I mentioned earlier? Don’t fret, that post is coming right up mama. In the meantime, check out my other posts on Melbourne’s Hotspots under $20.
Zee Details
Continental Deli
676 Glenferrie Rd, Hawthorn VIC 3122
Phone: 03 9819 6645
So um, where else can I find some kick ass baguettes in Melbourne?
If you’re not already signed up for updates from Food Rehab, get on the list and I’ll do my best to keep us learning about none-other than glorious, GLORIOUS food! Also, follow me on Facebook (NEW!) or Twitter if you have either of those addictive things.
Keep eating,
Adrian
You may also like
-
…Surprise! I have a new cookbook project out: THE NEW FILIPINO KITCHEN
-
Melon Noodle Cooler with Sago and Condensed Milk aka The Perfect Summer Drink
-
A Deliciously Slow Sunday Lunch at 2 Macs Farms
-
3 Reasons why you need Sopas this summer (creamy chicken + macaroni soup)
-
CARNIVORE’S PARADISE: An evening with Pastuso and San Telmo
Their ordering system reminds me of the Soup Nazi. Looks good though!
A classic seinfeld episode!
Ooooh, no no, if you really want to make like the Italians, surely you need to stuff the baguette with the Ben and Jerry’s in homage to the Italian treat of brioche filled with gelato? 😉
What a great idea Hannah…always a thinker you are! LOL
I feel that noisette’s baguette is not too bad
thanks for the tip- I’ll check out noisette
Lol after all my Asian food eating, these “Western” sandwiches look so ‘foreign’ to me! 😀
I must admit though, I’m a fan of prosciutto. Mmmm….
mmmm…prosciutto….Though I craved western food after my asia trip
Excellent post! Thank you so much for this, next time I visit my partner at Swinburne I’ll grab one of these for lunch 😀
It’s a must!
oh… you reminded me of Delifrance! so so old skool right?
Love it..and must check out Delifrance too
Your mobile takes pretty good pictures! I am exactly the same – rarely blog about places where I work – I think I am just in “work mode”!
exactly right! Work mode means no blogging LOL
oh my these baguettes rock so jealous of your good eats in Melbourne
I think baguettes are underrated in melbourne.
It is hard to fina a good baguette in Sydney. Glad you have found a good one in Melbourne. That looks awesome.
Very oldskool joint…and really good service too
5 fillings for $7 is not bad at all! i wouldve went for 4 serves of prosciutto with cheese haha!
You read my mind…
This just makes me rueful that I live so far away from Melbourne and missing out on lovely deli food like this. Your reference to the baguette sandwiches doubling as cosplay weapons made me laugh. My kids are big on cosplay (and I’ve been dragged to a convention or two) so we know a little bit about innovative food fighting! Btw, thanks for dropping by my site. I’ve seen you on Jeroxie before but never came here, and glad I just did ;-).
aaaw, thanks for your kind words. That’s hilarious- I’m sure you’re now a cosplay convert?
yum! luv baguettes!
That IS SO CHEAP! Such a good deal.. although I’m forever asking the deli to change my bread as I find the baguette much too hard 🙁
These baguettes don’t scrape your mouth like others do…it has a nice crunch and perfectly crusty. Try it out 🙂
Baguettes are for eating and not to be used as light sabres, my comic/anime-loving friend!
haha…touche
I find baguettes such lovely comfort food, for some reason! And also – it’s the kind of comfort food that doesn’t stick to the belly afterwards 😉 I always get mine at Waffle On, but this looks like a serious contender!
You’re so right! Love Waffle ON- but I work too damn far so I go to my local.
I absolutely love the “system” — it’s a sign that I’ll definitely like that place. I can’t really explain it… it’s just a similar sensibility to shop-owners in my heritage part of the world I guess.
Great to know there’s a also a good-quality baguette out there! And at times, I’d frankly love to work outside the CBD… lots of character in Hawthorn and surrounding burbs!
You’re spot on. It’s not just the baguettes that are great, but it’s the overall traditional feeling of the place.
I wish I was in Melbourne 🙁 your choices sound delish! I love that you can order one of these and then protect yourself on the way home from anyone dodgy looking haha
Let me know if you find a great baguette in Sydney….would love to know
I’m with you – sometimes there is nothing better than a simple, fresh baguette!
here here!
“A weapon during cos play” that’s hilarious!! 😀
I swear I’ve never done cosplay….. (crossing fingers behind my back)
Damn! I’m so craving a baguette now! I wonder if I can get one?
I crave it most days…I can eat it whilst I go for my lunchtime walk
Ha ha – had to laugh at Miss Melbourne – she is so right about the Soup Nazi! Baguettes are the best (another example of the KISS principle). Ben & Jerry’s is ok too I guess .. only kidding – it’s amazing!
Soup Nazi is such a classic huh. Love that episode