My allocated foodscape is Brunswick Street, North of Johnston Street. Located in Melbourne’s first non-CBD suburb, Fitzroy, this section of street is central to housing and full of diverse eateries. The foodscape hosts all sorts of nodes ranging from traditional to modern, Italian to Vietnamese, bars and formal dining. The street has a relaxed feeling, with many people enjoying a sunny day of reading menus and strolling post meal.
This street in particular echoes the journey of my ancestors, and their settlement in Australia from Greece, as in the 1950s, the state government encouraged immigrants to move into Fitzroy and change it from dangerous and industrial to welcoming and family orientated. The particular food nodes that promote authenticity and family culture, are reminiscent of the experiences I’ve had with my own family gatherings, where we share food, take pride in our ingredients and are overjoyed to shed light on traditional recipes.
Before taking the subject ‘A taste of Europe’, and physically experiencing the foodscape, I was expecting a more predictable array of food nodes and the stories behind them. It is comforting to see that many eateries are genuinely in business to serve the community and build a sense of belonging, rather than just hoping to make money off of the public. My eyes have truly been opened to the history and diversity of Melbourne’s foodscape more broadly. It is exciting to see that as we move into a technological era, cookbooks and traditions about the way we cook and eat are still relevant and held close to heart for many foodies. Whilst many eateries are shifting to accommodate for dietary issues such as veganism and the Low FODMAP diet, they are commonly doing so without fragmenting culinary history.
(Featured image taken by author at Mario’s Cafe, Brunswick Street)
European food through a Low FODMAP lens 