What we covered in Melbourne food and drink this week
• A first look at Willim, a new McKinnon spot from prolific Melbourne cafe operator Julien Moussi. The decor is Twix-inspired and the menu includes loaded toast and sticky-date pancakes.

• Melbourne cocktail den Byrdie was named number 61 on The World’s 50 Best Bars longlist.

• We catch up with Thanh “The Fruit Nerd” Truong and talk cultural connection through food, glamorous berries and his new book Don’t Buy Fruit & Veg Without Me!.

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• Melbourne has three new lunch spots serving American deli-style sandwiches to check out.

• Wet, dry, dirty: Australia is in the throes of a Martini love affair. We ask an expert when a Martini stops being a Martini, and find out where can you get the best versions in Melbourne.

• Five new spots with great signature bakes including croffles, cinnamon scrolls and pies.

• We chat with American author and chef Molly Baz about the joys of working for herself, meatballs, and her new cookbook More Is More

• Melbourne’s coolest indie wine publication, Veraison Magazine, is releasing its final print issue and going digital.

• Olive oil company Golden Groves collabs with Richmond’s Baby on a menu that’s got “vacation vibes in abundance”.

You might have missed
• “Ciao Bella” plates by In the Roundhouse, cute Emma Mulholland oven mitts, Wonki hard seltzers and more 21st birthday gift ideas for the discerning Gen Z in your life.

Listen up
• This week on Broadsheet’s podcast *Around Town*, we hear from Charlie Carrington of Atlas Dining about his new sandwich shop, Little Havana, and learn how Prahran’s Officine Zero transformed into Officina Gastronomica Italiana.

More, please
• Sophie McIntyre’s Club Sup is teaming up with Brown Brothers to host a dinner party at Pipis Kiosk in Albert Park on Thursday October 19. Tickets are $114 per person. While groups are welcome, you’re encouraged to come solo and take the opportunity to make new friends over dinner.

• Via Porta has added a slipper lobster danish for spring. A flaky pastry boat is filled with lobster, fermented chilli, cucumber and pickled celery, tossed in a lemon and shallot mayonnaise, then served with coral lettuce and chips.

• To celebrate wine journalist and columnist Max Allen’s new book Alternative Reality, East Brunswick bar Bahama Gold is hosting a “wine feast” on Monday October 23 from 7pm. Tickets are $95 and include hearty Italian shared plates – with wines to match, of course.