From kitsch decor to extinct chains, new book revisits classic eateries
A sophisticated 70s restaurant with hot-pink light shades and the all-you-can-eat smorgasbords of the suburbs are among the Melbourne institutions revived in a new coffee table book.
Melbourne's culinary history comes alive in a new coffee table book by Chris Macheras titled "Old Vintage Melbourne: A Culinary Chronicle." The book features the city's iconic eateries, from kitschy decorations to extinct chains. The idea for the book came to Macheras during the COVID-19 lockdown, when he started an Instagram account showcasing vintage photos of Melbourne. The account gained popularity, leading to the creation of two books and now this third installment.
Macheras, who battled Hodgkin lymphoma during the book's creation, drew inspiration from his Greek migrant grandfather's love for history. The book includes stories and photos of about 120 food establishments, ranging from Marios and Kingsland Chinese Restaurant to Coles Cafeteria and the popular Footscray donut van.
Macheras' grandfather instilled in him a love for Melbourne's history, and the cookbook celebrates the city as a restaurant capital, a time when many crave nostalgia. The book highlights how migration waves from southeast Asia, India, and beyond have shaped Melbourne's diverse food scene. Some establishments, such as Stalactites, have managed to thrive through the years, while others have faced challenges due to factors like COVID-19 and arson.
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