WHERE DO YOU...

Get some culture? The best way to ingest some culture is by digesting it. For the best pho and Vietnamese iced coffee, try Pho Tam (level one, shop 7–9, Leeds Street, Footscray, call 9687 2680). Or try grilled octopus and saganaki at Jim’s Greek Tavern (32 Johnston Street, Collingwood, call 9419 3827).

Go to relax? One of my favourite things to do is to just go for a mindless wander. Even after working in the city for more than 10 years I still discover things I’ve never seen before!

Indulge yourself? Hwaro Korean Barbecue House (562 Little Bourke Street, city, call 9642 5696), is the best Korean barbecue house in the city. Try the chilli pork belly and kimchi. Amazing!

Spend your last $10? The Bottom End on a Wednesday or Thursday night when most dishes are just $10 (579 Little Collins Street, city, call 9629 3001).

Buy something new? I love Outre Gallery (249 Elizabeth Street, city, call 9642 5455) for something to put on your wall, Northside Records (236 Gertrude Street Fitzroy, call 9417 7557) and Smart Alec hatters (71 Smith St, Fitzroy call 9416 4664).

Take someone you want to impress?For opulence with a sense of humour I love Giuseppe Arnaldo & Sons at Crown (25/8 Whiteman Street, Southbank, call 9694 7400).

Go on your own? After living above a shop on Lygon Street for eight years, Lygon Food Store (263 Lygon Street, Carlton, call 9347 6279) has become my lunch spot every other day.

Stay up late? If ‘‘it’s only 5am, where do we go now?’’ is part of your vocabulary, check out the Mercat Basement (456 Queen Street, city, call 9326 5187). You can do your shopping at the Queen Vic Market before heading home.

Want to keep a secret? Some things are best kept secret.

Recommend to first-time visitors? Curtin House (252 Swanston Street, city). Start with the Roof Top Cinema and Bar then work your way down, as it’s much easier than starting at Cookie and working your way up!

For more information, visit thetoffintown.com