Before. What, you ask, is that suspicious foiled pacakge middle shelf, right hand side?

Firstly, I do not admit ownership for the majority of items you see in the "before" photograph above. However, I will admit to having a secret love affair with fridge cleaning. The conditions have to be right of course, a crisp, sunny day is always best. Luckily for me, although it is the dead of winter, Hobart had turned out a gorgeous, fresh sunny day. Just perfect for a little spring cleaning.

It should come as no surprise that I am particularly possessive over our fridge. And why not? Someone has to make sure the fridge does not contain:

• liquefied ginger wrapped in cling wrap
• three types of moldy jam
• a Hudson's coffee cup containing an unidentifiable substance
• what could possible have once been a carrot but more closely resembles a truffle
• ANYTHING with a use-by date of January 2009

On a positive side, I did discover a jar of capers no one is claiming, that I will happily assume ownership for (I'm thinking caponata...)

Now, no one else ever cleans out the fridge in my house. I'm not just talking about my current housemates - good sorts they are - I'm talking about my entire history of share-house living. Perhaps I just get in there first, but I doubt it. There is nothing more revolting that a fridge full of festering, fermenting food. If I didn't do this, I highly doubt anyone else in my household would, and I say this fully expecting a barrage of abusive comments from my housemates, who do (to my ongoing surprise) read this blog. But abuse away ladies, your comments will fall on deaf ears, just as they do when anyone mentions gardening, to which my response is to imediately find anything, ANYTHING, else to do.

I've now decided tha I am a fridge cleaning superhero. And quite frankly, there is potentially something wrong with me. Who likes to clean fridges? I obviously need help. Because I am such a looser I took the liberty of looking up "fridge cleaning" on YouTube (bless), and found this video, which should be a stark reminder, to myself and others, of what I was like as a child.

I always find a sense of wonder in the lengths that new businesses will go to in trying to differentiate themselves from the rest of the restaurant pack. Two Rathdowne has covered more than enough bases, as a cafe-cum-furniture store-cum-produce store, all they need is an art gallery in the corner to truly be unique.

I enjoyed a nice breakfast here on a recent trip to Melbourne, although the company of my dear friend Bronwyn perhaps put a little extra shine on this new venue. Only a few months old, Two Rathdowne has not been around quite long enough to iron out all the kinks, but still has the added bonus that not many people know about it yet, and the waitstaff have a shiny, happy quality that only comes in the early days of a new business.

The large space has been used well, with two long communal tables encouraging strangers to share while providing an option sure to become popular with big groups. A big empty space at the front of the room provides standing room for locals waiting for morning take-aways, without crowding seated punters. Although, a small chair utilised by some would probably have remained empty if anyone had noticed it's $1500 price tag. I stayed well away, as it would be just my luck to spill coffee on a sofa worth more than my entire wardrobe.

The food was well presented, although I felt we received our meals a little too quickly, and on close inspection I found my breakfast on the cool side. My memory fails me, I cannot remember exactly what I ordered, as I was deep in conversation about road trips around Europe, a topic of discussion that would distract most of us.

The menu is largely breakfast focused, an reasonably priced. Traditional favorites, like porridge with banana and brown sugar or eggs florentine are available, as well as a BLT with house-made mayo and relish. Lunch options feature daily soups, pastas and panini.

I'm not sure if anyone is likely to purchase a $400 lamp over their breakfast, but I am impressed by the style of this venue. With so many cafe options in this area, Two Rathdowne may have carved themselves into a successful niche market. Time will tell.

Two on Rathdowne Cafe & Design

793 Rathdowne Street
North Carlton
ph: 9078 5144

I thought I would amuse you all with some pictures of this splendid tea cup my housemate bought in Sydney a while ago from a second hand shop. It is so bizarre, I just love it.

I don't think I will be using it though, this is purely a decorative item. Especially considering I am want to break things just by looking at them.

The other day I discovered some broccoli in the fridge I had forgotten about. It was still fresh and crisp, but with an almost total lack of other vegetables in the house, I was at a loss as to what to do with it.

In fact I have only just come around to the virtues of broccoli in the last five years or so. When I was a little girl, I physically couldn't swallow a mouthful of broccoli, I found it that repulsive. It is possible, however, that my mothers tendency to serve it microwaved into oblivion might have influenced my youthful disgust.

These days, I love broccoli. And not just because it is exceptionally good for you, a 100g serving will give you almost 150 per cent of your daily vitamin C needs, is high in calcium and loaded with antioxidants.

This recipe serves one. Just multiply the ingredients by the number of serves you require.

Broccoli and parmesan soup:

1 small onion, roughly chopped
150g broccoli, roughly chopped
1 clove garlic, finely sliced
chicken stock, to taste
salt and pepper to taste
500ml water
parmesan, to serve

In a heavy bottomed saucepan, lightly fry onion until translucent. Add broccoli, and fry for one or two minutes. Cover with water, and bring to boil. Simmer for 15-20 minutes. Blend mixture until smooth. Garnish with grated parmesan and enjoy.

While writing this post, I have also been making another version of this soup, but with a spicy touch. I added a bit of dried chilli, some Spanish papprika and some red lentils , served with natural yoghurt as a garnish. I'll let you know how it goes, it's not ready yet.

Update: Spanish broccoli soup was quite nice. I was disappointed though. I was so hungover at the time, all I really wanted was a cheeseburger. Not super healthy soup! I've learned my lesson now.