When I started to bid goodbye to my fave spots in South Yarra, the first place I went to was Gaia Cafe. Then, on a Friday at 11 AM on a workday when I was supposed to pick up the post in the post office, my legs took me to Avoca St instead.
The weather was too glamorous not to have brunch outside. The last glimmer of autumn before being swallowed by harsh, unforgiving Melbourne winter altogether. My last hurrah before starting to pack in the next few weeks.
I was introduced to Gaia by Liz years ago, and ever since, the place has become a silent fave.
Silent because I had never been introduced to this place.
I didn’t take any friends, Fafa, Jik or Amma, here. And after the first time with Liz, I have never come here with her again.
Instead, I mould Gaia to be my sanctuary. It’s where I go to journal, blog, contemplate, celebrate, to take a break. To get nurtured and protected – my liminal place.
There is a beautiful Victorian house with a black staircase outside and a fence fully decorated by leaves beside the cafe, separated by a small lane.
I have sat here many times contemplating that I will buy this house when I have millions. One day…
The menu in Gaia is pretty typical of l Aussie brekkie. Not really my favourite kind, but I have yet to eat better chilli scrambled eggs within walking distance and in this neighbourhood.
At times, Gaia offers a special menu. Today, they had a smoked bacon omelette, which sounded delicious. I would have ordered it but knowing I might not come again hereafter I move, I decided to stick with my fave: oat flat white and chilli scrambled extra chilli.
The staff here let you be; they let me write in the corner. They let me alone. They always sato y sit anywhere you want, and they never tell you they don’t have a place for me, however busy it’s.
I think Gaia Cafe is run by Vietnamese – solely based on them serving Vietnamese coffee 🤷🏽♀️
There are diverse kinds of people coming here, primarily the new mommies and old-money regulars, but occasionally I also see singles. Like today, there was a serious-looking writer and chatty old ladies.
I will miss Gaia, but I am also glad I had the nurturing experience here in the first place.
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