rub Food Van, which opened last week, was not the first bright idea that owners Tim Mann and Mark Murphy had on what to do with the piece of land they own and live above on Moor Street in Fitzroy. “We wanted to grow produce to sell to cafes, but we couldn’t get a permit to allow that,” says Mann. “You can’t have a farm in Fitzroy.”

Instead, the couple decided to open Grub Food Van, a 1965 Airstream van bought on eBay (originally from Iowa), with a menu that uses some of the produce grown in the green house underneath their home. “I’ve always wanted an Airstream,” he laughs. “I put it down to my love of Lucille Ball.”

The van is a permanent fixture on the lot, with tables and chairs outside. Mann describes it as a seasonal business. “I believe in putting up a sign sometimes, saying ‘gone to the beach’. It’s important to stand back from it all too.”

Grub serves a simple, deconstructed menu by chef Rebecca Creighton. “I call it snacks all day,” explains Mann. Artisan breads, simple terrines and tomatoes from the greenhouse dot the menu, while an all-Victorian wine list, along with a cider, Brunswick Bitter on tap and other beers by the bottle round out the drinks.

Check their Facebook page for opening hours (just in case they do go to the beach), but Mann sees the place having summer and winter hours to fit into their lifestyle and the local Fitzroy crowd.

Grub Food Van
87–89 Moor Street, Fitzroy
(03) 9419 8991

Hours
Summer: Daily 7am–10pm
Winter: Daily 7am–7pm

grubfoodvan.com.au
facebook.com/pages/Grub-Food-Van/