Where Chefs Eat: Morena’s Alejandro Saravia on His Quintessential Melbourne Experience

Alejandro Saravia is a long-time champion of Victorian produce. He’s the man behind Farmer’s Daughters, a three-storey love letter to Gippsland, and its spin-off bar Victoria by Farmer’s Daughters, which celebrates the best of the state’s food, drink and art.

But the Peruvian-born chef’s latest venture Morena (which opened in Sydney earlier this year before landing in Melbourne last month) is an ode to his Latin American roots. The menu draws not just on Saravia’s heritage but his team’s too – there are influences from Venezuela, Colombia, Chile and Argentina weaving through dishes such as suckling goat with mole and blue corn tostadas; and seared marlin ceviche with tamarillo and coconut tiger’s milk (a spicy Peruvian citrus-based marinade); and pisco-based cocktails.

Morena and its casual spin-off, Morena Barra, sit around the corner from Farmer’s Daughters. It’s a pocket of the CBD Saravia has gotten to know very well, so we asked the chef where and what he’s been eating.

What’s your go-to spot for breakfast?
For a takeaway coffee my go-to is the Farmer’s Daughters coffee window, or I will pop by Market Lane on Collins Street.

For a sit-down breakfast, now that I live in the CBD, I love to explore the different options that are available. Recently I have been going to Bowery To Williamsburg – their breakfast selection is great! I really like the selection of bagels and sandwiches or the deli board. If I have more time on the weekends, my go-to is Napier Quarter – the anchovies on crisp sourdough with big dollops of mayonnaise, sliced egg and salsa verde is a must.

What about a drink and snacks?
City Wine Shop – oysters or beef tartare with a glass of wine. I love to sit outside and people-watch, I think it’s a quintessential Melbourne experience.

How about lunch on the go?
Shujinko or Shop Ramen for takeaway ramen. Soi 38 for a quick dry noodle bowl. And I love the new addition to our neighbourhood, Hector’s Deli on Little Collins.

If you’re recommending a venue for a first date, what do you say?
Embla – it’s a great venue for a date, Dave’s food is delicious, fresh and it’s always a great time. Then I would head to Bijou for a nightcap.

Where can you find your favourite dessert in town?
Grossi Cellar. I love traditional, not overdone desserts. A classic pistachio cake or crème caramel with a dry gin Martini or an espresso.

What’s your favourite ice-cream or gelato shop? What’s your order?
Piccolina – I like to try the collaboration ice-creams they release with other chefs. And Gelateria Primavera next to Spring Street Grocers for their Pistachio di Bronte gelato.

Favourite bakery?
Mari Mari – it’s a micro bakery that I am loving at the moment. The confit garlic focaccia is the best in Melbourne in my opinion. Wild Life Bakery in Brunswick East is definitely worth the journey to enjoy all the baked goods. Their ham and cheese croissant has a touch of wholegrain mustard that makes it very special and addictive.

Favourite Latin American restaurant in Melbourne?
Morena Melbourne and Barra – of course!

Best wine bar? Or restaurant with the best wine list?
Neighbourhood Wine or Bar Liberty.

Where did you go for your last birthday?
I had an intimate long lunch with friends at Brico in Carlton North. It was the best.