Dr Esmé Louise James is the host of Kinky History, the podcast all about the weird, wonderful and often raunchy history of sex and sexuality. She’s written books about it, she makes content around it – content followed by more than 3.5 million across social media – and she has landed on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list and completed a PhD at the University of Melbourne along the way.
And James knows a few things about life’s other great sensual pleasures: eating and drinking. From stacked oyster platters at one of the city’s finer diners to her go-to spot for a Mauritian feast, here’s where you’ll find her making the most of the city she calls home.
My local is The Rouse Eatery in Port Melbourne. It feels like a drop of Europe right here in Melbourne, especially in summer. I swing by almost every day to pick up a coffee before going for a walk on the beach to clear my head. The owners, John and Nitsa, have become such an important part of my sense of community. Of course, some of those ‘mental health’ walks end up with me swinging by again on my way back – this time for a glass of wine. Whatever keeps the creativity flowing.
The best new thing I’ve found is the Moroccan Soup Bar in North Melbourne. I, quite naively, assumed this place only served soup when my partner suggested it – it’s an understatement to say I was blown away. The kitchen has a set menu of food that they create every night. All you have to do is let them know how many people are in your party, and they will take care of you.
Heads up: make sure to bring your takeaway containers. They pride themselves on making sure you have enough to take home for the next day, and the flavours just get better and better. Truly, I could not recommend this place more. The chickpea bake lives rent-free in my mind.
When I want to celebrate an occasion with a special meal… My partner and I have spent our last few Valentine’s Day and anniversary dinners at Reine & La Rue. The cathedral-like space is simply STUNNING, especially after a couple of champagnes. Everything down to the butter they use for bread is mouthwateringly good. They do a fantastic platter of oysters sourced from different locations, which really makes you realise how distinct all of the regions can taste.
When I want to show off the city to friends from out of town, I take them to The George on Collins. This venue and the wonderful people there have been my go-to for many years now. Everyone is always so warm and welcoming, and it’s a brilliant way to start the night out for those visiting from out of town. Though most nights we end up having too much fun and stay here drinking and dancing until closing.
My favourite place to load up on supplies is South Melbourne Market. I could get lost here for hours (and often do on Saturdays). The best cheeses in Melbourne, and some oyster pops never go astray. I recently went out for some ingredients for a raclette dinner party and ended up coming back with a golden balloon dog statue to go with the Swiss cheese. A win-win situation, I’d say.
There’s no better value in the city than Frenchie. Everything $14? In this economy? Tell him he’s dreaming. This is a wonderful idea, and I especially love that it is a perfect location for a late-night dinner fix. A great spot to cure the munchies after taking in a show in the city.
And I wish more people would experience the excellence of food from cultures they may have never tried before. One of the most brilliant things about Melbourne is that there are so many different food options from so many different cultures. The best ones are often off the beaten path, and recommended by a complete stranger. My best friend is from Mauritius, and so we were recommended Manzé in North Melbourne about two years ago. It is now our go-to for celebrations together. On our first night there, I learnt how to flick crab into my mouth to eat it. I made an absolute mess, and it was one of the best dining experiences of my life.
My defining food moment in Melbourne was… We recently discovered Caminito La Boca in North Melbourne and I have not stopped raving about it. It was a brilliant reminder that going out to share a meal is about so much more than eating. As soon as we walked in here, it was like being in a small cafe in Buenos Aires, where my partner’s family has come from. What was intended as a quick bite to eat ended up being a four-hour activity, hearing stories from the owners about their lives back home and teaching our friends how to prepare mate together. I can’t wait to go back again.
If there was one thing I could change about eating and drinking in Melbourne it would be… I am a criminal for loving a ‘linner’ moment. I’m always too late to have lunch, and then get too hungry to wait for dinner. I would love more options between 3pm and 5pm for the ADHD girlies who also forget to eat all day until their stomach starts rumbling. There’s surely a missing market here. We should all band together to do something about it, if we weren’t going to get distracted in the process.
But the thing I hope never changes here is the people. The people. The people. Melbourne will always be home for me because I just love the people so much. So much heart goes into the dining world of this city. I love hearing the stories behind the dishes and the people that have created them. There is always so much to learn about different cultures and different backgrounds. The act of sharing food is such an integral part of human connection, and such an unassuming act of kindness. I am so grateful that I get to have so many wonderful experiences in this city, and have gained such a sense of community as a result.
Esmé Louise James’s latest book Becoming Venus (Affirm Press) is out now and available from independant book shops including Readings and Hill of Content. You can follow Esmé via @esme.louisee on Instagram, @dr.esme.louise on TikTok and Esme Louise James on Facebook.