Rona is a Kaytetye producer and DJ bringing the rhythms of the desert to the dance floors of Naarm/Melbourne. Rona spent years carving out her path in the big smoke, but nowadays she spends more time in the desert, drawing inspiration from Country and the land that raised her. For Rona, Melbourne remains a place that feels like a second home, full of excellent food, great music, and cherished spots that hold a special place in her heart.
And now, gearing up for her headline performance at Rising’s First Frequency, Rona shares how she Melbournes when she’s back in town.
My local when I’m in town is the Sporting Club Hotel in Brunswick. The food is great and I love sitting by the fire in the depths of Naarm’s winter. Still haven’t won the meat tray; one day it’ll be my moment.
My favourite place to stock up on supplies is Pompello in Seddon. I was living out west up until recently, and shopping there brings me joy. No matter what mood I’m in when I walk in, I always leave feeling good and everything I need to create a feed for all my mates. It’s got this lovely community vibe, and the produce is always fresh.
The best new thing I’ve found is… well it’s not new, but malatang has been my favourite newer thing since lockdown and it never ceases to bring me joy and comfort. I love a choose-your-own adventure feed.
My favourite spot for a pre-gig feed is Good Days pho in Brunswick. I feel like I live there whenever I’m back in Naarm. Their pho is like a warm hug, comforting, perfectly balanced and exactly what I need before a show.
And for a post-show nightcap, especially in the city, it’s always Gimlet. We sit at the bar or get a small table and take stock of what just happened. It’s become a bit of a marker of milestones for me.
When I want to really go crazy on a fancy meal, I head to Poodle in Fitzroy. Being there always feels fancy and fun, the perfect blend of indulgence and a little bit of cheekiness.
When I want to show off the city to friends from out of town, I like to take them to Old Palm Liquor. It’s got delicious food, it’s just a walk from where I normally stay, and the cosiness always feels special and very ‘Melbourne’ in its presentation and energy.
When I want to drink something local, my first choice is Public Wine Shop in Fitzroy North. I love stopping there on a sunny day for a drink and a delicious snack.
There’s no better value in the city than Master Lanzhou Noodle Bar. I’m absolutely obsessed and will trek across the other side of the city to make it to an open restaurant.
If I could change one thing about eating and drinking here it would be the lack of late dessert spots. I want to go for a walk after dinner and sit in a cosy dark dessert cafe eating sweet things. I’m drinking less these days and looking for sweet treats more.
But the one thing I hope never changes here is the institutions that I keep going back to. It’s special to think I can sit at the same bar eating the same pasta I did when I first came to university. I hope I’ll be able to sit again in that spot with kids in the future and then as an older person with a walking stick. I may change but the places stay the same.
Catch Rona at Rising, headlining First Frequency, A Blackfulla Dance Music Experience on Saturday 9 June at Melbourne Town Hall. Follow @rona.ngamperle for more.