Lentil As Anything ~ Abbotsford Convent

by Jen (subscribe)

I have no doubt by now, Lentil As Anything needs no introduction. Even though I have known about it for a few years, I had never visited till the 28th of June 2014 when I went to the Slow Food Market at the Abbotsford Convent. I have no answer as to why not, as I've been to the markets at Abbotsford a couple of times before.



I was definitely impressed by the ambiance of the large main room and it definitely exuded the feeling of community and connection, with shades of a hippy era of days gone by. I loved it. It was colourful and the food was far better than I had thought, and with more choices than I had imagined. They're also open from 9am to 9pm and serve breakfast from 9am to 11.30 am, lunch from 12noon to 4pm and dinner from 6pm to 9pm.



There was a line, but it was not bad, and I now know this because I was at Abbotsford convent this weekend just gone (20 July 2014) for the Makers Market and the Shirt and Skirt Market (held every 3rd Sunday of the month), and the line to enter the restaurant could have covered being wrapped around the whole convent grounds. Amazing ! Needless to say, on this occasion, I ate elsewhere ~ the convent bakery.



There is seating out the front apart from the main room as well as some out the back on a verandah overlooking the grounds. There were a couple of signs that mention the 'contribution box' had moved and when I got there, the entertainment was just starting to pack up.



For me it was mind-boggling to wrap my head around the fact that it's all based on trust. It's an amazing concept and the business 'model' astounding. On top of that to not be judged or be looked down upon (as I have no doubt there are many that may not quite be able to afford the meal and perhaps pay less or even not at all) and to be fed with a welcoming smile; an experience I am sure that can be found no where else in Melbourne but at the 'Lentil' restaurants.

Operating with the belief in the inherent goodness of humanity and believing in the values of trust, generosity, inclusion and kindness at the core of our community, Lentil as Anything should be applauded for their courage in defying the trends of conventional consumerism. I do believe they more than deserve our support and one can do that in many ways.



You can 'like' and share their page on Facebook with your friends; you can buy their cookbook off their website; you can contribute by donating money into the contribution box at the restaurant; donating food or volunteering your services; you could think about using them when you organise a fundraiser; you could do an internship program with them in hospitality; hire their catering services for your special occasions; or, if you'd like to share your musical talents, you can busk at the restaurant. They are open 7 days a week from 9am to 9pm and they also have an 'open mic night' so you can share your talents with the community every Wednesday at Abbotsford. Go on down and enjoy the 'Lentil' experience, and below we have for you, a 'fresh off the press' video clip from Lentil as Anything.

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Why? A unique not for profit, pay as you feel restaurant with a social conscience, in beautiful surrounds.

When: 9 am to 9pm. Breakfast: 9 AM – 11.30 AM Lunch: 12 PM – 4 PM Dinner: 6 PM – 9 PM

Phone: (03) 9419 6444

Website: lentilasanything.com

Where: 1-3 ST Heliers Street, Abbotsford VIC

Cost: Pay what you think it's worth and follow guidelines given by them as per poster at restaurant.

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Breakfast at Lentil As Anything (article)

by Michelle Coates on 15/06/2013

Lentil as Anything Abbotsford (article)

by Michelle Coates on 12/06/2013