As a Geelong local who regularly frequents Melbourne, I am in a fortunate position to experience the best of both worlds. In all my adventures eating my way around both fabulous cities with my friends and families, there is one place in particular that I consistently return to.
In fact, this is the place that when people ask me to suggest somewhere to meet, this will be my first choice. For breakfast, lunch, or a simple coffee catch-up, I will rarely go past this place.
I speak of a lovely creperie named Panache. This little gem of a café can only be found in and around Geelong. Due to its popularity by us locals, there are multiple Panache cafés in the town of Geelong and the surrounding suburbs.
So if you're visiting Geelong for the beauty of the waterfront boulevard, you will find Panache. If you're hitting the shops on Pakington Street, you will find Panache. If you're out Waurn Ponds way to watch a movie at Readings Cinema, you will find Panache. If the gateway to the Great Ocean Road is on your agenda, you will find Panache in Torquay. And once you become a seasoned Panache-aholic like yours truly, you may make a day of eating at all the different Panaches around town!
Geelong waterfront
So why do I adore this place so much? Well, I'll talk you through it, meal by meal.
Breakfast
Or brunch, for those late risers. Panache will suit either occasion. Please draw your attention to the sweet crepes on the menu. The succulent blueberry crepe is my personal favourite. With a mound of blueberries and deliciously soft ice-cream on the side, I always struggle to place an order aside from this. But my companions whom I introduce to the wonders of Panache have never said anything bad about the apple Danish or the banana crepe. And chocolate lovers here is your chance to prove just how much of a chocoholic you can be – try the Death by Chocolate if you dare (I have witnessed only one person devour the whole entire chocolate crepe stack)!
Blueberry stack
Death by Chocolate
A coffee will be on the mind around this time, so order a latter, cappuccino or chai – whatever tickles your fancy. If it's a cold drink you're craving then a milkshake will go down a treat, or some juice or ice tea. Whatever your beverage of choice is, it will perfectly wash down a scrumptious cake. A slice of orange poppyseed, a serving of sticky date, or a tasty biscuit will suffice for a perfect morning tea and set you in good stead to appreciate the rest of your day (I always find that days are just that little bit better after a visit to Panache)!
Chai latte
The crepe menu offers delicious sweets – but at lunch time you may need a savoury hit. And of course, Panache delivers in delicious style. As a vegetarian, I adore Panache. The spanakopita with its tasty feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes always impresses me, as done the potato curry with just that right amount of spice. The salad on the side with a tangy dressing just tops it off. For those who desire some extra protein, I have been told that the satay chicken and avocado seafood go down in swell fashion and leaves the appetite contentedly satisfied. The menu will be sure to have something that appeals to your craving – the hardest part will be choosing just one.
Once you have been to Panache, you will certainly return. Melbourne people – next time you're planning a day trip down to the beautiful city of Geelong, pop Panache as your number one destination. It will top off a glorious day exploring all that Geelong has to offer. As for us locals, let's keep making the most of this divine creperie we are so lucky to have!
