Cooling down in Melbourne

We've been experiencing some heat waves with temperatures up to 41 C. So what are great ways to cool off if you're going to the city? Obviously eat and drink. 

1) Spend minimum time outdoors. Once I made my friend and I walk to Fitzroy for gelato at Messina in 40 degree heat and I instantly regretted it (but was relieved at Messina). That means, try your best not to go shopping along Bourke street. Melbourne Central, Emporium etc are your air-con friends! 

2) Get cold drinks and froyo!

Hardware societe

This is a favourite of mine near Melbourne Central. Be sure to come early during the weekends, and relatively early on weekdays. I usually go around 11-12 ish for brunch, and the normal waiting period is about 20-25 minutes. I made the grave mistake to go on the weekend with my friends, and we turned away when we heard the waiting period would be an hour plus. The coffee is fantastic and the quality of the food is pretty consistent. Iced coffees and mochas are delicious and not too sweet. My friends had the iced tea with mint which was refreshing although a bit too sweet for my liking.

Friend's salmon with some sort of pastry & veggies & poached eggs

 I had the lobster benedict which was nice, although I would have preferred it if the dish was a bit more hot. The eggs were poached perfectly and the combo with the asparagus is great.

Yo-chi

 My favourite froyo place has always been Cacao green (locations at Chadstone & Fountain gate) but I think this place is just as good. The texture of the froyo is more similar to ice cream, but with a little less guilt.  My swirling skills aren't on par, but I had the lemon iced tea, mango and butterscotch flavour. My favourite was the butterscotch because how can you go wrong with caramel?