Alejandro Saravia on his typical Melbourne experience

Alejandro Saravia is a long-time champion of Victorian products. He’s the man behind The Farmer’s Daughters, a three-storey love letter to Gippsland, and its sister bar Victoria by The Farmer’s Daughters, which celebrates the best food, drink and arts in the state.

But the Peruvian-born chef’s latest venture Morena (which opened in Sydney earlier this year and landed in Melbourne last month) is an ode to his Latin American roots. The menu draws not only on Saravia’s heritage, but also on that of his team, with influences from Venezuela, Colombia, Chile and Argentina woven into dishes like goat with mole and blue corn tostadas; and seared marlin ceviche with tamarillo and coconut tiger milk (a spicy, citrus-based Peruvian marinade); and pisco-based cocktails.

Morena and her occasional spin-off, Morena Barra, sit around the corner from The Farmer’s Daughters. It’s a corner of Saravia’s CBD that we’ve become very familiar with, so we asked the chef where and what he eats.

What’s your favorite place to have breakfast?
If you want a coffee to go, I prefer Farmer’s Daughters Coffee Shop or stop by Market Lane on Collins Street.

When it comes to sit-down breakfast, now that I live in the CBD, I like to explore the different options available. I recently went to Bowery To Williamsburg and their breakfast selection is great! I really like the selection of bagels and sandwiches or the deli board. If I have more time on the weekend, I prefer the Napier Quarter – anchovies on crispy sourdough with generous dollops of mayo, chopped eggs and salsa verde are a must.

What about drinks and snacks?
City Wine Shop – oysters or beef tartare with a glass of wine. I love sitting outside and people watching, I think that’s the quintessential Melbourne experience.

How about lunch on the go?
Shujinko or Shop Ramen for takeaway ramen. Soi 38, where you can quickly dry your noodles. And I love the new addition to our area, Hector’s Deli on Little Collins.

If you recommend a place for a first date, what would you say?
Embla is a great place for a date, Dave’s food is delicious, fresh and always a good time. Then I’d head to Bijou for a nightcap.

Where can you find your favorite dessert in the city?
Grossi basement. I love traditional, not overdone desserts. Classic pistachio cake or cream caramel with dry gin Martini or espresso.

What’s your favorite ice cream or ice cream shop? What is your order?
Piccolina – I love trying the ice cream they make with other chefs. And Gelateria Primavera next to Spring Street Grocery, where you can buy pistachio di Bronte ice cream.

Favorite bakery?
Marie Marie is a micro bakery that I’m loving right now. In my opinion, the confit garlic focaccia is the best in Melbourne. Wild Life Bakery in East Brunswick is definitely worth the drive to enjoy all the baked goods. Their ham and cheese croissant has a hint of whole grain mustard that makes it special and addictive.

Favorite Latin American restaurant in Melbourne?
Morena Melbourne and Barra – of course!

Best wine bar? Or a restaurant with the best wine list?
Neighborhood Wine or Liberty Bar.

Where did you go for your last birthday?
I had a long intimate lunch with friends at Brico in Carlton North. This was the best.