Many of Melbourne's cafes carry their own fascinating backstories and concepts. One of the best belongs to STREAT, a not-for-profit initiative that has provided more than 100 homeless young people with skills to thrive in the food and hospitality industry.
STREAT, which won the Australian government’s 2013 national award for Social Enterprise Innovation, employs disadvantaged youngsters between the ages of 16 and 25 who learn how to prepare food and serve customers with the brand's own-roasted coffee.
“We’re not trying to turn these kids into the next Paul Bocuse,” says STREAT’s marketing manager, Ian Johnson, referring to the renowned French chef. “It’s more about equipping them with confidence and capabilities for their first entry-level jobs. Many of these youths have had no role models in their lives, but here, they can leave their problems at the door, learn from professionals and have the satisfaction of a full day’s work at a warm, interesting cafe.”
STREAT
5, McKillop Street, Melbourne
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As a separate initiative, the latest edition of Eat Drink KL: 100 Favorites for January-March 2014 is now online, featuring 100 pretty nice eateries, including more than 20 new entries for this quarter. This eBook of restaurant recommendations is available for free, convenient reading on computers, tablets & smartphones at this link: http://eatdrinkkl.publ.com/Eat-Drink-KL-100-Favorites-Jan-March-2014 (This link expires March 31, 2014; see blog entries after that date for new link).
