I Made It, Creative Café, 113 Albert Street, Sebastopol, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia
This is a tricky one to review, particularly as I haven’t actually eaten here yet. I’ve driven past a number of times and wondered what it was all about, and a few days ago I found out, and was so impressed I want to add my support to those who have known about this little gem for ages.
Go for the food, not the location or ambiance. It’s basic, and frequented by the demographic of the area. But it gives locals somewhere to go which is welcoming, has great food, hearty serves, at reasonable prices. It’s a wonderful place, and full marks for the owners for thinking of it and getting it going. Even though I’ll have to wear my flannel shirt and trackies to visit, I’m definitely going to make an effort, because it’s the sort of simple, home-style cooking that everyone loves and craves every now and then. They cater for special diets (the owner reeled off a long list of gluten-free options which far surpasses most of the ‘trendy’ cafes in town). And it’s the sort of non-pretentious place where you know you’ll be greeted warmly and will roll out of with a satisfied and very full stomach. Stay tuned for an actual review of the food.
And – a follow-up review for the I Made It Café……
I took two work colleagues there for lunch a few days ago – warning them beforehand that it was a down-market venue and to not have high expectations, although the food should be good. Despite my warning, they were still surprised at where I’d dragged them. One colleague had apricot chicken on rice, and said it was very good, and he’d come back again (if it was in a more convenient location). His food tastes are very basic so I was sure he’d enjoy the meal. The other colleague ordered sweet and sour pork, which came without anything else, and when rice was requested, a mushy spoonful was added to the plate with the words “that’s all that was left in the pot”. Hhhmmmm. My roast lamb with vegies and chips was delicious. We then followed up, unnecessarily, with huge slabs of the spectacular looking passion-fruit sponge, which was perfectly nice, considering I’ve never liked sponge. There were lots of gluten-free options, and overall I think we enjoyed the food. None of us would go back in a hurry, mainly because of the venue itself, and in my case, the simplicity of the food. I like to eat things I couldn’t (or wouldn’t) make at home. But it was cheap and good and the serves were perfectly sized for lunch.
diners. There were so many menu choices I had trouble deciding – not usually a problem, given my food issues, which usually reduce the options to one. The servings are huge – so turn up hungry or bring a Tupperware container. I had the zucchini and bacon slice, and eyed off the Thai red curry, and the corn fritters (the size of a plate). The ‘light’ option – soup – came in a large bowl, with bread on the side. All were delicious (I managed to sample a few leftovers when the others couldn’t finish their meals). The staff were fantastic, and they’re open every day, so I’ll be back regularly to work my way through their extensive menu. Contact Bodega Cafe on phone 
I’ve been here a few times now and tried various things on the menu. During summer one lunchtime a friend and I shared a divine roast cauliflower salad with some sort of sauce that had me licking the plate, and the lamb and lentils, which was also nice, but forgetful, compared with the cauliflower. What a shame it hasn’t been on the menu since.
Ventured in for breakfast one morning, on the recommendation of the tourist info centre, and was delighted with the outdoor courtyard. I can’t remember what I ate because I was completely distracted by a well known TV personality coming in for a coffee. He asked me if I’d finished with the newspaper, and I probably muttered something unintelligible as I passed it to him. I then tried not to stare as he proceeded to have a coffee and chat with his partner, and discussed forthcoming work with his agent on the phone. I wanted to go over to him after and say how much I admired his work and how lovely it was to see him in person, but he was no doubt wanting some anonymity and quiet time and I didn’t want to intrude. But my little brush with fame has kept me going to this day. Ahhh – the joys of celebrity.