Suleiman, the Lentil-Munching Pinko Socialist

Salam, my sweet little beefcheeses.

For this post I thought I'd might introduce to you one of Melbourne's little gems: Lentil As Anything.

Lentil As Anything, or Lentil for short, is an organic vegetarian restaurant, located in the quaint surrounds of the Abbotsford Convent. Founded in 2000, it has since then branched out to possess restaurants in St Kilda and Footscray, as well as operating the canteen at nearby Collingwood College. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all served.

Now, there's something special about Lentil. You see, it doesn't have any set prices for the food......

......you choose what to pay yourself!!! All payment is anonymously deposited by the customer in one of the 'honesty boxes' available in the restaurants. This 'Robin Hood theory' operates on the assumption that the customers who do pay well will make up for the stingy ones.

But Lentil isn't about the creation of a tightwad's paradise, it's a lot deeper than that. You see, Lentil is ultimately all about the community. This 'pay-as-you-feel' system allows all people, regardless of their financial situation or socioeconomic status, to enjoy the basic right of access to nourishment in a safe and friendly environment, without having to sacrifice their dignity asking for a handout and the like.

Relying heavily on volunteers, Lentil is notable for providing support and training for refugees, migrants, youth and other people facing social disadvantage. Services provided include access to a Immigration Consultant, English tutoring and long-term emergency accomodation. The restaurants also act as a platform for those seeking entry into the hospitality industry. Keeping in with the themes of community and coexistence, exhibitions of art, and performances of music etc from both local and foreign cultures are regularly held.

That's the true beauty of Lentil. Thought the grub is good, it's ultimately all about bringing people together, and giving them a go. It hasn't always been a smooth ride. Even now, the Abbotsford restaurant is currently experiencing troubles with maintaining their lease of the premises. But being such a valuable aspect of the local community, and indeed, Melbourne in general, here's hoping it will endure for a long time to come. If you would like to express your support for the Abbotsford folks, you can leave a message at http://www.savelentil.com/ or the corresponding facebook group or check out the official website or its Facebook presence.

The Abbotsford restaurant even provides markers to scribble messages on the walls, and I shall close with one particular message I found - make of it what you will!

Peace out, y'all!