Sake Restaurant
In recent weeks passed on one summery evening, I was invited along to the newly revamped Art Centre’s Hamer Hall to dine at Sakè Restaurant and Bar, marking its arrival from Sydney and Brisbane. Being always somewhat of a traditionalist when it comes to food, with “fusion” comes a degree of scepticism and hesitation. Sure, the … Read more
Komeyui
It probably does not come as a surprise by any measure that a review on this restaurant was meant to be written way last year. But long story short, I simply never got around to it… sad yes. At the beginning of this month, just before the Melbourne Cup races, I was kindly invited to … Read more
South Wharf progressive dinner… 6 places in 1 night.
South Wharf, this new precinct in central Melbourne is equally if not more isolated than Docklands, and is for now a very quiet place to be at night. “The heritage cargo sheds… [have been] restored to their 1930′s look” (The Age), retaining some of the historic charm spruced up with some modern interpretation. A dozen … Read more
Day 3 in Japan – Tokyo culture
Outside our hotel just before our trek across the various parts of Tokyo, we had our first sighting of snow. The precipitation was one of huge crystal snowflakes that quickly seeped through non-water-resistant clothing. First stop: Tokyo national museum (Ueno). Located north of central Tokyo, this is a popular place amongst Japanese history / culture fanatics. … Read more
Day 2 – detour to Yokohama
Morning crowd in Shinjuku. Despite the buzz of food everywhere you step foot in Japan, one will actually find it hard to find a decent breakfast. The options are limited, and they come few and far between. A quick breakfast of ramen. Step 1: order at the counter. Step 2: collect ramen and add … Read more
Shiranui
Regular readers may be pondering where I have gone for these several weeks of blog standstill. Nowhere really; just taking a bit of necessary rest away from blogging. When you have a full time job and eating out at all the latest trends (*cough* sometimes), finding time and motivation to churn out posts regularly is … Read more
Edomae
Sushi trains are one of my pet peeves, particularly the ones I have had in Melbourne. So when I heard that a new sushi train was in town, and it was going to be in Box Hill, I wasn’t particularly enthusiastic. But, after some persuasion from my sister, along the lines of not judging a … Read more
Suzuran
1025 Burke Rd Camberwell 03 9882 2349 Located on a fairly quiet strip of Burke Rd, the store is inconspicuous yet is almost always flocking with people. It is a retail offshoot of parent importer / distributor company Japan Food Trading, offering largely made-in-Japan Japanese ingredients – quality soy sauce, sushi making material, green tea … Read more
Koko
Crown Towers 8 Whiteman St Southbank, 3006 03 9292 6886 I had not heard a lot about this award winning Japanese restaurant, before reading raving reviews on Niche back in November. It is by no means hip or trendy, but exudes a definite elegance with its prime location in Crown towers, bestowing expansive views of … Read more
NZ part 9 – final chapter
In the days, weeks and even months after a much needed indulgent, relaxing and refreshing holiday, many of us – unfortunately – fall prey to post-holiday blues. People say contemplating the next holiday helps, but seriously? I do that and I feel more depressed that it is so so so long away. Though sad to … Read more
NZ part 7 – honey, ice cream, ribs and sushi ??
This week marked the beginning of another chapter in my life, now putting into clinical practice what I’ve learnt in theory over the last 6 years. It has been a long week of irritating pager *beeps*, extreme multitasking and unbelievably steep learning curve, not to mention the stress of responsibility. I promise, as I ease … Read more
Kenzan @ GPO
GPO 350 Bourke St Melbourne, 3000 96637767 Located through the ivory gates, passed Cafe de Vin, near the very end of the alley, is this sleek and extremely busy sushi place. So busy that the staff kindly informed me – whilst I was taking photos – that they would rather me not post about them, … Read more
Yami yami
1D Bank Street Box Hill, 3128 9890 4588 Just off the bustle of Station Street, this little gem of a place provides a (relatively) bbq-fume-free alternative to the Korean BBQ next door. We are such frequent visitors at this small Korean owned Japanese-slash-Korean restaurant that: a) I totally forgot to take photos of the interior … Read more
Yume
367 Brunswick St Fitzroy, 3065 9415 6099 It was a Sunday evening – with the parents absent, the house was void of homely food and full to the brim with amotivation to cook. We flipped through the cheap eats book landing us on a two star Japanese restaurant – Yume, which was coincidentally also in … Read more
DonToo
340 Little Lonsdale St (Shop 6) Melbourne, 3000 9670 7113 After reading Thanh’s review on this place, it was definitely a must come! And lucky for me, my friend suggested we come here for a triple-joint-birthday celebration this Saturday. Again I find myself lost trying to find the place, surely my sense of direction isn’t … Read more
Shou Sumiyaki
160 Little Bourke St Melbourne, 3000 (03) 9654 3933 Another one from the archives; pre-dating my blog. Not many words, but lots of juicy photos! Lunch set menu: Sashimi appetiser – fresh salmon, but where’s my ginger! Spring roll salad – freshly fried exterior skin has a crisp crunch to it; the filling has hints … Read more
Ibuki (伊吹)
321 Flinders Lane CBD Melbourne (Grand Mercure Flinders Lane Apartments) Having acquired Crowdmass vouchers ($45 for $100 value), my sister had after a couple of failed attempts at reservations, we were able to slot in on Father’s day. We arrived early at 6.30pm – as per instruction when we booked over the phone – to … Read more
Tao’s
201 Bulleen Rd, Bulleen Dimlit and cosy ambience with very welcoming staff. No a le carte is available, only a seasonal 7 course degustation menu. Entrée & tasting dishes: Tasting platter – marinated tomatoes, mini herb bread, prawn + pumpkin gelatin – provided a refreshing start to the degustation menu, with hints of french aromas. … Read more
