Recap part 1: Breakfast in the ‘burbs
Eating too much and not having enough time to blog is a running theme, and ongoing problem… I am officially overwhelmed with the number of posts I have to trawl through before being anywhere close to being up to date, not to mention the enormous amount of digital processing I have to do for my … Read more
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
Favourite pork bellies in Melbourne?
I was recently asked by a friend for recommendations for best pork bellies around. It didn’t take me long to come up with a list of places I loved, enjoyed and even places to avoid. I thought I would share part of that list here with you… [Anada] visit 1 & 2. Dish: Ottway Rangers … Read more
Rockpool bar and grill
Melbourne is hardly new to Neil Perry’s invading restaurant empire, with new additions every few years, they are all anchored down the west end (*ahem steep priced section) of Crown. Today we head to the original Rockpool bar and grill, opened back in 2006, which took inspiration from its sister restaurant in Sydney. Being a … Read more
East-side brunch series: Breakfast-thieves versus Robyn-hood?
Part 3 of east-side brunch series… I remember I used to follow quite a few more brunch-oriented blogs trying to keep up with the never ending new kids to our food scene, but with so little time to spare, I have been doing much less of the scouring and gravitated instinctively towards a select few … Read more
Huxtaburger – most popular burger in Melbourne?
If you are reading this, you are probably one of the few people who are yet to try the huxtaburger (*ahem, including me until very recently). There are already too many reviews drifting around in the blogosphere encouraging a spiralling hype. I will try and suppress my impatience and slightly piqued annoyance whilst I write … Read more
East-side brunch series: Yumcha for brunch? David’s. Wealth Garden.
Part 2 of east-side brunch series… When one suggests brunch, it is not unusual to conjure images of scrambled eggs, fritters, bacon and all those awesome things mostly European inspired. How many people think of yum cha as being a brunch option first up? I do it on a frequent basis, but when I was … Read more
East-side brunch series: Coffeehead & Goldilocks
Part 1 of east-side brunch series… With the summer months on our doorstep, it is time to bring on the lazy weekend brunches and enjoy the weather! This month I will bring to you a mini-hunt of Melbourne’s east-side for the most worthy brunch delectables. Some of the delectables to expect in coming posts include … Read more
Double patty smash burger! Rockwell and sons
This is a quick but deserving burger mention for Rockwell and Sons – a relatively new place (mid 2012) which has taken over the original Provenance food & wine site on Smith Street. The vibe given off here is one of casual and pared back coarseness. The small kitchen is quite open, so much so … Read more
Spanish roundup fiesta part II – The Bohemian
This would not be the first or last time I would visit the Bohemian. Previously a paid-for meal, this time: out of pocket. Staff are warm, and head chef Josep Espuga is always around to make the dining experience that little more special. Patatas bravas. This is a distinctly unique rendition steering away from the traditional roughly … Read more
Spanish roundup fiesta I – Portello Rosso
Ever since coming back from Europe, I have been craving the food, particularly the French and Spanish. What does one do when you have an yearnings for food? Eat more! Here is a short review series of three Melbourne Spanish eateries I’ve dined at since I returned in May this year … [Portello Rosso] Where: … Read more
Donwoori – Korean BBQ
Following on from the previous post on a splash out haute cuisine, todays will strike a stark contrast with an evening at a bargain Korean BBQ in Melbourne. They are worlds apart in price, dining experience, and fussiness of food, yet they can be just as satisfying. Whilst shoebox sized and poorly publicised, compared with … Read more
French on Collins part 2 of 2, Henry and the Fox
This is one of Paul Mathis’ semi-new establishments – headed by 2011′s Young Chef of the year Michael Fox – coming almost 6 months before the recent surfacing of South Wharf’s Akachochin and Sharing House. Why now that we get invited one might ask? Paul Mathis was quite frank about this point, pointing out the … Read more
French on Collins part 1 of 2, Mr Mason
I was invited to Mr Mason a while-while back to try out a selection of their French inspired menu. The restaurant features several partitions of space – bar, dining, outdoor terrace – finished in a beautiful deep mahogany. It is warm but relaxed with a jazzy vibe. Perusing the menu, one’s eyes were immediately drawn … Read more
Mr Hive Kitchen & Bar
This is virtually ancient history now (well it wasn’t when I drafted this post) that Gordon Ramsay’s Maze at Crown has been taken over by Mr Hive. The décor retains much of the features of its predecessor, but with a much darker tone with a glossy ink finish. Having an unfilled venue on a midday … Read more
Nam Phuong – possibly my favourite Vietnamese place
Ok, so this place on first impression is pretty run-down and pretty much in the middle of nowhere – no kidding. This is the exact sort of place that any normal person would walk past and it would go completely unnoticed. But, it came highly recommended from Thanh’s family, so why not right? The spring … Read more
Albert Street Food and wine
With new restaurants, I generally keep to a watch-and-wait for a couple of months before I dine policy, to let them iron out all the nooks and crannies, *ahem, unless of course I get invited to the launch in which case I brave it out. I failed to follow this policy on this occasion, as … Read more
Not forgotten but unwritten – Vue, Enoteca, Regency…
Still in the midst of writing up Japan, planning for Europe, and miles behind posts from late last year and this year, there are not many cracks in time to actually “catch up” on writing. Hence this post fo various eats, and events… they are unwritten but certainly not forgotten. Worthy Chinese Cuisine on King … Read more
Merricote – a French briefing
This is far from a real review, but rather a vague but very positive recollection of olfactory memories attached to these lick-a-licious photos… High street is jam packed with quirky little restaurants and cafe, and Merricote is certainly one of them. House made duck rillettes & crackers Triangle bites Mussels, anochovy, caperberry, brioche Tuna and … Read more
Breakfast roundup #3 – Babka bakery cafe
As you might have noticed this is one of several occasions where I have ventured out on breakfast excursions solo. It is strange to say, quite relaxing and facilitating for my food-photography practices. Today (*ahem, I mean in November) I head down to this little café-bakery on Brunswick St, long since etched in the heart … Read more
