57 Cafe Bar Restaurant, Mt Waverley by Bureaucrat

Good, solid suburban cafes are sometimes hard to come by.  Usually, it's nothing more than the luck of the draw in terms of finding a cafe that does reasonable food at a reasonable price.  Our recent foray into cafe suburbia at Mister Greens yielded rather poor results. However, 57 Cafe Bar Restaurant delivers the goods.


Chef's burger

Bustling with diners, 57 Cafe is fairly big and popular with the locals - that's in spite of the fact that the relative hipster-inspired newcomer South Society has set up shop around the corner from it.  There's a lot to like about 57 Cafe - the food is not fancy but it is well-cooked and the serves are decent; the service is friendly and responsive; and the decor is what I'd call nondescript contemporary (i.e., it's nice, comfy and inoffensive).

Tutto Bene, Southbank by Bureaucrat

Head Chef Nathan Scarfo and his team at Tutto Bene certainly know their way around a plate of risotto.  I love risotto but I rarely order it at restaurants - it just seems like I'll be setting myself up for disappointment.  The utter simplicity of the dish means, ironically, that a lot can go wrong if it's not made well.  Just like Goldilocks, there can be issues: the risotto is too soupy; too mushy; or the rice is so al dente that it's biting me back.  However, the risotto is Tutto Bene is... wow! It's utter perfection.  If you enjoy risotto than you ought to make it your priority to try it out at Tutto Bene.  And if you're not a risotto lover, then I urge you to order it at Tutto Bene and be prepared to change your mind on this glorious plate of rice.


Fritto misto 

But before we get to this sublime risotto, the Lawyer and I started our meal with one of their specials - fritto misto.

Bang Bang RC, Elsternwick by Obelix

It was one of those occasions where stars and diaries align and we managed to coordinate ourselves for a pre-Christmas girls' night out.  No mean feat.  It was great food and belly deep laughter until we were ushered out at closing time.

Hiramasa king fish sashimi 

Bang Bang RC is French Indochine cuisine made for sharing.  The flavours were aromatic with the careful tightrope balance of sweet, sour and savoury.  The service was convivial with guidance on ordering and glasses kept topped.

Momoya, Camberwell by Obelix

I have found my new life purpose - to sample every menu item at Momoya.  To say I'm delighted by this new resident on Through Road is an understatement.  It's a tiny little Japanese eatery with a few small tables but it appears much of its trade comes from takeaway orders.


Buddha bowl

Notwithstanding the quality food, the ordering is such convenience.  The takeaway menu runs off the Menulog platform.  I normally opt for pick up and receive an email and text of when the food will be ready.  They are punctual down to the minute.  I'm so impressed with the military precision of it all.  I schedule an order online in advance for pick up;  run around town dropping Kiddo off to various after school activities then pick up order as a I careen pass back home.  Hot food on the table as soon as we walk through the door.

Blissful Station Vegan Wisdom, Box Hill by Obelix

Posts of shopping centre eateries don't normally feature on our blog but Blissful Station Vegan Wisdom is worth a post. It is a vegan eatery that is flavourful and cheap. Ding, ding! (that's me attempting sound effects of boxes being ticked). When P introduced me to Blissful Station Vegan Wisdom, I was almost hyperventilating with excitement. I do often try to eat vegetarian (sometimes) and since becoming dairy intolerant, I have been disappointed that many vegetarian offerings include delicious cheese and cream, all the forbidden foods. So a vegan find and a cheap one at that is very thrilling in my world. 

So what's on offer? There's a bain marie of hot foods - various stir fries served with fried rice.

Hellenic Republic, Kew by Obelix

A few years back, I was very lucky to attend a masterclass on Hellenic Republic's signature dishes.  As much as I tried to replicate the recipes at home as close as possible, it was never like the real McCoy.


Cypriot grain salad

For a recent girls' night out, we revisited the iconic Hellenic Republic in Kew.  It was bustling on a Saturday night and we were lucky to obtain a table without a reservation with only 20 minutes wait time.

Mister Greens, Forest Hill by Bureaucrat

Hmm...the cafe Mister Greens seems to be struggling with a bit of an identity crisis - I'll give it points for trying but it doesn't quite hit the mark.  Searching through the Entertainment Book app (which we're promoting to help fundraise for SecondBite - buy a membership here!), the branding for Mister Greens looked very appealing.  An eye-catching logo that's surrounded by enticing dishes.  I thought this might be unassuming but great cafe located in the rather humdrum suburban shopping village of Brentford Square in Forest Hill.

Seafood pasta

Mister Greens shares a sub-divided building that looks like it once housed an old-school Pizza Hut or Barnacle Bill with a superannuation company.  The exterior of Mister Greens looks like a local suburban pub or RSL club, and that vibe is also felt on the inside - the heavy wooden tables, the pleather dining chairs and the bar/counter reinforce this vibe.  Although it wasn't quite the hipster-style cafe that I had been expecting there was some effort to make it feel like that - there were the wallpaper of exposed bricks, a big communal table with stools and a vertical garden of faux plants.  

Billy’s Central, Melbourne CBD by Log Lady

A relative newcomer in Melbourne Central’s café scene, Billy’s Central offers a secluded space to step away from the chaos of Xmas shopping to enjoy a light meal or delicious iced chocolate. The café is located in Melbourne Central, near the bridge to the Emporium’s food hall. It has a little exterior coffee stand, with sandwiches, focaccias, cakes and a group of tables near the walkway, as well as further seating inside the café itself, offering a quieter corner if you’re not into the Emporium’s group dining experience. 

Chicken mango salad

I went to Billy’s Central last Wednesday night for dinner - quite a hot evening. Upon arriving I was heartily greeted, offered a table and a glass of ice water – a nice touch :)

Bao and Bun, Camberwell by Obelix

Authentic Vietnamese cuisine is hard to come by in this neck of the woods in Camberwell.  So I was excited to see that Bao and Bun had taken over a former cafe along the Middle Camberwell strip.  Kiddo being an avid lover all things noodley in soupy and we went for lunch one Saturday to check it out.  

We settled with a serve of spring rolls to begin with.  These were the longest Vietnamese spring rolls I have encountered.  No complaints there.  Spring rolls are hard to get wrong and very easy to love.  

Chocolate Chilli Mango, by Rockstar

We’re all different. Some of us have excellent taste and love salted caramel. Then there are those that don't. Equally there are those of us can recall their first food experience - the first time they tried salted caramel. Maison Laduree at Harrods in 2000… My first salted caramel macaron… Probably my first ever macaron but I fell in love with salted caramel, my first understanding of that delight of sweet and salty before it was everywhere.

So when I see salted caramel, I am quite discerning. Some might say picky.

I found Chocolate Chilli Mango on Facebook and saw its salted caramel chocolate and it was at a market near me. What did I have to lose except stomach and calorie space? I think I bought two salted caramel chocolates and walked away to taste them on my own. The caramel had been taken to a point of darkness so the complexity was beautifully deep and rich; it was well cut through by the salt and the dark chocolate. I'd rate it as one of the best salted caramel chocolates I'd had...  And believe me, in the last 17 years since I began my salted caramel journey I've tried a lot to compare!

Secret Kitchen Express, Doncaster by Obelix

Secret Kitchen Express is an off shoot of Secret Kitchen, the yum cha place situated on the top floor of the renovated Westfield Doncaster.  It is literally adjacent to the more formal Secret Kitchen.  The yum cha offerings are exactly the same, the only difference being is that no booking is required and the decor is more low key.  This works for people like me who on a whim on a Sunday decide I must have yum cha now!  Usually without a booking, that is near on impossible to execute with the exception of Secret Kitchen Express.


Scallop dumplings

The service was rapid.  In fact almost too rapid.  As soon as we were seated, two trolleys laden with dumplings simultaneously arrived at our table and we were struggling to hear the two waiters talk over each other listing their wares.  At the time, I was in my element, ordering up a storm.  Something about yum cha brings out my competitiveness and dare I say animalian instinct to claim all the resources.  It was later when I reflected (feeling bloated and gluttonous) that perhaps a more staggered measured approach would have been better so that I can best monitor my fullness, savour the dumplings and map out what we were ordering rather than have a crazy amount of food arrive all at the same time.

ShanDong MaMa, Melbourne CBD by Rockstar

I love dumplings. I like cheap and cheerful dumplings. I like more refined dumplings. I just like dumplings - Chinese dumplings, Polish ones, Lebanese ones… I'm not picky! 

When a fellow dumpling lover from interstate comes to visit, I felt it was time to visit ShanDong MaMa!

Ms Dumpling and I arrived just before 6pm; just before it got busy. And busy it did get, quickly.  We chose some of their specialities. The fish dumplings (mackerel) boiled were a bit different - a soft tasty fishy mousse inside soft thin skinned dumplings. I quite enjoyed them but think they would have been better fried to create some textural contrast.

All People Chinese Restaurant, Burwood East by Obelix

I've always had a chuckle with the name of All People Chinese Restaurant.  It sounds simultaneously all-inclusive and propaganda-ish.  Would a patron there be swallowed up in a group hug or asked to recite from Mao's Little Red Book?


Chinese greens with tofu and mushroom

P has been to dine in at All People a few times with his friends and recommended we order take away from there one night when we were both too disorganised to cook anything.

The Grand Richmond’s Italian Yum Cha, Richmond by Ruby Grapefruit

The Italian yum cha lunch event was created by the Grand Richmond for the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival and has been such a success that it is now held on the first weekend of every month. We were very intrigued by the concept and were pleased to discover that we would be having a range of Italian sharing plates. If you’re worried that it will be some sort of weird fusion cuisine, don’t be. 

Squid ink risotto

In fact the dishes are classic Italian with some modern flourishes. Some of the items are available on their regular menu, although these are in smaller servings, so you get to taste a larger range of dishes. These events are held in the dining room so expect to have the full luxe experience of fine tableware and linen.

Miznon Melbourne, Melbourne CBD by Rockstar

I'd read the raving reviews and seen the social media hype, but wasn't quite sure what to expect from Miznon Melbourne when I convinced the Cultured Couple to have lunch with me there before we headed to the National Gallery of Victoria. I knew that this was the sixth Miznon worldwide after the original one in Tel Aviv. I knew that here in Melbourne they've partnered with a local middle eastern restaurant to make their pita bread that's the star of their street food; a great example of a multi faith collaboration. 

Calamari pita and ocean trout pita

It's a funky two storey place in busy Hardware Lane - unlike others in the street there's no spruiking for business. I entered and knew I'd arrived as all I could smell was their famed cauliflower - not great considering half of the Cultured Couple and I aren't cauliflower fans - a rarity in this world I think! I quickly forgot the smell in amidst the slightly chaotic but fabulously fun energy. The staff are just fantastic and we were offered free strawberry drink and samples of the fillings that were currently cooking. Sitting downstairs with a view of the kitchen and the staff is like the prime seat at the theatre!

The Girl and the Goat, Surrey Hills by Obelix

I love a place with a whimsical story attached.  The story behind The Girl And The Goat is that a young girl found a stray goat and adopted it leading to many-a-goats in the family in the years to come.  The Girl And The Goat features Caribbean fare in the unlikely place of Union Road, Surrey Hills.  It was once the Watt's Cooking cafe and I was delighted when it opened as it made for a diverse change from the usual cafe dominant scene in this neck of the woods.

West Indian goat curry... maybe with some goat head?

I was excited to see West Indian Goat Curry on the menu because when in Rome, or rather when in the Caribbean, one must goat.  I recall reading an amusing anecdote by David Goodman, author of Compost Everything - The Extreme Guide To Composting who wrote of driving to Amish country to procure a goat head with the sole purpose of cooking up a pot of curry goat.  After being shown how to bludgeon the goat head by a forthright Jamaican mama, he chickened out of the prep process and ended up composting the goat head instead.  Despite the lack of curry goat, David gained a beautiful productive garden.  Okay, that was a long aside.  But it explained my excitement at meeting my plate of food.  Will it be a plate of broken skull pieces floating in curry?  Or will be it a comforting plate of slow cooked meat?  

Huxtaburger, Collingwood by Rockstar

I like a good burger. There's something satisfying about a soft bun, a good bite, some crunch, and just enough sauce. I've been a fan of Huxtaburger since they opened; to me it's how a burger should be. That includes a good balance of fat to add taste and moisture.

I found myself free and easy, with no commitments, and an all day car park on Smith Street. I like meat. But… I love fried chicken. Crunchy coating and tender tasty chicken.

So when I saw the Britney, I couldn't resist… southern fried chicken, avocado, bacon, aioli, cheese, lettuce and tomato... yeahhhhhh!!! It's a perfect partnership like 90’s Britney and Justin… Baby, one more time... yes, please!!

Two Birds One Stone, South Yarra by Rockstar

An overdue catch up with the West Aussie on a hot windy Melbourne spring day. After a tough week at work my brain  could not work out where to go other than South Yarra/Toorak, which was our half way point.

Salmon croquettes

The West Aussie managed to score a table as soon as she arrived…. Which made up for my lateness! I'll admit I'm a much happier bruncher when I don't have to queue for a table.

Pinkster Gin: Cocktails and Conversation

Following a rather strenuous week, my better half and I went along to Madame Brussels for an evening of cocktails and conversation, to try a new gin from the UK called ‘Pinkster Gin’. Former chartered accountant, Stephen Marsh, turned his hand to creating an easy drinking beverage, when he found that other drinks such as beer or red wine no longer agreed with him.

Stephen wanted a drink he could have with food that was light on the palate and the gut. Necessity was certainly the mother of invention, and in Stephen’s case through a series of trial and error found that raspberries, blended with juniper gin was the perfect match. Indeed, the Pinkster Gin gets name by the pink-ish hue of the gin, as it is infused with raspberries.


We tried the gin with a combination of raspberries and mint; slightly peppery taste, with a hint of berries, very refreshing… and after a sip I had forgotten all about the ‘Utopia-esque’ week I had.

Chef Lagenda, Hawthorn by Obelix

J suggested Chef Lagenda in Hawthorn for a nostalgic night of reminiscing with the girls.  Like all the other Chef Lagendas dotted across Melbourne (see our reviews for Chef Lagenda at Flemington and Deer Park), it was jammed packed and dealt with rapid fire through put.  We went to get filled up before a more relaxing catch up over cocktails down Glenferrie Road.  

We perched on little stools at a communal table and tried to keep our chatter from disturbing others.  The service was rapid and the menu straight forward.  Chef Lagenda was geared towards serving Malaysian hawker style noodles/rice dishes.  We shared our dishes between us.  

P's pick was the vegetarian curry laksa.  A huge serve.  It was fragrant like all good curry laksa should be.  It was the pick of the bunch.   

Il Bacaro, Melbourne CBD by Bureaucrat

5 stars. 10 out of 10.  A+.  100%  First Class Honours.  How else can I convey our experience at Il Bacaro?  Honestly, we were blown away by the quality of the food and service at Il Bacaro.  Over the years, we've been lucky to have a few memorable dining experience - either in terms of luxe eats (e.g., Collins Kitchen and Melba - you just gotta love a lobster seafood buffet!) and establishment restaurants (e.g., Jacques Reymond and Stefano's) - but all of them fall short of what we experienced at Il Bacaro.  This intimate Italian restaurant on Little Collins Street raises the bar not just for Italian food but for all restaurants.  Period.


Duck breast, confit duck leg, beetroot puree, baby figs and nasturtium leaves

While originally we had planned on taking Boy Chick to our lunch, it turns out that Il Bacaro doesn't have high chairs.  Instead, the Lawyer and I took the opportunity to have a leisurely lunch and chalk it up as date night (or in our case, date lunch).

Gasthof zur Waldbahn, Zwiesel (Germany) by Foghorn Leghorn

I’ve holidayed in the Bavarian Forest a few times, and there’s one place where I always return for food: Gasthof zur Waldbahn. The Waldbahn is the forest train line winding 70 km from the Danube plain up to the Czech border at Bayerisch Eisenstein. The Gasthof zur Waldbahn is a restaurant/hotel opposite the railway station in Zwiesel, 15 km from the border.


Courtyard view

During a summer stay in Bayerisch Eisenstein, we cycled along forest paths down to Zwiesel for lunch. We had booked beforehand, but we’d forgotten to specify that we wanted to sit out in the courtyard. No problem: the restaurant was busy, but the staff quickly re-arranged tables to accommodate our group of six people. Upon request, we got English-language menus, and settled in.

Souk, Melbourne CBD by Foghorn Leghorn

You’ve probably had the experience of going to a friend’s place expecting a quiet evening of chit-chat, and maybe a round of Trivial Pursuit. Then you arrive, and you find a raucous party with people downing shots and dancing on tables. Something similar happened to me the other night at Souk.

The invitation had arrived a few days earlier. Come to an exclusive launch of Souk’s new spring menu, headed by an award-winning chef, it said. “Souk's new menu plays to the traditions of Middle Eastern meze - numerous small & large plates - with a stylish nod to modern Melbourne dining.”


Kibbeh

I could see it already. A restaurant with exquisite Middle Eastern architecture, and waiters in tuxedos gliding around silently. The sort of place where the other diners give frosty glances to anyone who drops his fork or blows his nose too loudly.

Oh boy, was I wrong!

Le Fangourin, Mauritius by Obelix

Mauritius is known for its sugar cane fields and for an educational visit at L'aventure du Sucre (sugar plantation museum), Le Fangourin makes for a tasty pit stop.

"Off the menu" lentil stew

Le Fangourin is located in the old administration building of the Beau Plan sugar estate. It's has a lovely ambience with the meals served in the breezy veranda overlooking the manicured gardens and the Pieter Both volcanic mountain range.

Maison Eureka, Mauritius by Obelix

Maison Eureka is a traditional colonial house built in 1830 near river Moka. It's one of the largest colonial houses on the island. The original family living there had 17 kids and by the 20th century there were more than 100 heirs.


The decision was made in the 1980s to restore the Maison and open it to the public as a museum. To assist with the upkeep, there is an admission fee or you can order a three course lunch and tour the house, garden and cascade waterfall for free.

Kuanfu Tea, Mauritius by Obelix

Trying to overcome extreme boredom during my long haul flight to Mauritius, I had poured over their in-flight magazine. I came across an intriguing ad for Kuanfu tea. It was billed as a product of Mauritius replete with dodo bird branding. It was organic and due to a specialised production process, each batch had been fermented for a year.

 

Dodo tea cup and Kuanfu tea in the background

Being a tea enthusiast and lover of all things naturally fermented, I was hooked. The purported benefits being - a digestive aid and a sleep aid. Ding, ding, ding!!! It ticked all the right boxes! I was slightly dyspeptic from my over indulgence during my layover in Perth (my epic dinner at the Epicurean) and weary from travel. It came to me at the right moment in time.

Epicurean, Burswood (WA) by Obelix

I write this whilst digesting. It was my 15th year wedding anniversary and we celebrated by doing the one thing we are both accomplished at and gives us mutual pleasure - eating.


... 21, 22, 23, 24... who's counting?

P suggested we fly to Perth to try the dinner buffet at the Epicurean in Crown Towers. We stayed at Crown Towers so it was just a gluttonous elevator ride downstairs for dinner. We have both heard rave reviews of the buffet and we were not disappointed.

Jake & the Beans Talk, Malvern East by Bureaucrat

We arrived at Jake & the Beans Talk at the right time.  It was Saturday, midday.  And we got there after the breakfast/brunch crowd had moseyed on but before the hoards of hungry luncheon seekers descended.

I had Googled Jake & the Beans Talk for my lunch with Beaker.  We needed somewhere that was nearby to Chadstone Shopping Centre but wasn't actually located inside the road-rage inducing fashion capital (I mean, who could enjoy their meal after having to fight tooth and nail for a car park?).


A spacious table and a friendly waitress bode well for our lunch.  My buttermilk fried chicken was quite yummy.  Tender breast fillets with a crunchy crumb.  The sweet potato chips were also very good - big and chunky and it had a nice crunchy polenta crust.  The slaw was a bit of a let down - there was far too much mayo, making it rather claggy.

Dark Horse on the Brit, Mitcham by Bureaucrat

Having survived a shopping trip at Harvey Norman on the weekend (quelle horreur!), the Lawyer, Boy Chick and I all thought we could do with a little post-lunch something something as a reward.  Nearby, Mitcham was beckoning.  I wasn't in the mood for Vietnamese (otherwise we would have headed to Pho Minh Long) so we wandered around the mall area looking for a cafe.  There's a few on offer, including Ambrosia Food For Gods, but I was lured by the smart-looking and unusually named cafe called Dark Horse on the Brit. 

Middle Eastern spiced calamari with salad  

Friends of the Earth Melbourne Food Co-op and Cafe, Collingwood by Obelix

Friends of the Earth (FoE) Melbourne is a non for profit organisation working for a socially equitable and environmentally sustainable future.  What's there not to love with that?

Kiddo and I were in Fitzroy to experience the Mystery Rooms and we stopped by FoE cafe for a bite.  The co-op is situated on Smith St with plenty of tables to dine in and an eco store and book store within for you to poke around afterwards.  The food is seasonal and vegetarian / vegan.


I ordered a tofu burger for myself.  Tofu burgers do not as a rule inspire me as the ones I have had before were rather bland.  But this one was different.  It came with fermented kraut, a dill mayo and rocket leaves on a sourdough roll.  Very substantial and full of flavour.

Dumpling King, Box Hill by Obelix

My friend G recently took her family to Dumpling King for Father's Day.  She reported it was "all round good dumplings"  so with such a commendation, I had to check it out.

 

The vampire-slaying Shandong chicken

Being a hectic mid week night which rendered me pooped in my pjs, I sent P out for takeaway.

Smoothie Bombs

With the arrival of Boy Chick into our lives over a year ago, the Lawyer and I are like any new parents - we're tired, really tired, hungry and tired (did I say 'tired'?).  As once devout foodies who had all the time in the world to leisurely drive over an hour to try out a new restaurant and linger over our meal, we oftentimes now eat hurriedly and seldom have the chance to eat a full meal.

So when Smoothie Bombs asked us if we would like to try out their product that's targeted to "busy mums, fussy eaters and people who eat on the run" I said, "yes, please!".  Created by Cinzia Cozzolino, a Melbourne mum and nutritionist, Smoothie Bombs pack a punch of whole-food goodness in a small tight "bomb".  There are five flavours and each "bomb" is pre-portioned and to it you simply add a piece of fruit and a cup of liquid and blend to get your smoothie.


One of the lessons I learnt as a new mum is that once your baby starts learning to eat solids, they want to eat the food that's on your plate!  I'm giving Smoothie Bombs a big tick because there's no hidden nasties (the bombs are vegan, gluten free, palm oil free, dairy free, refined sugar free, certified organic and preservative-free).  I'm not worried if Boy Chick decides to steal a sip from my glass or chug half the smoothie down.

Butcher's Bench, Glen Waverley by Obelix

A little while ago, I was treated to group lunch at Butcher's Bench in Novotel Glen Waverley. As expected, it was a meat-centric menu but there was a good range of barn yard creatures to select from.

We pre-ordered as time was tight.  I experienced my first plate of gnocchi I actually enjoyed.  I'm accustomed to firm and tasteless clods so was delighted when my entree of house made gnocchi were in fact tender light clouds of tato.  It was served with ox tail ragu.  Very rich and I know it's somewhat an odd word, but nourishing, was my take on this dish.

Kentro, Oakleigh by Bureaucrat

Having lunch at Kentro was not our first choice, or indeed our second or third choice.  But with a full house happening in a Aroma Grill House (our first pick) and also at Meat Me Souvlakeri, we looked at a neighbouring Greek restaurant that looked good (but they were only able to offer us a tiny table that was squished between more tables - an unappealing choice since we needed space for a high chair and there wasn't even enough space for us to wheel our pram through to get to the table) before settling on Kentro.  Kentro is big and bustling - as is most of the eateries in Eaton Mall - but unlike its competitors it still had a few tables free.

Grilled calamari

First impressions of the place was that there was chaos.  The staff look frazzled, harried and didn't seem to take note that there were about 10 people standing at the door all waiting for a table.  Instead of waiting to be served, I walked up to the counter and asked if they had a table for two plus room for a high chair and pram.  The woman said yes to the table but advised they don't have high chairs.  This was an odd statement to make because surely a family restaurant of this size would have high chairs and I could spot two vacate high chairs in the room.

Mason Dixon American Sandwich Bar, Melbourne CBD by Rockstar

When I'm good I'm very very good at taking  my lunch to work. When I'm not sometimes I struggle to decide what to have. To decide what will satisfy me, get me through the work day and make me happy- not asking much!

Often I meet Ms Goodheart for lunch and it's a good day when we go halves on a Mason Dixon meatball hoagie! It's a long roll filled with a warming tomatoey, onion and capsicum ragu with meatballs, moazzarella and Parmesan. I get them to hold the olives… I'm one of those people, the ones that don't tolerate olives. I imagine the olives would add an additional hit of salty flavour. It's a substantial sandwich so perfect shared- that way I can also force the pickle and pretzel onto Ms Goodheart without feeling guilty about waste! Sometime we add in the crunchy salty fries…

Miss Katie's Crab Shack, Melbourne CBD by Rockstar

Another unplanned Friday night dinner in Melbourne city. Ms Fancy Pants and I met after work, while Ms Green and Ms Black were travelling in from the burbs and weren't going to arrive til 6:30pm at the earliest. Ms Fancy Pants and I walked past our planned destination and wondered whether we could queue for the next hour for a table….  But it was cold and wet. We went to the food court and sat and googled places close by. Miss Katie's Crab Shack was just around the corner and I'd been keen to try since they used to be in Fitzroy.

Crab boil

They're located at Ding Dong Lounge - so it was up the stairs to a quirky, funky nautically themed bar. We easily got a table at 5:30pm and ordered ourselves a 2 for 1 cocktail!  

Hawthorn Common, Hawthorn by Bureaucrat

Brunch with the Log Lady at Hawthorn Common was deliciously gossipy and deliciously yummy. Next door to Hawthorn Common is Axil Coffee Roasters which seems perpetually packed.  We arrived at Hawthorn Common 10am-ish on a Sunday and I was expecting the need to queue up for a table (*groan*) like my previous experience at Axil's.  However, with the place less than half full, we scored a table straightaway.

The Log Lady ordered the baked eggs which looked pretty tasty.   

Burch & Purchese Sweet Studio, South Yarra by Rockstar

If you love sweet stuff and you live in Melbourne and you haven't been to Burch & Purchese, well I'd say you don't really like sweet goodness. Burch & Purchese is a delightful pink shopfront - if you go on a weekend, you'll often get given a sample of whatever goodies might be available. I've been visiting them as long as they've been there. Sometimes I just go in the inhale the sugary buttery scent!

Pastry perfection!

Darren and Cathy and all the staff are just lovely and friendly, even when the same questions are asked, or there's an urgent last minute request for a cake. Oh the cakes… I dreamed that one day someone would love me enough to buy me a B & P cake….   And for my 40th birthday my friends did! That's friendship - and the cake lived up to my dream!!! Oh and Darren may still have been polite when I turned into a blubbering idiot when I got him to sign the cookbook I'd purchased!

Nuts Chan, Mt Waverley by Bureaucrat

Despite a very curious name, Nuts Chan is fairly nondescript Japanese restaurant ensconced in the Mt Waverley shopping village. A post-lunch Google search told me that Nuts-Chan is actually the name of the owner's name. The restaurant is modest and a bit run down but has a very homey feel to the place.  We enjoyed our meal there and we rather regretted that we hadn't dined here sooner as we found out that come next month, Nuts Chan is moving to Camberwell (and will be known as Iroiro).  So while you have the chance, check out Nuts Chan or alternatively you can wait until 4 September when it takes up business in 371 Camberwell Road, Camberwell.

The Lawyer and I shared two entrees.  First up, an entree of sashimi and sushi.  I'm not the biggest raw seafood fan but even I liked this.  The Lawyer loved the fresh seafood and wolfed this up.

Boosa, Bentleigh East by Rockstar

I've been seeing Boosa pics showing up all over my Instagram feed. It looked like perfect Insta food-pretty and funky with some smoke and mirrors, and a middle Eastern twist.

I was catching up with an old work friend who is now retired. We like to try a new local-ish place each time. She suggested Boosa and I was pleased to accept! Of course it was a cold wet grey miserable Melbourne day; luckily there were car parks available on Centre Road.


Kids' bacon and egg bun smiley face

It's a lovely lovely space - quite intimate and warm. Lots of light, and greenery and copper and blush. I'd be very happy if my lounge looked anything like that! We were lucky enough to be seated just near the heavenly heating!

CH James, Fairfield by Foghorn Leghorn

Recently I joined a group of food bloggers for brunch at CH James in Fairfield. It’s an airy space with plenty of natural light, and a buzz of activity. When we arrived, the music was blasting at a volume that made conversation impossible, but that was rectified quickly. We slowly settled in to a big table and discussed what we should all order.


Corn and haloumi fritters

The menu has an interesting assortment of both sweet and savoury dishes, so there was quite a bit of discussion. The offering includes all sorts of unusual combinations (like pea panna cotta), but I was in the mood for something simple, so I ordered a brekky burger.

The Bean Thief, East Kew by Rockstar

East Kew has changed a lot since I was a kid; there now seems to be a cafe on every street.

The Bean Thief is a busy happy place! A little local oasis.


I used to love a sweet breakfast, but nowadays I rarely indulge as I usually find after a few bites I'm over it and need something more refreshing, less cloying. However I couldn't resist ordering the ricotta and cinnamon doughnuts, with vanilla custard, salted caramel, chocolate sauce and pistachio soil. Sometimes I make really good solid decisions. This was one of those times!!! While I'm not a ricotta fan the doughnuts were light and fluffy and a perfect vehicle for the decadent chocolate sauce and salted caramel. The pistachio soil added a nice textural crunch contrast. I will not publicly admit to using my finger to try and scoop out every drop of the chocolate sauce. I did offer the Butterfly one... but I only had one left and I think she could see I wanted her to say no!

Cru, Kew by Rockstar

A friend was visiting from NZ and we needed somewhere with good food, where we could comfortably chat and chat, somewhere central and where we could book. Cru went above and beyond that; without showing any frustration that a few members of the party arrived at different times. Including 2 hours after the booking!

Crispy polenta and that heavenly mushroomy truffly scent....

Cru is nicely designed - there's an outdoor area out the back, however given the Melbourne weather I was pleased to be inside on the comfy bench seat. It's got a lovely European classic feel with cream walls, dark wooden chairs and stools, and cheerful tiles and glass.

The Butler's Pantry, Rowville by Bureaucrat

Rowville is a bit of a 'meh' suburb for me.  There is nothing there that appeals to me and for the people that I know that live out there, it seems to be a world away.  However, The Butler's Pantry is located out there.  There's a dining offer for it in the Entertainment Book (which we're encouraging our dear readers to purchase a 2017-18 membership in order to fundraise for on behalf of Second Bite) and I've been seeing lots of pretty photos of The Butler's Pantry's Instagram account.  With those two reasons, we set off towards Rowville in search for good grub.


Yuuuuum!  

Caulfield Glasshouse, East Caulfield by Rockstar

I tend to try and avoid clubs and local pubs unless necessary; such as when traveling for work or trying to find something half way between my house and someone in the outer burbs...yes I know I'm a semi inner city snob! I'll do anything for the birthday of a little person I love so dinner at the Glasshouse for my nephew's 8th birthday it was. 

Vegetarian nasi goreng

I've lived in the area for ages and had no idea this was here! Apparently it was run down and has undergone a significant renovation. It's attached to Caulfield racecourse and the entry is near the club entry and the pokies. It's a spacious area, light and bright and on this Sunday night also filled with lots of older people taking advantage of the seniors meals I suspect.

Okami Japanese Restaurant, Camberwell by Obelix

For several months now, I have been wanting to try out Okami's Japanese Restaurant's all you can eat.  I was curious about how the logistics of it will go.  Will it be smorgasbord style?  Would it involve just sushi?  As it turned out, it was per head cost ($29.80) and you order as you would normally do at an a la carte restaurant and the kitchen brings it to your table and you are welcome to continually order if you wish.

The selection were tapas sized offerings ranging from cold (e.g., sushi, seaweed salad, carpaccio style beef) to hot (e.g., tempura, grilled meats in various incarnations).

Here is a list of our selection:


Sushi and sashimi plate  

Tahini Lebanese Diner, Melbourne CBD by Rockstar

Friday, end of financial year... 11:30am and I needed something delicious and more-ish for lunch. Options down our end of town are multiplying and busy Tahini Lebanese Diner is a popular choice. It's best to book; as this was spontaneous we hadn't - so we got there right on 12pm. They had a table that was reserved from 1pm... perfect as we needed to get back to the office.


Yum!  

Le Petit Lapin, Elsternwick by Rockstar

I was hungry. So hungry. It was 2:00 pm on a Sunday and I needed, yes needed, lunch quickly as also had to get to a non-food catch-up.

So I looked close to home - there are lots of great options but often they are busy places. Le Petit Lapin is a little quieter, more cute than hipster trendy and has some easy options. I flicked past the specials, was tempted by the scones, jam and crime fraiche and the champignons omelette and saw the buckwheat galettes.

I loved the buckwheat galettes in France years ago with their thin crispy slightly nutty taste so I chose the Classique with ham, cheese, parsley and fried egg with a green side salad. The fried egg was perfection - a golden gooey oozy yolk that acted like a rich sauce for the galette. A less mild cheese would have added a little more flavour. The galette was crispy and thin, and I was left full and satisfied. The salad was lovely and cut through the cheesy eggy galette beautifully.

Madeline's at Jells, Wheelers Hill by Obelix

It was my nephew's first birthday and we congregated at Madeline's in Jells Park for brunch to celebrate.  It was a strategically selected venue.  Spacious enough inside with playground and walking circuit down to the lake outside.


Banana bread

Madeline's serves all day breakfast with lunch and afternoon offerings within set times.  As we gathered outside of lunch hours, we selected menu items from their breakfast menu.

Greenfields Albert Park, Albert Park by Rockstar

When the Eat and Be Merry Crew was offered the opportunity to eat at Greenfields Albert Park I was very, very keen. I heard lots about it and seen gorgeous photos on Instagram. To be honest I was a tiny bit confused about exactly where it was. And I'll admit I got a little bit lost getting there...as Lakeside Drive was closed off for an event. When I realised it was at the golf club, and where The Keg used to be...easy!!!!


Steak sandwich - surely the most delicious way to get some iron into my diet...and greens....and reds!