Girls Night Out

What better way to spend a balmy Friday night...a crisp glass of white, great company, a party frock and a venue which fulfils both your beverage and culinary requirements.

After finding some friends who were more than willing to supply us with unlimited amount of vino, and a barman who is continuously pouring us shots, we have decided we are in our element.

Royal Saxon, Church Street Richmond, often has lines down the street to get into this "IT" bar. Friday night sippers are especially busy in this business hub of Melbourne. Luckily, one of my girlfriends gives the bouncer a slight head nod and when it is time for some food he also kindly arranges a table for us pronto.

The restaurant section of Saxon feels like you are in a completely different building, whilst there is still a boozy vibe, is has been designed by 6degrees to ensure that the noise does not interfere with the dining experience.

After a few drinks, who can go past a good pizza? Served on rustic wooden boards we share a proscuitto, artichoke, tomato and rocket pizza, along side the prawn, red chicory, lemon, parsley, garlic and thyme option. Needless to say, both were demolished in a hurry as our next round of drinks were on the way.

On route to work

Little Ox in New Street Brighton is slowly becoming one of my regulars.

Having to queue up for a table at breakfast is a sure indication that these guys know what they are doing. Although there is usually a wait, there is never a feeling of neglect, even a complimentary fresh OJ while waiting for a table is as far as they go to ensure your palate is adorned by their great brekky combos.

Having tried 6 options on the breakfast menu, I am finding it a tough fight between the avocado on taste with a side of smoked salmon (sounds basic but the feta in the avo mash, the black sesame seeds and the bright green herb oil take this to another level) or the corn fritters, avo mash and perfectly poached egg...or is it the salmon and beetroot relish? or the feta, pea and polenta with salmon and poached eggs? too many options, not enough time to go out for breakfast.

If you however don't have the time to wait, mid-week lunch hits the spot perfectly. Having tried two of their daily soup specials I find it hard to go past them.

It is not just the amazing food and the fresh juice which brings me to Little Ox, the fact that my 'favourite-artist-of-the-moment' David Bromley has a piece of his artwork hanging on the wall does help.

Everything about this place screams STYLISH, even the quirky wait staff. If that isn't enough, they also have a catering company, TOMMY COLLINS. I look forward to the next time I throw a party. Yum

The beginning of the rest of forever

Do you have a restaurant close to your house that you walk past at least once a week and think, why have I never been there? For me, that was Caffe e Cucina in Chapel Street.

Luckily we had booked a table because Saturday night in Chapel Street can prove to be a very busy place, even for foodies. The only time we could secure a table was a 7.45 - very precise, yet when we did arrive there our seats were not yet ready, so in true Italian style we sat at the bar and had an aperitif.

With all waitstaff being Italian, we found understanding the specials a bit difficult, luckily I was able to read them (in Italian) inside off the blackboard, something that many people don't have the luxury of doing.

To start our romantic dinner, what better way than to share an antipasto platter for two? With the best quality salumi and chargrilled vegetables, this had our tastebuds working at double time.

Having had a craving for pasta for the past week, I couldn't go past the Linguine di Mare, seafood pasta cooked in parchment paper to allow the seafood to steam. Sometimes pasta dishes can be on the small side, yet this was definitely a tummy-filling meal. They were also very generous with the seafood which was so fresh and delicious.

Opposite me I had a few nibbles of the most mouth-watering risotto, something that I would usually to very partial to. It was a vibrant green thanks to the peas, asparagus and gorgonzola. It was ridiculous, I am considering going back in a hurry so I can have a full serve to myself.

Not that we needed it, yet we felt inclined to share a cheese platter for dessert. The perfect way to finish a delightful meal with the one that you love.

Two Hats for $35

What better way to spend a Friday afternoon than with a beautifully relaxing facial at Aurora Day Spa at The Prince followed by a two course meal and a glass of red?

Luckily the lighting is minimal in Cafe Di Stasio in Fitzroy St, St Kilda as I have yet to re-apply make-up after my hour of pampering. We get the latest lunchtime booking, where last orders have to be taken by 3pm and the easiest option is the $35 express lunch.
Sure, the potion sizes look small but I walked out both full and very satisfied with my meal. Having chosen the basic Penne pasta with Napoli and mozzarella followed by a Roulade of chicken and spinach in the most deliciously buttery sauce. This, plus some hearty, hand-cut sourdough and a nice drop of Shiraz, what more could you expect for this price?


As the business lunch crowd began to leave and the afternoon wine swillers arrived, the atmosphere in the restaurant maintained its' hustle and bustle. It is always pleasant to have a waiter, even if only at lunch time, wear a suit. The Italian accent helps a little too ;)

All aboard

In desperate hope to find something quick and easy before heading to the football on Saturday night Google was the best option to fill our bellies.

Having Japanese cravings, I searched "Sushi Train Melbourne" and this is what I found.

Sakura Kaiten Sushi, 61 Little Collins (note to self: do not allow map-illiterate people tell you how to get there from Parliament train station, you will have a hike ahead of you). With a courtesy call because we were running late, we finally make it is the hole in the wall restaurant.



There was so much variety it was hard to decide but there weren't any duds. In retrospect, opting for a dumpling which is meant to be hot, when it has been circling a conveyer belt for a little while might not be the best option but the sashimi was as fresh as it comes.

My favourite was hands down the tuna sushi with tempura batter, perfect texture explosion in your mouth.

What better way to wash down your Jap Jap than with an Asahi. Good choice Google.

aMAZEing?

So, Mr Ramsay has made his way to Melbourne so why not give his restaurant a go??

The floor staff are trying to push the degustation menu to make it easier and that way there are less decisions to make.

Honest opinion? I was a little bit underwhelmed with everything. Yes, it was good but it wasn't amazing. My favourite course in the degustation was not even included on the menu, it was an added extra from a friend in the kitchen which was yum.

Such a disappointment for all the the hype about it, I didn't even hear swearing of a Ramsay-esk character.

Having knowledge from inside the kitchen, apparently Maze has had troubles with their floor staff and not being able to perform to the expectations of management.

If you want to try it yourself to prove otherwise, you will find it at Level 1, Crown Metropol, Corner of Whiteman and Clarendon Streets, Southbank.

Cheap and Cheerful

What better way to fill your belly after a hard work out at the gym than with a healthy bowl of granola.

Simply sweet with a side of vanilla yogurt and poached fruit, this breakfast cannot fail.

Found in the complete backstreets of Windsor, the Windsor Deli might be tricky to find but is well worth the search. At 33 Hornby St Windsor, this little nook of the world also provides the daily milk bar essentials along with freshly squeezed juice and a coffee which isn't too shabby either.

I was in utter shock to get a bill for only $12. TWELVE DOLLARS!! Hello, did I mention I just had juice, coffee and a big bowl of cereal? Genuine bargain.

Awkward for all the all the wrong reasons

The new Ladro can be found at 162 Greville Street Prahran which is a lot easier for me. Having walked past the construction site for the past few months in sheer anticipation, I am proud to say I finally made it on day two of business.

Having pizza expectations of its predecessors, I wasn't going to let this pizza slip through my knife and fork.

Up there with my favourite vegetables is most definitely peas, yummy fun juicy balls of goodness that pop in your mouth, who could ask for anything more? So, when I see a pizza with peas on it, how could I possibly resist? It also helps that there were prawns, tomato, chilli and basil.

This was a serious taste sensation, not too filling either, loving their thin bases!

Even for mid week, this place seemed to be buzzing with a combination of food addicts and cool young guns trying to keep up with the Jones'.

Whilst dinner was fabulous, I did find myself in a situation I had never experienced in a restaurant. My dinner date took a detour to the ladies and within moments the seat opposite me was occupied by a hot-shot bloke who thought he had the moves. There is no polite way of saying "excuse me, I don't know who you are, and no I am not interested" so I just had to grin and bare his poor attempt for flirting - genuine awkwardness.

Having to explain this to my bathroom-returned date was tricky not to giggle too obviously so white chocolate hot chocolate was an easier option. The spoon is there for a reason, make sure you get the last little bit at the bottom of the cup, it's the best.

Is that a 20c piece in the bottom of your glass?

Drinking games are always a fun way to start dinner for your best friends birthday. So if there is a 20c piece in the bottom of your glass it means scull (or in the American's opinion it means chugg). We have made our way to one of Melbourne's nicer restaurant bars, Cookie 1/252 Swanston Street in the city.

It is a battle to find a table big enough for us all but with a few elbows out and and few hip and shoulders we managed to all get squished around a few tiny tables.
After the 20 cent piece residing in my glass a few too many times it is time for some serious food.

Ladies, if you want to see your man's teary side, here is your cue, chillies are a favourite for this Thai kitchen.

Five spice chicken is comparative to last night's experience at Ichi Ni yet this time there is bucket loads.

Having travelled through Thailand many times, I claim this to be the best green chicken curry ever with chicken and corn dumplings as well as enoki mushrooms. Delish! As the boys have a sook, I pile up some pad thai on their plates to cool their tastebuds. Having succeeded I find it humorous to give them some salad too. This is where the chilli really packs a punch.

After copious amounts of food and my hand getting tired from covering the top of my drink to save myself from yet another scull, we opt for a few more flights up the The Toff. Ahh this place is date heaven!

Three's a crowd

Standard Saturday after work...I am given three options for dinner but my actions speak louder than works as I itch my knee (hint hint).

Ichi Ni Izakaya, next to the Espy at 12 The Esplanade, St Kilda is packed to the rafters. Feeling a little sceptical that we are going to get a table without having a booking, the pommy waitress finds us three stools around the grill. To make our third wheel feel more comfortable, the Asahi just keep flowing.

Do I like gyoza? Yes! is theirs the best I've tried? Yes! Do I like tempura? Yes! Is theirs the best I've tried? Yes! Going well so far I get a little thrown by the eel. Having recently tried it and not being overly impressed I am finally convinced to give it another crack, ahh, yum! They can make even things I don't like taste good.

Without a word of a lie the Tori Cara chicken was the best chicken I've had for a while. GIving the Colonel a real run for his money.

My favourite thing about Japanese food it walking out of the restaurant still feeling light, yet this time I was a little stumbly too which never hurt anyone.

This is a wonderful place for a few nibbles yet isn't ideal if you are famished, hence the fact we detoured via Maccas St Kilda on our way out...shwoops

An hour drive for a steak

Ok, well, it really shouldn't have taken an hour to get there but I have zero idea when it comes to the geography of Melbourne's western suburbs.

I wasn't sure if our back seat driver really was a dodgy GPS or she just found it amusing seeing our driver struggle in a car which was way too small for him, so much so, he had to duck.

Finally we arrive at what I see to be "just another pub", Station Hotel, 59 Napier Street, Footscray, it is pretty daggy in appearance. As I walk in, skepticism is creeping up, although I am told to brace myself for what I am about to experience.

Proving to all that I can really eat, I opt for the 400g, 150 day old Angus rump.

Chips - fat, golden and have the perfect amount of crunch.
Salad - fresh, crisp and with an amazingly light dressing
Steak - melt in your mouth, literally! I have no idea what they did to this steak but it was up there with the best. Having tasted both the pepper and the béchamel sauces, I can say they both equally compliment the steak.

With a chef in the kitchen from Arzak in Spain, expectations were high. I am pleased to say, for me, expectations were exceeded.

As if that wasn't enough to eat, I had a nibble of the pav, the chocolate soufflé and the sticky date. Everyone always loves a bit or sticky date ;) too much food! Yum.

Bar food

A busy weeknight in the city and it is hard to get a table at Barbagallo Trattoria e Pizzeria at 103 Lonsdale St, City. Looks like we will pull up a stool at the bar then.

Having followed Pietro Barbagallo half way around town, from East Brunswick, to St Kilda to sample his traditional i Carusi pizzas, I opt for something new.

After having shared broccolini crumbed with fresh breadcrumbs, parmesan, currents and more I tempt my taste buds with a very fresh, very seasonal pine mushroom risotto. Our cutesy arty waitress explained to me after virtually licking my plate clean that pine mushrooms are only found under the fallen pine needles of a pine tree, I thought I could even taste the effort it took for the little farmer to find my mushrooms.

The pork and veal ragu was also sublime. Sheer perfection, melt in your mouth kind if stuff.

These guys don't just know their pizza, they know how to make an impact with food.

"Hope you don't mind that I just ate 17 cloves of garlic"

That was the text message I sent a friend I was meant to see after my jeans-popping dinner at Melbourne Wine Room, The George Hotel, Fitzroy Street, St Kilda.

I have always been a fan of Karen Martini and what other way to totally appreciate her culinary delights that a massive feast and way too many glasses of wine?!

Sharing meals is my ideal way to have dinner (especially when I look at the menu and want to devour it all), therefore I guess that means I had two entrees, two mains and two side dishes.

The opening highlight for my was the wild mushroom tart, the home made butter pastry melting my my mouth and bulging at my thighs.

Who can go past a staple bowl of spaghetti with chopped prawns, fresh herbs, chilli and garlic...did I mention garlic? WOW! Even when I read my weekend newspaper with Karen's recipes, I wonder who would actually use that much garlic? It is out of control but truly amazing.

The super salty onion rings and radish and cabbage salad we not necessary but delicious all the same. I subtly had my jeans totally unzipped and could not bring myself to laugh because of the pain of overeating, but who can blame me when the food was so good?

Hangover Cure

In Yarra St, South Yarra, is the birth child of the St Ali family.
With that said, the coffee excellent!

It's Sunday morning, well nearly afternoon by the time I roll out of bed and my tummy is in desperate need of greasy eggs within walking distance.

My eggs benedict hit the spot! With ham off the bone (imported of course), my day was complete!

I must say, the avocado and feta mash never arrived due to the waiter who was more interested in how my elbow popped out of my jacket and calling me "fancy pants", yet it wasn't until we left that I noticed as my meal was delicious.

Eye-balling the house-made sambos on the way out, looks like I'll be back soon hopefully feeling a little less seedy.

Room with a view

In the kitchen are Norman Bellis and Joshua Lovi, these boys know how to cook up a storm at Ice, 30 Cato St, Prahran.

As we were on our way to grab fish and chips, we took a slight detour and found ourselves at the newly renovated, back street cafe/restaurant, much better option.

I opted for the risotto of pea puree, smoked tomatoes (smoked tomatoes) and feta. I had never heard of such a thing. It had an outrageously smoky taste of pure delish!

From the other side of the table I tasted the daily special: a pan fried trout fillet with a broad bean, green bean, capsicum and fennel salad with tomato jam. It must be their latest craze, but these guys know how to take tomatoes to a brand new dimension.

Although the food was incredible, the view from our window seat wasn't too shabby either, muscle men pumping iron at the gym across the road. It did make me feel a twinge of regret though as I chose to have an early dinner rather than a gym session of my own, oh well, I will just have to go tomorrow

"Birthday Special"

Wanting to take a friend out for a memorable birthday but don't have the cash to splurge? I've got the place.

142 Victoria Street, Richmond is where you will find Thy Thy 1, up a dingy, scary, rickety, bright pink staircase.

This it up there as one of my all time favourites, and has been for at least fourteen years. My favourite is taking someone there who has never experienced it before, the apprehension on their face until they chow down into some of the most reliable food in Melbourne.

I have tried half of the menu but I keep going back to my trusty favourites: Vegetarian spring rolls (which I wrap in lettuce, add Vietnamese mint and bean shoots, a squirt of Hoi Sin sauce and dunk in all into a vinegar chilli carrot concoction) followed by rice noodle soup with vegetables - Pho.

This is all well and good but definitely is not the highlight of the night.

If you are taking a birthday boy or girl who has never been to Thy Thy it is ideal, they have no idea what they are in for. On arrival I whisper to the waiter "can we please have a birthday special for the girl with the black scarf" and my job is done for the night.

After devouring our meals......BANG!!! The lights go out! The bells are ringing! The entire restaurant, which seats about 100, are singing "Happy Birthday" and a massive penis shaped banana fritter with sparklers is heading towards our table. It is hysterical! The pricelessness of the birthday girls face when she realises all the fuss is for her.

Another bonus, it's BYO.

Speedy Stallions

Seated, fed, wined and out in 20 minutes.

Usually I would not be impressed, although we were in high-speed mode as we had to get to the Melbourne Comedy Festival in time for our show.

The Guy Grossi trained boys greeted us with the standard "Buonasera", making you feel for that micro-second that perhaps you have found a small Trattoria in Italy as apposed to being at Florentino's Cellar Bar, 80 Bourke Street, in the city.

Hearing the Italian spill out of the restaurant was reassuring of the authenticity of the food.

The only issue with the Cellar Bar was that, although they were efficient, I felt as though my Melanzame Alla Parmigiana was literally thrown into my lap and I was having parmagiano on it regardless of whether I wanted it or not.

I guess you can't expect too much from the Italians, trust me, I've grown up with them all of my life.

Location: Undisclosed

Pizza for free?

I feel a trend coming across, maybe I have a fetish for restaurants underground, although this one, I had no idea where I was going until I got there.

Hidden Pizza Restaurant is just that, hidden!

After my complementary delicious homemade lemonade (recipe attached to jam jar glass), we waited in what felt like a friend's kitchen while we watched the busy indie kids prepare our FREE pizza before our eyes.

While we waited for the master chefs to create their masterpieces, our ears were greeted with some great tunes.

No wonder these guys have an affiliation with Yellow Pages, one entire wall is covered from floor to ceiling in them.

The use of recycled materials in this warehouse conversion is above and beyond most I have seen.

With all this aside, the food was a stand out. Honestly, it wasn't the most phenomenal pizza experience I have ever had in relation to the taste but the experience and the hunt was what made this place stand out from the rest.

Both the Prawn and the Capricciosa pizzas were tasty, yet a little tricky to eat on your lap.

If you need a cheap date, or even a free one, this is the place to go for the next 12 days. Good luck finding it!

The Best in Australia

For someone with Italian blood, it is always hard to beat Nonna's cooking.

I think I have found an exception! Supermaxi,305 St Georges Rd Fitzroy North is the brainchild of ex-Ladro-ites.

Salumi platter - ohhhhhhhhhhh by far the best cold cuts this side of the Mediterranean. Who would have thought meat could give this much pleasure to someone who once considered becoming a vego?

How could I go past my favourite vegetable, cauliflower, for primi? This lightly battered and super salty crunch flavour sensation kicked Nonna's equivalent straight up the backside.

This food is simplicity at it's finest. Not trying to over complicate things and keeping it real.

I opted for the house-made artichoke stuffed ravioli with sage butter. Words cannot explain how this packs a punch. It got slightly embarrassing with all the "ooohh!" and "aaaaahh!" from our table, it was starting to sound like an SBS late night movie.

The spaghetti with napoli sauce was the epitome of Italy. Freshest pasta possible (feel like it was made especially for us), truely garlicy tomato sugo and not trying to be anything other than spaghetti with napoli sauce.

Having travelled through Italy, I have come to the conclusion that Supermaxi is "the best Italian food in Australia". Trust me, I've tried a lot.

these kids make you wanna drink coffee!

Located at 359 Little Bourke Street
, Brother Baba Budan is as cute as pie!

With no signage out the front, I managed to stumble past it only noticing by the queue of coffee enthusiasts snaking out the door.

Tiny? Yes. But atmospheric? Hell Yeah! We managed find a few spare seats at the bar where we were tempted by earthy looking coffee accompaniment (AKA cakes and pastries), but we refrained and insure the coffee was the highlight of the show.

With close ties with one of Melbourne's most sought after coffee beans, Seven Seeds, you know this coffee is going to the prime. I'm not much of a coffee drinker myself, but when it comes to this strong, smooth gulp, who could resist?

A little scared for my safety with chairs hanging above my head, the coffee out my mind at ease and I felt like I was on a parallel universe.

Not the quietest of locations, there still seems to be business meetings for the creative minded (architects) sprawled all over the front communal table.

This is a place a would be willing to develop a coffee addiction for.

Underground Adventure

Located beneath the Adelphi Hotel 187 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, the modern pan-asian restaurant, Ezard is found. One of Melbourne's highly acclaimed two hat restaurants.
Being a Tuesday night, we suspect it to be a quiet night, yet we are happily surprised by the buzzing atmosphere created from the suits straight from work, the romantic couples and one dorky guy trying to impress his new catch.

After a long day at work, we opt for the easy option - the 8 course degustation.
Taste buds already on high-speed from the glorious sourdough and tasting salts (wow, flavour bombs!), the first of the tiny meals arrive.


Japanese inspired oyster shooter- 6/10
Accompanied with a soba noodle nori roll, the Sake in the shooter was enough to blow your head off.

Kingfish sashimi with toasted sesame custard, chardonnay and shallot vinaigrette - 7/10
Trying to brave it with the chop sticks, the sashimi was a slippery little bugger, I was pleased with the lighting of the venue for this particular reason.

Steamed crab and ginger wonton dumplings with tom kha and finger lime 10/10
"Umm...what the hell? Is this not the best thing you have ever tasted in your life?"
Memories of my many Thailand adventures. I want to go back.

Coconut roasted ocean trout with asian gazpacho, tempura avocado, creme fraiche, hot and sour salad 9/10
Tempura avocado, who would have thought it could melt in your mouth quite like that?


Crispy white polenta with sauteed mushrooms, peas, poached egg and soft herbs 9/10
This course had so much going on but you could still taste each individual ingredient.


Five spiced bangalow sweet pork belly with yellow bean and peanut dressing, apple and coriander salad - 7/10
For someone who never eats pork, pork belly is usually a no-go-zone, yet i really enjoyed it

Roast duck with green chilli and shallot sauce, stir fried garlic shoot, and silk melon and coconut rice 10/10
Mind blowing!

Honeycrunch ice cream, toasted gingerbread and sugar swirl 9/10
The perfect amount of sweetness with the right amount of crunch. My type of dessert.

Finished off with a glass of dessert wine and an espresso, it was up there with some of my favourite meals.
If only I had been able to experience it with the man who it was intended for, thanks for the date Mum!