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