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.