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!