tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4759778077775550232024-03-06T11:44:43.332+11:00raD fooDDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12002873380756523634noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475977807777555023.post-68984292251581318342013-09-26T12:22:00.001+10:002013-10-01T09:33:27.206+10:00Shimbashi Soba & Sake BarI am still in love with all things Japanese at the moment. So it's no real surprise that when organising a laid-back dinner with girlfriends, the venue I suggested was Shimbashi Soba & Sake Bar.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Located on Liverpool St, this small but charming restaurant is known for its handmade buckwheat noodles. During our visit they proudly advertised that they had recently received a new batch of Tasmanian buckwheat - these people really know and love noodles!<br />
<br />
The soba dishes are served either hot or cold, and being the middle of winter I couldn't bring myself to order a cold dish (maybe next time).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGtskhecX4hTAhUbKo1HfxWiOgaUuRP83BXeDJsufM_gmEl_0du48WGoRbPYRVQNSb8xLTVonjZebCYgQP1hKcFP9nUQza6f5SPM4zNEEAwcx4C54_mHofrtvPU44K0cOVjKHmJ388pCk/s1600/IMG_3526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGtskhecX4hTAhUbKo1HfxWiOgaUuRP83BXeDJsufM_gmEl_0du48WGoRbPYRVQNSb8xLTVonjZebCYgQP1hKcFP9nUQza6f5SPM4zNEEAwcx4C54_mHofrtvPU44K0cOVjKHmJ388pCk/s400/IMG_3526.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Simple, clean flavours with noodles cooked to perfection. It was everything a soba dish is meant to be.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLC9B8e1wk2EKx1o1gJUij0CnFfCarQHhkQbDMXvncnUnKBi351fjOFGoRDNRY5oW6O8wJ96ivkiBCabbWN53mEQtWhW5jcC5W2Lm4-ZyYeaplFClgwMhCqeYLYXllp_xqSrwE3rIC1cQ/s1600/IMG_3525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLC9B8e1wk2EKx1o1gJUij0CnFfCarQHhkQbDMXvncnUnKBi351fjOFGoRDNRY5oW6O8wJ96ivkiBCabbWN53mEQtWhW5jcC5W2Lm4-ZyYeaplFClgwMhCqeYLYXllp_xqSrwE3rIC1cQ/s400/IMG_3525.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We also ordered some Takoyaki, because I was still intrigued about those little octopus balls. Shimbashi's balls didn't impress me quite as much as those found on the streets of Kyoto, but it's good enough for a local fix.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm6naKZvuqTTrS5FaoXMOPjagQVv2JVqD_R1FDfbM8c_WAuyd9hep7gxmBXu_GTnJ4ebwTlvtfGsCycBZ5QWdH-QPf7cc6zIgoI-Udu2n8AALXlGCVqTyuj0KoZqNFsUDQtCSgQzPNL6g/s1600/IMG_3524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm6naKZvuqTTrS5FaoXMOPjagQVv2JVqD_R1FDfbM8c_WAuyd9hep7gxmBXu_GTnJ4ebwTlvtfGsCycBZ5QWdH-QPf7cc6zIgoI-Udu2n8AALXlGCVqTyuj0KoZqNFsUDQtCSgQzPNL6g/s400/IMG_3524.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
As someone who enjoys sake but is still very uneducated, I was also impressed by the sake sampling sets.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP23PVb7my3f9DN3ssKnyUhSoT6U02cBpzFrN37Cfg9OxAoTpVKTT_Wec3zl_X00xpYFEDZ20HRxtbVLABlCec-4Q9czWNdw1qysu9luQ2VdrM20nkO6RtYpIfOK1EXkOR1WgpBIlx4Zc/s1600/IMG_3527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP23PVb7my3f9DN3ssKnyUhSoT6U02cBpzFrN37Cfg9OxAoTpVKTT_Wec3zl_X00xpYFEDZ20HRxtbVLABlCec-4Q9czWNdw1qysu9luQ2VdrM20nkO6RtYpIfOK1EXkOR1WgpBIlx4Zc/s400/IMG_3527.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwzICB9V8_-IbL2jTuJ3UgOK3uubuIXu7_ZOTh7D6tNMpbxN-Bm6ecpGnHAnEwQRzWG8p1RBHIgqaTANQsX9hyJUHmTwaXmQPINOHrKWCaokw9tKhUP1cqlUhoM2eTnOXc9QEec38TuKw/s1600/IMG_3530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwzICB9V8_-IbL2jTuJ3UgOK3uubuIXu7_ZOTh7D6tNMpbxN-Bm6ecpGnHAnEwQRzWG8p1RBHIgqaTANQsX9hyJUHmTwaXmQPINOHrKWCaokw9tKhUP1cqlUhoM2eTnOXc9QEec38TuKw/s400/IMG_3530.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Good food and service are not rare in this city, so restaurants really need a distinguishing factor to stand-out. Shimbashi Soba & Sake Bar had the right combination quality food and good service, but it's the added element of Japanese kitsch that really drew me in. I can't wait to go back (and try a Princess Princess Cocktail with a serve of cold soba).<br />
<br />
- Dani</div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Summary</span></b></div>
<div>
<b>Name: </b>Shimbashi Soba & Sake Bar</div>
<div>
<b>Cuisine: </b>Japanese</div>
<div>
<b>Price:</b> $$</div>
<div>
<b>Location:</b> 17 Liverpool St, Melbourne VIC 3000</div>
<div>
<b>Map:</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?size=300x300&maptype=roadmap&sensor=false&markers=color:red%7C-37.811308,144.971265&client=google-maps-sharing&signature=ZeVsxfbllUGlujWvEnywkL3gdYE=" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?size=300x300&maptype=roadmap&sensor=false&markers=color:red%7C-37.811308,144.971265&client=google-maps-sharing&signature=ZeVsxfbllUGlujWvEnywkL3gdYE=" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b></div>
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1690268/restaurant/CBD/Shimbashi-Soba-Sake-Bar-Melbourne"><img alt="Shimbashi Soba & Sake Bar on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1690268/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12002873380756523634noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475977807777555023.post-31590650672405277602013-07-04T22:45:00.002+10:002013-07-04T22:56:45.584+10:00Moulin NoirI've been to Moulin Noir four times now and each visit was totally different. I've eaten brunch, lunch, dinner and crepes.<br />
<br />
I have to admit, the brunch was good, lunch was ok, dinner was nice, but it is the crepes that have won me over.<br />
<br />
Being good little food bloggers, Dan and I ordered one sweet and one savoury crepe, just to make sure we could get a well rounded opinion.<br />
<br />
My lemon sugar and vanilla ice cream crepe was lovely. Personally I'm happy with just lemon and sugar on my crepes (no ice cream), but I figured I should try the original menu item at least once before making any changes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxb2iO_AUmFcgeSs3ZiOR0qIvO0_yaSL8egHLK8c1xBn0LO_ZOlDYcnRbqlyJmD9YHdRp8z_KL2SQor7ua3xlYBr5LxZVNvH41Ma8i33Yr_6p1EXZRFOw1VmepLXl2hqRAee5cUU9G1o4/s1600/IMG_2042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxb2iO_AUmFcgeSs3ZiOR0qIvO0_yaSL8egHLK8c1xBn0LO_ZOlDYcnRbqlyJmD9YHdRp8z_KL2SQor7ua3xlYBr5LxZVNvH41Ma8i33Yr_6p1EXZRFOw1VmepLXl2hqRAee5cUU9G1o4/s400/IMG_2042.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The crepes were thin, the vanilla ice cream was scrumptious, and I was a happy little camper.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
The price of the sweet crepes is very steep compared to establishments such as Roule Galette ($14 vs $6), but the portion is slightly larger.<br />
<br />
Dan's scrambled egg and ham crepe was delicious - yes, he let me eat some of it. In fact he couldn't finish it, so I was able to try more than a mouthful.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC-tiJz78mPl48oV8lpwmCnFwj2NQsXW8aBdzmxVI28JDCSsa660qgmdlaQV2Uja0fOmifTdTNVNzzyGZbh3zSM1Ws67d27IfbHyZE9uu7CVGFIbf3w4tRCJ1p1DbNiHHUnmG7KAbg6ek/s1600/IMG_2043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC-tiJz78mPl48oV8lpwmCnFwj2NQsXW8aBdzmxVI28JDCSsa660qgmdlaQV2Uja0fOmifTdTNVNzzyGZbh3zSM1Ws67d27IfbHyZE9uu7CVGFIbf3w4tRCJ1p1DbNiHHUnmG7KAbg6ek/s400/IMG_2043.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Dan particularly enjoyed the cheesy-ness of the scrambled eggs, which were cooked perfectly. There is nothing worse than rubbery scrambled eggs and these were the complete opposite.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKDlJLs4dpdIYtPr1-RFU6dEUocgNpgQLPH3yoxJSszsizo6rM6voaTv6vI6b3EFVyoITvmo_1lqaNIBOaydSiS_A8feNP1qp-vywRCRWKq068Zq0ENEvdAfeQZjt-jHa2m0LOVKQimPQ/s1600/IMG_2036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKDlJLs4dpdIYtPr1-RFU6dEUocgNpgQLPH3yoxJSszsizo6rM6voaTv6vI6b3EFVyoITvmo_1lqaNIBOaydSiS_A8feNP1qp-vywRCRWKq068Zq0ENEvdAfeQZjt-jHa2m0LOVKQimPQ/s400/IMG_2036.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Moulin Noir has the ambiance of a moody (dark) European bistro and while the food isn't consistently brilliant, my mouth is watering just thinking about those crepes.<br />
<br />
- Dani<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Summary</span></b></div>
<div>
<b>Name: </b>Moulin Noir</div>
<div>
<b>Cuisine: </b>Cafe</div>
<div>
<b>Price:</b> $$</div>
<div>
<b>Location:</b> 154 Rouse St, Port Melbourne VIC 3207</div>
<div>
<b>Map:</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?size=300x300&maptype=roadmap&sensor=false&markers=color:red%7C-37.841608,144.938888&client=google-maps-sharing&signature=VQdnxQsR_2cRCjSAnHfOoMjDBnE=" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?size=300x300&maptype=roadmap&sensor=false&markers=color:red%7C-37.841608,144.938888&client=google-maps-sharing&signature=VQdnxQsR_2cRCjSAnHfOoMjDBnE=" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1435750/restaurant/Melbourne/Moulin-Noir-European-Bistro-Port-Melbourne"><img alt="Moulin Noir European Bistro on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1435750/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; padding: 0px; width: 130px;" /></a>Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12002873380756523634noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475977807777555023.post-24368627771152946712013-05-09T17:10:00.000+10:002013-05-20T12:32:17.610+10:00Gami (King St)Gami is famous (some would say infamous) for what is arguably the best Fried Chicken in Melbourne. Forget Kentuky Fried Chicken. Korean Fried Chicken removes the Colonel's pants and spanks him. (Too graphic?)<br />
<br />
Having randomly stumbled upon Gami a couple of years ago, I never seemed to find the right moment to post a blog about it. But then a wonderful thing happened, they opened a new restaurant on King St (there are three now).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzcQICl6uVOUO3lxgW-hpgkrHGpN5-ueW3Z09jOCWYdO8yNewLaAkR1k1WMeHWXnAPkfQ8E6-SYKHV03KzrSyeO-SEG4tPpgajgOhvPUhVesv7gZXpBegyD9MLOqYizZtpGobJdc_3ovQ/s1600/IMG_1147%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzcQICl6uVOUO3lxgW-hpgkrHGpN5-ueW3Z09jOCWYdO8yNewLaAkR1k1WMeHWXnAPkfQ8E6-SYKHV03KzrSyeO-SEG4tPpgajgOhvPUhVesv7gZXpBegyD9MLOqYizZtpGobJdc_3ovQ/s400/IMG_1147%5B1%5D.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
So after work one week night, Dan and I headed down those unassuming steps to what is a cute albeit simple restaurant.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhviAaldkhKHdjHAXh8jYihWbNmkWz7Ec6snblNGOl_3jPJ57m941Ujbo11xe9Jl3_7P54cLuROwfRS2Dc5211Wt5MP8UijBfsK0hySVWaibrQ1f7EAbAyW5zG3Lf_A4cSQPrdHc5-SbKM/s1600/IMG_1170%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhviAaldkhKHdjHAXh8jYihWbNmkWz7Ec6snblNGOl_3jPJ57m941Ujbo11xe9Jl3_7P54cLuROwfRS2Dc5211Wt5MP8UijBfsK0hySVWaibrQ1f7EAbAyW5zG3Lf_A4cSQPrdHc5-SbKM/s400/IMG_1170%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtklzj1CDhAAqYfbICl_L1GPFjvByIC9xwo8qb9c0Xj6UY_hnOoy5u9a3il55f9JSHh9lPh4l0sGavRHJNOw1ym2Y9FO9hVAEkFRYnym_rWHB-Y-S0_J6CHcp6kpxZyDSpvdFmpY-67qc/s1600/IMG_1149%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtklzj1CDhAAqYfbICl_L1GPFjvByIC9xwo8qb9c0Xj6UY_hnOoy5u9a3il55f9JSHh9lPh4l0sGavRHJNOw1ym2Y9FO9hVAEkFRYnym_rWHB-Y-S0_J6CHcp6kpxZyDSpvdFmpY-67qc/s400/IMG_1149%5B1%5D.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
You don't go to Gami for the atmospherics, but the King St restaurants is markedly more visually appealing than it's sister restaurants.<br />
<br />
This, however, does not mean that the chicken is any different - you get the same great tasting chicken.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_6qOAHJEndkC8Xmuumm0_9uBAK6GKb_0h5Kj2eWWqVl9aw2QLDMOGyG-FxJNS_byEpAip7pPvtCj-BZ4drTlWUgIDh1htJBSe6hCrnKciolIZTbhbRINs6ZcU7jugQRd2t3bb3N1GUU0/s1600/IMG_1164%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_6qOAHJEndkC8Xmuumm0_9uBAK6GKb_0h5Kj2eWWqVl9aw2QLDMOGyG-FxJNS_byEpAip7pPvtCj-BZ4drTlWUgIDh1htJBSe6hCrnKciolIZTbhbRINs6ZcU7jugQRd2t3bb3N1GUU0/s400/IMG_1164%5B1%5D.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm not sure if it is because we order without looking at the menu or whether it really is new, but something else that was new to Dan and I was the boneless chicken.<br />
<br />
Great tasting Fried Chicken without those pesky bones in the way? Yes please!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1OqEihtU7kG909KcVzn1pDsInI1H_f6H-4ZWHQy17k0pxiJUdQpDOwnuU_Ou8nU7gJfxXTd65285duZJt8C_wzXUQc_NB3y-l-DYKDGhIG-1x-Z82miYlpfKDKhytkq3CjpE4KooyPE/s1600/IMG_1156%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1OqEihtU7kG909KcVzn1pDsInI1H_f6H-4ZWHQy17k0pxiJUdQpDOwnuU_Ou8nU7gJfxXTd65285duZJt8C_wzXUQc_NB3y-l-DYKDGhIG-1x-Z82miYlpfKDKhytkq3CjpE4KooyPE/s400/IMG_1156%5B1%5D.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAD_1tZ8CH_4G_OydPTUZnID5Q6VO5MDgNhID6QRo9ejGdL1VYukqFGeDCCdImsH0SdykFrIQeIuoP7ZYPt1LCGXOt8d7G7Ln7Skx0l8kCjevL11H6HN73E9h_tfUzPd1e9L7fDVU4tR0/s1600/IMG_1161%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAD_1tZ8CH_4G_OydPTUZnID5Q6VO5MDgNhID6QRo9ejGdL1VYukqFGeDCCdImsH0SdykFrIQeIuoP7ZYPt1LCGXOt8d7G7Ln7Skx0l8kCjevL11H6HN73E9h_tfUzPd1e9L7fDVU4tR0/s400/IMG_1161%5B1%5D.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
And of course we ordered this with an obligatory jug of Gami's house beer and a Kimchi pancake (gotta have a vegetable thrown in there somewhere).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha06OjxFILgThrO_LTXrdzM7W87hK8ughPfAVCDyWcnUEBhW3iCkIfaV6oL2ymQ3tnr2oDqsQENUbCBi6boJDVeILiRj2rpv2lsoR1gdGkEAkVqVYt0UiH51tvhhVnYx3NNV5EAAeXaFI/s1600/IMG_1165%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha06OjxFILgThrO_LTXrdzM7W87hK8ughPfAVCDyWcnUEBhW3iCkIfaV6oL2ymQ3tnr2oDqsQENUbCBi6boJDVeILiRj2rpv2lsoR1gdGkEAkVqVYt0UiH51tvhhVnYx3NNV5EAAeXaFI/s400/IMG_1165%5B1%5D.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Dan fell in love with the orange dipping sauce</span></div>
<br />
Gami is the perfect guilty pleasure. While there is no way I could eat this food on a regular basis, it is delicious chicken. And though it's fried, it doesn't feel nearly as greasy or artery clogging as the alternatives (e.g., KFC), so you can genuinely enjoy it.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>PS. Gami also home deliver to Melbourne CBD, Southbank, South Melbourne and Carlton. I no longer live in this area, but the service was always fantastic (and the chicken is just as good).</i></span><br />
<br />
- Dani<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Summary</span></b></div>
<div>
<b>Name: </b>Gami</div>
<div>
<b>Cuisine: </b>Korean, 'Chicken & Beer'</div>
<div>
<b>Price:</b> $$</div>
<div>
<b>Location:</b> Basement 26 King St, Melbourne VIC 3000</div>
<div>
<b>Map:</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?size=300x300&maptype=roadmap&sensor=false&markers=color:red%7C-37.819579,144.9573&client=google-maps-sharing&signature=7LNxnv0dr3fOunSXlMEqzr0CS7s=" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?size=300x300&maptype=roadmap&sensor=false&markers=color:red%7C-37.819579,144.9573&client=google-maps-sharing&signature=7LNxnv0dr3fOunSXlMEqzr0CS7s=" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1735266/restaurant/CBD/Gami-Chicken-at-Kings-St-Melbourne"><img alt="Gami Chicken at Kings St on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1735266/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; padding: 0px; width: 130px;" /></a>Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12002873380756523634noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475977807777555023.post-26011506716270565202013-04-27T19:22:00.000+10:002013-04-28T11:09:33.106+10:00BalmainsLately I've been trying to push myself out of my comfort zone, it is good to get out there and try new things, and brunch is no exception. So when choosing a Sunday brunch location, I decided a little road trip was in order. Lucky for Dan and I, it was a perfect day for a drive along Beach Road to Balmains Cafe.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqtx6POwh7rYaGFPI1cosBv_QisFFwTRv3eSyInbZcgL0w0eIZFZNLY0tTxruON0NKHcaAgcyxcP1RlT-ikpHsq225IIdxIM4psmHRVeoz_DL0o5Qno6yIbmY7VEbrIq1KZJBQCwv2XPY/s1600/photo+(8).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqtx6POwh7rYaGFPI1cosBv_QisFFwTRv3eSyInbZcgL0w0eIZFZNLY0tTxruON0NKHcaAgcyxcP1RlT-ikpHsq225IIdxIM4psmHRVeoz_DL0o5Qno6yIbmY7VEbrIq1KZJBQCwv2XPY/s400/photo+(8).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Located on Were St in Brighton, Balmains has a delightful mixture of old world charm and modern touches.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguZllOcMcWFwCbDQVbrj9e4wn7tG6X3wmPgB4kK7znxEqSgtf57FI3ZJlpS_EUnv3n6SpE5GLTN2V4UyqOSS1Y0DhFfZPFj5o_ZEe0EmT3wq4FExGMkAa9f1YNXHivPbHdwafoxmDY_eE/s1600/IMG_1022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguZllOcMcWFwCbDQVbrj9e4wn7tG6X3wmPgB4kK7znxEqSgtf57FI3ZJlpS_EUnv3n6SpE5GLTN2V4UyqOSS1Y0DhFfZPFj5o_ZEe0EmT3wq4FExGMkAa9f1YNXHivPbHdwafoxmDY_eE/s400/IMG_1022.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTNSpw3Pg61fC9f0TTVcMl6MTrijjYInCVKhyphenhyphenJTExTMBfmeuQSkOrIrS8BRjJDs493j9j-Y4UfJ0Rmoq3QvUq3JjvFLui1EVgK-v7vtJMbHIuvQuEQYGvofcSXP7msp3rnEbxc9dD2IGg/s1600/IMG_1034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTNSpw3Pg61fC9f0TTVcMl6MTrijjYInCVKhyphenhyphenJTExTMBfmeuQSkOrIrS8BRjJDs493j9j-Y4UfJ0Rmoq3QvUq3JjvFLui1EVgK-v7vtJMbHIuvQuEQYGvofcSXP7msp3rnEbxc9dD2IGg/s400/IMG_1034.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Firstly, I feel that I should point out that it was extremely easy to get both a park and a table, which makes for a blissful Sunday brunch experience. It is so easy to relax and enjoy yourself, when everything is going smoothly.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2BiO1s-VOsuWXeCVHMHdaHbWd-nSpnpbvVWRFrOfyYPIsCptdHGmR-60D6jmH_dzRwBxQXjZHwV7bG2c-oQ-6TRoa5BDsAdgwkJFcZSzhITt79lQ8T52E1Tsb1uQfhBOkFV_HulHO7k/s1600/IMG_1047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH2BiO1s-VOsuWXeCVHMHdaHbWd-nSpnpbvVWRFrOfyYPIsCptdHGmR-60D6jmH_dzRwBxQXjZHwV7bG2c-oQ-6TRoa5BDsAdgwkJFcZSzhITt79lQ8T52E1Tsb1uQfhBOkFV_HulHO7k/s400/IMG_1047.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Though I am not a coffee drinker, it is said that Balmains is a great spot for a coffee lover. And though Dan is no aficionado either, it doesn't take a genius to figure out just how much people love Balmains' coffee. The line of people waiting for take away coffee, kept all the wait staff well and truly on their toes. It meant that service was a little on the slow side, especially for that much sought after warm brew, but it was understandable.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7Hznc_VitU5mizfNFSZ8iyWbeoUDw5zjtUlYe5w3aYBe9NEFBdxZy6LF_f90tkYpsy604X3CW6sXcrrIzi_vHW5A6kO6QT2q-4Ay7ZvSSRlfQqWVzdDZZXSvpLQjpGkblDlVypbB-K4/s1600/IMG_1036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7Hznc_VitU5mizfNFSZ8iyWbeoUDw5zjtUlYe5w3aYBe9NEFBdxZy6LF_f90tkYpsy604X3CW6sXcrrIzi_vHW5A6kO6QT2q-4Ay7ZvSSRlfQqWVzdDZZXSvpLQjpGkblDlVypbB-K4/s400/IMG_1036.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Dan ordered his usual (Eggs Benedict) while I went for the Brioche with Avocado and Salmon.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1xIhSlKtbiWrX1n4rwJ3AsT6d9gqa18dejW-drUOG6BrDo4D7eGLMwCK9JU7eM2kufvryL0UlSdcopEIZtQhqot3STn2rNRm4rbMS9xTihG2qK30Ekl-qNAOFvJBBPlKvZ3JJq_Jaww/s1600/IMG_1035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj1xIhSlKtbiWrX1n4rwJ3AsT6d9gqa18dejW-drUOG6BrDo4D7eGLMwCK9JU7eM2kufvryL0UlSdcopEIZtQhqot3STn2rNRm4rbMS9xTihG2qK30Ekl-qNAOFvJBBPlKvZ3JJq_Jaww/s400/IMG_1035.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWHsFaZpNSvFf4uxTqGdb1Uo15XeDzL9kXUliPPa1Ilc9nS70VSYyUUAruNBTlyqsYS7kVOMb1kF9xluDBIUjqdigkAZshAaKqsMi2wLRZOI3GoIOEC2t_Kt5Gt1frg2Le0Kue_sd2Vkk/s1600/IMG_1048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWHsFaZpNSvFf4uxTqGdb1Uo15XeDzL9kXUliPPa1Ilc9nS70VSYyUUAruNBTlyqsYS7kVOMb1kF9xluDBIUjqdigkAZshAaKqsMi2wLRZOI3GoIOEC2t_Kt5Gt1frg2Le0Kue_sd2Vkk/s400/IMG_1048.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It was simple but delightful, and exactly what I needed. But I have to admit, when I first saw the size of the Eggs Benedict, I thought it looked awfully small. Definitely not a big enough serving for Dan. Not to say that he didn't enjoy it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgUmI2gAEolKrwsOxlv9a93bBzOeN2pcu77EoAjw05FPYI_UbWl3OtGe3dBjmrSq7AOAnvn9lkPMxg4HxJeDJAAP9YYIEj0Y0XK0HgH31n5-XCxEvTowSKCaihQq4Ra5XZG0v8S_k2RQg/s1600/IMG_1050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgUmI2gAEolKrwsOxlv9a93bBzOeN2pcu77EoAjw05FPYI_UbWl3OtGe3dBjmrSq7AOAnvn9lkPMxg4HxJeDJAAP9YYIEj0Y0XK0HgH31n5-XCxEvTowSKCaihQq4Ra5XZG0v8S_k2RQg/s400/IMG_1050.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Balmains is a cute little cafe worth checking out if you live in the area, particularly if you are a coffee lover. However, I don't believe it is special enough to warrant a significant detour.<br />
<br />
- Dani<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Summary</span></b></div>
<div>
<b>Name: </b>Balmains</div>
<div>
<b>Cuisine: </b>Cafe</div>
<div>
<b>Price:</b> $</div>
<div>
<b>Location:</b> 117 Were St, Brighton VIC 3186</div>
<div>
<b>Map:</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?size=300x300&maptype=roadmap&sensor=false&markers=color:red%7C-37.925588,145.000007&client=google-maps-sharing&signature=D1O7-bhMxtepQKkF6a2WyWOYK28=" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?size=300x300&maptype=roadmap&sensor=false&markers=color:red%7C-37.925588,145.000007&client=google-maps-sharing&signature=D1O7-bhMxtepQKkF6a2WyWOYK28=" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1622130/restaurant/Melbourne/Brighton-Hampton/Balmains-Brighton-Brighton"><img alt="Balmains Brighton on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1622130/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; padding: 0px; width: 130px;" /></a>Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12002873380756523634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475977807777555023.post-62268731371588561042013-04-10T11:25:00.000+10:002013-04-11T08:37:49.171+10:00Le Miel et la luneIn recent times, I have tended to dine out within my own little geographical bubble. <i>Boring!</i> Luckily I now have a partner in crime, my sister Victoria, living North of the city and she guided me to a favourite cafe of hers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDHYGWkMXiF2do6YyevqM-Vqg6HD3chNRDPeCcSpmAUesWNzhfTlyZQderbhQAv4_mV7UUHQSBLEHlQY6dP9mwUhoD4-3P1g-mfndM3cU-KLbL77fdMBE3pl4Bp-PB_400Ic8onWi3To/s1600/IMG_0517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDHYGWkMXiF2do6YyevqM-Vqg6HD3chNRDPeCcSpmAUesWNzhfTlyZQderbhQAv4_mV7UUHQSBLEHlQY6dP9mwUhoD4-3P1g-mfndM3cU-KLbL77fdMBE3pl4Bp-PB_400Ic8onWi3To/s400/IMG_0517.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Le Miel et la lune has popped up on Cardigan St Carlton in recent years - well it certainly wasn't there when I was at uni - and seems to be a popular spot with the locals.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3JZkPNb9jD6okWLV_mmBVNWSr51ZzYLGiKfr_xwHa_qFZ8TNMPnE8PIwzdSc7CJqGGi0r8R7fMrNETLoKx5JgqaAgnWSqQe5QyxuT-FRk6aHcnoevf2E6DiHDVWBT7CkHXYqzCkX8mP4/s1600/IMG_0516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3JZkPNb9jD6okWLV_mmBVNWSr51ZzYLGiKfr_xwHa_qFZ8TNMPnE8PIwzdSc7CJqGGi0r8R7fMrNETLoKx5JgqaAgnWSqQe5QyxuT-FRk6aHcnoevf2E6DiHDVWBT7CkHXYqzCkX8mP4/s400/IMG_0516.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
Surrounded by fresh faces, the three of us squeezed onto a table that seemed more appropriate for two. And between catching up and taking goofy photos, we managed to order our meals and a couple of drinks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb68hoDU6nMAywX87aC_FpdAJr1GWdjnOjBBSFo93gB06bIVjaoOX5KDgs3Gi0Uf90PCBrIlMurmfN87CGvQL8RmcmRG7gab6SBgdjTUVhAdEhkhgpBuHnx_VJCA9V2E9_x1ZoD4LcX38/s1600/IMG_0505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb68hoDU6nMAywX87aC_FpdAJr1GWdjnOjBBSFo93gB06bIVjaoOX5KDgs3Gi0Uf90PCBrIlMurmfN87CGvQL8RmcmRG7gab6SBgdjTUVhAdEhkhgpBuHnx_VJCA9V2E9_x1ZoD4LcX38/s400/IMG_0505.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Michelle complained that the baristas in Melbourne ruin soy milk or use dodgy soy milk, something like that. But this seemed to occur everywhere, not just at Le Miel.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM3_5zvTYUAhYWHLfNQVl3ZbuuY8xTL99b9ropTI3sX7ONyp1t-5DapnVeeZqIYbQPq8z7PrGLk1yAfivvLNnsCV-346q-Ia9pHKW7PIytolN9O49ACB16G2z5QgaTWiuVRQs7H-41fLE/s1600/IMG_0508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM3_5zvTYUAhYWHLfNQVl3ZbuuY8xTL99b9ropTI3sX7ONyp1t-5DapnVeeZqIYbQPq8z7PrGLk1yAfivvLNnsCV-346q-Ia9pHKW7PIytolN9O49ACB16G2z5QgaTWiuVRQs7H-41fLE/s400/IMG_0508.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
There was nothing dodgy about my apple, carrot, celery and ginger juice though - it is one of my favourite concoctions.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjorQbUCcuJqHMnR1VUoRE0Y3K5oK1oUJyNWrgYpWZ1CdOTBYp9OvNp9w-O1ipstrPyh593xQy7xqE_xQVA-56pXes_eAK707z43j9jqzwG9eFKsqNoS7DquQQZeF94lOSCHC9O4CoOr-o/s1600/IMG_0509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjorQbUCcuJqHMnR1VUoRE0Y3K5oK1oUJyNWrgYpWZ1CdOTBYp9OvNp9w-O1ipstrPyh593xQy7xqE_xQVA-56pXes_eAK707z43j9jqzwG9eFKsqNoS7DquQQZeF94lOSCHC9O4CoOr-o/s400/IMG_0509.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
When my Vegetarian Breakfast with a side of Smoked salmon arrived, I found the presentation a little surprising. Firstly, the avocado wasn't <i>crushed</i> very well, which is not a big deal, it just seemed a bit odd. I had also expected the Meredith feta to be mixed into the baked beans or the avocado, which makes no sense as the menu does not indicate this, I guess my expectations were set by previous experiences.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8zKPWZ5FHjznHZl6XpLspkQFNHgq4jUGpCYKs8I4YP9FHLCHLeXSDYMFxKd8ZCfcuDieL0KWPLtSTCy8WL5_QdZmwdWC7nJhLe-d39rBooGI3aV_6-OfpgUxvXdMZV9UztRXYfoxVJcg/s1600/IMG_0513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8zKPWZ5FHjznHZl6XpLspkQFNHgq4jUGpCYKs8I4YP9FHLCHLeXSDYMFxKd8ZCfcuDieL0KWPLtSTCy8WL5_QdZmwdWC7nJhLe-d39rBooGI3aV_6-OfpgUxvXdMZV9UztRXYfoxVJcg/s400/IMG_0513.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Maybe they should call it the Deconstructed Vegetarian Breakfast... maybe I just need to try new places without expectations. Regardless, at $21 and $7, for my breakky and juice respectively, it seemed a bit of a stretch for the uni crowd. (Do students save for brunch instead of booze these days?)<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Now don't get me wrong, it was a delicious meal and was clearly made with fresh ingredients, but it didn't impress me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj54CSyAX_sRU4iIs8buToj4Dl49E7sqPtNKOae2K2A8G1mSqf3fL2JwSgguGAmSgyMjD7wvoQJVQ07ZZrPNsQnmYUVK4h3VQVedFSPjurFoxqLndn-8wC97XPx84hcBxNozI8C5bIDKeo/s1600/IMG_0514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj54CSyAX_sRU4iIs8buToj4Dl49E7sqPtNKOae2K2A8G1mSqf3fL2JwSgguGAmSgyMjD7wvoQJVQ07ZZrPNsQnmYUVK4h3VQVedFSPjurFoxqLndn-8wC97XPx84hcBxNozI8C5bIDKeo/s400/IMG_0514.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Something that did impress, however, were the tiny treats Michelle and Victoria decided to grab for later. While these looked gorgeous (and apparently tasted pretty good too), I decided to give these a miss.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdFntV2RRLoSScEwZIkB7rSTdtBwtIr0AhKeRnrBW5NPl4Ha1W4DPJC71dW4I68F5bUYZd2Uvhc8KSnX-VTitnzOtJUq9OrG9Lts6h00wRYIEB9hab9whdlXnfPYGeys2amWkCCOM6os0/s1600/IMG_0496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdFntV2RRLoSScEwZIkB7rSTdtBwtIr0AhKeRnrBW5NPl4Ha1W4DPJC71dW4I68F5bUYZd2Uvhc8KSnX-VTitnzOtJUq9OrG9Lts6h00wRYIEB9hab9whdlXnfPYGeys2amWkCCOM6os0/s400/IMG_0496.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Personally I couldn't understand why there were so many uni students there, as it definitely isn't cheap, but with bright spaces, fresh food and a location just one minute from Melbourne Uni and Lygon St, there is an understandable appeal. I'm not convinced that I would recommend it to others just yet, but having heard good things about the lunch menu, you can look forward to a 'Part 2' post sometime in the future.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
- Dani<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Summary</span></b></div>
<div>
<b>Name: </b><a href="http://www.lemiel.com.au/" target="_blank">Le Miel et la lune</a></div>
<div>
<b>Cuisine: </b>Cafe</div>
<div>
<b>Price:</b> $$</div>
<div>
<b>Location:</b> 330 Cardigan St, Carlton VIC 3053</div>
<div>
<b>Map:</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?size=300x300&maptype=roadmap&sensor=false&markers=color:red%7C-37.796879,144.966296&client=google-maps-sharing&signature=AwPJ_yR-z2LcpxS8YpNDed-KJnw=" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?size=300x300&maptype=roadmap&sensor=false&markers=color:red%7C-37.796879,144.966296&client=google-maps-sharing&signature=AwPJ_yR-z2LcpxS8YpNDed-KJnw=" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b></div>
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1653607/restaurant/Melbourne/LE-MIEL-et-la-lune-Carlton"><img alt="LE MIEL et la lune on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1653607/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; padding: 0px; width: 130px;" /></a>Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12002873380756523634noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475977807777555023.post-89542914458023485492013-04-04T12:03:00.001+11:002013-04-05T16:29:47.179+11:00Station St Trading Co.Port Melbourne, you have well and truly delivered some fine brunch options. I am feeling spoilt for choice. Ahh...but choices must be made and brunch at Station St Trading Co. seems to be a choice I keep on making.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoOKPC53BAFT3SXCA0hk2AWqLH9g6EVIj56A91t36msGsh6blbR50bJvs9VndeytP0us4fHJo8yeNuKRar6IVffRsxWViBKt6wgWzMoaQuLCKSvCcvyJUrj-ID4-7aTckOSHCu30zML90/s1600/IMG_0321%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoOKPC53BAFT3SXCA0hk2AWqLH9g6EVIj56A91t36msGsh6blbR50bJvs9VndeytP0us4fHJo8yeNuKRar6IVffRsxWViBKt6wgWzMoaQuLCKSvCcvyJUrj-ID4-7aTckOSHCu30zML90/s400/IMG_0321%5B1%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Located opposite the peaceful parklands running along the Port Melbourne light rail, you won't stumble across Station St Trading Co. (unless you live nearby) you have to seek it out. And dining away from the somewhat ugly Bay St (well someone had to say it) is just one element that makes Station St Trading Co. such an appealing destination.<br />
<br />
As is 'so hot right now' Station St Trading Co. incorporates many pieces of second hand, mismatched furniture into their fit-out. It is a little bit cutesy, has plenty of charm, but the real reason I keep going back to Station St Trading Co. has very little to do with the decor.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQ-6KlezRxcPD-6G8Mt3N-hEpr_eKFXIaeEFI71tqU0ioGUQxKTXSQ8GAMWbRtxltgUD86CMaVGUuzMZDSr5YmwLRWfpwHwChT_O3qNKcsptl_LQglyfRb_CGvTLFFfPlV75BYRQCAHU/s1600/IMG_0319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQ-6KlezRxcPD-6G8Mt3N-hEpr_eKFXIaeEFI71tqU0ioGUQxKTXSQ8GAMWbRtxltgUD86CMaVGUuzMZDSr5YmwLRWfpwHwChT_O3qNKcsptl_LQglyfRb_CGvTLFFfPlV75BYRQCAHU/s400/IMG_0319.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
It is all about the food. (Well duh!)<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Being the kind of person that generally avoids breakfast because of my dislike for breakfast foods, it is nice to find a place that offers something other than Eggs Benedict, Bircher Muesli or a Big Breakfast.<br />
<br />
On my first visit, I devoured the Sautéed mixed mushrooms, basil goats curd, poached egg serve on toasted brioche. But I didn't have my phone or a camera on me, talk about a lazy weekend. So this post is predominately about my third visit, when I finally remembered to take photos.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYpEDqYPPcdveIrn-U0F4s1NZw9WfHe53Zt_h10I6cUQrEqVRP4127ZETWsAN2Wwen8NFx2UA74jytqJMgE-2Y-kqW2HLvmqj1P0a2DlnNd1bllOZ9Mkz4sTwLAmkB6AI7XbACEdzPGss/s1600/IMG_0297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYpEDqYPPcdveIrn-U0F4s1NZw9WfHe53Zt_h10I6cUQrEqVRP4127ZETWsAN2Wwen8NFx2UA74jytqJMgE-2Y-kqW2HLvmqj1P0a2DlnNd1bllOZ9Mkz4sTwLAmkB6AI7XbACEdzPGss/s400/IMG_0297.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Dan, Victoria and I managed to grab a table upon arrival, albeit it only had two seats. The staff politely grabbed us another stool and informed us that there had been a few large groups this morning, so the service might be slow. (If it was, we didn't notice.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh79-51SWu0MVaocl70UfebNxWnKaQON4UQNBJFLl30AB6SR_8oVJQk9c_-v4x4d6CtR7BXr7409oFMWLsHG2KwbFaLiLppwmU335seH2UQ3W3_eeoSGfYVdTLar-3YmZ-DB0IZ2KKGH0/s1600/IMG_0315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh79-51SWu0MVaocl70UfebNxWnKaQON4UQNBJFLl30AB6SR_8oVJQk9c_-v4x4d6CtR7BXr7409oFMWLsHG2KwbFaLiLppwmU335seH2UQ3W3_eeoSGfYVdTLar-3YmZ-DB0IZ2KKGH0/s400/IMG_0315.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
For almost the first time ever, Dan and I ordered the same thing - the Station St Breakfast stack - and Victoria couldn't turn down the special (Ham hock hash brown).<br />
<br />
<i>I should point out that the menu had changed between visits, so it worth keeping this in mind. That or I'm getting confused because of the specials.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_XJG68mkKEo14KRivo6L8DB_cy32lKYF0Snr6SenVKfTBc6JLcJe5BD8P3MJWBUIkw-XwsOjZqVyD66FzGW0gF8iU59SYPQVztLNwymupWNLwMAbgaEmKarJnYAWpsx13eJ_0iGgT8TE/s1600/IMG_0300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_XJG68mkKEo14KRivo6L8DB_cy32lKYF0Snr6SenVKfTBc6JLcJe5BD8P3MJWBUIkw-XwsOjZqVyD66FzGW0gF8iU59SYPQVztLNwymupWNLwMAbgaEmKarJnYAWpsx13eJ_0iGgT8TE/s400/IMG_0300.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGIf4Iy1dbeOTmyMWNkTcJmSpJuQm4mIbVbplSFPc5uXyA1TWLkZDQeL5CQrQIsEp6OxdvpNN8ficXTeFIKswwatBJjiSxu4xleprV5kyXAFJQK0jsRI0CV45pSPtf_5InY24ObTBU0Y/s1600/IMG_0302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGIf4Iy1dbeOTmyMWNkTcJmSpJuQm4mIbVbplSFPc5uXyA1TWLkZDQeL5CQrQIsEp6OxdvpNN8ficXTeFIKswwatBJjiSxu4xleprV5kyXAFJQK0jsRI0CV45pSPtf_5InY24ObTBU0Y/s400/IMG_0302.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
And wow, just wow. I can't believe I had never thought of beetroot for breakfast before, but goddamn that beetroot relish made my breakfast stack 'pop'. Anywhere that makes me re-think my own cooking and meal choices stands out as a real winner to me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3WTalQrqKLP-jo26v1btHbFt4FCM9xwCoTkAYm2wSZRP0BdDYlcyvpO6vMG6iUcFBtJGeczjzpvN4kXpQfK9t0uI_mRdjBzlm0F36Xl8GVFBztO4loDUvfpB9xNVlVT7WZp7FwmJi6k/s1600/IMG_0306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3WTalQrqKLP-jo26v1btHbFt4FCM9xwCoTkAYm2wSZRP0BdDYlcyvpO6vMG6iUcFBtJGeczjzpvN4kXpQfK9t0uI_mRdjBzlm0F36Xl8GVFBztO4loDUvfpB9xNVlVT7WZp7FwmJi6k/s400/IMG_0306.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
The eggs were cooked perfectly and though I donated most of my bacon to Dan, it was only because I'm not a bacon eater. As a whole, the dish was a fantastic combination of textures and flavours.<br />
<br />
If I'm going to get picky, the bread was almost too crusty, mostly because it was quite to difficult to cut and the stack kinda toppled over during the vigorous cutting. But I'm really not that picky.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK9eO6-n4M9wUGfFFSeHLHrRkIXv3kfKpWeiTBI5NXpMUVrervRfmH9YUhWb6ShAkKI58705qozda8tZN_3sx81MAWhmeqdnEzdCKcnkL6nspowIYrE57xowzAISUaXY3_Utaz5TT6Kng/s1600/IMG_0299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK9eO6-n4M9wUGfFFSeHLHrRkIXv3kfKpWeiTBI5NXpMUVrervRfmH9YUhWb6ShAkKI58705qozda8tZN_3sx81MAWhmeqdnEzdCKcnkL6nspowIYrE57xowzAISUaXY3_Utaz5TT6Kng/s400/IMG_0299.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BHDTKbFCYAAlMEr.jpg:large" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BHDTKbFCYAAlMEr.jpg:large" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Victoria enjoyed her Ham hock hash brown, though it was a heavy meal for the young lass and she seem somewhat defeated by it. Still... that didn't stop her from trying a Chocolate brownie afterwards, and boy was she glad she did. I believe she uttered the words, in between moaning and groaning, "this is the best chocolate brownie ever".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFevHNEGuiJYZTVjFLCXJas3seOWoHVuoXNPcTIW2v5au4t_MhaAccxQ9J4BDnStt6XRlUR2pbf6CR9xcW9FZ1aIkijPRKTb2iAZ-dZNqx492lNgObZEtvR936gSWtANAPKW-heWMVVy0/s1600/IMG_0318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFevHNEGuiJYZTVjFLCXJas3seOWoHVuoXNPcTIW2v5au4t_MhaAccxQ9J4BDnStt6XRlUR2pbf6CR9xcW9FZ1aIkijPRKTb2iAZ-dZNqx492lNgObZEtvR936gSWtANAPKW-heWMVVy0/s400/IMG_0318.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I cannot think of a single reason why you should not go to Station St Trading Co. From the tucked away location, to the charming set up and exceptional food, everything about this place is appealing. But then if you all of you went, there would be less room for me... hmm, forget I said anything.<br />
<br />
- Dani<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Summary</span></b></div>
<div>
<b>Name: </b>Station St Trading Co.</div>
<div>
<b>Cuisine: </b>Cafe</div>
<div>
<b>Price:</b> $$</div>
<div>
<b>Location:</b> 166 Station St, Port Melbourne VIC 3207</div>
<div>
<b>Map:</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?size=300x300&maptype=roadmap&sensor=false&markers=color:red%7C-37.833477,144.944415&client=google-maps-sharing&signature=2527ifkbQntgkAE0klrAX0iMQOo=" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?size=300x300&maptype=roadmap&sensor=false&markers=color:red%7C-37.833477,144.944415&client=google-maps-sharing&signature=2527ifkbQntgkAE0klrAX0iMQOo=" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1707103/restaurant/Melbourne/Station-St-Trading-Company-Port-Melbourne"><img alt="Station St Trading Company on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1707103/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; padding: 0px; width: 130px;" /></a>Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12002873380756523634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475977807777555023.post-27768623589717896812013-03-17T12:00:00.000+11:002013-05-20T10:53:53.515+10:00Brunswick Mess Hall (Part 2)<i>This post was originally added to the end of my <a href="http://rad-food.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/brunswick-mess-hall.html" target="_blank">first post about Brunswick Mess Hall</a>, however, there is now one post for each visit. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>This post predominantly features pictures. For a more detailed review of Brunswick Mess Hall, please visit the <a href="http://rad-food.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/brunswick-mess-hall.html" target="_blank">original post</a>.</i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
***<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
After my first visit to Brunswick Mess Hall I avowed to return. And return I did, with three people in tow, so this time we ordered the Banquet. (You need to be a group of 4 or more to order the Banquet option.)</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qj-iY_fAA221ICxrmJvfpKfEJwwZagFNKWv3SrBHB-WxpOpP5RV1XPLR7nxjHWXOPCEXN7J8YhEjCr3uKGGduRncJu9jS5Mi9Ff9jOulxSnY5L9Y6OnL1RuAr99aPOEQZme2ZkfzlpA/s1600/IMG_0084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qj-iY_fAA221ICxrmJvfpKfEJwwZagFNKWv3SrBHB-WxpOpP5RV1XPLR7nxjHWXOPCEXN7J8YhEjCr3uKGGduRncJu9jS5Mi9Ff9jOulxSnY5L9Y6OnL1RuAr99aPOEQZme2ZkfzlpA/s400/IMG_0084.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXBhyphenhyphenwG1wJMtxWWy3EOLALOx3fgpVKquvam_7Z0Axv7swd0lpVIS6no7g0DV8vrrSfkfA07mCpc3TGWj6Yi3c0QrBM3G9yvSDpWWsZByYEH96DVM0g_vkb6V1Qc1frcapT7lJRqtKQR4/s1600/IMG_0073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbXBhyphenhyphenwG1wJMtxWWy3EOLALOx3fgpVKquvam_7Z0Axv7swd0lpVIS6no7g0DV8vrrSfkfA07mCpc3TGWj6Yi3c0QrBM3G9yvSDpWWsZByYEH96DVM0g_vkb6V1Qc1frcapT7lJRqtKQR4/s400/IMG_0073.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For only $25 per person, we were served 6 dishes - all delicious. Truly a bargain! </div>
<div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaz4hqN7jqERjfo6HIBEc6DRLOQ6xVQjtekkj_mTc8z6TAZDfOYBLz7MXNh-kr4qpmO1eiERyy6yAr8A1l8dm_3-yX9uBXdQBVdqyuijhNsV7zFIeeGxvqYcmmjtUiWApoMn2E_PVuY4g/s1600/IMG_0075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaz4hqN7jqERjfo6HIBEc6DRLOQ6xVQjtekkj_mTc8z6TAZDfOYBLz7MXNh-kr4qpmO1eiERyy6yAr8A1l8dm_3-yX9uBXdQBVdqyuijhNsV7zFIeeGxvqYcmmjtUiWApoMn2E_PVuY4g/s320/IMG_0075.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsGFBPSkKIDoioJk6xJtAZxdUcbwqozCB1Jo1PmzBwm8Hen3kLFHRNQxsEcsnE1BdFzY_Wjpg99dzkXCbSdmUfr7LySXZaAexLG2tg9DbeoqnXproeayL5Ju9xQ17tqolkLEX8fmBzTFA/s1600/IMG_0076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsGFBPSkKIDoioJk6xJtAZxdUcbwqozCB1Jo1PmzBwm8Hen3kLFHRNQxsEcsnE1BdFzY_Wjpg99dzkXCbSdmUfr7LySXZaAexLG2tg9DbeoqnXproeayL5Ju9xQ17tqolkLEX8fmBzTFA/s320/IMG_0076.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXWdB-_hDOgY2uoEiDoLNecY0uZIDxv4v_QIrrXT0ejYjOIKQYHOnd4yhKHhp5ai_Kr8qSY9-JYab9oYaZWSy8zeuDQzWciNES7DdOFYsdNVpKz6pkndkTSxdkulo1Hx0AUkZxEgJRiQ/s1600/IMG_0077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXWdB-_hDOgY2uoEiDoLNecY0uZIDxv4v_QIrrXT0ejYjOIKQYHOnd4yhKHhp5ai_Kr8qSY9-JYab9oYaZWSy8zeuDQzWciNES7DdOFYsdNVpKz6pkndkTSxdkulo1Hx0AUkZxEgJRiQ/s400/IMG_0077.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtOTBXQugyugAUCJoJ6C4EnFomd4D1KeA6DGv7qo-Jan2tK7COjDq8hexIuVe3-VDjJNGiVVjdA_4mg2cmX86Cp37pKBgmUebYbnSEseIfCbQtfa1JQ6ROjGpvmpEHVEpcF8HUeIiD5rk/s1600/IMG_0079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtOTBXQugyugAUCJoJ6C4EnFomd4D1KeA6DGv7qo-Jan2tK7COjDq8hexIuVe3-VDjJNGiVVjdA_4mg2cmX86Cp37pKBgmUebYbnSEseIfCbQtfa1JQ6ROjGpvmpEHVEpcF8HUeIiD5rk/s320/IMG_0079.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVwGMTQl-dc_LY7kgSe3HN1kELAkfUadnqtJAP4X9c9xgLsZtsu8qfOHWaE7SwRuEKqTkayQVxpEA-Rdmxwsxpef0c_KiUfVqJpVgxEuS-l7vZQseNC7fXMMOeohKhsMW4LFTuGiLkLAM/s1600/IMG_0081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVwGMTQl-dc_LY7kgSe3HN1kELAkfUadnqtJAP4X9c9xgLsZtsu8qfOHWaE7SwRuEKqTkayQVxpEA-Rdmxwsxpef0c_KiUfVqJpVgxEuS-l7vZQseNC7fXMMOeohKhsMW4LFTuGiLkLAM/s320/IMG_0081.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCKZmN75rHv8d2_LilZri35m2-7tDUArgUeNLYKtv54E-I3oWzjxNcba283GrmmcS3yE4B2JsA6N9A3rhKetJY77hvNuF4sTh3-_aGh8WC6B7ssdMDcnjDKJtoofAqd_3agKcX7H5i_w/s1600/IMG_0082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCKZmN75rHv8d2_LilZri35m2-7tDUArgUeNLYKtv54E-I3oWzjxNcba283GrmmcS3yE4B2JsA6N9A3rhKetJY77hvNuF4sTh3-_aGh8WC6B7ssdMDcnjDKJtoofAqd_3agKcX7H5i_w/s320/IMG_0082.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The vegetarian spring rolls were surprisingly addictive and I will forever dream about that coconut ice cream. (Seriously guys, can you sell that stuff in tubs?)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Brunswick Mess Hall is fast becoming one of my favourite places to meet friends for a drink and dinner. It appeals to young and old, south-siders, north-siders, the fabulous and the frenetic. (My sister, on a uni student budget, plans to come back again and again.) The staff are great, the vibe is fantastic and my only complaint is that 9.9km (the distance between Mess Hall and my home) is too far.</div>
<br />
- Dani<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Summary</span></b></div>
<div>
<b>Name: </b><a href="http://thebrunswickmesshall.com.au/" target="_blank">The Brunswick Mess Hall</a></div>
<div>
<b>Cuisine: </b>Asian/Bar</div>
<div>
<b>Price:</b> $$</div>
<div>
<b>Location:</b> 400 Sydney Rd, Brunswick VIC 3056</div>
<div>
<b>Map:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?size=300x300&maptype=roadmap&sensor=false&markers=color:red%7C-37.768467,144.962019&client=google-maps-sharing&signature=ayjRP8Ovv3No9frY3lRupvLEBSk=" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?size=300x300&maptype=roadmap&sensor=false&markers=color:red%7C-37.768467,144.962019&client=google-maps-sharing&signature=ayjRP8Ovv3No9frY3lRupvLEBSk=" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12002873380756523634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475977807777555023.post-64051318408864387092013-03-17T11:00:00.000+11:002013-05-20T10:56:45.000+10:00Brunswick Mess HallDid you know that there is a restaurant in Melbourne that is relaxed and classy, with a fantastic food and beverage menu, stellar service, oh and it allows dinner reservations? Did you? Did you?<br />
<br />
It sounds too good to be true, but by golly gosh, Brunswick Mess Hall quite literally has it all.<br />
<br />
Having been a regular patron of <a href="http://www.murmur.com.au/" target="_blank">Murmur</a>, which is owned by the same people, I couldn't miss the opportunity to get my cocktail fix with a side of Asian fare. And boy was it impressive.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
While it might not seem visually striking at street level, once you enter this Brunswick gem, you feel a world away from the hustle and bustle of Sydney Road. The animal-centric features are enchanting, as are the staff that greet you.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGuawOfyd4Tbhszn3X9F23kRVIaF7iywElabMzg-3gqEnMVJD453D6TYJ3lvOlNaga8Q6uzHWcNN_2ye8CzXvZi-CnDIEV07zrVRU62fXej_SgZ6J9VjI-_ftpjyjRuud-2znOP7DxfQ/s1600/IMG_0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGuawOfyd4Tbhszn3X9F23kRVIaF7iywElabMzg-3gqEnMVJD453D6TYJ3lvOlNaga8Q6uzHWcNN_2ye8CzXvZi-CnDIEV07zrVRU62fXej_SgZ6J9VjI-_ftpjyjRuud-2znOP7DxfQ/s400/IMG_0085.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyUf8RGy5BRJoq1g_sg3TLzH96pip3WG8WFtKV2gRFCmZTWGvk9-1OoRvxkqcN7BqM7GqqDHB_i2lIEDJwHMHBGTf4KPfyaLc468z82I53NavT5YisRnbyw84tspoJ8KUXTp_nHgjf-iA/s1600/Image_003014.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyUf8RGy5BRJoq1g_sg3TLzH96pip3WG8WFtKV2gRFCmZTWGvk9-1OoRvxkqcN7BqM7GqqDHB_i2lIEDJwHMHBGTf4KPfyaLc468z82I53NavT5YisRnbyw84tspoJ8KUXTp_nHgjf-iA/s320/Image_003014.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0n__8CtGObgmA45BgOkQRwDrhbBPPX5eqNDETN4eOpYIZkGDT7qT6TEWHYcRZVdI3ehI-PtN8WauREeJ7Fi8PG_NyxP4n3eAfJRg_GOTvguIbhwnJjqeMR4rdpP5JDQlYAv1YswmDwaU/s1600/IMG_0086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0n__8CtGObgmA45BgOkQRwDrhbBPPX5eqNDETN4eOpYIZkGDT7qT6TEWHYcRZVdI3ehI-PtN8WauREeJ7Fi8PG_NyxP4n3eAfJRg_GOTvguIbhwnJjqeMR4rdpP5JDQlYAv1YswmDwaU/s400/IMG_0086.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtyrL1daDTNRQFcXogQ1u4LPRA5oY2R6jSws7xiPgEGcz_UTka8vXbpQ1NU8b-NLCjZsvpDVmR1hPl8yAk8pH_VswSq_m1ZwLtkbjCb3Qb2yhv7s2SF_UJHuqjZkhbmA89K2RaEG3YL5k/s1600/Image_004278.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtyrL1daDTNRQFcXogQ1u4LPRA5oY2R6jSws7xiPgEGcz_UTka8vXbpQ1NU8b-NLCjZsvpDVmR1hPl8yAk8pH_VswSq_m1ZwLtkbjCb3Qb2yhv7s2SF_UJHuqjZkhbmA89K2RaEG3YL5k/s400/Image_004278.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
On this occasion, my fellow cocktail regular (Karin) joined me for dinner and drinks. Arriving nice and early (just past 6pm), we were offered the option of a table in the dining area or a seat at a shared table in the bar area - we chose the shared table.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBxe-w7e1RYzLrEhGsaz3yzmnp11FPG91eIqm1RTlDXjataYl8OVFZ8e59aQ3_-V9xfR9fD5cz1T-_orGPapqHF8jy5p_gBHN7AIIswReS3alK2MWR7oDiucxhv-NhOo70u-FVbdVGn3M/s1600/Image_000634.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBxe-w7e1RYzLrEhGsaz3yzmnp11FPG91eIqm1RTlDXjataYl8OVFZ8e59aQ3_-V9xfR9fD5cz1T-_orGPapqHF8jy5p_gBHN7AIIswReS3alK2MWR7oDiucxhv-NhOo70u-FVbdVGn3M/s400/Image_000634.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Being a party of two, there was only so much we could order - I will not make that mistake again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Jj_25BwJIXklGZJzOMyOR8FXYeqC-fIe-cqKzj9pciOjREB_9BwQktSvfN8Mf-XkOZ-Htt6pLGtb09aBptXPRl_A4jKPf0WC5Z8uJmwTrcZm_etvkbQpW9PVW1EZJTYgB9eihB-spEU/s1600/Image_000655.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Jj_25BwJIXklGZJzOMyOR8FXYeqC-fIe-cqKzj9pciOjREB_9BwQktSvfN8Mf-XkOZ-Htt6pLGtb09aBptXPRl_A4jKPf0WC5Z8uJmwTrcZm_etvkbQpW9PVW1EZJTYgB9eihB-spEU/s320/Image_000655.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I have never eaten White Bait before, at least I don't think I have, but it was perhaps the most captivating dish of the night. What a fantastic sharing plate?! Move over beer and nuts, give me a cocktail and white bait any day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsHycpNKuJ7GCBznk2Bm7WOrwasxvhdjYHWLM437RF4XvOJmAIjLhJguORjzFkx8yme3SiaYObO5L0DJjCgegHHNUaYSNv9sI92BuPNh1yrD50uk3Gva3CfsJUwgww73EJ5mbC_fJXWUY/s1600/Yakiniku.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsHycpNKuJ7GCBznk2Bm7WOrwasxvhdjYHWLM437RF4XvOJmAIjLhJguORjzFkx8yme3SiaYObO5L0DJjCgegHHNUaYSNv9sI92BuPNh1yrD50uk3Gva3CfsJUwgww73EJ5mbC_fJXWUY/s320/Yakiniku.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The Gyoza felt like a 'must have' and it didn't disappoint. And though we could have easily ordered everything on the menu, I am never one to turn down a nice piece of meat, so our final choice was Yakiniku - seared beef with spicy tomato salad. The beef was delicious and tender, and as I'm somewhat of a tomato addict, it really couldn't have been a more perfect meal. (For me, anyway.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1BzgsClHRj975gMAfwkEKVlQjo5h4n0MsLkR-a55-npNJaJIbzRtwcd7O3DyyHgK-Xr0UAgvQzt-FGKyZbenL8sFKcyX3A7oOWZm0VR8k5QYA41b5Tp70QbyjwG4TCEH_Zd0IO9QxG8/s1600/Bar.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1BzgsClHRj975gMAfwkEKVlQjo5h4n0MsLkR-a55-npNJaJIbzRtwcd7O3DyyHgK-Xr0UAgvQzt-FGKyZbenL8sFKcyX3A7oOWZm0VR8k5QYA41b5Tp70QbyjwG4TCEH_Zd0IO9QxG8/s320/Bar.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The staff were amazingly attentive and affable. There is nothing nicer that being made to feel like you belong. And belong we did - our dinner lasted for hours upon hours. We moved from our share table to the 'lounge' area and the flow of conversation (and cocktails) didn't stop. Clearly the signs of a great venue (and friendship).<br />
<br />
Brunswick Mess Hall is well and truly a place I want to visit again, particularly with many friends, just to ensure I get a chance to try everything on the menu.<br />
<br />
- Dani<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<i>This post originally included some photos from my second visit to Brunswick Mess Hall, however, there is now one post for each visit. </i><br />
<br />
<i>To find out about our second visit, during which we devoured the fantastic Banquet option, please see the <a href="http://rad-food.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/brunswick-mess-hall-part-2.html" target="_blank">Brunswick Mess Hall (Part 2) post</a>. Thanks.</i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Summary</span></b></div>
<div>
<b>Name: </b><a href="http://thebrunswickmesshall.com.au/" target="_blank">The Brunswick Mess Hall</a></div>
<div>
<b>Cuisine: </b>Asian/Bar</div>
<div>
<b>Price:</b> $$</div>
<div>
<b>Location:</b> 400 Sydney Rd, Brunswick VIC 3056</div>
<div>
<b>Map:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?size=300x300&maptype=roadmap&sensor=false&markers=color:red%7C-37.768467,144.962019&client=google-maps-sharing&signature=ayjRP8Ovv3No9frY3lRupvLEBSk=" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?size=300x300&maptype=roadmap&sensor=false&markers=color:red%7C-37.768467,144.962019&client=google-maps-sharing&signature=ayjRP8Ovv3No9frY3lRupvLEBSk=" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1720954/restaurant/Melbourne/The-Brunswick-Mess-Hall-Brunswick"><img alt="The Brunswick Mess Hall on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1720954/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; padding: 0px; width: 130px;" /></a>Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12002873380756523634noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475977807777555023.post-32879066662293981312013-01-20T17:17:00.001+11:002013-01-20T18:48:00.776+11:00Balderdash<div>
Sometimes you wake up not knowing exactly what you're going to do with your day, but you're not excepting anything special.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well today started like that, except that something special did happen. We tried another local cafe and it literally put a spring in our step.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Port Melbourne has a number of cafes, small restaurants and brunch spots. Dan and I certainly haven't visited even half of them, but so far most have gone onto our 'visit again' list and a couple were quickly forgotten.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Balderdash, on Bay St, is now well and truly near the top of my '<i>must</i> visit again' list. The combination of attentive service, amazing food and relaxed ambiance made it a real winner. There was even water and shade for your furry friends - we had Dan's dog (Maple) with us. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-NsRBc9iSfbqsTttEFu4gjT0Q3JU1Adagf38aWkuXkdPgFbcTiADpFKEHETTSDhjAXhv1O_2gtD6oQSfDhs_1HfFr36A_u5N8iX3AvdI7XzkpaRouRR-bbZ6olFJ0_FvyDd0TuYy9UpE/s1600/IMG_5189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-NsRBc9iSfbqsTttEFu4gjT0Q3JU1Adagf38aWkuXkdPgFbcTiADpFKEHETTSDhjAXhv1O_2gtD6oQSfDhs_1HfFr36A_u5N8iX3AvdI7XzkpaRouRR-bbZ6olFJ0_FvyDd0TuYy9UpE/s400/IMG_5189.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div>
There were so many things on the menu that sounded appealing, it was difficult to decide. (Luckily I can go back and try the other options.) In the end I chose the Beetroot, pumpkin and green lentil salad. Dan, surprise, surprise, ordered the Eggs benedict and a Cappuccino.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM240Sv53f1sTGGv2XXoX721sGzj_snt523ilYmRXSXCcqiejheCpq5WhtXz1H2x-FrPkjlq-HMbsd-Byh7A3InpcNu3IewN65ZP2e0iOIrQFNDZq0K1U5VIm-LJoooIiTAFJXXATxxrw/s1600/IMG_5195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM240Sv53f1sTGGv2XXoX721sGzj_snt523ilYmRXSXCcqiejheCpq5WhtXz1H2x-FrPkjlq-HMbsd-Byh7A3InpcNu3IewN65ZP2e0iOIrQFNDZq0K1U5VIm-LJoooIiTAFJXXATxxrw/s400/IMG_5195.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The salad was fresh and delicious. I'm not sure what type of goat's cheese they used, but it would have to be one of the best I've ever had. (I feel that I should admit that I haven't eaten much cheese lately, so maybe my taste buds were just thrilled to encounter any goat's cheese.) And unlike some salads, it was filling without being laden with meat or dressing.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5gSdSUHmHpcs08pbK-NnXXbSwnWdCk1UAaTJkXNeU7hrzuCLXPr9QX6yTksn03fzxL3OntiRmM_KpEg5rt9Gzuy0dUJBFlFWfB5lHbimF7RL4-y9LQHla2Jy-VEJWLCmypU6CZman_dk/s1600/IMG_5193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5gSdSUHmHpcs08pbK-NnXXbSwnWdCk1UAaTJkXNeU7hrzuCLXPr9QX6yTksn03fzxL3OntiRmM_KpEg5rt9Gzuy0dUJBFlFWfB5lHbimF7RL4-y9LQHla2Jy-VEJWLCmypU6CZman_dk/s400/IMG_5193.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzbPwfPk1ewRRwFmEVNJavajOG1PyEALisV5HYqIDDUk7cfck72Y5RsLwY3OZzKjR9qm1KdtjLpkFuxZ2QRQ8UhhCg9eEVGaNhBHvmzPkM1M_8fp7Da-Mx7dHw-uhx2datRfg_IMPO_vw/s1600/IMG_5191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzbPwfPk1ewRRwFmEVNJavajOG1PyEALisV5HYqIDDUk7cfck72Y5RsLwY3OZzKjR9qm1KdtjLpkFuxZ2QRQ8UhhCg9eEVGaNhBHvmzPkM1M_8fp7Da-Mx7dHw-uhx2datRfg_IMPO_vw/s400/IMG_5191.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Dan loved his 'eggs bennie with an extra egg' and the coffee was so good that he ordered two. I guess not much else needed to be said. (Upon further reflection, Dan also commented that it was the most well presented eggs benedict to date.)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
One visit doesn't exactly qualify Balderdash to be our preferred local brunch spot, but we will certainly be back with the glimmer of hope that it might be.</div>
<div>
<br />
- Dani<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Summary</span></b></div>
<div>
<b>Name: </b><a href="http://www.balderdashcafe.com/index.htm" target="_blank">Balderdash</a></div>
<div>
<b>Cuisine: </b>Cafe/Brunch</div>
<div>
<b>Price:</b> $$</div>
<div>
<b>Location:</b> 295 Bay St, Port Melbourne VIC 3207</div>
<div>
<b>Map:</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?size=300x300&maptype=roadmap&sensor=false&markers=color:red%7C-37.836918,144.943674&client=google-maps-sharing&signature=D5Cv2ZL7p0CIGGT3Vwrz97OkjZg=" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?size=300x300&maptype=roadmap&sensor=false&markers=color:red%7C-37.836918,144.943674&client=google-maps-sharing&signature=D5Cv2ZL7p0CIGGT3Vwrz97OkjZg=" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<b><br /></b></div>
</div>
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1561310/restaurant/Melbourne/Balderdash-Port-Melbourne"><img alt="Balderdash on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1561310/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; padding: 0px; width: 130px;" /></a>Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12002873380756523634noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475977807777555023.post-88058330697753777422013-01-14T13:28:00.001+11:002013-01-20T17:21:56.606+11:00Still hereHi! Just thought I'd let you all know that we're still here, well still be blogging. We just had to take a little break because we've been in Japan!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhthw-HLzUYoyKiSIfesrQrSG3DenoTKgInbUhkZGOo1u7At2CLD5ZcRqMxiOiuAbOiDwZtGn6WafhWbdsn_IFdYWWJ74kKikSXlRej_DYR205QJIdY_tMaj35UHFNY3OvxaLkEK5eOPiA/s1600/1C61FBD6-AF26-4349-9F45-346EAEE1A658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhthw-HLzUYoyKiSIfesrQrSG3DenoTKgInbUhkZGOo1u7At2CLD5ZcRqMxiOiuAbOiDwZtGn6WafhWbdsn_IFdYWWJ74kKikSXlRej_DYR205QJIdY_tMaj35UHFNY3OvxaLkEK5eOPiA/s200/1C61FBD6-AF26-4349-9F45-346EAEE1A658.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Hopefully we'll get a post up soon about all the tantalising and fascinating foodie experiences we had in the land of the rising sun.<br />
<br />
- DaniDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12002873380756523634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475977807777555023.post-79737760083154122062012-11-20T22:58:00.000+11:002012-11-20T22:59:41.897+11:00Heathcotean BistroAs mentioned in our <a href="http://rad-food.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/heathcote-winery-tour.html" target="_blank">Heathcote Winery Tour post</a>, we arranged to have lunch at the Heathcotean Bistro after a visit to Flynn's Winery. Yes, this was back in March... we might have forgotten that this post had not been published (ooops).<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Upon returning to <a href="http://www.flynnswines.com/" target="_blank">Flynn's Winery</a>, we once again went through the tasting process. It was good to refresh our memories and help up decide what to order with lunch.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7L2TOlnHXPRp1oc2Vr8Ldi9_h0hwgPJcXh0K4xgUmiFPE6gT5y8MAkjZXQwdT0CqZP2rwmGYZXpcwWEgTDGgcdb6mhREWcFKVvvnSOkYwGqkZfTGKNvfU7edgznj-UiNVgWhDB-yDh8/s1600/blog_0309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7L2TOlnHXPRp1oc2Vr8Ldi9_h0hwgPJcXh0K4xgUmiFPE6gT5y8MAkjZXQwdT0CqZP2rwmGYZXpcwWEgTDGgcdb6mhREWcFKVvvnSOkYwGqkZfTGKNvfU7edgznj-UiNVgWhDB-yDh8/s320/blog_0309.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
<br />
As we were shown to our table I couldn't help but notice the display of jams, spreads and other wonderful preserved treats. I don't know what it is, but when I'm in the country I feel a need to buy jarred goods.<br />
<a name='more'></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhabj8fD63F3X1-iLFJo8lRhTIFUGvaSWH-VciGQig7SPPF4po5OIFXfoDA6ZGOHRuJntYBHF2WcnZz2uXAbrVbe97jMRYp3L8_CRDxnc6B5KW_q9JbbVE78ZmvgMGamsFo7BTwCJw9OW0/s1600/blog_0310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhabj8fD63F3X1-iLFJo8lRhTIFUGvaSWH-VciGQig7SPPF4po5OIFXfoDA6ZGOHRuJntYBHF2WcnZz2uXAbrVbe97jMRYp3L8_CRDxnc6B5KW_q9JbbVE78ZmvgMGamsFo7BTwCJw9OW0/s320/blog_0310.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
<br />
The restaurant space isn't vast but with a small array of artwork adorning the walls and a wonderful view of the property outside - it was enchanting.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7rksSQSP2_WVXkZ7-2ZoEvsXsK6S0o17K1t9R7MMiypk8KlgEiEc4IeHcI5tjHrDbygqAX12YpLJyIJLa2WEEZZxo7kM_vR7M91dfS_8F_5mCiLlgsYzEsHY5WYgAjba5pMlVNJuLo4/s1600/blog_0317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7rksSQSP2_WVXkZ7-2ZoEvsXsK6S0o17K1t9R7MMiypk8KlgEiEc4IeHcI5tjHrDbygqAX12YpLJyIJLa2WEEZZxo7kM_vR7M91dfS_8F_5mCiLlgsYzEsHY5WYgAjba5pMlVNJuLo4/s320/blog_0317.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We already knew how delicious the wine was but the food... wow! We were impressed.<br />
<br />
Each dish was beautifully presented: uncomplicated yet elegant, which suited the moment perfectly. And trust us when we say that everything tasted as good as it looked. (We're not the best food photographers, but these pictures still get us salivating.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPqq5w8BgJLTS0inVZavu3OdyH5ON4lepuP9Sd894oIu5De1NSQ8nrdpjB3j1VDsoCi9DKON5y9QCMDQuuSTgbWl7NYrpsTmb2FAMYQlfOzcveZGq8KWQ1l8JrFQV6S3Nmh5PqJne7Zw/s1600/blog_0336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPqq5w8BgJLTS0inVZavu3OdyH5ON4lepuP9Sd894oIu5De1NSQ8nrdpjB3j1VDsoCi9DKON5y9QCMDQuuSTgbWl7NYrpsTmb2FAMYQlfOzcveZGq8KWQ1l8JrFQV6S3Nmh5PqJne7Zw/s320/blog_0336.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIWatdT459g8qUalzzE0jrsWqaxhtmFlBElUKO3Ao_gfsGNicX-ylkQj0PMQ_gBF5ttReW04xGdOO9EgJ6zM73mXNJVO2T1Fq9BH9wDr9Xi_UwlFLTK4yf3h3V3_53hmAtKVvU2xEjKI/s1600/blog_0333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIWatdT459g8qUalzzE0jrsWqaxhtmFlBElUKO3Ao_gfsGNicX-ylkQj0PMQ_gBF5ttReW04xGdOO9EgJ6zM73mXNJVO2T1Fq9BH9wDr9Xi_UwlFLTK4yf3h3V3_53hmAtKVvU2xEjKI/s320/blog_0333.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3fkRODvX7qIRaQCHmuM_Zby_KdcDphbIULu51bdr_QIqVbr9ER8MqLbqatybcx_Cf5p15JEvLG29xiJEPtSoqAaj5aZMUeBODPg1NN4eMEbCkVMbuWgAY08CtCFhyd6wDfspv0aDuUI/s1600/blog_0324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3fkRODvX7qIRaQCHmuM_Zby_KdcDphbIULu51bdr_QIqVbr9ER8MqLbqatybcx_Cf5p15JEvLG29xiJEPtSoqAaj5aZMUeBODPg1NN4eMEbCkVMbuWgAY08CtCFhyd6wDfspv0aDuUI/s320/blog_0324.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8n-WQu0Mvs4LEsUX20IL0UdKiCWjmsXbVKJYnoefMGljvN0LAg92h-kw1rtFZdWM_w1R-AZUlXwPAmO64MEe1zpKQO6TT-Bf8nWzsqBnlC6Z7vzOBHpJPUamG-7SR8MQNFf8B8_zWljk/s1600/blog_0345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8n-WQu0Mvs4LEsUX20IL0UdKiCWjmsXbVKJYnoefMGljvN0LAg92h-kw1rtFZdWM_w1R-AZUlXwPAmO64MEe1zpKQO6TT-Bf8nWzsqBnlC6Z7vzOBHpJPUamG-7SR8MQNFf8B8_zWljk/s320/blog_0345.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHvxLAfNyFnWmfWMz88BLYPAHOPmuTb9mDaH4erDJZc43NKCZomYkHrwgDZMW5K_XH9kfGJ4OO6hkCYMTI54E6k4SUEW1Et29kVUjMBod-cQh8aQJU7Eb_59xF7dnwF9SFISQdmM6Phko/s1600/blog_0341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHvxLAfNyFnWmfWMz88BLYPAHOPmuTb9mDaH4erDJZc43NKCZomYkHrwgDZMW5K_XH9kfGJ4OO6hkCYMTI54E6k4SUEW1Et29kVUjMBod-cQh8aQJU7Eb_59xF7dnwF9SFISQdmM6Phko/s320/blog_0341.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Of course I grabbed a few items on the way out: a cheese board & knife, plum jam and strawberry sauce - I just can't help myself. I couldn't have asked for a more suitable way to end our Heathcote weekend. (Thanks Dan!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwLfHoIRSrCZ0siswuEKV0JtvUqJPiLWuOemlBIEi_g1u8fkQvGop9YuLMPMjNyt3ENteG2p8_5N5DRylVOEoSBZWbfixhz2SeKM-rMSaLQPRdBiGzy-zF-zIS_x2jWjGj68U8Gg-bMc/s1600/blog_0277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwLfHoIRSrCZ0siswuEKV0JtvUqJPiLWuOemlBIEi_g1u8fkQvGop9YuLMPMjNyt3ENteG2p8_5N5DRylVOEoSBZWbfixhz2SeKM-rMSaLQPRdBiGzy-zF-zIS_x2jWjGj68U8Gg-bMc/s320/blog_0277.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
- DaniDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12002873380756523634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475977807777555023.post-68813445354611859682012-11-13T15:17:00.000+11:002012-11-13T15:20:37.895+11:00Ippudo SingaporeIn just over a month, I will make my annual pilgrimage to Singapore (for the Christmas holidays). Never have I seen a city change so much over such a short period of time. Over the past 8 years, Singapore has made some fascinating transformations and my favourite one - more great places to eat.<br />
<br />
Over the 2011 Christmas holiday season my sister insisted I join her at <a href="http://www.ippudo.com.sg/" target="_blank">Ippudo Singapore</a> (in Mandarin Gallery) for a meal. Knowing very little about Ippudo or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramen" target="_blank">Ramen</a>, I agreed. We rocked up at 7.30ish and the line was epic, as in it wound around half the level and practically backed onto the escalator. Too hungry and impatient we decided to take our chances elsewhere.<br />
<br />
Take two. This time we drag along our brother and planned to get there early to avoid the wait. We arrived just before 6pm and the line surrounds the 'waiting table' in the restaurant, but doesn't extend throughout the shopping centre - thank goodness! And as each group is seated the Ippudo staff cheer.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_buGekAFxy-7pV-oBKspwBkBemdeCElKS4gctUKgLCprdCMctu6tSph9CPes_yj1OdUA-CJCceR5vkmWdjRsxEZs0XZBSnTSm5hbcoyN4HVvQcnZ4GIQRezVXvpm1S9nvpUBIH1yjk4/s1600/IMG_1888%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_buGekAFxy-7pV-oBKspwBkBemdeCElKS4gctUKgLCprdCMctu6tSph9CPes_yj1OdUA-CJCceR5vkmWdjRsxEZs0XZBSnTSm5hbcoyN4HVvQcnZ4GIQRezVXvpm1S9nvpUBIH1yjk4/s320/IMG_1888%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It's not long before we're seated at a bench facing the chefs, giving us an opportunity to see all the activity in the kitchen. We order Edamame, Goma Q, Ippudo pork bun, Ippudo shrimp bun, Ippudo organic salad, Akamaru kasaneaji and Ippudo original gyoza.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
It was delicious! Having mostly experienced Japanese cuisine that involves raw fish or fancy knife skills, this was an entirely new experience for me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXL-QQUClIR6n9JUc26F4hOcesuQFhScPmGtyxVnP14EVM6hxf70auQZtuqWDWQ9vAO7XfyBniIhyphenhyphenzNF-KRnfe1N75h0rqjaf6SULqK1KIIGsTsGSkC-8BCJKoyJHIld51yJwJRJwkcQk/s1600/IMG_1890%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXL-QQUClIR6n9JUc26F4hOcesuQFhScPmGtyxVnP14EVM6hxf70auQZtuqWDWQ9vAO7XfyBniIhyphenhyphenzNF-KRnfe1N75h0rqjaf6SULqK1KIIGsTsGSkC-8BCJKoyJHIld51yJwJRJwkcQk/s320/IMG_1890%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Firstly, Edamame and Kirin beer. This is my ideal version of 'beer and nuts'. Well it doesn't have to be Kirin, but I'd definitely replace nuts with edamame. Not only is it a healthier alternative, it is also fun popping the beans out of the pod. (Yes, simple things excite me.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRXfPB-rVhdyCQ1mRWI2QPUgEujFIkwip6JH9zk5__EetUMKe6CYKjUPvt1H1Wo4C_BoT4HtaGhy19UgAcKrtb6bY5lX6IS3RclTQGq84hgo1I_L2HHD9OBhW6RI466c2ACMiYUnGZUuE/s1600/IMG_1891%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRXfPB-rVhdyCQ1mRWI2QPUgEujFIkwip6JH9zk5__EetUMKe6CYKjUPvt1H1Wo4C_BoT4HtaGhy19UgAcKrtb6bY5lX6IS3RclTQGq84hgo1I_L2HHD9OBhW6RI466c2ACMiYUnGZUuE/s320/IMG_1891%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The Goma Q was nice, but nothing to get excited about. I like cucumber and I like sesame seeds, so I like Goma Q. But it didn't frenzy the taste buds or open the mind.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjduRXLoOnogXBKg_mS1SHF5YQY4EMUQ_UU7Lp2Gjsjx666xvbXig8eqPKYUWoW9R7WIRjtM0pgiugl3SYjLBEdfl6y74MDnVX_8nW62UcbK1H6CNlDOXKK4yrXNlieMSgaT2mjLkdN5no/s1600/IMG_1896%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjduRXLoOnogXBKg_mS1SHF5YQY4EMUQ_UU7Lp2Gjsjx666xvbXig8eqPKYUWoW9R7WIRjtM0pgiugl3SYjLBEdfl6y74MDnVX_8nW62UcbK1H6CNlDOXKK4yrXNlieMSgaT2mjLkdN5no/s320/IMG_1896%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Ippudo buns taste 'a little bit naughty' and are probably not ideal for anyone on a diet. But they are so flavoursome that you'll want more (which we did). While buns were tasty, the shrimp bun easily outshone the pork bun. The fluffy bun, Japanese mayonnaise, lettuce and lightly battered shrimp seemed to be the better combination on the day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIDExqU-s58jHaknUVktrwCB8M3U-tz6oZw5p0Ub6kzN_ST5AfPDAQLc73piSqNfsafsUkGFx9K6VtXhkgIBX7ZWKKBdEjHR-GE7OsULbIbIUGcCdiA8SIc-DOmmXPVp2M6xHgXBDoXlQ/s1600/IMG_1895%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIDExqU-s58jHaknUVktrwCB8M3U-tz6oZw5p0Ub6kzN_ST5AfPDAQLc73piSqNfsafsUkGFx9K6VtXhkgIBX7ZWKKBdEjHR-GE7OsULbIbIUGcCdiA8SIc-DOmmXPVp2M6xHgXBDoXlQ/s320/IMG_1895%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The salad was... a bit different. Not being a fan of tofu, I focused on the broccoli, tomato, avocado and leaves. It is the sauce (no idea what is in it other than some chilli), however, that made the salad noteworthy. The crispy bits on top added some nice texture too.<br />
<br />
The gyoza was good, as expected. Perfect little dumplings with a complimentary chilli infused sauce.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmPl8p5nGbvpcer6a1Gn1evokXAOK5Y3K0ADDm01utCb4-TW56plEuydkJoFL-9UG7V9VsBTqLAotB-DlHnPASjEhJJojVDcx0IInVtpJhAuueTSS0aPMPfrzd7_dZujtLEiZURtMDScM/s1600/IMG_1893%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmPl8p5nGbvpcer6a1Gn1evokXAOK5Y3K0ADDm01utCb4-TW56plEuydkJoFL-9UG7V9VsBTqLAotB-DlHnPASjEhJJojVDcx0IInVtpJhAuueTSS0aPMPfrzd7_dZujtLEiZURtMDScM/s320/IMG_1893%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
My favourite dish of the evening was the Akamaru kasaneaji ramen. A delicious combination of noodles, pork belly, broth, garlic oil and miso paste. We ordered our noodles 'medium' and they were cooked to perfection. Even my brother, who insisted that he wasn't hungry, managed to scoff down a small bowl.<br />
<br />
When we'd finished all these wonderful dishes, we were completely satisfied. It was a delightful combination of flavours, textures and smells.<br />
<br />
As the dishes were swiftly removed I thought to myself 'I must find a great ramen place in Melbourne'.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<br />
Nearly a year later and I have tried a few ramen places, but none have been as good as Ippudo. Luckily, I'm going to Japan in January, so I'm sure I will eat many an amazing ramen dish there!<br />
<br />
- Dani<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Summary</span></b></div>
<div>
<b>Name: </b><a href="http://www.ippudo.com.sg/" target="_blank">Ippudo Singapore</a></div>
<div>
<b>Cuisine:</b> Japanese</div>
<div>
<b>Price:</b> $$</div>
<div>
<b>Location:</b> #04-02/03/04, 333A Orchard Road, Singapore</div>
<div>
<b>Map:</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?size=300x300&maptype=roadmap&sensor=false&markers=color:red%7C1.302341,103.83647&client=google-maps-sharing&signature=llkOA1p6nZWakyvFLTXIu_CbO_U=" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?size=300x300&maptype=roadmap&sensor=false&markers=color:red%7C1.302341,103.83647&client=google-maps-sharing&signature=llkOA1p6nZWakyvFLTXIu_CbO_U=" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b></div>
Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12002873380756523634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475977807777555023.post-84838789775482451252012-10-22T15:06:00.000+11:002012-10-22T15:24:09.348+11:00D.O.C MorningtonI love doing something (other than domestic chores) on a Sunday. It helps put me in a good mood for the start of the working week.<br />
<br />
Recently, the sun was shining, we were carefree and so our Sunday afternoon adventures took us to Mornington.<br />
<br />
We savoured every ray of sunshine and moment of warmth during the drive down, and arrived at a packed DOC (even though it was past 2pm already).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9HlqOYZJ6y1-bdmFtvbPgcMozrWCAtDX-yVaasjRR1VvqEktYaVlLFWHRqmYUjBZo1VpIagVKyMto53gaJyln7m7VtHanb2Aj2yCDbJXlR_FBgi4XkN64nFB4A6WEDYq45wOu5jGChvQ/s1600/IMG_4856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9HlqOYZJ6y1-bdmFtvbPgcMozrWCAtDX-yVaasjRR1VvqEktYaVlLFWHRqmYUjBZo1VpIagVKyMto53gaJyln7m7VtHanb2Aj2yCDbJXlR_FBgi4XkN64nFB4A6WEDYq45wOu5jGChvQ/s320/IMG_4856.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQFe5Kx0KekItnOHxMS-_c59cq0rp4P_St5uhZc5y55096tupxDsHAnmiekzdz-lfISWcQ7AkOcbYKbAtv4LsIbAiFRJonPxdw9xKM6c_7NesCaWD57cVvtCE4eEbecBIAyZNpfF2Kf1E/s1600/IMG_4858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQFe5Kx0KekItnOHxMS-_c59cq0rp4P_St5uhZc5y55096tupxDsHAnmiekzdz-lfISWcQ7AkOcbYKbAtv4LsIbAiFRJonPxdw9xKM6c_7NesCaWD57cVvtCE4eEbecBIAyZNpfF2Kf1E/s320/IMG_4858.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Unable to get a table, we happily grabbed a drink near the hot pass until a table outside was free. Perfetto!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAeJxLYHWv2Mm1OAARbgoxNXCzwHFdbyFsHOZ6jnczaK7yApxjQktxwRCCOmlB2fL82Z6n4ifLFSDzm3SmlDy4YpFXGIioLnxOvBxJ3SYXoelwvNN6Qs0gkzr24joWM9un7YocKvp_vjE/s1600/IMG_4859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAeJxLYHWv2Mm1OAARbgoxNXCzwHFdbyFsHOZ6jnczaK7yApxjQktxwRCCOmlB2fL82Z6n4ifLFSDzm3SmlDy4YpFXGIioLnxOvBxJ3SYXoelwvNN6Qs0gkzr24joWM9un7YocKvp_vjE/s320/IMG_4859.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I love DOC pizzas, but I'm horribly predictable. I have dabbled with the menu a little, but I always go back to my favourite and this visit was no exception.<br />
<br />
One strong campari and blood orange and pizza DOC for me please!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAW23_dV5QLsiwPMEGFpOX5mWLpSuhi1dBOvLfYX3paraxPPW0tnHYnhqVUu-LS4kauAyT0tRq3-GN9gjjFs-vNNjFnG8INFQGDeVJFmgsUE-cvj3nMW2-iqY0WmckL28pYWf5y-woxMY/s1600/IMG_4860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAW23_dV5QLsiwPMEGFpOX5mWLpSuhi1dBOvLfYX3paraxPPW0tnHYnhqVUu-LS4kauAyT0tRq3-GN9gjjFs-vNNjFnG8INFQGDeVJFmgsUE-cvj3nMW2-iqY0WmckL28pYWf5y-woxMY/s320/IMG_4860.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The campari was a little strong, but after a few sips I barely noticed. I had a delicious drink in my hand, the sun on my face and I felt completely relaxed. Oh and I was sitting opposite one very attractive man. (Yes Dan, you.) I would gladly re-live that moment again and again.<br />
<br />
But it got better! My pizza arrived, looking gorgeous, and tasting... fresh, which is one of things I love about DOC. Both the Carlton and Mornington DOC always have fresh produce on their pizzas and it makes such a difference. Each pizza has a thin base/crust and the toppings are generally simple, without too many ingredients - in true Italian style... and I love it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJi_5ka-OKXJmwyKXj1AIvr5yFEutf_Of6JdxpSxXkzaBCGv2aVF9A4abftjKuJcnMM-bfrXCoPxEZ3lQO6muP0ZlcJWCFzVmGNd1Dlbh76JNZp_iQrQgKqu8PahXSgmZigHAyRZxa6A/s1600/IMG_4861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJi_5ka-OKXJmwyKXj1AIvr5yFEutf_Of6JdxpSxXkzaBCGv2aVF9A4abftjKuJcnMM-bfrXCoPxEZ3lQO6muP0ZlcJWCFzVmGNd1Dlbh76JNZp_iQrQgKqu8PahXSgmZigHAyRZxa6A/s320/IMG_4861.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>Dan ordered the calzone, and though he said very few words during the next 10 minutes, his silence said everything. Good food requires undivided attention.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-uUhgua6LxLyOqSKNxnbsFo0wOKzvHjfW61mOJdX_K4g38CdWkyxx8iP1KLZLcByeIorYrmpEdHOPahozA50IaMkOlqGntJWf6YaVL8EPtD26Ya5EAB1JPR84eSW_jerpIATOKUzZwk/s1600/IMG_4862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-uUhgua6LxLyOqSKNxnbsFo0wOKzvHjfW61mOJdX_K4g38CdWkyxx8iP1KLZLcByeIorYrmpEdHOPahozA50IaMkOlqGntJWf6YaVL8EPtD26Ya5EAB1JPR84eSW_jerpIATOKUzZwk/s320/IMG_4862.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
<br />
I don't head down to Mornington much these days, but whenever I do, I'm certainly more than happy to grab a pizza and a drink at DOC. With long communal tables (and a few smaller tables) it is perfect for a quick one-on-one or lunch with your entire family. You will almost always be served by lovely young Italian men, which adds to the atmosphere (as do the cheese room and open kitchen). And unlike the smaller DOC in Carlton, DOC Mornington has a deli and grocer section - which everyone should check out after their meal. (I find it hard to go there without bringing something home.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ppmbHLAsnpYReLqmaC8NIwZ3hCoQhgzEMf5cugTeg2QLEN2MGotn27lWvwQatlimiOTJbL8ogLY-ARziWwdzYMU-U64jiS1JAb7GfgHpS1LjqDt_lHpqO-Svyrai6sgCxhtUAlGgm-Y/s1600/photo+(14).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ppmbHLAsnpYReLqmaC8NIwZ3hCoQhgzEMf5cugTeg2QLEN2MGotn27lWvwQatlimiOTJbL8ogLY-ARziWwdzYMU-U64jiS1JAb7GfgHpS1LjqDt_lHpqO-Svyrai6sgCxhtUAlGgm-Y/s320/photo+(14).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Ah... it was a perfect Sunday afternoon.<br />
<br />
- Dani <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Summary</span></b></div>
<div>
<b>Name: </b><a href="http://www.docgroup.net/docEN.html" target="_blank">D.O.C Mornington</a></div>
<div>
<b>Cuisine: </b>Italian</div>
<div>
<b>Price:</b> $$-$$$</div>
<div>
<b>Location:</b> 22 Main St, Mornington VIC 3931</div>
<div>
<b>Map:</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?size=300x300&maptype=roadmap&sensor=false&markers=color:red%7C-38.217215,145.037497&client=google-maps-sharing&signature=9Jn-3l19F2YTHOnHZT2gymSo8to=" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?size=300x300&maptype=roadmap&sensor=false&markers=color:red%7C-38.217215,145.037497&client=google-maps-sharing&signature=9Jn-3l19F2YTHOnHZT2gymSo8to=" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/346/1526730/restaurant/Victoria/D-O-C-Mornington-Mornington"><img alt="D.O.C Mornington on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1526730/minilogo.gif" style="border: none; height: 15px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a>Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12002873380756523634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475977807777555023.post-68036111585185411692012-09-23T20:46:00.000+10:002012-09-23T20:47:00.549+10:0012wbtAs you may or may not be aware, I am partaking in a <a href="http://www.12wbt.com/" target="_blank">12 week body transformation</a> at the moment. It is not a fad diet or drastic lifestyle change. It is simply about eating good, portioned food and exercising - how easy?! And, for the most part, it has been easy. (I've never been great with portion control though.)<br />
<br />
Since I'm cooking a lot more and eating out less, there isn't so much <i>rad food </i>to blog about. So here's a bit of an update regarding the 12wbt foodie experience so far.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://instagr.am/p/O3t1X7lS9c/media/?size=l" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://instagr.am/p/O3t1X7lS9c/media/?size=l" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnw77qTtmq6-IT2FGPKZ-qXuIZfg9jxmNHXXjbV0s7ttp-deikVHK6jyE2y4m8uSGuUNAjGqJLXM1BL-Wn-xOoz_54769QHyugzCJkTKmWUhyphenhyphen6FqWvq77QKvsyaLYh75lPDDU36aISf4U/s1600/photo+(13).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnw77qTtmq6-IT2FGPKZ-qXuIZfg9jxmNHXXjbV0s7ttp-deikVHK6jyE2y4m8uSGuUNAjGqJLXM1BL-Wn-xOoz_54769QHyugzCJkTKmWUhyphenhyphen6FqWvq77QKvsyaLYh75lPDDU36aISf4U/s320/photo+(13).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The <i>roast garlic and pumpkin soup</i> was amazing. Best of all, I made so much in one batch that I still have some in the freezer. It has become a favourite post-workout lunch for me on the weekends and it was incredibly easy to make too.<br />
<br />
During week one though, Dan and I went a bit rogue - we were craving pizza. So without giving into temptation too much, we made guilt-free, <i>mountain bread pizzas</i>. For these, we didn't follow a recipe but they are so adaptable and very easy to make. (So rogue!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://instagr.am/p/O8uVTYlS3g/media/?size=l" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://instagr.am/p/O8uVTYlS3g/media/?size=l" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQTXM9gt3Egk55lcK_5LwxzMyvdQP7yMHfY16scQPM1jQZncV43iinThklVkbw9gqd22r_nd9bY8u4fom77rxcAMhs77KoIt-2_ua2SyEUhh8s3DhiZhXDW_SQuovhi2BEy-xPEtFQva8/s1600/photo+(11).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQTXM9gt3Egk55lcK_5LwxzMyvdQP7yMHfY16scQPM1jQZncV43iinThklVkbw9gqd22r_nd9bY8u4fom77rxcAMhs77KoIt-2_ua2SyEUhh8s3DhiZhXDW_SQuovhi2BEy-xPEtFQva8/s320/photo+(11).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
My biggest failure in the kitchen so far (in the past few weeks anyway) was the <i>meatballs</i>. For some reason I can not get meatballs to keep their shape. Given my inadequacies, I would use the same ingredients to make a bolognese rather than meatballs in the future.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSHO7JvMRyrQipT6VmKvVGnKS5NcWLw2nradm6YAI3uws30guQ6Rxhyphenhyphen7oHNqc4TzI31-I5e-tm2kvOEy2Bfki0ai6Q9XNiHvD4NBdJzki3-5sYJgFuo1eCTVFk_eyJuK608_PVL9Loss/s1600/photo+(20).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSHO7JvMRyrQipT6VmKvVGnKS5NcWLw2nradm6YAI3uws30guQ6Rxhyphenhyphen7oHNqc4TzI31-I5e-tm2kvOEy2Bfki0ai6Q9XNiHvD4NBdJzki3-5sYJgFuo1eCTVFk_eyJuK608_PVL9Loss/s200/photo+(20).JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1x7Azo9qCt4xuww_Ajvv3UcuSDxPUlPiYBATCMeWgd7jAPfd8ZXMhO1lqC2cdXtqCxV7zpBh6uAXcLQPFrNteDh5dpsRw0aKP-PItNrCFHZpzF7HGsJ-R4pBmcSiYnRRiqJNFgndLLQ/s1600/photo+(21).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1x7Azo9qCt4xuww_Ajvv3UcuSDxPUlPiYBATCMeWgd7jAPfd8ZXMhO1lqC2cdXtqCxV7zpBh6uAXcLQPFrNteDh5dpsRw0aKP-PItNrCFHZpzF7HGsJ-R4pBmcSiYnRRiqJNFgndLLQ/s200/photo+(21).JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRFwVXAhWgxpPDBFVNuxMv6JFJl_yhA2vaK3AKQsODRXLLtAokqIn6KuVc7AuejmYBBxfGuXG3RTzsffT9dA1ivU3MrwD8scL7BTfPBe_lshzbG2lCIae9gwat3hS-6K7FQc1pBH7s8Jg/s1600/photo+(22).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRFwVXAhWgxpPDBFVNuxMv6JFJl_yhA2vaK3AKQsODRXLLtAokqIn6KuVc7AuejmYBBxfGuXG3RTzsffT9dA1ivU3MrwD8scL7BTfPBe_lshzbG2lCIae9gwat3hS-6K7FQc1pBH7s8Jg/s200/photo+(22).JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Aml1Skfpi9VPr8dUli3W9pZS9DF9ZUnX2eGiODEwkYiRyvU1458n2Q14N3-IRn1QNXaiDJ2nqYJnAZr3HyS4262qK5qKAwv9T_4PfaJaBr0ealt0wGTMLKVDdDh_bRaZe77UuT55VwU/s1600/photo+(23).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Aml1Skfpi9VPr8dUli3W9pZS9DF9ZUnX2eGiODEwkYiRyvU1458n2Q14N3-IRn1QNXaiDJ2nqYJnAZr3HyS4262qK5qKAwv9T_4PfaJaBr0ealt0wGTMLKVDdDh_bRaZe77UuT55VwU/s200/photo+(23).JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One of my greater successes, though, was the <i>lasagne</i>. I added a layer of vegetables to the original recipe and it was scrumptious. I think I'd add even more vegetables next time. But I'd never made lasagne before, so making this was both a little nerve-racking and fun.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://instagr.am/p/PWs4lZFS60/media/?size=l" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://instagr.am/p/PWs4lZFS60/media/?size=l" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYyQw_LokZm-njKe_5GxzRFzeAC9yMSLRS12gjn6gyzjMC1Lnroyu6iTR3mAJQtWHBIpy4QrETaPbX5zJbVkRsoMvW2rUvYTjfgMurJclpghMdmYV3nCCAdt90AghLQsMy2jEpxSFHiUo/s320/photo+(14).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYyQw_LokZm-njKe_5GxzRFzeAC9yMSLRS12gjn6gyzjMC1Lnroyu6iTR3mAJQtWHBIpy4QrETaPbX5zJbVkRsoMvW2rUvYTjfgMurJclpghMdmYV3nCCAdt90AghLQsMy2jEpxSFHiUo/s320/photo+(14).JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Over the past few weeks I've also cooked, eaten and loved...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://instagr.am/p/PbyXNbFSzw/media/?size=l" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://instagr.am/p/PbyXNbFSzw/media/?size=l" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Lemon and chilli marinated pork with roast sweet potato and greens</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://instagr.am/p/PjgeUsFS2B/media/?size=l" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://instagr.am/p/PjgeUsFS2B/media/?size=l" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Basil & walnut pesto spaghetti with roast tomatoes and pumpkin</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://instagr.am/p/Pg5T-JFS4M/media/?size=l" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://instagr.am/p/Pg5T-JFS4M/media/?size=l" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Beef with creamy mustard mushroom sauce and greens</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And this week we had <i>Penang chicken</i>... wow! It did not taste like healthy food at all. But I managed to keep to the correct portion size - in fact I had a little bit less chicken, so that I could add some rice.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://instagr.am/p/PrKX_SFS20/media/?size=l" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://instagr.am/p/PrKX_SFS20/media/?size=l" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So as you can see, eating healthy ain't all bad. We've had fantastic food, which has spanned many flavours and cuisines. All the food I've shown above has been for dinner/lunch, but I am eating breakfast more regularly too - omelettes and philly on toast are my staples thus far.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm eating well (and often), most days I love the exercise and over just three weeks I've managed to find a decent routine. Dan is definitely feeling the benefits too. Oh and I even managed to dish up some fairly healthy treats when I had friends over on the weekend - success!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As Tom Stoppard (author/playwright of one of my high school literature texts - <i>Arcadia</i>) said</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">"A healthy attitude is contagious but don't wait to catch it from others. Be a carrier."</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
- Dani</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>If you want to follow my 12wbt journey, check out <a href="http://www.withaflugelhorn.blogspot.com.au/">www.withaflugelhorn.blogspot.com.au</a></i></div>
<br />Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12002873380756523634noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475977807777555023.post-9718909588370682062012-09-17T12:24:00.000+10:002012-09-18T11:02:21.498+10:00Grey & BlissAs we peeled ourselves from the comfort of our bed, we stiffly walked an overly excited young lass (Maple) to the beach, rather unsuccessfully trying to catch seagulls, we then decided to try and re-circulate our blood with a stroll and what we found, nestled among the fray on Port Melbourne's Bay St, with its unassuming facade, Grey & Bliss.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg82n3qXGjET1Xk2TE6VjaumwCYbg7yzgoPXsrKyk59dcn2996dKJiKLVb0fQ1twPuOXAJpuawttDke4u_oUxUbJWGl8YUMVW4VU-RmhRp_NUwCaMEP6-eS8-mXP_mHpYI3lSKGmXGOC_o/s1600/IMG_4213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg82n3qXGjET1Xk2TE6VjaumwCYbg7yzgoPXsrKyk59dcn2996dKJiKLVb0fQ1twPuOXAJpuawttDke4u_oUxUbJWGl8YUMVW4VU-RmhRp_NUwCaMEP6-eS8-mXP_mHpYI3lSKGmXGOC_o/s320/IMG_4213.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
As we bunkered down out front, due to our honorary bruncheon guest, we were able to let the daily activities pass us by. As Dani appreciated the subtle table decorations, I quickly scoured the menu and decided it was time for my unofficial mission (to try all the eggs benedict in Melbourne) to resume after a 'healthy' stint on the sidelines.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnlr-XK1lEpSUj9vgWOCxy_5a77Y2fsqEYr2IqZd5-_S2NcqxrTObirCjLbofqFGLv0uj36f-ZZDeOBLpL-qWA-31r2DBE9skx2N2awS1I-mWwm6o3Q8Gc7ppDiA0gLAo0ihUIqsjnq20/s1600/IMG_4208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnlr-XK1lEpSUj9vgWOCxy_5a77Y2fsqEYr2IqZd5-_S2NcqxrTObirCjLbofqFGLv0uj36f-ZZDeOBLpL-qWA-31r2DBE9skx2N2awS1I-mWwm6o3Q8Gc7ppDiA0gLAo0ihUIqsjnq20/s320/IMG_4208.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_fsf1UXcCiIEoSoTl15Snq5_EF5jNGhuCzKLYFnOzQc6svfDhoW1wVo1_0BEJTTiLvOhuJLvEKEEvn9n5NF-1oss1dybpz8ITT1WwAHvY-3VROOJfVzeECb5MT027D2yhjz6cSrkZaQ/s1600/IMG_4211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_fsf1UXcCiIEoSoTl15Snq5_EF5jNGhuCzKLYFnOzQc6svfDhoW1wVo1_0BEJTTiLvOhuJLvEKEEvn9n5NF-1oss1dybpz8ITT1WwAHvY-3VROOJfVzeECb5MT027D2yhjz6cSrkZaQ/s320/IMG_4211.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
<br />
With two wonderfully poached eggs, caressed by Virginian ham whilst perched atop crunchy sour dough bread and effortlessly drizzled with hollondaise sauce, how could this dish go wrong???<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
It couldn't.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3vQ0rWvMnHgp4Qtg_lgak2KC2dydbjRfbwX5SJpqfY8_rJpijwr6ddKzXopYttwYbzp5qI2gYAIerg_kPWFNVkphlaQvCIfCH5viHe3GNb_gL5s8wzCOMcY8S7bp7PNL5DlyfR5vcjxo/s1600/IMG_4214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3vQ0rWvMnHgp4Qtg_lgak2KC2dydbjRfbwX5SJpqfY8_rJpijwr6ddKzXopYttwYbzp5qI2gYAIerg_kPWFNVkphlaQvCIfCH5viHe3GNb_gL5s8wzCOMcY8S7bp7PNL5DlyfR5vcjxo/s320/IMG_4214.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4otceA7-C0lwyAvJkjyVsEnw37uN5poIarW3dUznUBHd3Dv4jz-lQ49q3h7Q8k9pG4cfwLcE0JGr8AcQkqcSo4V_EDv5npPYtWcxB_y82lwbxdsJ55P3e1CMDHAJN26YDNfD6TCa7OA0/s1600/IMG_4215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4otceA7-C0lwyAvJkjyVsEnw37uN5poIarW3dUznUBHd3Dv4jz-lQ49q3h7Q8k9pG4cfwLcE0JGr8AcQkqcSo4V_EDv5npPYtWcxB_y82lwbxdsJ55P3e1CMDHAJN26YDNfD6TCa7OA0/s320/IMG_4215.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
<br />
Dani ordered the G&B tart and OJ.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWu1kwqFojEUUfhJFZPzP1nV-484Bv9X9FpshWJ-3WS4J5RYu6pFWPALgSKmuxAYmcaZqp9253Ve2iwSldCCBNjY3JC48-o0i12sBkUfLw3X14T3kgCTt6u-VQ_LPxEjTnGnCZSLAknQ/s1600/IMG_4229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWu1kwqFojEUUfhJFZPzP1nV-484Bv9X9FpshWJ-3WS4J5RYu6pFWPALgSKmuxAYmcaZqp9253Ve2iwSldCCBNjY3JC48-o0i12sBkUfLw3X14T3kgCTt6u-VQ_LPxEjTnGnCZSLAknQ/s320/IMG_4229.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28m-UuOgds9CF81ceTiWGlsfNuWeOmw4EKoHFfBQtavVTMSQN_d0ApjMyysLsZ1CYugLXwV7WXKc38eMWETphIhzo29eHKgsQusQd3Gr1flrqZXp9NM4GdhHE5Yb9_3gZJZuRMAjAIFM/s1600/IMG_4231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28m-UuOgds9CF81ceTiWGlsfNuWeOmw4EKoHFfBQtavVTMSQN_d0ApjMyysLsZ1CYugLXwV7WXKc38eMWETphIhzo29eHKgsQusQd3Gr1flrqZXp9NM4GdhHE5Yb9_3gZJZuRMAjAIFM/s320/IMG_4231.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
<br />
"It was delicious" she said. (Though we have since been back and the second G&B tart was different, more tart-like than the one pictured above.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_6GliGb5qRAfaJpXPTOrMv1ZQItbNLbrhIV25cU-TBDJTl_mhzI2cbacCZb9_I2zNXKvbMsvH_RuFDyrl3xhVohgXe2g6K9G02yEr4WxZw4dp-YyE7K3FvJRaz6nK3xBIXe_kC3Bj5g/s1600/IMG_4209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_6GliGb5qRAfaJpXPTOrMv1ZQItbNLbrhIV25cU-TBDJTl_mhzI2cbacCZb9_I2zNXKvbMsvH_RuFDyrl3xhVohgXe2g6K9G02yEr4WxZw4dp-YyE7K3FvJRaz6nK3xBIXe_kC3Bj5g/s320/IMG_4209.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
<br />
No brunch could escape me without a dosage of caffeine, so I sampled the cappuccino. Slightly on the bitter side of the fence but overall an enjoyable blend.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMR1G51l95ttGAwkn7St9F_SaCIzB3J6QZlanXLp-KOVOeg1scAartnlWmooJ16A9iIiTeFadapbQNiPm5w72FR5et_KT8fmjMaX4kYlo8UoP7P2XZbIUWo3rO2sLAjIXXsOSDS9WHQpY/s1600/IMG_4218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMR1G51l95ttGAwkn7St9F_SaCIzB3J6QZlanXLp-KOVOeg1scAartnlWmooJ16A9iIiTeFadapbQNiPm5w72FR5et_KT8fmjMaX4kYlo8UoP7P2XZbIUWo3rO2sLAjIXXsOSDS9WHQpY/s320/IMG_4218.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
<br />
Maple was given a treat by the waitress, which she openly showed her displeasure at by refusing to eat and staring hopelessly at our empty plates, although this might say more about our food than anything else.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrwewBoaVwjJFGm5DhRrWgW-ZY0ifgA5E_gAdoTNsQgyimpfCL0lIXNjqa9Foo93Llk_uzhNvWAGr98KHgBjddMADvM5465XrYAwCIif_APqg0UKmbztvMYTXzrBS1MIDRKJrZtYx2dws/s1600/IMG_4222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrwewBoaVwjJFGm5DhRrWgW-ZY0ifgA5E_gAdoTNsQgyimpfCL0lIXNjqa9Foo93Llk_uzhNvWAGr98KHgBjddMADvM5465XrYAwCIif_APqg0UKmbztvMYTXzrBS1MIDRKJrZtYx2dws/s320/IMG_4222.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu-e8Cx0E8LXFzOmHiIMDlKbwhUHNvM1Kzg3tCs461SVQgwx_rkPEyTLiHsisIjyhyphenhyphen6PBzMqEOpE66WzgDSFulEoJFQtNSygvR2D_-GP20R3lUPBRPetEgIE1G1KMT4OkNVai6NhEsVmE/s1600/IMG_4235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu-e8Cx0E8LXFzOmHiIMDlKbwhUHNvM1Kzg3tCs461SVQgwx_rkPEyTLiHsisIjyhyphenhyphen6PBzMqEOpE66WzgDSFulEoJFQtNSygvR2D_-GP20R3lUPBRPetEgIE1G1KMT4OkNVai6NhEsVmE/s320/IMG_4235.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMhrQA8CtYVbCnr5gBdEt4trg2Sralri8uvdzrAMNxHTf8I5CnKDdzr_Dzul3rIXlrDcmvRiml5Sm_udOS7nlvvIyhQawtOXugkH9lqjbquEt7Vu9M0TwzmmWnkMIlbsBr3wJeyL-671Y/s1600/IMG_4221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMhrQA8CtYVbCnr5gBdEt4trg2Sralri8uvdzrAMNxHTf8I5CnKDdzr_Dzul3rIXlrDcmvRiml5Sm_udOS7nlvvIyhQawtOXugkH9lqjbquEt7Vu9M0TwzmmWnkMIlbsBr3wJeyL-671Y/s320/IMG_4221.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
With a warm and welcoming atmosphere, assorted collection of light shades and friendly staff, it has many endearing qualities. It is a great place for an after beach stroll and coffee or a lunch with an old friend, and is <i>definitely</i> great for eggs benedict.<br />
<br />
- Dan<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Summary</span></b></div>
<div>
<b>Name: </b>Grey & Bliss</div>
<div>
<b>Cuisine: </b>Cafe</div>
<div>
<b>Price:</b> $$</div>
<div>
<b>Location:</b> 197 Bay St, Port Melbourne VIC 3207</div>
<div>
<b>Map:</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?size=300x300&maptype=roadmap&sensor=false&markers=color:red%7C-37.839008,144.941629&client=google-maps-sharing&signature=eed75_Bxjnhbu1s-gPdW53tq5Lw=" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?size=300x300&maptype=roadmap&sensor=false&markers=color:red%7C-37.839008,144.941629&client=google-maps-sharing&signature=eed75_Bxjnhbu1s-gPdW53tq5Lw=" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1681674/restaurant/Melbourne/Grey-Bliss-Port-Melbourne"><img alt="Grey & Bliss on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1681674/minilogo.gif" style="border: none; height: 15px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a>Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12002873380756523634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475977807777555023.post-19964375773964063172012-09-06T21:28:00.000+10:002012-09-11T09:26:21.806+10:00Factory EspressoFor the Easter long weekend this year, Dan and I packed up the car and headed to Orange (in NSW) to see my sister. We were absolutely charmed. The weather was great - sunny but not too warm - and we were taken to gorgeous wineries and restaurants. It was definitely no rough and tumble country town.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/535159_635321335972_688200036_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/535159_635321335972_688200036_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Though we've been a little slack in getting some of our posts up, Factory Espresso really impressed us. So I felt the need to 'spread the word'.<br />
<br />
On Easter Sunday we decided to brunch at Factory Espresso. I know very little about Orange so I can't really tell you if the location is good, but I can tell you that the food was delicious!<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWWJ6a7_udPz-5tISDAnRyV4Xu44f1iJEpuiO426mb0yZQvvmxsuv6v4161F8WWBcrOLxAkEOs9CnwrjE-MUlVWv4YfL4jWWSydsZOxy7gn9l72DqnvJGKpzs1telN4U1L7YVHrXnPbV4/s1600/SAM_0768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWWJ6a7_udPz-5tISDAnRyV4Xu44f1iJEpuiO426mb0yZQvvmxsuv6v4161F8WWBcrOLxAkEOs9CnwrjE-MUlVWv4YfL4jWWSydsZOxy7gn9l72DqnvJGKpzs1telN4U1L7YVHrXnPbV4/s320/SAM_0768.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCkp_uJDbBcu7l2VnewOV5GzGpsF3e51YHzr_rwMLzyJn2u7Q020bt0X2Y-4I4URG5dSZ516w7DxZ3rhMCBSet6vgIirlEEZcP9NwK7JK-inrzXbUste-Z7IhT6k_pIElNoKK6BXxM5k/s1600/SAM_0786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCkp_uJDbBcu7l2VnewOV5GzGpsF3e51YHzr_rwMLzyJn2u7Q020bt0X2Y-4I4URG5dSZ516w7DxZ3rhMCBSet6vgIirlEEZcP9NwK7JK-inrzXbUste-Z7IhT6k_pIElNoKK6BXxM5k/s320/SAM_0786.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I was particularly impressed by my smashed sauteed potato, wilted spinach, poached eggs and dukkah with capsicum mayonnaise - which is something I would normally never consider eating for breakfast/brunch. But it was the perfect mix of hearty and flavoursome ingredients.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPEa-4c3M3lVr3c4YEc-9_RALZDfYcQeaZziXQnoNFaDrEmuQ8EuG9hy0W8o6XFJd6f_s_m7JUjc9b_NtfOVaDPy32zFQCjejgi_qkdwPdYuK6x3skHGb_BbUgGyHex8AQ6rPqDyVsQNA/s1600/FE+breakfast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPEa-4c3M3lVr3c4YEc-9_RALZDfYcQeaZziXQnoNFaDrEmuQ8EuG9hy0W8o6XFJd6f_s_m7JUjc9b_NtfOVaDPy32zFQCjejgi_qkdwPdYuK6x3skHGb_BbUgGyHex8AQ6rPqDyVsQNA/s320/FE+breakfast.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgunf9gjogdVKKC7a6NRgpZ0Coe3sGZU5Tdbeeb55T8gY9r-xYQb9zw4gRCo96qhBoSqwul5kGEh8R5971k8vLErEr0XpPyXxSBZJ7enOUcy1GOSjhNXtBiRUmioYOKZ0Uim1nH2P-wikM/s1600/SAM_0778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgunf9gjogdVKKC7a6NRgpZ0Coe3sGZU5Tdbeeb55T8gY9r-xYQb9zw4gRCo96qhBoSqwul5kGEh8R5971k8vLErEr0XpPyXxSBZJ7enOUcy1GOSjhNXtBiRUmioYOKZ0Uim1nH2P-wikM/s320/SAM_0778.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Michelle went for the claypot baked eggs, bills breakfast beans, avocado and toasted turkish soldiers with a side of maple infused bacon.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2582I_oPoIqhNl0JsdUWhZ5roxQbSmVkpVoJbJURBBdvDf-cZ8pREf3V1UTbpwOo7lQJDy24QBGZWhW1OnJYYMrCDJZjJQxcxx5PJVpEPMN3iSyaaH7XbzFTs1cW2rbQA3_hduuaCXs/s1600/SAM_0783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2582I_oPoIqhNl0JsdUWhZ5roxQbSmVkpVoJbJURBBdvDf-cZ8pREf3V1UTbpwOo7lQJDy24QBGZWhW1OnJYYMrCDJZjJQxcxx5PJVpEPMN3iSyaaH7XbzFTs1cW2rbQA3_hduuaCXs/s320/SAM_0783.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Dan was slightly more conservative with his eggs poached on organic sour dough toast, house made tomato relish and, of course, a side of maple infused bacon.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO3vO2od_5wDBsPogHrDkA4F5X_XuJAATqc3wxpu2m7sBITgPlMug5Va9X-A74WeodTQTpq1H02ZsB4YCO_NW5SZF3wVYle6NdwA7njbuwbbFtmaloqZfu4EK7cRM4KkGudAClgpRGVkE/s1600/SAM_0782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO3vO2od_5wDBsPogHrDkA4F5X_XuJAATqc3wxpu2m7sBITgPlMug5Va9X-A74WeodTQTpq1H02ZsB4YCO_NW5SZF3wVYle6NdwA7njbuwbbFtmaloqZfu4EK7cRM4KkGudAClgpRGVkE/s320/SAM_0782.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfFLJ-elX1Ol5Amyh7swUE71lStN20sg_mPGd6nQnXOyMhLSFt4cYCfNCznTd8RXIuuYFtFHwFtqbPC-D8xuiNLUX1_HuVV93BP6Mloe508dqZ9y0WvPw-8On104QArufQyhWrCvwDaQ/s1600/SAM_0763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfFLJ-elX1Ol5Amyh7swUE71lStN20sg_mPGd6nQnXOyMhLSFt4cYCfNCznTd8RXIuuYFtFHwFtqbPC-D8xuiNLUX1_HuVV93BP6Mloe508dqZ9y0WvPw-8On104QArufQyhWrCvwDaQ/s320/SAM_0763.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRcECJCpIB4lVz_IYLoTFia3g0IrMJJNAPtStm09pcxhrPJCEqzXk1k77m0a8XnM0825QLhzM9NVo7jETwAQgoZfgWDZN4oyJ5r5ygm_zrnJ4LLJdmxz0X_o8pffLuhcgPgWju2UZlWI/s1600/SAM_0794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRcECJCpIB4lVz_IYLoTFia3g0IrMJJNAPtStm09pcxhrPJCEqzXk1k77m0a8XnM0825QLhzM9NVo7jETwAQgoZfgWDZN4oyJ5r5ygm_zrnJ4LLJdmxz0X_o8pffLuhcgPgWju2UZlWI/s320/SAM_0794.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The layout was minimalistic but very contemporary and somewhat similar to many popular metropolitan cafes (communal tables, semi-industrial, etc). It was pretty cool being able to see through the back too - which is where the <a href="http://www.billsbeans.com.au/home.html" target="_blank">Bills Beans</a> roastery is located. Apparently this will excite coffee lovers... I wouldn't really know though.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYBhs91epPhXF9D6RDpdPxq8jDj5sK1prsCabR75fiurBftLFvEddddFUmGJithwME3m_8eAZFud4S86vPgGDQ0eQopeSf1BEGoJwaCuxLsGzoDNvD_weoYBV8k4m2Q8mocsZBXfBKUI/s1600/SAM_0762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYYBhs91epPhXF9D6RDpdPxq8jDj5sK1prsCabR75fiurBftLFvEddddFUmGJithwME3m_8eAZFud4S86vPgGDQ0eQopeSf1BEGoJwaCuxLsGzoDNvD_weoYBV8k4m2Q8mocsZBXfBKUI/s320/SAM_0762.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFWjdLOQ7rej7jWy4lL4saCUtQHNc7MpKZ9Rh5kQGpvhSu3soCbAiiJtX6bx2929sTR1mPIXe_5NraeeW-7rgGHp3uiHHeAcOsmAAz3tinsA4cOaVTQhnyOk7YpNNBEHNUsYXCekvCseE/s1600/SAM_0798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFWjdLOQ7rej7jWy4lL4saCUtQHNc7MpKZ9Rh5kQGpvhSu3soCbAiiJtX6bx2929sTR1mPIXe_5NraeeW-7rgGHp3uiHHeAcOsmAAz3tinsA4cOaVTQhnyOk7YpNNBEHNUsYXCekvCseE/s320/SAM_0798.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
<br />
On our way out we couldn't resist the urge to buy some treats for our afternoon picnic. (We then had to resist the urge to eat the treats until later in the day.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fmtDBxtRDZRd7zA3whuczeky5S5Tr7W6IahqSxTvm7z0X0cvvrp1IiVwExzvW26wSgiDOHLoTSxFEl1F38RaybigxWW5Z3PwDgbmOjJQ3QtZuwPu8DJInerhfnXwF9lXjY6Wcfuicxo/s1600/SAM_0797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fmtDBxtRDZRd7zA3whuczeky5S5Tr7W6IahqSxTvm7z0X0cvvrp1IiVwExzvW26wSgiDOHLoTSxFEl1F38RaybigxWW5Z3PwDgbmOjJQ3QtZuwPu8DJInerhfnXwF9lXjY6Wcfuicxo/s320/SAM_0797.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm not sure if Dan and I will be making our way back to Orange in the future, but I certainly recommend Factory Espresso to anyone nearby.<br />
<br />
<i>For a more detailed review from a local's perspective - with great pics - please go to <a href="http://lifealorange.blogspot.com.au/2012/07/factory-espresso-bills-beans.html" target="_blank">Life A L'Orange</a>.</i><br />
<br />
- Dani<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Summary</span></b></div>
<div>
<b>Name: </b><a href="http://www.billsbeans.com.au/espressobar.html" target="_blank">Factory Espresso</a></div>
<div>
<b>Cuisine: </b>Cafe</div>
<div>
<b>Price:</b> $$</div>
<div>
<b>Location:</b> 133-137 Kite St, Orange NSW 2800</div>
<div>
<b>Map:</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?size=300x300&maptype=roadmap&sensor=false&markers=color:red%7C-33.285774,149.102325&client=google-maps-sharing&signature=DiRiRtcsw79jsvUhefskAXwpHlY=" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?size=300x300&maptype=roadmap&sensor=false&markers=color:red%7C-33.285774,149.102325&client=google-maps-sharing&signature=DiRiRtcsw79jsvUhefskAXwpHlY=" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/349/1654132/restaurant/New-South-Wales/Factory-Espresso-Orange"><img alt="Factory Espresso on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1654132/minilogo.gif" style="border: none; height: 15px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a>Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12002873380756523634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475977807777555023.post-1601876202444296292012-09-04T09:17:00.000+10:002013-01-20T17:24:44.394+11:00Wayside InnDan and I love a good steak, in fact being a vegetarian is a bit of a deal breaker for us. (I'm also slightly unimpressed by Dan's lack of enthusiasm for seafood, but we'll leave that for another time.) So after a mad couple of weeks, which severely lacked quality 'us' time, we thought we should bond over some well deserved steak - and we hadn't been to Wayside Inn yet.<br />
<br />
Roughly between the Bay St shops in Port Melbourne and the bustling areas of Crown/South Melbourne, Wayside Inn looks slightly out of place in such a retail/light industrial area. But I'd enjoyed my experience at The Station Hotel (created by the same people) and we had heard good things, so it was worth checking out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6cDK8SPmxiQajREf8SpVuUWt0184ZPYefxrO54-gDmd8anJ0Bd74NK2hHNcGnwo5KdKr4tWzbrg1M1s_xJRsWZsqzR0Y_fe7Sz3DCvffuR1TEZgZLUfeA-7w2YwF4aRsMdQ20aNy33Ao/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6cDK8SPmxiQajREf8SpVuUWt0184ZPYefxrO54-gDmd8anJ0Bd74NK2hHNcGnwo5KdKr4tWzbrg1M1s_xJRsWZsqzR0Y_fe7Sz3DCvffuR1TEZgZLUfeA-7w2YwF4aRsMdQ20aNy33Ao/s320/photo+(1).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a name='more'></a>Despite not having booked, we managed to get a table for two... though it was early on a week night. At first the place was pretty empty (one other table of two) but as the night progressed we could see that this was a pretty popular spot and that we were in fact lucky to have nabbed a table without booking.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxaPzeE5jUkfuq8cE9QzO3YIHG7-Z3o9nIgdZu64AJPJL6vK8BzIcLN8tCl17M7dJLLgjM3ER_TpHh4mLxY3bvlbC10w7EJet5ig1WiSiCuPf9zeNejkPkgGWkSu0baa1Tyn-N9DtxO1g/s1600/photo+(9).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxaPzeE5jUkfuq8cE9QzO3YIHG7-Z3o9nIgdZu64AJPJL6vK8BzIcLN8tCl17M7dJLLgjM3ER_TpHh4mLxY3bvlbC10w7EJet5ig1WiSiCuPf9zeNejkPkgGWkSu0baa1Tyn-N9DtxO1g/s320/photo+(9).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I was immediately drawn to a mirror detailing two seafood platters. I love steak and I love seafood. Alas our mission was to eat steak - so that is what I did.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLG9fjBe05ZTc1QjU3hXg0iK9-ukYXIVqOCgUTKCrPUmAoSwQFvhCRP0u3pBMSvwPLbzuu_GA_E-axWYovrbk8ialCkFyofpV9MNTrdkWpJfJl0bKMJHxwFD9ke2TjK2-x7UE7eS_BZI/s1600/photo+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLG9fjBe05ZTc1QjU3hXg0iK9-ukYXIVqOCgUTKCrPUmAoSwQFvhCRP0u3pBMSvwPLbzuu_GA_E-axWYovrbk8ialCkFyofpV9MNTrdkWpJfJl0bKMJHxwFD9ke2TjK2-x7UE7eS_BZI/s320/photo+(3).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The steaks looked fantastic (sorry about the weird filter on the photos), though the accompanying salad looked a little lacklustre. Luckily we'd ordered two side dishes - hand cut chips and beetroot & farro salad with Persian feta. The chips were good but it was the beetroot salad that really stole the show.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlugRTvxAAgrD1XyIYCGBGDEZbBLj7WTTX3fqACfmeLXsB_gx8BlJ7oYg2KZ4vLNL6AK6eGYycvtbsOSUrOgEUxqqDq_c7NbvtdFwwgzSfilDE-sTT8r3IqzAnI4n0Rt_dcejP19nC7Vs/s1600/photo+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlugRTvxAAgrD1XyIYCGBGDEZbBLj7WTTX3fqACfmeLXsB_gx8BlJ7oYg2KZ4vLNL6AK6eGYycvtbsOSUrOgEUxqqDq_c7NbvtdFwwgzSfilDE-sTT8r3IqzAnI4n0Rt_dcejP19nC7Vs/s320/photo+(4).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1X-kZfKpDEYqkj-qY6sr8jh2p64NFbGqoLys9ABHBY9xUXl6jch9Lwg9_Clcbq15SPQJ3b3OWvCKDgEm-7PWNCG1PkZicMPQaxYNbUlgl7VEvz2xhEHt5mO0KybFJRJISfKb5oQDMf8w/s1600/photo+(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1X-kZfKpDEYqkj-qY6sr8jh2p64NFbGqoLys9ABHBY9xUXl6jch9Lwg9_Clcbq15SPQJ3b3OWvCKDgEm-7PWNCG1PkZicMPQaxYNbUlgl7VEvz2xhEHt5mO0KybFJRJISfKb5oQDMf8w/s320/photo+(5).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Another show stopper was my glass of wine - Red Claw Heathcote Shiraz. I'm not sure whether I just really needed a drink or whether it was genuinely good wine, but at the time, I couldn't stop raving about it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOtPHDJrhWodQq3a-dP7s0KPFLfrkM-cMm4tcqXJhOehWZum-qpcWPmXvsRvkYk76QDwj5OP297Opspa_QdnHBDOrbXskF_uoGiYXCi32ACEKWmw2UIpl9Chwx_JPV2mccmkpCRJS3lro/s1600/photo+(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOtPHDJrhWodQq3a-dP7s0KPFLfrkM-cMm4tcqXJhOehWZum-qpcWPmXvsRvkYk76QDwj5OP297Opspa_QdnHBDOrbXskF_uoGiYXCi32ACEKWmw2UIpl9Chwx_JPV2mccmkpCRJS3lro/s320/photo+(6).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Dan demolished his sirloin while I satisfied my steak craving with a scotch fillet. My steak was nice but not particularly outstanding. As expected, it had a more subtle flavour than Dan's steak. I think I'd order the sirloin next time. It was thicker, a bit crispier on the outside but still red-pink on the inside and as already mention, full of flavour.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ37SAqTxBLBo8p2p-2i4sjt1VEZyhLqWqlvB4whN7HtYr7rLu_acDo66xajgOHkig08LoSLYMoHJ5bhy5jWG-CZwLuPYsQtkp4swCC-JMvNr1EEzXPp28lMKu1ZF_MkpnijkYmCm2yIM/s1600/photo+(7).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ37SAqTxBLBo8p2p-2i4sjt1VEZyhLqWqlvB4whN7HtYr7rLu_acDo66xajgOHkig08LoSLYMoHJ5bhy5jWG-CZwLuPYsQtkp4swCC-JMvNr1EEzXPp28lMKu1ZF_MkpnijkYmCm2yIM/s320/photo+(7).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Overall, the Wayside Inn provided a lovely atmosphere and some delicious, but not outstanding, food. The staff were pleasant though slightly awkward at times. There appeared to be a nice courtyard/beer garden, so I would definitely be interested in checking that out in the warmer months. Ultimately though, Dan and I will always crave a good steak - so I'm pretty sure we'll be back.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjZWe726Dw41p29XLX8ToZTNkZvuYr0m7PV9vRrskKjtqoILe8j2XrH0SG_0N4BRoWhkqmCcay-zJWAY1S5jtrAKfuUOFzU0oDAq5_m-0CrWRrKbZzlSoqHfrB5IoI7u_QLBpW3EZchg/s1600/photo+(8).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjZWe726Dw41p29XLX8ToZTNkZvuYr0m7PV9vRrskKjtqoILe8j2XrH0SG_0N4BRoWhkqmCcay-zJWAY1S5jtrAKfuUOFzU0oDAq5_m-0CrWRrKbZzlSoqHfrB5IoI7u_QLBpW3EZchg/s320/photo+(8).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
- Dani<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Summary</span></b></div>
<div>
<b>Name: </b><a href="http://www.waysideinn.com.au/" target="_blank">Wayside Inn</a></div>
<div>
<b>Cuisine: </b>Pub/French</div>
<div>
<b>Price:</b> $$/$$$</div>
<div>
<b>Location:</b> 446 City Rd, South Melbourne VIC 3205</div>
<div>
<b>Map:</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?size=300x300&maptype=roadmap&sensor=false&markers=color:red%7C-37.83098,144.953838&client=google-maps-sharing&signature=twfIfa0WWfCI_1TeJ2US3BLqM60=" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?size=300x300&maptype=roadmap&sensor=false&markers=color:red%7C-37.83098,144.953838&client=google-maps-sharing&signature=twfIfa0WWfCI_1TeJ2US3BLqM60=" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/762042/restaurant/South-Melbourne/Wayside-Inn-Melbourne"><img alt="Wayside Inn on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/762042/minilogo.gif" style="border: none; height: 15px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a>Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12002873380756523634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475977807777555023.post-36637644846285170002012-08-16T15:40:00.003+10:002012-09-05T11:37:37.940+10:00PM24The feeling of warmth in my bones is now but a memory, and I am well and truly back into my Melbourne routine. What better way to embrace that routine than to dine with my 'hat-conquering' friend, Anna. Why 'hat-conquering' you ask... because some time ago Anna and I decided to try as many restaurants awarded with a chef's hat (or more) in the Good Food Guide as possible. And although we've already been to quite a few hatted restaurants separately, this is the first we've planned together.<br />
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
PM24 is tucked away on Russell St and as you walk by it is easy to spot the impeccably dressed wait staff go about their work. Once inside, we were greeted by attentive staff and a warm, even comforting ambience. Just perfect on a cold winter night.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtE5sBD99WJc2PO7_AN2IonDMoap_SdF14SdbzlczTR7HBlUgJQPAxnj5wNi9AhMiFlbrOy3LWj2YyvpDIP5DVQ9TRvccXw4YAXEqpmoYkiuZ4ajdPh7Xp5NW387i7TMl1zJ2SfsHku4/s1600/photo+(7).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtE5sBD99WJc2PO7_AN2IonDMoap_SdF14SdbzlczTR7HBlUgJQPAxnj5wNi9AhMiFlbrOy3LWj2YyvpDIP5DVQ9TRvccXw4YAXEqpmoYkiuZ4ajdPh7Xp5NW387i7TMl1zJ2SfsHku4/s320/photo+(7).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Sitting near the hot pass, we were able sneak a peek at most dishes before contemplating what to eat. But everything that came out of the kitchen looked amazing and I became most distressed about my choice - I really hate the idea of missing out on a fantastic meal. "You can come back" I told myself. Ah the dilemmas of the privileged.<br />
<a name='more'></a>With wine in hand, we um-ed and ah-ed our way through the menu. Occasionally getting help from our waiter - there were a few terms I didn't understand. We eventually decided to share an entrée, order suitably French mains and drool over the dessert being made right in front of us.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgubRZJ0AfRVcv-4dd8hXnn6JXNfb34_vYgi9xvXRzEkRMDGaUjMsTRf8F_QLoaoMBW-aNm0X1-KeE3XeB5Lt76wEaBLqI1kgYm4LJyWy-XBU1p4VOLaIBpWU5EDnuLvyBm80ZSK7MBG9k/s1600/photo+(14).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgubRZJ0AfRVcv-4dd8hXnn6JXNfb34_vYgi9xvXRzEkRMDGaUjMsTRf8F_QLoaoMBW-aNm0X1-KeE3XeB5Lt76wEaBLqI1kgYm4LJyWy-XBU1p4VOLaIBpWU5EDnuLvyBm80ZSK7MBG9k/s320/photo+(14).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
After starting with a crusty bread roll, we tucked into the Lobster Boudin Blanc, which is pretty much lobster sausage with rice. Something totally different to anything I have tried before. The sausage was more, well sausage-y than I anticipated and it lacked a strong 'lobster' flavour. Admittedly, I've only ever eaten 'fresh' lobster, so it might not be an appropriate comparison. The rice, a combination of white rice and crispy black rice (I'm not sure what the correct title/description is), was fantastic.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrt0wIJzC65QC8iVsY7XHdSn75UxRRZEusnrth5JQDZ0I0DPKMqFTSUQeSiJiBh0AYmTtRMJPl0d4S02B8L7j1onffHdQkZS1V4aFcc3V0WSMRhv23SYrxD_rY9F5FvWn1RyuDwutU_3s/s1600/photo+(10).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrt0wIJzC65QC8iVsY7XHdSn75UxRRZEusnrth5JQDZ0I0DPKMqFTSUQeSiJiBh0AYmTtRMJPl0d4S02B8L7j1onffHdQkZS1V4aFcc3V0WSMRhv23SYrxD_rY9F5FvWn1RyuDwutU_3s/s320/photo+(10).JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Though I was recently in France, I decided I hadn't tried enough genuinely 'French' food, so I ordered the cassoulet. It is not the type of meal I would normally order while dining out, but it seemed appropriate.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguSno1uBkq2ABVqlIWeVuGwhy9Mq8jhjK0hHNEMBuzfkUvUWJS1jseL-SOo8MrqCPVBBLbVSjI0iMdrTHvUGoauDhu6F3vtWOK7WfBMtyvXWBCOsoRyraTLmDtaSSQmVB1r4aw7Vj8lho/s1600/photo+(11).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguSno1uBkq2ABVqlIWeVuGwhy9Mq8jhjK0hHNEMBuzfkUvUWJS1jseL-SOo8MrqCPVBBLbVSjI0iMdrTHvUGoauDhu6F3vtWOK7WfBMtyvXWBCOsoRyraTLmDtaSSQmVB1r4aw7Vj8lho/s320/photo+(11).JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
<br />
It was well executed and the team at PM24 are clearly talented, but it is probably not a dish I would order again. Purely because having four different types of meat, of which there is one large piece of each meat, is not really something that impresses me - not in a casserole anyway. The flavours in the casserole were very nice though.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxkyGdRMzncNvcNfMG_l_2lNtRqSczhwAjA3NMAlwX4cygwDz4NjbvD5CcW384OxasiwaOaU6UCcEuWXEzpFkhRU-JxKJmRzeTBQZaIApIfI1VRPcYyPfcT8P6AeEi9BTVuCqDz_n4OBs/s1600/photo+(12).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxkyGdRMzncNvcNfMG_l_2lNtRqSczhwAjA3NMAlwX4cygwDz4NjbvD5CcW384OxasiwaOaU6UCcEuWXEzpFkhRU-JxKJmRzeTBQZaIApIfI1VRPcYyPfcT8P6AeEi9BTVuCqDz_n4OBs/s320/photo+(12).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Anna fought her way through a very rich/filling ox cheek and pasta with shaved truffle (just a bit fancy). I tasted the ox meat and it was divinely tender.<br />
<br />
Despite oogling the chef creating desserts throughout our meals, we were more than full and even just the thought of dessert made us cringe. Our waiter was most helpful (as she had been throughout the entire evening) in recommending the lightest hot and cold desserts on the menu, but we just couldn't.<br />
<br />
Somehow though, when our bill arrived with a couple of wonderfully light (and not-too-sweet) marshmallows, we couldn't help ourselves. Yum!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwtjgpH_8hBc-emPFx9KAUH9dMcltvWw2RcXiJ3XLlVkFKrcohZRbnn1FwfOw-Qyp0_st9Xj9Tq1QUMBJQDfptZ5hF5GF8RCVcK52j82J5tQ33fRkpFxZ3aRx07ZtT4m9SiTh0WV7i64/s1600/photo+(13).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwtjgpH_8hBc-emPFx9KAUH9dMcltvWw2RcXiJ3XLlVkFKrcohZRbnn1FwfOw-Qyp0_st9Xj9Tq1QUMBJQDfptZ5hF5GF8RCVcK52j82J5tQ33fRkpFxZ3aRx07ZtT4m9SiTh0WV7i64/s320/photo+(13).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And so we left PM24 feeling warm, cheery and stuffed to the brim, with eye still on the dessert menu... for next time.<br />
<br />
- Dani<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Summary</span></b></div>
<div>
<b>Name: </b><a href="http://www.pm24.com.au/" target="_blank">PM24</a></div>
<div>
<b>Cuisine: </b>French</div>
<div>
<b>Price:</b> $$$</div>
<div>
<b>Location:</b> 24 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000</div>
<div>
<b>Map:</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?size=300x300&maptype=roadmap&sensor=false&markers=color:red%7C-37.816013,144.969755&client=google-maps-sharing&signature=0cPX1lgg0UjmIQE7emDVH8S72jM=" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?size=300x300&maptype=roadmap&sensor=false&markers=color:red%7C-37.816013,144.969755&client=google-maps-sharing&signature=0cPX1lgg0UjmIQE7emDVH8S72jM=" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b></div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1562239/restaurant/CBD/PM24-Melbourne"><img alt="PM24 on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/1562239/minilogo.gif" style="border: none; height: 15px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a>Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12002873380756523634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475977807777555023.post-59585650892198406142012-08-12T22:29:00.002+10:002012-08-15T11:43:19.816+10:00SalamancaWhere do I start? Put briefly, Victoria and I fell in love with this old town. Full of students and old timers, Salamanca has a polar mix of people and a vast array of dining options.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhniA3cdJY4uVh-3kxOes1JvA9W0kEhxD2U7IXyUnhvltSiYw7DQAVEMCEEfPlZIZtFyVjX-0qrqHTkcm6GRk_UkUfPCDJRD6W0LTBtSOEbDZk3WJnyOVdZhOVzqnNsCds6VOmuxeuoAX0/s1600/IMG_3931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhniA3cdJY4uVh-3kxOes1JvA9W0kEhxD2U7IXyUnhvltSiYw7DQAVEMCEEfPlZIZtFyVjX-0qrqHTkcm6GRk_UkUfPCDJRD6W0LTBtSOEbDZk3WJnyOVdZhOVzqnNsCds6VOmuxeuoAX0/s320/IMG_3931.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Plaza Major</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGA6tZYd2Ss5r-QVeVaacBdp2AbKZB-YRptp2Bz-rAmsD3gsa_AUH554x-Iat1mmGdpEkG99mkCDyWVjKhBMmErYkgkG0GQSCgohuIeSb21ZmcKajYyKcqifPgw_jNOwlU6m5rOEE73s/s1600/IMG_3847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjGA6tZYd2Ss5r-QVeVaacBdp2AbKZB-YRptp2Bz-rAmsD3gsa_AUH554x-Iat1mmGdpEkG99mkCDyWVjKhBMmErYkgkG0GQSCgohuIeSb21ZmcKajYyKcqifPgw_jNOwlU6m5rOEE73s/s320/IMG_3847.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Lunch in Plaza Major</span></div>
<br />
Staying in a hotel at Plaza Major, we were in a prime location. But I learnt that you didn't have to be in the centre of all the action to find a really good feed.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMbKFhZLWP7YuYAlkeg3E3McZZWit_hZTI3TrthFj6NzciX43g2OpzQUzFK5W-u7ZO8Ik8IN56R6dnPBk0v38hkoxKPLHtDNTQf1UgcSzkl0TgBvMBVTH9XlYOTbNOK6lcIfcLHWPjbI/s1600/SAM_1785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMbKFhZLWP7YuYAlkeg3E3McZZWit_hZTI3TrthFj6NzciX43g2OpzQUzFK5W-u7ZO8Ik8IN56R6dnPBk0v38hkoxKPLHtDNTQf1UgcSzkl0TgBvMBVTH9XlYOTbNOK6lcIfcLHWPjbI/s320/SAM_1785.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Mandala at Calle de Serranos 9, Salamanca</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ZMOGfjomcSyzhCys6CwTvnTXbkkNe0s-vfCDZ_cGoSRv3ma0euAIfLBuLQealbsOqdfFQ4rM6YvmKyio9Wq2JDvxDSWerAc7R89ZW5ecGuMRZan5ekBWePRk2rNirXHj2yeR-IKC4Bs/s1600/SAM_1775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ZMOGfjomcSyzhCys6CwTvnTXbkkNe0s-vfCDZ_cGoSRv3ma0euAIfLBuLQealbsOqdfFQ4rM6YvmKyio9Wq2JDvxDSWerAc7R89ZW5ecGuMRZan5ekBWePRk2rNirXHj2yeR-IKC4Bs/s320/SAM_1775.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
<br />
Near the University of Salamanca is Mandala, by far my favourite place to eat in Salamanca. Now if you've never been to Spain, at lunchtime people are normally offered a 'Menu of the Day'. On the <i>menu of the day</i>, there are a variety of starter, main and dessert options, and you can choose one of all three for an extremely reasonable price (often around 10-15 euros). While eating three courses in the middle of the day is not something I regularly experience, it seemed the norm - so why not. But no wonder people need to have an afternoon siesta.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3gFonjoxCZI6Wy5wpN_uZNzILESZ0nMAMhYRWaPOZRVev4cyjT8FmAcl_2T4JmH_yJu72gfd9CEEZV4gA3SmorKV13USiLU-zPkRO09jO0Ih3TQmr02Mk0VK27MAni7OLU5hjY5FdKE/s1600/IMG_3804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3gFonjoxCZI6Wy5wpN_uZNzILESZ0nMAMhYRWaPOZRVev4cyjT8FmAcl_2T4JmH_yJu72gfd9CEEZV4gA3SmorKV13USiLU-zPkRO09jO0Ih3TQmr02Mk0VK27MAni7OLU5hjY5FdKE/s320/IMG_3804.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjss6yW2QjEnbXnLLOLQ1MEWtezInn-A39Pz-376Jrofo7EtM0MsGG_ilJehpG0Cw1KY3xpfriptymAcIs_3-q03awl4vdLKg6EKBVH3hfgNLykIAX1sRmqrwoKb8tfEyeagdTF9_WUDcc/s1600/IMG_3916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjss6yW2QjEnbXnLLOLQ1MEWtezInn-A39Pz-376Jrofo7EtM0MsGG_ilJehpG0Cw1KY3xpfriptymAcIs_3-q03awl4vdLKg6EKBVH3hfgNLykIAX1sRmqrwoKb8tfEyeagdTF9_WUDcc/s320/IMG_3916.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Mandala had a fantastic <i>menu of the day</i> and for a vegetable lover (like myself) it was one of the few Spanish establishments with a decent number of salads and vegetarian dishes. So when you're over the meat, seafood and more meat, I strongly recommend Mandala... although they do have meat too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1TzOoWInBpj2fVEpnSvehxWwekTunfqjZhXUc6jtRPK6HhmjrblCYPNeEiLFIpQmZ0aV7bOaUo9jLlnZ6tjuIqwA6HQ9Tk6k9bEyeD98CPsX8FQWr_hJHdGf5vHBTab6vGoa8CC7zaww/s1600/IMG_3917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1TzOoWInBpj2fVEpnSvehxWwekTunfqjZhXUc6jtRPK6HhmjrblCYPNeEiLFIpQmZ0aV7bOaUo9jLlnZ6tjuIqwA6HQ9Tk6k9bEyeD98CPsX8FQWr_hJHdGf5vHBTab6vGoa8CC7zaww/s320/IMG_3917.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbLh4IwJg2puQEcqVM0JYUMK9sdmNTMK8x8OEBJo7EaKSMNY0p33jw_uEFgre1_lyWBFMahu3QuaBAT1FkhwZC0H_hnNPCkcLuu9T_Lv7r0ty3V77nKdQE-rzPMI1SlemmU0UBqAoflPc/s1600/IMG_3802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbLh4IwJg2puQEcqVM0JYUMK9sdmNTMK8x8OEBJo7EaKSMNY0p33jw_uEFgre1_lyWBFMahu3QuaBAT1FkhwZC0H_hnNPCkcLuu9T_Lv7r0ty3V77nKdQE-rzPMI1SlemmU0UBqAoflPc/s320/IMG_3802.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Black rice at Mandala - delicious</span></div>
<br />
To be honest, I'm not sure exactly what I ate most of the time because I really struggled with Spanish menus, but our openness to experience often paid off and we had some fantastic food.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs2JUgnq6h6X217A4lNMwGV1qLKxuN-DKVc7ISBmwXHybWu5VBq4KtHF4V1XC1HH8jqste5Cuy6RX-iooDgkoWhu5Cp7OnFQnf5e-gr0HPaqfWXRGALE4LjivLqGnp7m3S4CCns-zJS_o/s1600/IMG_3914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs2JUgnq6h6X217A4lNMwGV1qLKxuN-DKVc7ISBmwXHybWu5VBq4KtHF4V1XC1HH8jqste5Cuy6RX-iooDgkoWhu5Cp7OnFQnf5e-gr0HPaqfWXRGALE4LjivLqGnp7m3S4CCns-zJS_o/s320/IMG_3914.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhQZS9ifD3ount6MHIviS4rGYUyqX2lhYHyvHRDD3ygXJVISRK1-x_Zwtddh4pImUSt_bayhLmRsVRcENJbg6BwRt5rMW_d5rEfcxiGrE8qslaw9aoqsrSUu9niv1ih6dRg88v1d4M-4/s1600/IMG_3806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhQZS9ifD3ount6MHIviS4rGYUyqX2lhYHyvHRDD3ygXJVISRK1-x_Zwtddh4pImUSt_bayhLmRsVRcENJbg6BwRt5rMW_d5rEfcxiGrE8qslaw9aoqsrSUu9niv1ih6dRg88v1d4M-4/s320/IMG_3806.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Dessert at Mandala</span></div>
<br />
Also near the University of Salamanca is Don Quijote, a multi-level cafe/restaurant with a less inspiring <i>menu of the day </i>but they offer free Wi-Fi.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwYpuNdVSizA91l9WqPuRonc_iXIvj7dBg92Sr6ZRjlOOUQDbPZ0xLKk6wHzZ8hQmrjspIXluZNSv-uHPAHy2K4qwwXyc3C-cs_mc1z_OZbMIvYBwR23kC9P_UwvJIZc3iiUk-tsqO314/s1600/IMG_3874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwYpuNdVSizA91l9WqPuRonc_iXIvj7dBg92Sr6ZRjlOOUQDbPZ0xLKk6wHzZ8hQmrjspIXluZNSv-uHPAHy2K4qwwXyc3C-cs_mc1z_OZbMIvYBwR23kC9P_UwvJIZc3iiUk-tsqO314/s320/IMG_3874.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Don Quijote</span></div>
<br />
Though I initially struggled when dining in Spain, mostly due to my inability to read the menus properly, the longer we stayed the better our meal choices got. So our first visit to Meson Cervantes in Plaza Major wasn't a brilliant success...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtKUJHZcRXwyXzHtXnLoxfSygprZk2toRraHL2c-GRKaJwBc8Nyl5ugGrUwhGZIMEdIyir4mL900MbUSTIfqh-YVpNXWn923w54eEpRCbbdmL6hp-_RZNjqfxKaFj9jhyphenhyphenRUv4JAXpXwnk/s1600/IMG_3776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtKUJHZcRXwyXzHtXnLoxfSygprZk2toRraHL2c-GRKaJwBc8Nyl5ugGrUwhGZIMEdIyir4mL900MbUSTIfqh-YVpNXWn923w54eEpRCbbdmL6hp-_RZNjqfxKaFj9jhyphenhyphenRUv4JAXpXwnk/s320/IMG_3776.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
...but on our second visit we discovered fried goats cheese with honey - amazing!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHcRp38tnXLsyNjZRPo1hckQrCO0Ij11MczWWuDCMBOXyT9aV99TSzpEWsBTMG0P7kouHebgy_Gi7MHPq8Ado9sj_qwMT1TwmwzuW4Zpq5X3cs5k4tg8StDFLNMqniAMe7JPU4WCu0m1U/s1600/IMG_3900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHcRp38tnXLsyNjZRPo1hckQrCO0Ij11MczWWuDCMBOXyT9aV99TSzpEWsBTMG0P7kouHebgy_Gi7MHPq8Ado9sj_qwMT1TwmwzuW4Zpq5X3cs5k4tg8StDFLNMqniAMe7JPU4WCu0m1U/s320/IMG_3900.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
<br />
Our third visit was a bit bazarre - a prawn pasta dish with many different types of pasta, definitely a new experience for me - but still enjoyable. And the view of the Plaza was always captivating.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6zzq4zhURM0H6KvVzTw2hJlHQwlhQKDn3q6jXu5GrZFm_9Mzzq2bSfopBcr0pEbmEfYqYqBqyh8BWgZuOY5Nqdqq6icsXm2cL9p5yEA27hW0doyKqEfL4HBwCFV_N2hsLdqmRr5JZZo/s1600/IMG_3924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6zzq4zhURM0H6KvVzTw2hJlHQwlhQKDn3q6jXu5GrZFm_9Mzzq2bSfopBcr0pEbmEfYqYqBqyh8BWgZuOY5Nqdqq6icsXm2cL9p5yEA27hW0doyKqEfL4HBwCFV_N2hsLdqmRr5JZZo/s320/IMG_3924.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLG77GWWNjpSMJTvAt3iysPJaIwiNMb31Pu0IaiRLmzXTbbJgzjuA5zqwsh_QE_DLFbGAmP4rEcyY95nK58K8M7vQ_mcgRLfZKORx-Iz9OHTs7G2IhW-5tCEgxFNbL_h74cWH5xolfNY/s1600/544422_655213242432_316594319_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLG77GWWNjpSMJTvAt3iysPJaIwiNMb31Pu0IaiRLmzXTbbJgzjuA5zqwsh_QE_DLFbGAmP4rEcyY95nK58K8M7vQ_mcgRLfZKORx-Iz9OHTs7G2IhW-5tCEgxFNbL_h74cWH5xolfNY/s320/544422_655213242432_316594319_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
People in Salamanca seem to enjoy three things: sleeping, shopping and eating. The clothes were cheap, we napped every day and we ordered more than we could eat. Needless to say, I felt well and truly nourished after our stay in Salamanca.<br />
<br />
- DaniDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12002873380756523634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475977807777555023.post-7157698378387459622012-08-02T09:06:00.002+10:002012-08-03T13:48:50.631+10:00Paris<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42ZP3yI_ftpEaJvPpHqiYzk-sjggEFLg8edKaKF-u-kUb7-MLVOG3F1l5odbZp2GyumkUpBl6G_USLkeItyWmXwiCOGs1D4giJCGqmeRrn30LgII8qcHR5JSCzIXhpq9E5k0NvS7eL2U/s1600/IMG_3680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42ZP3yI_ftpEaJvPpHqiYzk-sjggEFLg8edKaKF-u-kUb7-MLVOG3F1l5odbZp2GyumkUpBl6G_USLkeItyWmXwiCOGs1D4giJCGqmeRrn30LgII8qcHR5JSCzIXhpq9E5k0NvS7eL2U/s320/IMG_3680.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm not sure what I was expecting in Paris, but the food didn't quite hit the mark. There were a few highlights, but I was disappointed a little more often than I would have liked. I know other people will have different opinions and I'm sure there are fantastic places to eat in Paris, especially if you have the dosh. But on my budget, with my limited local knowledge, this is how it turned out for me...<br />
<br />
<b>Breakfast</b><br />
This meal didn't fail us, but we never really ate breakfast out. We just grabbed a pain au chocolat from an artisan boulanger near our apartment in Montmartre every morning. Turn off Avenue de Clichy at Rue de Dames and in less than 100m you can find delicious pastries and bread. Yum!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLnF7h_C0gFrke2nnkputQ7mNXhGZzp5T2HZnTWTbwLkdXqUEH-RClDgTj0q-xRMAjG9a9BJ5i9q0TTkAVcXk_gq7JIk7vXG-gLdODi4QormkvZ8YsXYvs4J-xE6q182glSN_feeFdBVo/s1600/IMG_3611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLnF7h_C0gFrke2nnkputQ7mNXhGZzp5T2HZnTWTbwLkdXqUEH-RClDgTj0q-xRMAjG9a9BJ5i9q0TTkAVcXk_gq7JIk7vXG-gLdODi4QormkvZ8YsXYvs4J-xE6q182glSN_feeFdBVo/s320/IMG_3611.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
We also had breakfast at Fauchon one morning, near Palace Madeleine. The madeleines were very nice, but the rest of the food wasn't particularly outstanding. And it certainly wasn't worth double the price of our local bakery.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixF-2tHH7sYpcTcRhtPK4YK_fEO0_tPvJYKD7_MxSneR638XP49snqDblniYLG0ePzmw6tZ9fDGVbI36AO0Gl5OPfqgKTUL048Wi9Ggeb6bF3NCMpAEDyxG-HxaKMxQU0dMg88o116lfA/s1600/IMG_3645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixF-2tHH7sYpcTcRhtPK4YK_fEO0_tPvJYKD7_MxSneR638XP49snqDblniYLG0ePzmw6tZ9fDGVbI36AO0Gl5OPfqgKTUL048Wi9Ggeb6bF3NCMpAEDyxG-HxaKMxQU0dMg88o116lfA/s320/IMG_3645.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimnHv2Qj06mJTpwVmG19vtRHg2aKSKE-AY853NJqkO_wUKL16Yho_fOuXYoNViWq0VWiB7Mgz-gghbo3p4rZRCuiRWYHVSinCwm67vNSdhywIK7ZSu-AjEqfJewqNzuBvK796TfIUD9NA/s1600/SAM_1332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimnHv2Qj06mJTpwVmG19vtRHg2aKSKE-AY853NJqkO_wUKL16Yho_fOuXYoNViWq0VWiB7Mgz-gghbo3p4rZRCuiRWYHVSinCwm67vNSdhywIK7ZSu-AjEqfJewqNzuBvK796TfIUD9NA/s320/SAM_1332.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
If you're after macarons (not macaroons as MasterChef has lead us to believe)... the macarons at Fauchon and Laduree are delightful. They have such a huge range and some really fascinating flavours.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4PWUepsJTOXS7DhspUNWTwfS9Z3644eOIxvjsnfBJdNp2PmkQx7iLgULKEfzwf4RUPcxxvVwMWgA2skdOmEB9tiAqJmlV8dsif96EIr9POTS-VuEhEWdg9FQ-175yz58MQ17Vuev2W-Y/s1600/IMG_3646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4PWUepsJTOXS7DhspUNWTwfS9Z3644eOIxvjsnfBJdNp2PmkQx7iLgULKEfzwf4RUPcxxvVwMWgA2skdOmEB9tiAqJmlV8dsif96EIr9POTS-VuEhEWdg9FQ-175yz58MQ17Vuev2W-Y/s320/IMG_3646.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1i4Mu4BG5TCYavyMT8H7NmdPXYrfaBSBx_E7fmFcxt6i5zHOunvtnxr8l4I_SfjOCTQLPMFQfjTwBmWqxysnV3o8x4g7AC8MJda8vHzY6gdKue7VK4c8f4AnLPeIEe2hTO51Ty42Wjco/s1600/IMG_3684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1i4Mu4BG5TCYavyMT8H7NmdPXYrfaBSBx_E7fmFcxt6i5zHOunvtnxr8l4I_SfjOCTQLPMFQfjTwBmWqxysnV3o8x4g7AC8MJda8vHzY6gdKue7VK4c8f4AnLPeIEe2hTO51Ty42Wjco/s320/IMG_3684.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Lunch</b><br />
I honestly don't remember having one very good lunch experience in Paris. There were ok lunches, such as a pesto chicken salad from a restaurant in Jardin de Tuileries. There were pretty average lunches, such as a tuna panini near Musee d´Orsay. I guess after having some amazing baguettes in Indochine (Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia), I thought Paris would be just as good if not better. How wrong I was.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5hBEa5i6uyOdywdxIyMaGFQL3FgvITCNS6yxq6hNBBVGYKV-PCbPClWySP-ikev0bKpyEedSii1w6F-9DmeFOa-PLzq2zXKUJaf_49e-Crqp0DlxxYhhrRZBrAXQLpfhiNdN7xZRxNd4/s1600/SAM_1363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5hBEa5i6uyOdywdxIyMaGFQL3FgvITCNS6yxq6hNBBVGYKV-PCbPClWySP-ikev0bKpyEedSii1w6F-9DmeFOa-PLzq2zXKUJaf_49e-Crqp0DlxxYhhrRZBrAXQLpfhiNdN7xZRxNd4/s320/SAM_1363.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBnACXyUAT9fdRGST5D5C5XlOUrDBRvk2lU6uCWPQknVh54x4eUBKQw5Qiw_onCDqLuLuIfhUVZMVJxmm7kPmJ_WvgoRD3RTeuTt13g1imjTHrJMns_UU9kpRFKYM2xTOvANM_U2gzoZE/s1600/IMG_3725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBnACXyUAT9fdRGST5D5C5XlOUrDBRvk2lU6uCWPQknVh54x4eUBKQw5Qiw_onCDqLuLuIfhUVZMVJxmm7kPmJ_WvgoRD3RTeuTt13g1imjTHrJMns_UU9kpRFKYM2xTOvANM_U2gzoZE/s320/IMG_3725.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0NxrMKIIcwH4pMJxDFh4WgJJQQbyyR458jrpTmH1otjP7lkAx7Q6j_tRppUv1WQ-wJFxwMz_gtE02GOVdExYAvypRQpUJsK2z6fQoglmA_pymaN0AHVwWOdsEieolKwxKmKUZmjMdiA/s1600/SAM_1499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0NxrMKIIcwH4pMJxDFh4WgJJQQbyyR458jrpTmH1otjP7lkAx7Q6j_tRppUv1WQ-wJFxwMz_gtE02GOVdExYAvypRQpUJsK2z6fQoglmA_pymaN0AHVwWOdsEieolKwxKmKUZmjMdiA/s320/SAM_1499.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Creperies offered a somewhat decent and cheap lunch alternative. But there are only so many galettes/crepes one girl can eat.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3T62Fmko43hGO2qpkhsXH4ezRPyKz0_s-IZqTO6dpFBzs9KClS4-GAG9wJbmxh9NCYh3WFad9hhmLmfikQPlF47OD-jZHjQSJik2mtUDWjVl1HWHZXvEz9ovBNmPx2hrVz_mT1FmWHKE/s1600/SAM_1536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3T62Fmko43hGO2qpkhsXH4ezRPyKz0_s-IZqTO6dpFBzs9KClS4-GAG9wJbmxh9NCYh3WFad9hhmLmfikQPlF47OD-jZHjQSJik2mtUDWjVl1HWHZXvEz9ovBNmPx2hrVz_mT1FmWHKE/s320/SAM_1536.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66-7_dguRVUwLLy7n2mkBbKyn6uuN63xoKq_FQigCeR3HNxlsENa_-TvU34Ix-Q7wUPUvihXC_nH9DRFdZMGETd9eKGgyeF08tPvHb5Z9fcFN6wqQ_ieD6AENrSQ3gpAiHCQgDefDYxc/s1600/SAM_1409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66-7_dguRVUwLLy7n2mkBbKyn6uuN63xoKq_FQigCeR3HNxlsENa_-TvU34Ix-Q7wUPUvihXC_nH9DRFdZMGETd9eKGgyeF08tPvHb5Z9fcFN6wqQ_ieD6AENrSQ3gpAiHCQgDefDYxc/s320/SAM_1409.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglR_woaYuE8vBF0s8WAuy4EVCQ_fSUvqMpN4Fk9_ZITJmX-oJfDplpm7VjQYhxTRXDG2Vh0VokywANep_zSR45eXDrMTdSrWPcFdk8rywtqGnL-VbMWKMgQD4kcb_AvKxQO-4pbakZj4o/s1600/SAM_1410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglR_woaYuE8vBF0s8WAuy4EVCQ_fSUvqMpN4Fk9_ZITJmX-oJfDplpm7VjQYhxTRXDG2Vh0VokywANep_zSR45eXDrMTdSrWPcFdk8rywtqGnL-VbMWKMgQD4kcb_AvKxQO-4pbakZj4o/s320/SAM_1410.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And for a little treat, often between lunch and dinner, we indulged in a little cheese and ice cream.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXBCB37K0WcuCS9tMbiuEnbPdN4ElKG_32OdROCW8RdYTKZrBJgKzncj63TkZWUe6Hp-rCWzeAnSjJSq1tvNo4T1lG_xvpDizZve0ORpUEYowF-EYKVr_ay6Y06GkNHcmnKQterOfF7U/s1600/IMG_3660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXBCB37K0WcuCS9tMbiuEnbPdN4ElKG_32OdROCW8RdYTKZrBJgKzncj63TkZWUe6Hp-rCWzeAnSjJSq1tvNo4T1lG_xvpDizZve0ORpUEYowF-EYKVr_ay6Y06GkNHcmnKQterOfF7U/s320/IMG_3660.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1g4dk1CoNxFCo_AugRENf3ZKiYKmjgAOTmg0E0rt_4AvFKiqVmqEa_8Fi90hkrWtO5VZVWwuU-TT6JjXQleIbvw2Bt_qhgQl5RqnF9ll_fBR-yG7t2tk20Ll1wTB9lMN2HBkLhIMDPw/s1600/IMG_3662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1g4dk1CoNxFCo_AugRENf3ZKiYKmjgAOTmg0E0rt_4AvFKiqVmqEa_8Fi90hkrWtO5VZVWwuU-TT6JjXQleIbvw2Bt_qhgQl5RqnF9ll_fBR-yG7t2tk20Ll1wTB9lMN2HBkLhIMDPw/s320/IMG_3662.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIFeGt_8Dgw5ozoT95IObdqIoT7Xq6Si4PRmOBzV7Mg9fletL3cx71jsht0Szpqpc_Kcm2GCgZos-ZOfkXOgXvtZpKuDcuHzgU9KzgHaiLk12HQVISqQ1DybTq612Ro1U_QNiQyjyW6s/s1600/IMG_3663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIFeGt_8Dgw5ozoT95IObdqIoT7Xq6Si4PRmOBzV7Mg9fletL3cx71jsht0Szpqpc_Kcm2GCgZos-ZOfkXOgXvtZpKuDcuHzgU9KzgHaiLk12HQVISqQ1DybTq612Ro1U_QNiQyjyW6s/s320/IMG_3663.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Dinner</b><br />
We had some varied dinner experiences. Chez Marie wasn't amazing, but was suitable and relatively good value for money. Cafe de Zebra was also a decent option for a late night feed. Both cafes had menus in English, which can help ease you in when you first arrive.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVK9vxe-zByozJi4rFxIuPU24Q-ZtS5x-KAWpk5AI7JRYez7wC9gxc4Qlp8CGIhp_ua49Dm9DydvxOZnBSlq11ckBKg6_wMtozs0lpmPIafBv6r7vpt9uE3ZSHc714hoL8szRaIx5JMlA/s1600/IMG_3642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVK9vxe-zByozJi4rFxIuPU24Q-ZtS5x-KAWpk5AI7JRYez7wC9gxc4Qlp8CGIhp_ua49Dm9DydvxOZnBSlq11ckBKg6_wMtozs0lpmPIafBv6r7vpt9uE3ZSHc714hoL8szRaIx5JMlA/s320/IMG_3642.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQzJ5h_bfHqP8GAc5y-XMQpjFet_9HA1eWisRpKs4F5kEotHV_HKjsdo_4ql23X_iUvVvmRqvGaCczT2nzlobzXYEcreYIP-gJhm4MvVR85CN6FlOGG6vHY3hoZI5sEIihvPBhnZy2HA/s1600/SAM_1319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQzJ5h_bfHqP8GAc5y-XMQpjFet_9HA1eWisRpKs4F5kEotHV_HKjsdo_4ql23X_iUvVvmRqvGaCczT2nzlobzXYEcreYIP-gJhm4MvVR85CN6FlOGG6vHY3hoZI5sEIihvPBhnZy2HA/s320/SAM_1319.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFlIw-44kvHJiQV-Dtz5w96aDpzGsuuzc1oUJAI7uij6H_QBVzpUfniB8tW6dbQ15FfXZJECsbThaxnqDTM1sIcJv3DM1FsOyR2HhttGKzZWpZhyw99bPFpX-iq8YECkRu3CdSZdDfO4/s1600/SAM_1526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYFlIw-44kvHJiQV-Dtz5w96aDpzGsuuzc1oUJAI7uij6H_QBVzpUfniB8tW6dbQ15FfXZJECsbThaxnqDTM1sIcJv3DM1FsOyR2HhttGKzZWpZhyw99bPFpX-iq8YECkRu3CdSZdDfO4/s320/SAM_1526.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Cafe de la Butte was by far our favourite restaurant. The quality of the food was outstanding, the ambience was charming and the prices reasonable. It was also very French, but our waitress spoke English and easily helped us to choose a delicious wine.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUAzxT2-AB-3N6TJwu9-GrKkznfHKqne2Dii4X7vNia3Rq3IXoEOgq_GOAE5QIZgpR0Kf6ljMNL7OVRs14l3cJ0yHwONnGOTmwIGhxyiI4PUO3jHuxTtlhyckPiqk0tNnpiZb9nylevUQ/s1600/SAM_1460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUAzxT2-AB-3N6TJwu9-GrKkznfHKqne2Dii4X7vNia3Rq3IXoEOgq_GOAE5QIZgpR0Kf6ljMNL7OVRs14l3cJ0yHwONnGOTmwIGhxyiI4PUO3jHuxTtlhyckPiqk0tNnpiZb9nylevUQ/s320/SAM_1460.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbnb5ZxHGXh36D23KVDt0qLIL1cumELfExHMPGe9LEHu4-358w38emLiBlriQoOLrCHGbquOFEYJ7nKHPzj8ALgRQazEzpZjQNfE6dt0AcWQIABAwXg6URWoevwLSxJbfF0tOpZzhTONs/s1600/IMG_3688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbnb5ZxHGXh36D23KVDt0qLIL1cumELfExHMPGe9LEHu4-358w38emLiBlriQoOLrCHGbquOFEYJ7nKHPzj8ALgRQazEzpZjQNfE6dt0AcWQIABAwXg6URWoevwLSxJbfF0tOpZzhTONs/s320/IMG_3688.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Most of the places we dined were near or in the Montmartre region. We looked for alternative places to eat but found the number of options and the lack of knowledge slightly overwhelming, and there seemed to be enough decent options right at our door step. But I assure you I will more adventurous in any future visits to Paris - I have no doubt that I will return.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-xpwx_fV91BwG5FfufXl5qZ8X5dUvTBWtoa5jGjlYR8aKAEhNQSqOcAtdyyX-6_EzMWPkYH-7KdC7r93fNJQMoIyifKGlBlL7o-ygx0rOs0A-keTKmujbxvZ6MNdoueUtW7qUegCk0oA/s1600/Champs+Elysees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-xpwx_fV91BwG5FfufXl5qZ8X5dUvTBWtoa5jGjlYR8aKAEhNQSqOcAtdyyX-6_EzMWPkYH-7KdC7r93fNJQMoIyifKGlBlL7o-ygx0rOs0A-keTKmujbxvZ6MNdoueUtW7qUegCk0oA/s320/Champs+Elysees.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
- DaniDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12002873380756523634noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475977807777555023.post-26843557630548908672012-07-20T11:31:00.000+10:002012-07-20T11:58:27.019+10:00Winter Escape<br />
During the past 3 weeks, I have been enjoying the warmth of European summer. Paris was mild but sunny and Spain was hot, hot, hot. It thawed my winter bones perfectly and now I'm back, ready to embrace coats, scarves and MIFF.<br />
<br />
Since I have been back work is all types of hectic and Dan has been hugging me constantly, supposedly in a bid to stop me from leaving the country without him ever again - it might be working. So I haven't had a heap of time for blog lovin'. But here is a quick snapshot of some of my favourite winter escape 'foodie' moments.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc98zOV75Dc6TTyIi5c7e8NqSma5w6fO94E4BS69psvefX-1YkiuUgZYx9xL6JB7T7-lNRVYOuvY3-nI-erXNDoZrsuRwqBt7eVZFpAT1kiiBXx7KB3jR8PyQQ-lIjIT__o4AXDMADmP8/s1600/photo+(11).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc98zOV75Dc6TTyIi5c7e8NqSma5w6fO94E4BS69psvefX-1YkiuUgZYx9xL6JB7T7-lNRVYOuvY3-nI-erXNDoZrsuRwqBt7eVZFpAT1kiiBXx7KB3jR8PyQQ-lIjIT__o4AXDMADmP8/s320/photo+(11).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Cafe de la Butte, Montmartre</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu6lMkNShXIiC0sy2IS_-YJBTbiwqg6fsF6DLAqbz4vFEO3pHuGT0teO2aqSSyGRmtz2ES_RDtRGAQLfkbNndnDVwrenzm-z8CNYH5-xTXV0E1X3YfBqtdsPOZ54mBv5I-cTRYxmQoeug/s1600/photo+(12).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu6lMkNShXIiC0sy2IS_-YJBTbiwqg6fsF6DLAqbz4vFEO3pHuGT0teO2aqSSyGRmtz2ES_RDtRGAQLfkbNndnDVwrenzm-z8CNYH5-xTXV0E1X3YfBqtdsPOZ54mBv5I-cTRYxmQoeug/s320/photo+(12).JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Laduree, Paris</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHOMHyz0w3ljpgTf19kmSUc3GMz6XLnT9XrfsKh4TV0qLrbcEhmKPmnm4jVhqbz181J9Y7W9nfJ4yg7FK37A5huT5CxYH6JQ05D7TZ_IQWUE_Aux0XtXhS5x7CL1bTqPL202Pax59oKmc/s1600/photo+(14).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHOMHyz0w3ljpgTf19kmSUc3GMz6XLnT9XrfsKh4TV0qLrbcEhmKPmnm4jVhqbz181J9Y7W9nfJ4yg7FK37A5huT5CxYH6JQ05D7TZ_IQWUE_Aux0XtXhS5x7CL1bTqPL202Pax59oKmc/s320/photo+(14).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Marche Bastille, Paris</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2iotXQnyXvEh3unjRH3ncM2IieghjK5Zn5x9POtrxQ-k4CFXe22sIGPRPKtUe5n9w475dmaRemH5jJ2xHWr8Px0Q1LEc9Fhz8hcJmysK0RY6OzbnY6pelqmJ2QuI7T8I47h7ga467C90/s1600/photo+(10).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2iotXQnyXvEh3unjRH3ncM2IieghjK5Zn5x9POtrxQ-k4CFXe22sIGPRPKtUe5n9w475dmaRemH5jJ2xHWr8Px0Q1LEc9Fhz8hcJmysK0RY6OzbnY6pelqmJ2QuI7T8I47h7ga467C90/s320/photo+(10).JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mandala, Salamanca</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3GifNFdOY9Ysm51Xcioguuufsk9qC99Tmb-gttuJntGzovJuMFXIP_zAw1rA-_H_M92rV3J6ehd7SZVugGi8zEdUIRTmH5mtvMIP3Jec6FIfOzfUn0I7WNdXyEP2SPbFqL6ncDFm44bY/s1600/photo+(9).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3GifNFdOY9Ysm51Xcioguuufsk9qC99Tmb-gttuJntGzovJuMFXIP_zAw1rA-_H_M92rV3J6ehd7SZVugGi8zEdUIRTmH5mtvMIP3Jec6FIfOzfUn0I7WNdXyEP2SPbFqL6ncDFm44bY/s400/photo+(9).JPG" width="318" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Meson Cervantes, Salamanca</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZCLjAVZeadjBZVxiMOQIji2_9k9yX_Tuh9HdMy-bP0UTJ0_mgefcdShl8ehIk4i0heEJOQkAO1jklWKI-NImliGbPqmRepOCNEvabDZA1Nde4xwvHF95c782o8PtWt8Xi0EEBNep49cM/s1600/photo+(8).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZCLjAVZeadjBZVxiMOQIji2_9k9yX_Tuh9HdMy-bP0UTJ0_mgefcdShl8ehIk4i0heEJOQkAO1jklWKI-NImliGbPqmRepOCNEvabDZA1Nde4xwvHF95c782o8PtWt8Xi0EEBNep49cM/s320/photo+(8).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sangria, Madrid</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWG96iXaSwvafW3J8bVdYRFxtDm3IB_g8SBofB_MHCZkNFNqXeWSFnPntVWTl-96w3rF_q5qGvOEMQ_jS2gV4zNoUwz9tIIHV9sVfHFhlvloTdGHf5Htfe7F8GI6iV7siKgqQMrJvAK7A/s1600/photo+(7).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWG96iXaSwvafW3J8bVdYRFxtDm3IB_g8SBofB_MHCZkNFNqXeWSFnPntVWTl-96w3rF_q5qGvOEMQ_jS2gV4zNoUwz9tIIHV9sVfHFhlvloTdGHf5Htfe7F8GI6iV7siKgqQMrJvAK7A/s320/photo+(7).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mercado de San Miguel, Madrid</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
- Dani</div>Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12002873380756523634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475977807777555023.post-60786770725038089592012-06-28T16:57:00.004+10:002012-07-31T08:56:06.117+10:00Pireaus Blues<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Having visited Pireaus Blues once back at uni, I thought it would be interesting to head back there again. I'd been craving Greek food and thought that it might hit the spot.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Near the corner of Johnston Street and Brunswick Street in Fitzroy, Pireaus Blues has some stiff competition nearby, but the restaurant was far from empty and we found a table for two near the fireplace.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9HMa_Mg9f1GWJZPBtByJXpzSc6thv2ssGQEJe5PMlCqjdyq_DmF_4O8tcRD2QH9mNb0ySHVdgnZGom7cdw7RGY_7MtVeIzbFDEFtl0lS68e-8Pu5_DtKLvNLzDBUbxdXpfzq8nlEtgjs/s1600/IMG_3312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9HMa_Mg9f1GWJZPBtByJXpzSc6thv2ssGQEJe5PMlCqjdyq_DmF_4O8tcRD2QH9mNb0ySHVdgnZGom7cdw7RGY_7MtVeIzbFDEFtl0lS68e-8Pu5_DtKLvNLzDBUbxdXpfzq8nlEtgjs/s320/IMG_3312.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Having craved Greek food for a few weeks, I wanted everything on the menu, so we went with the Rembetiko Banquet. A little indulgent? Yes. But sometimes cravings have their way.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Feeling ready to embrace Greek food and culture we ordered a carafe of house wine, thinking it must be a common wine to drink. It was so much sweeter than we had anticipated, surprisingly though, it tasted much better when accompanied with food.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEtyWwDPF9Knfx1E3sOP_Ns0FKB__kqqPygwT9tCQlnZOlzjq96QQe1Dg7uOiUBBNItnTF2QmPvsXVVyT6doDqv8PaQvyVhGfKdSv2SNl1j7DkpEjE9wrD4Wnt-sBWvYuib_tKmJACBQk/s1600/IMG_3303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEtyWwDPF9Knfx1E3sOP_Ns0FKB__kqqPygwT9tCQlnZOlzjq96QQe1Dg7uOiUBBNItnTF2QmPvsXVVyT6doDqv8PaQvyVhGfKdSv2SNl1j7DkpEjE9wrD4Wnt-sBWvYuib_tKmJACBQk/s320/IMG_3303.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
First up, an array of starters including dips, dolmades, saganaki, marinated octopus and soudzoukakia. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibeSyJk35a4NmtH5bBk9QHLShL8tQsqaOxmp-KBSNPDVIp92sQg2zrlxsOexgSnKpyELa3bWEebY55THYju-jVzdnpeZZkh0_y4wxoioOWYaQ1T8Z6T0ryawcej-ZEVILqjRcOgAL5l_I/s1600/IMG_3304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibeSyJk35a4NmtH5bBk9QHLShL8tQsqaOxmp-KBSNPDVIp92sQg2zrlxsOexgSnKpyELa3bWEebY55THYju-jVzdnpeZZkh0_y4wxoioOWYaQ1T8Z6T0ryawcej-ZEVILqjRcOgAL5l_I/s320/IMG_3304.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The four dips (tzatziki, taramasalata, potato and eggplant) were served with pita bread. All the dips were fantastic, but the eggplant really impressed me. It even got me thinking about making dips from scratch at home. (I'll let you know how that goes.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbRI9fNZKrReMt_b03HX-Ye8bAKNA1Y2696OoNuoNJgJ_dYa8TNwVzf4OIV6YANw6A-ykWDTKacr5gVldjpNzMaR5KbtclwlJPmsuSEnXq9C2n76Cux5GVUnBstK_aUp5UJq0XNv-Zf4/s1600/IMG_3305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidbRI9fNZKrReMt_b03HX-Ye8bAKNA1Y2696OoNuoNJgJ_dYa8TNwVzf4OIV6YANw6A-ykWDTKacr5gVldjpNzMaR5KbtclwlJPmsuSEnXq9C2n76Cux5GVUnBstK_aUp5UJq0XNv-Zf4/s320/IMG_3305.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The dolmades were a little colder than I would have liked. But the saganaki was fantastic. Having had the saganaki with peppered figs at Helenic Republic before, I was a little hesitant about this simple style, but... it was fantastic. Rather than focusing on the figs, the true flavour of the saganaki was the focal point of this dish, and the lemon juice gave it a zesty kick. So delicious!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBC8eDdpIJvp3nY0ZS5OuRQfFjNSAmzycde63C6fOMk0wfo0jVfX1qUIfv9EKG2F3_NamBzrAaBoGXX1rmTAcKwAzV6HL0OEH2cHjKuFoEJuCtED0BrbQJ9IkPLKre8KQLpgNILX4DO6U/s1600/IMG_3306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBC8eDdpIJvp3nY0ZS5OuRQfFjNSAmzycde63C6fOMk0wfo0jVfX1qUIfv9EKG2F3_NamBzrAaBoGXX1rmTAcKwAzV6HL0OEH2cHjKuFoEJuCtED0BrbQJ9IkPLKre8KQLpgNILX4DO6U/s320/IMG_3306.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5F25HtMacZstGXnRoQ3mhufFflcEHZCDONm9i7t06dS23f0zge2BCG7MKpG5lll_TYc1MAW-DC6fzAAv6fUCQkywVR1_e2LE9FI2Ca8UOoXXlFcGjPUKzlOiH1FdEOLTRv_ozlP_dHTI/s1600/IMG_3307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5F25HtMacZstGXnRoQ3mhufFflcEHZCDONm9i7t06dS23f0zge2BCG7MKpG5lll_TYc1MAW-DC6fzAAv6fUCQkywVR1_e2LE9FI2Ca8UOoXXlFcGjPUKzlOiH1FdEOLTRv_ozlP_dHTI/s320/IMG_3307.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love octopus and have tried to share my love with many less-than-convinced friends. This dish, however, was a tad mixed. There were divine pieces of octopus that were perfectly tender, but there were also pieces that were much too tough and lacked flavour.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The soudzoukakias were good. Probably not quite as nice as the meatballs I recently had at Melbourne Public, but there definitely wasn't anything to complain about it either - the flavours just weren't as complex.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_0ngGkxnvFm9aagFXXi1USTW1HU56g1giF_DzplIURYTaF_wjvS8NT0F9Aor8Yr-aB_8A4kIon0i9Ku_glBsvHrMEDGAPl9SxhKJlFf6gzlgKfYuYnZuOu9GuTkP8BrOonkYLEoi68M/s1600/IMG_3308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_0ngGkxnvFm9aagFXXi1USTW1HU56g1giF_DzplIURYTaF_wjvS8NT0F9Aor8Yr-aB_8A4kIon0i9Ku_glBsvHrMEDGAPl9SxhKJlFf6gzlgKfYuYnZuOu9GuTkP8BrOonkYLEoi68M/s320/IMG_3308.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now for the main meals... Oh my goodness, I could have eaten those starters and been more than content, however one does not order a banquet simply expecting a salad - although there was salad, Greek salad, of course - but plenty more too.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd_8L4gUo58kHYa5jsuPxKTTvXd0y27Srmtr2x-1zVC8B-_pup5MCRHHtvtqejcyI1XgRRqLkGRzfpoqw0_HcBNaQ3wsRCGVTCUgk97ZpEpuaJvA1wGk31On_2hUBg80eF73SZ0trvHFk/s1600/IMG_3309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd_8L4gUo58kHYa5jsuPxKTTvXd0y27Srmtr2x-1zVC8B-_pup5MCRHHtvtqejcyI1XgRRqLkGRzfpoqw0_HcBNaQ3wsRCGVTCUgk97ZpEpuaJvA1wGk31On_2hUBg80eF73SZ0trvHFk/s320/IMG_3309.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
To my complete and utter delight, the seafood platter included swordfish. I like most 'hearty' fish, but swordfish is probably my favourite (and also the one I probably eat the least). And the swordfish on this platter did not disappoint. It even seduced Dan, who is more of a flakey white fish fan. Just as delicious, the lightly crumbed calamari was wonderfully light. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyg97o5SooG9s_J_Kja2BK2xyQ_meRDtIBQlDJ-608PfhOTdFwzCRsnqlO8Ja7J33CGO28zfepdMR2KyEikhCX6wYK4FxICUifNuv9yM11_D0GfnPetqdc-liV5559sAgB3taJh8QRrxA/s1600/IMG_3310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyg97o5SooG9s_J_Kja2BK2xyQ_meRDtIBQlDJ-608PfhOTdFwzCRsnqlO8Ja7J33CGO28zfepdMR2KyEikhCX6wYK4FxICUifNuv9yM11_D0GfnPetqdc-liV5559sAgB3taJh8QRrxA/s320/IMG_3310.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Fearing that I might burst at any moment, I tasted the meat (as opposed to eating it). The lamb was practically falling apart and tasted so good. (Clearly increased enjoyment hinders my ability to describe anything accurately.) If I could cook like that I might never leave home. The chops were less impressive, but ate this stage I really didn't care, and I left the potatoes alone.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdaFk0sPWzzCzWptjvoBHddI7bQBbnXRSfYm7oLF66Hm1I95NEQEbHho99dw4tBWpb3e14Vz8MD-ztvr01zUVG8iKPKygJkGzjLn2Gktk1yqd498iU7IOHIda252-Y94yxwiR90tvKW7A/s1600/IMG_3311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdaFk0sPWzzCzWptjvoBHddI7bQBbnXRSfYm7oLF66Hm1I95NEQEbHho99dw4tBWpb3e14Vz8MD-ztvr01zUVG8iKPKygJkGzjLn2Gktk1yqd498iU7IOHIda252-Y94yxwiR90tvKW7A/s320/IMG_3311.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And last but definitely not least, our dessert - Loukoumades. Words cannot describe these blissful honeyed doughnuts, covered in cinnamon and served with ice cream. I thought I was full. I was certain I was full. But this dessert was just too good. All awareness of how bursting I was completely evaporated and somehow we demolished these delicious golden spheres. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-Em0KTwCnN2pVwMBvtRqenka_y8xC0Ku8AA0OzNNNBjWE1_W8_zNf4mKbOCksoivSB4L_YzLXWntcAfyS8qQU67zw02OVGQe5YIufq2vidT3Q5vCRPZ5Tk8FEhrQ4lRLyvTDCaNHPUM/s1600/IMG_3314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-Em0KTwCnN2pVwMBvtRqenka_y8xC0Ku8AA0OzNNNBjWE1_W8_zNf4mKbOCksoivSB4L_YzLXWntcAfyS8qQU67zw02OVGQe5YIufq2vidT3Q5vCRPZ5Tk8FEhrQ4lRLyvTDCaNHPUM/s320/IMG_3314.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Dan finished the night with a coffee and we talked until we realised our car was parked in a 1 hour spot. Oops.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjirieaZkXoIAGS4tHM2f0z-ncYFEPvR01pbu6eTSz5s95ibJSrSagRRNby-omAom1YtsoPaxmctW5jV7wj1giunhD40ZWIivL1kYG5Ovn8MsK_4aQKFmx9XxpX1PHtvKDtw8tqBBOXg9w/s1600/IMG_3316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjirieaZkXoIAGS4tHM2f0z-ncYFEPvR01pbu6eTSz5s95ibJSrSagRRNby-omAom1YtsoPaxmctW5jV7wj1giunhD40ZWIivL1kYG5Ovn8MsK_4aQKFmx9XxpX1PHtvKDtw8tqBBOXg9w/s320/IMG_3316.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I don't think Dan and I have had such a fun dining experience in a while and the night flew by - thankfully we didn't get a parking ticket too. There was so much food, most of it great, the atmosphere was relaxed and yet somewhat frivolous, and we couldn't have asked for much more.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
You can look forward to some posts from France and Spain over the next month - so stay tuned!</div>
<br />
- Dani<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Summary</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Name: </b><a href="http://www.pireausblues.com.au/" target="_blank">Pireaus Blues</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Cuisine: </b>Greek</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Price:</b> $$/$$$</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Location:</b> 310 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3000</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Map:</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?size=300x300&maptype=roadmap&sensor=false&markers=color:red%7C-37.79788,144.978647&client=google-maps-sharing&signature=jXohSn71dd7UKvP75pXrPUISRwA=" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?size=300x300&maptype=roadmap&sensor=false&markers=color:red%7C-37.79788,144.978647&client=google-maps-sharing&signature=jXohSn71dd7UKvP75pXrPUISRwA=" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/761500/restaurant/Melbourne/Pireaus-Blues-Fitzroy"><img alt="Pireaus Blues on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/761500/minilogo.gif" style="border: none; height: 15px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a>Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12002873380756523634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475977807777555023.post-42363358989545856992012-06-22T14:27:00.001+10:002012-06-25T09:26:48.689+10:00Tourists' day out in MelbourneIt has been a long time between drinks. Between moving house, having no internet connection at home and life being pretty hectic generally, the blog hasn't had a lot of love. But never fear, we are still here.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<br />
Having recently hosted my sister and her boyfriend (the tourists) over the long weekend, I thought I'd share our Sunday shenanigans.<br />
<br />
For breakfast I couldn't go past my favourite brunch destination, <b><a href="http://www.deadmanespresso.com.au/" target="_blank">Dead Man Espresso</a></b>. It was the perfect setting for quick catch up with one of Michelle's Melbourne-based friends and as usual, the food, beverages and service was great.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqt2ReCdCdfDJPO6oxin-90qcnx6w_HPQLlceRj2Q3ueAAhjLWoJ8HgfmCervKIFmhNP53OqMtw5Mj6KFSXR6QSPgfvH7m9vmfCQH6G0pNB-dFePWp9KSbDvmRg1acg_RUB_idSwwpsg/s1600/IMG_3519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqt2ReCdCdfDJPO6oxin-90qcnx6w_HPQLlceRj2Q3ueAAhjLWoJ8HgfmCervKIFmhNP53OqMtw5Mj6KFSXR6QSPgfvH7m9vmfCQH6G0pNB-dFePWp9KSbDvmRg1acg_RUB_idSwwpsg/s320/IMG_3519.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Herb and potato rosti w poached egg, avocado and smoked salmon</span></div>
<br />
I wanted the tourists to see parts of Melbourne that I see and love every day. Melbourne from the ground up. So we hired 'Melbourne bikes' and rode around the picturesque inner suburban streets before heading to Federation Square for one of Melbourne's more modern attractions, <b><a href="http://www.acmi.net.au/" target="_blank">ACMI</a></b> - Australian Centre for the Moving Image.<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYz1Zdhwj0lE0wjyp6uw2Nr9OkzZ7vFNPfnPIJx6-tag6-zWDla25JewkgEy_4R9i9oH0iP0UpFSS5plk8yGvpeR-rRkz5j9_ZRAJICNAC8gPMYqnYUDDKjVakIjZOq9P1W5ZDZ9XlR8/s1600/bikes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOYz1Zdhwj0lE0wjyp6uw2Nr9OkzZ7vFNPfnPIJx6-tag6-zWDla25JewkgEy_4R9i9oH0iP0UpFSS5plk8yGvpeR-rRkz5j9_ZRAJICNAC8gPMYqnYUDDKjVakIjZOq9P1W5ZDZ9XlR8/s320/bikes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
While the Game Masters exhibitions hasn't commenced yet, we enjoyed testing out a few games at the Best of the Independent Games Festival 2012 - and it was free. (If Fingle is ever available on iPhones, please let us know.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/599942_649850040332_410526319_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/599942_649850040332_410526319_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Now I am not great in the city on weekends. It is full of out-of-towners/tourists and I am normally happy to avoid the prams, wanderers and happy-snappers. So I was completely at a loss as to where we should head for lunch on a Sunday. I had originally planned on visiting South Wharf Promenade, but my tourists didn't like the idea of travelling some more before eating. Luckily, we stumbled across <b><a href="http://www.trunktown.com.au/the-diner" target="_blank">Trunk Diner</a> </b>and managed to grab a seat before they closed for a Jazz Festival gig.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://distilleryimage10.s3.amazonaws.com/28d99c10b2b111e1ab011231381052c0_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://distilleryimage10.s3.amazonaws.com/28d99c10b2b111e1ab011231381052c0_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Despite our lunch being somewhat rushed, the partly deconstructed Wagyu burger was agreeable and I will definitely keep Trunk Diner in mind if I'm ever out and about in the CBD during the weekend again. But something was missing, all three of us had one spot still to fill... our sweet spot!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://distilleryimage1.instagram.com/b1e1aef6bc1d11e180c9123138016265_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://distilleryimage1.instagram.com/b1e1aef6bc1d11e180c9123138016265_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And nothing can fill a sweet spot like a <b><a href="http://www.maxbrenner.com.au/" target="_blank">Max Brenner</a></b> chocolate Lick (dark chocolate for me). Ok, so a lot of things can fill a sweet spot, but in that very moment, our chocolate Licks were perfect.<br />
<br />
By now we were in a daze from all the food and activity. We managed to wander through a few shops before sinking into three seats on the tram home, happily entertaining the thought that a rest/nap is more than acceptable on a Sunday.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
<br />
Feeling rested and ready for more action, we made our way to <b><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/761399/restaurant/Melbourne/Collingwood/Old-Kingdom-Fitzroy" target="_blank">Old Kingdom</a></b> in Collingwood. Now this isn't the most impressive of restaurants, it isn't even one of Melbourne's most talked about restaurants, but the Peking duck is fantastic. It is a messy, slightly hectic but wonderfully entertaining experience. (I recommend giving your duck order when you book/call ahead.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://distilleryimage11.instagram.com/1950164abc1e11e19dc71231380fe523_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://distilleryimage11.instagram.com/1950164abc1e11e19dc71231380fe523_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Three courses of scrumptious duck later, it was time to cap off the day with a little entertainment. Ooops did I say little? There is nothing little about the <a href="http://www.imaxmelbourne.com.au/" target="_blank"><b>IMAX</b> at the <b>Melbourne Museum</b></a>. Donning the ever-so-attractive 3D glasses, we settled in for a screening of Prometheus.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://distilleryimage0.instagram.com/a10b1512bc1e11e19894123138140d8c_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://distilleryimage0.instagram.com/a10b1512bc1e11e19894123138140d8c_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
While it wasn't my favourite kind of movie, we most certainly had one of my favourite kind of days. Can't wait to hang with you kids again!<br />
<br />
- Dani<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Summary</span></b><br />
Dead Man Espresso - 35 Market St, South Melbourne VIC 3205<br />
ACMI - Federation Square, Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000<br />
Trunk Diner - 275 Exhibition St, Melbourne VIC 3000<br />
Max Brenner - 25-27 Red Cape Lane, Level 2, QV Square, 210 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000<br />
Old Kingdom - 197 Smith St, Fitzroy VIC 3065<br />
IMAX Melbourne - Rathdowne St, Carlton VIC 3053<br />
<span id="goog_2140032236"></span><span id="goog_2140032237"></span>Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12002873380756523634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475977807777555023.post-59554433618730047902012-05-25T13:13:00.002+10:002012-06-04T10:08:40.940+10:00Il Solito Posto<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There are so many restaurants in the CBD and I'm constantly astonished when I realise how many I've never been to. There are a few restaurants in particular, some that I walk past nearly every day, that have been on my 'go to' list for some time. With windows filled wine bottles and books, Il Solito Posto has always looked so cosy and warm, and it has been on that list for about a year now. So I finally went there!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My dining companion, the ever enthusiastic Anna, booked us a table in the restaurant/trattoria (there separate caffeteria section too). As we descended into the restaurant area, it felt as if we were hiding beneath Melbourne, escaping the outside world to a place where you can enjoy the delights of wine and food with reckless abandon.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP0hcZO_b6AZyf-6qgxdGcccM53y_VSXq9R81A2JEN4qfle1XcCj3Zn8-UOr8Aqzgz-EXjdF0HB7p6sSmZkPJtnq4HPHMpaJcbdYxTO82wafyNNzG5swtakN3OSTjiRsrPG_us96Y-g40/s1600/IMG_3328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP0hcZO_b6AZyf-6qgxdGcccM53y_VSXq9R81A2JEN4qfle1XcCj3Zn8-UOr8Aqzgz-EXjdF0HB7p6sSmZkPJtnq4HPHMpaJcbdYxTO82wafyNNzG5swtakN3OSTjiRsrPG_us96Y-g40/s320/IMG_3328.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As is expected, we started our evening with a glass of wine. I couldn't go passed a glass of heart-warming Nebbiolo, having only <a href="http://rad-food.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/heathcote-winery-tour.html" target="_blank">recently learnt about this varietal in Heathcote</a>. The red wine, the dimly lit restaurant, the bottles and bottles of wine behind me. I was beginning to think I had found an inner city haven.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHw8W0R3XWgbR83s6WQY9IkKnRAQqOqadG5fd6b2fPvvZqCONNM9PS0G7WKsFhyphenhyphen6q1SQMsWnp75C_ATXoH_P1YtOSRO0FMSSpyOtAyg6c5aPrUFL91px5dNKBMZbzgLoIhxemeLUlzZ2w/s1600/IMG_3318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHw8W0R3XWgbR83s6WQY9IkKnRAQqOqadG5fd6b2fPvvZqCONNM9PS0G7WKsFhyphenhyphen6q1SQMsWnp75C_ATXoH_P1YtOSRO0FMSSpyOtAyg6c5aPrUFL91px5dNKBMZbzgLoIhxemeLUlzZ2w/s320/IMG_3318.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But despite feeling content, deciding what eat proved to be quite the challenge. Did I want the salmon on the specials board or a pasta or... This went on for a little while. After getting some helpful advice from our waiter, I ordered the Linguini al nero di seppia (squid ink linguini, calamari, black russian tomatoes, chilli and white wine).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7gLdCbya6HYyqygs2RzLKGupXLlxKI4meerxJYb179N6cYzygVpUVsxxQn5bT6swm7gmVi9I14sBETS6mhhOisTaU-iu25Yvvi9buFrl56P3kTBJGfnjvlighUATycOd_N89h70bxY0/s1600/IMG_3319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil7gLdCbya6HYyqygs2RzLKGupXLlxKI4meerxJYb179N6cYzygVpUVsxxQn5bT6swm7gmVi9I14sBETS6mhhOisTaU-iu25Yvvi9buFrl56P3kTBJGfnjvlighUATycOd_N89h70bxY0/s320/IMG_3319.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNpJpT2gmAQDr3cmgwKwv9vSrUMDOf8j1pAjYBEGmKL5dYPDblCbfa76KDx2kquyvTRnS0-opJ3yN8wVvTSAqFLb2xsdu-DvumLVNKoKa1VXcong3k_Yx0iPCeJgGqRMJD9OfagxXg4Xk/s1600/IMG_3321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNpJpT2gmAQDr3cmgwKwv9vSrUMDOf8j1pAjYBEGmKL5dYPDblCbfa76KDx2kquyvTRnS0-opJ3yN8wVvTSAqFLb2xsdu-DvumLVNKoKa1VXcong3k_Yx0iPCeJgGqRMJD9OfagxXg4Xk/s320/IMG_3321.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There was plenty of calamari and even some octopus I think. The tomatoes were soft, juicy and full of flavour. And the pasta was truly delicious. I can't remember ever having eaten squid ink linguini before, but I certainly won't forget this occasion. The flavours were fresh and for a pasta dish, it didn't feel too heavy - although there was a lot of it.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXsd2E3AU_aJX4W-lHrtR5I6VmlThOSrPYDI_UAIajXXNxZGOol5j5zJCR-2dksAbu6zPJ6CzjKiRJmMvzohK6MnXG43iGIIMUGnDL4K5OKEc5p5uHdZmba3b7_E5ub14SEKAf25ddc1E/s1600/IMG_3320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXsd2E3AU_aJX4W-lHrtR5I6VmlThOSrPYDI_UAIajXXNxZGOol5j5zJCR-2dksAbu6zPJ6CzjKiRJmMvzohK6MnXG43iGIIMUGnDL4K5OKEc5p5uHdZmba3b7_E5ub14SEKAf25ddc1E/s320/IMG_3320.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Anna ordered the Tortellini di zucca con ricotta (pumpkin and ricotta tortellini, burnt butt, almonds and sage) and was lovely enough to give me a taste. Oooh it was another delicious dish. I am a big fan of natural almonds, so they definitely struck a chord with me.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our meals were amazing but our appetites weren't quite sated yet, so we ordered the Budino al cioccolato (soft centred chocolate pudding, salted caramel, caramelised banana and caramel ice cream) to share of course.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeWPApDQUmHsgbwMjvkr2aV3e2rY-WIkX71QZgcCZMHlRhG_zGhN8-Cy9zmVaclhKiQUfQ2oVSnctGON24vdBiRVYobLv_lOscSqptBLIGLUCPkyOVEFWXoHDVVSSP1RnZ-xSEqhodGAA/s1600/IMG_3323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeWPApDQUmHsgbwMjvkr2aV3e2rY-WIkX71QZgcCZMHlRhG_zGhN8-Cy9zmVaclhKiQUfQ2oVSnctGON24vdBiRVYobLv_lOscSqptBLIGLUCPkyOVEFWXoHDVVSSP1RnZ-xSEqhodGAA/s320/IMG_3323.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXbajveiBsLLNdrj8Gyv9W-JNfxaBhJ5YNFSrv-u0bZrRNGbtURrwLgVCqx-y81i_ziWh7zek3ZdKWQ6RerhDCii2zE3MRebwWVuCJP4hAFfpC6USrJQ0ML-jY9oQLHuye61Usvq9ydU/s1600/IMG_3325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXbajveiBsLLNdrj8Gyv9W-JNfxaBhJ5YNFSrv-u0bZrRNGbtURrwLgVCqx-y81i_ziWh7zek3ZdKWQ6RerhDCii2zE3MRebwWVuCJP4hAFfpC6USrJQ0ML-jY9oQLHuye61Usvq9ydU/s320/IMG_3325.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The chocolate pudding was gooey in the middle and the salted caramel was divine. Salted caramel seems to be the new 'in' dessert ingredient - and I'm not complaining. We did have one gripe about this dessert though, the ice cream was actually banana flavoured (not caramel), so we left it relatively untouched. I can't say the same for the rest of the dessert though - we demolished it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0tADOPMkuu0jD-6Yg_NtbOgRNhjr7wRKNtTrT-pLqwmQl9WUc3SAFuaiIGvtfbhM8869vV0Gh15lP3NHESpNCyDM7dKCLvQFtqjsFpjvnNMilBlX0zZudgFfR8A6l4dF5mB0qgYhycW4/s1600/IMG_3327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0tADOPMkuu0jD-6Yg_NtbOgRNhjr7wRKNtTrT-pLqwmQl9WUc3SAFuaiIGvtfbhM8869vV0Gh15lP3NHESpNCyDM7dKCLvQFtqjsFpjvnNMilBlX0zZudgFfR8A6l4dF5mB0qgYhycW4/s320/IMG_3327.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Il Solito Posto has a fantastic ambience. There is just enough old world charm and Italian influences to help you forget where you really are - in a basement below Collins St. The food was delicious and our service was great (the waiter thought they were "serving us too quickly", so they gave us complimentary glasses of dessert wine). I know Melbourne has an enormous number of Italian restaurants and I could probably try dine at them all and never achieve it in my life time. But I have no doubt that I will be back at Il Solito Posto... and not just because I walk passed it every day.<br />
<br />
- Dani<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Summary</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Name: </b><a href="http://www.ilsolitoposto.com.au/" target="_blank">Il Solito Posto</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Cuisine: </b>Italian</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Price:</b> $$$</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Location:</b> 113 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Map:</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?size=300x300&maptype=roadmap&sensor=false&markers=color:red%7C-37.814632,144.970076&client=google-maps-sharing&signature=koHLbdYvkvOGyg10DOFSz7tfWlA=" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?size=300x300&maptype=roadmap&sensor=false&markers=color:red%7C-37.814632,144.970076&client=google-maps-sharing&signature=koHLbdYvkvOGyg10DOFSz7tfWlA=" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/760912/restaurant/CBD/Il-Solito-Posto-Melbourne"><img alt="Il Solito Posto on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/logo/760912/minilogo.gif" style="border: none; height: 15px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a>Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12002873380756523634noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-475977807777555023.post-59420178356257103962012-05-17T13:51:00.003+10:002012-05-17T13:52:16.653+10:00La Petite CreperieMelbourne, you never fail to amaze me. Walking home from the gym, completely at a loss as to what I should eat for dinner, I stumbled across a little stall, a few people and French music - Le Petite Creperie. Perfect!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjdlFEw9jhbsjVOJCDLpxwwlyarpnaZhZYFMAgFXD1wBdYIwymzEL2mtq_IUs5hQ_ISxfDOwmtkxk5lInkUIzeyokenfe-TPpmroytMo1Z95RsdJ6LGYWvTqEP8pNflosJ3KjAqK-QveA/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjdlFEw9jhbsjVOJCDLpxwwlyarpnaZhZYFMAgFXD1wBdYIwymzEL2mtq_IUs5hQ_ISxfDOwmtkxk5lInkUIzeyokenfe-TPpmroytMo1Z95RsdJ6LGYWvTqEP8pNflosJ3KjAqK-QveA/s320/photo+(1).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Near the corner of Swanston St and Little Collins St, La Petite Creperie has been set up in an old news-stand. It is cute-as-button, very convenient and full of French charm. And best of all... the crepes are delicious!<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vaCsA96e-tuiPyaBbhpDi7xNTxz3R02cT7URnASCJdPrZLUdI7LeM6sCmTRZiPqXGqY5PMfgOulGs2iRCjQGaR29nUjv2pdX0_BbTUvSVxVCGRJ1vUDRsj1vgczBCjgQQt3S1Ua_tKI/s1600/photo+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vaCsA96e-tuiPyaBbhpDi7xNTxz3R02cT7URnASCJdPrZLUdI7LeM6sCmTRZiPqXGqY5PMfgOulGs2iRCjQGaR29nUjv2pdX0_BbTUvSVxVCGRJ1vUDRsj1vgczBCjgQQt3S1Ua_tKI/s320/photo+(3).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5bKqfxZj5SkmtoCqNjfpz5xE16catt4dMXAi8jELW9_b2dQyW8s0d7y5GPdOQtmKQzPHCEDSjBTtXirJ7Da150iS9Po_nxE8g5LYErYDtD8dCVTc7tkTXczdLf3wW2LoO8Ehz5tNscIE/s1600/photo+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5bKqfxZj5SkmtoCqNjfpz5xE16catt4dMXAi8jELW9_b2dQyW8s0d7y5GPdOQtmKQzPHCEDSjBTtXirJ7Da150iS9Po_nxE8g5LYErYDtD8dCVTc7tkTXczdLf3wW2LoO8Ehz5tNscIE/s320/photo+(4).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I ordered a Sugar and lemon crepe, but due to the multiple French people fussing around the stand and my propensity to mumble, I was served a Sugar and butter crepe instead. The polite staff were quick to address the error though and they had me walking away with a scrumptious Sugar and lemon crepe... and a smile.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicxAWWEJcQZ314dnMr9p7_V7RCChkel4uGPI1-giyjMzT5B3VJ1E7aT-ELlncF-9bLfIN9lFTAz9ZAGzNP7JhAayV7AabSBO9cMsf3zniBQuPJj3oTgbSmETwKBHGvDb12oKr4-B48P-g/s1600/photo+(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicxAWWEJcQZ314dnMr9p7_V7RCChkel4uGPI1-giyjMzT5B3VJ1E7aT-ELlncF-9bLfIN9lFTAz9ZAGzNP7JhAayV7AabSBO9cMsf3zniBQuPJj3oTgbSmETwKBHGvDb12oKr4-B48P-g/s320/photo+(5).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
- Dani<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Summary</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Name: </b>La Petite Creperie</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Cuisine: </b>Crepes/French</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Price:</b> $</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Location:</b> Corner of Swanston St and Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Map:</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?size=300x300&maptype=roadmap&sensor=false&markers=color:red%7C-37.814496,144.966124&client=google-maps-sharing&signature=Uwzj0FEb-oCnPJWmutxI8uFJRNA=" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?size=300x300&maptype=roadmap&sensor=false&markers=color:red%7C-37.814496,144.966124&client=google-maps-sharing&signature=Uwzj0FEb-oCnPJWmutxI8uFJRNA=" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b></div>Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12002873380756523634noreply@blogger.com2