My Top 5 Fine Food

Having had a 6-month hiatus, I am BACK with a vengeance - armed with a hearty appetite and discerning eye, I have been on the hunt for my Top 5 Fine Food in Melbourne..ENJOY! :)

My Top 5 Fine Food in Melbourne

Fine dining is a luxury most of us can't afford. The majority of places that serve fine food can be stuffy and sterile. So, where would you go if you had $100 to spare for the month and wanted to treat yourself to some gourmet food, of the highest quality and flavor, prepared well and presented in an artful manner? Here's my top 5 take on fine food. Indulge, be decadent and feast away.

1. Cutler & CO

55-57 Gertrude St Fitzroy VIC 3065 (03) 9419 4888

Contemporary. Sexy. Modern. Artful. These are words I would use to describe my experience at Cutler & Co. Probably the best $100 I spent so far too. Bookings have to be made 2-4 weeks in advance for weekends to avoid disappointment. (I wouldn't try just walking in and attempting to get a table unless it's a weekday.) Don't undermine the grungy Fitzroy location as to my surprise, Cutler & Co offers a fine classy haven within the plethora of restaurants in the area. The interior is clean & cool with high ceilings, artistic hanging lamps, scrubbed unfinished brick and dark teak furniture. The only hint of it being an old metal work factory would be the historical building exterior. The waitstaff were friendly and greeted us up the front of the restaurant walking us in to our table and were only too keen to recommend the finest wines from their comprehensive wine list to complement our meals or kick start the night with.

Choose from the ala carte or the dugustation menu ($130 per person). The two of us chose a selection of dishes from the ala carte menu to share and were first served

a complimentary portion of light cheese crackers cooked with tapioca flour which tasted surprisingly just like prawn crackers with a hint of cheese. For our first entree we had thinly sliced cured kingfish layered with caviar, creme fraiche, beetroot and pickled cucumber - it was decadent with bursts of sweet, salty and rich flavours. Then followed the chorizo with pickled octopus, aioli, pickled garlic and pickled chilli - very flavoursome and appetising which left us begging for more. Throughout the meal, we were served an array of freshly home-baked warm breads of either sour dough muffin or rye bread. Next up, the indulgent mandarin duck braised fillet smoked cooked confit foies gras cigar - crispy succulent duck beautifully cooked to perfection with a soft salty centre as you sink into the cigars. Sweet carrot salad with walnut cream and middle eastern cheeses followed - a hommus like textured cheese gave the salad a real kick -with a crunch of walnut and a taste of cheese, it was a mish mash of wonderful flavours. Last but not least, we had a sweet end to the night with the candied apple and earl grey ice cream - popping

and flooding our mouths with sweet sweet bliss.

2. Maze

Level 1, Crown Metropol

Corner of Whiteman and Clarendon Streets,
Southbank, (0)3 9292 8300

So Gordon Ramsey got the winning formula. Perfect venue, beautiful decor and excellent food. Who could ask for more? We booked for lunch at this delightful restaurant and were impressed by the quality of food, service and ambience. We were taken by the casual atmosphere yet highly attentive waiters, who took our coats, hung them away and offered us 3 types of water - still, tap or sparkling. The warm dark teak interior, with floor to ceiling windows, featured hints of maze patterns on wooden screen dividers and walls. The giant bamboo lamps hung pretty amidst the showcase of wine and decanters. Palm leave plants added a hint of greenery amidst the modernity.

You could choose from either 3 courses at $38 or 4 courses at $49. I went with the 3 courses and had the beetroot goats cheese and quails egg, followed by the melt-in-your-mouth paddock fish (with flavoursome soup) and the tender ox cheek fillet. Throughout the meal, we were served tasty soft fresh bread with caramelised sea kelp butter and sea salt - an absolute beauty! I loved how the waiters poured sauce onto the meats at the table and thought how very novel and innovative that was. The ox cheek fillet, cooked medium rare, was succulent and juicy, the accompanying buttery mash perfectly seasoned with a hint of wasabi! I watched in envy as my friend ordered the divine and delicately elegant coconut and white chocolate pannacotta. mmm.. certainly a must on your list. Note that the menu changes with the seasons.

3. Duck Duck Goose

31-37 Artemis Lane QV 03 9005 0888

Don't be fooled by the silly name - it's not as frivolous as it sounds. This restaurant features modern French / Asian cuisine that packs up a punch. Featuring a busy kitchen run by Japanese chefs who trained under Iron Chef Zakir and headed by Head Chef Ryo

Kitahara who worked under Haru Inukai formerly Head Chef from Gal

ileo at The Observatory in Sydney, you can only expect the best from this classy restaurant.

Let's talk abit about the ambience. The dark "black" theme transcends the restaurant whilst the warm 'candle-lit' tables make for a cosy atmosphere. Modern music surrounds you whilst you observe the centre water feature for good feng shui. Be greeted by friendly wait staff who are highly knowledgeable about their food and wine from various regions to complement each course.

Now the food. Talk about a generous portion. We started with home-made fresh & warm brioches, followed by red peach confit and foie gras parfait with cardamom - it was sweet, spicy and light. The combination of sweet and sour flavour pops in your mouth and creates an explosive flavour unlike any other. The tender venison was cooked to perfection, the truffle potatoes devine. My all-time favourite was the oxtail pastry that was crisp on the outside and tender on the inside - it was simply superb! Totally unexpected, the oxtail slivers was cooked to perfection, shredded off the bone and wrapped in delicate pastry. We ended it all with a sweet finish - the rich chocolate fondant with little creatures pale ale ice cream - it was a sour yet sweet experience but very surprising (in a good way). All in, an excellent dining experience and totally memorable. Highly recommended for the discerning gourmand!

4. Grossi Grill

80 Bourke Street Melbourne T. 03 9662 1811

This modern Italian restaurant is a Melbourne institution in its own right - owned and managed by famous chef Guy Grossi. You occasionally see the hands-on owner-chef serving and chatting with his guests, making them feel at home in his cosy restaurant. If you are after value for money, go for the pre-theatre dining. The pre-theatre dining occurs daily here between 6 - 8pm, unveiling a delectable array of courses at excellent value. For $35 –choose a 2 course dinner (either an entrée and main, or main & dessert, which comes with a glass of wine & coffee.) or $45 – for a 3 course dinner (entrée, main & dessert, with a glass of wine & coffee).

Be entertained as you watch the top chefs woo their guests with their winning performance cooking through the open kitchen, as lines of fresh bread baskets dance off the counter. In the first act, the tuna croquette whets the appetite with its crisp texture and subtle flavour, only upstaged by the star of the show, the tender, succulent lamb shanks in red wine jus. During the interval, the audience will be served a complimentary glass of wine and for the finale, coffee and biscotti for all. A typically ravenous pre-theatre diner will saunter out, full-bellied, satiated, shouting “bravo, encore!” knowing they will be back again soon.

5. The Point

Aquatic Drive Albert Park Lake 03 9682 5566

If there is one thing The Point is famous for, it's their succulent top quality steaks. Proclaimed on their website as "the best steak restaurant 2010 in Melbourne", you won't be disappointed by the range on offer. Walk up the flight of stairs into the The Point and be wowed by the hanging display of meats and array of cuts outside the restaurant. Step into the restaurant and be greeted by friendly wait staff and an awesome view overlooking Albert Park Lake.

Head there for the Express Lunch and you can enjoy fine dining at a fraction of the price - only $35 for 2 courses and a glass of wine! Choose from 3 different mains and 3 desserts. We were lucky to try the grain fed steak that day and enjoyed the tender porterhouse on a bed of mash and onion seasoned cabbage with a hint of squid ink. This was followed by the sweet chocolate lamington and coconut sorbet - all very delicate flavours.

I went back again for dinner another day and enjoyed the fresh oyster - cooked 2 different ways - Natural and Rockefella followed by a massive beef to share for 2 - 900g grain fed Clare Valley Rib Eye, baby gem salad, with pink peppercorn sauce, carved at your table @ $47pp! I wasn't disappointed of course and I think the portion was way too big for 2 but if you have a hearty appetite this would be to die for.

Enjoy! :)

Top 5 up and coming Melbourne Bars

Forget Silk Road or Spice Market and all the other frilly places. Here are my fave Top 5 modish bars. Simple. Tasteful. Elegant. That's how they made my Top 5.

1. Berlin Bar
16 Corrs Lane, Melbourne, (03) 96393396

Walk up 2 flights of stairs, ring the doorbell and then be greeted by a concierge who will lead you to either East Berlin or West Berlin. The East is a little bit more grungy with bunk beds, converted bath tubs for tables, camouflage nets and army disposals. They used to have a voice over shouting "Achtung" meaning Danger every 5 minutes but I think it annoyed some of the guests (despite its authenticity) and was removed. Personally I think it was a good decision to do so. :) The West is classier with hanging crystal chandeliers, opulent white leather couches, velvety black carpets and intimate private booths - almost as they call it, suited to the more "bourgeois". Both East & West though offer the same comfort and service you'd expect at any fine bar in the city. Make sure you try the interesting array of cocktails including west side, east side and classic cocktails (each $20) - particularly the "Love Parade" with Vanilla infused Vodka, strawberry liquor, apple juice, freshly squeezed lemon juice, mixed with home made strawberry and apple jam, shaken and served in a tall glass with crushed ice and garnished with a pretty heart shaped strawberry lolly! Before you leave Berlin Bar, you will surely be "inspired by this city once divided and then reunited"!

2. Collins Quarter
86A Collins St, Melbourne, (03) 9650 8500

Not 3 but 4 unexpectedly different sections within one bar - this Collins St watering hole will cater to the most demanding of Connoisseurs. Featuring Colin's pub, Magnolia Courtyard, Blind Alley and a (rather unbeknownst to most) private cigar bar on the second level. Enter through the Collins St entrance and step into a "19th Century pomposity" of a gastro pub with solid wood tables and chairs for dining by a warm fireplace. Explore further into a relatively large courtyard and make your way through the throngs of after work crowds towards a modern cocktail bar at the back of the establishment. Here you can sit yourself down onto the leather couches and high bar chairs to enjoy some delightful cocktails of varied concoctions. From the classic chocolate martini to the more refreshing "Monkey Weddings". If you like cigars and a touch of sophistication, venture upstairs to a chic cigar bar with a modern leather interior, high ceilings and open windows to allow cigar smoking within the venue. It's fair to say no quarter will be spared at this lush milieu.

3. Left Bank
1 Southbank Boulevard, Southbank, (03) 9682 4500

This swanky upmarket restaurant bar in Southbank is a new player that's already giving other city bars a run for its money. Come on a busy friday and you would probably find the likes of your banker, accountant or financial advisor - from one of the many surrounding accounting and banking firms. What makes Left Bank contemporary is the welcoming warm woody interior, cosy intimate settings and friendly bar staff who are eager to recommend some fascinating new cocktail they have concocted that's NOT on the list. The food was adequate to say the least - with the likes of the exquisite soft shell crab sandwich entree - layers of crispy soft shell crab on delicate biscuit wafers as well as the fresh and lightly pan-seared scallops entree with morcilla sausage, sweet nut crumble and apple gel individually served on soup spoons. However, for the mains, my tip would be to avoid their grilled barramundi or similar pan seared fish dishes unless you can deal with bones. For the mains, go with the meat dishes to avoid disappointment - so far we have had rave reviews for the asian-style duck and ribeye steaks.

4. Siglo
Level 2, 161 Spring St, Melbourne (03) 9654 6631

Nestled above the Melbourne Supper Club, lies a trendy European inspired roof top bar called Siglo. You will be entranced by the sophisticated yet stylish atmosphere, breathtaking views of the Melbourne CBD and the small but succinct menu of cocktails. If you can, try to request for the cosy wooden benches at the far end of the bar overlooking the city. Here you can enjoy a signature espresso martini or sip on the classic french martini whilst having an intimate conversation with your friend , date or significant other. A really great place to unwind either before or after one of the many musicals you can catch at Princess Theatre (which is right next door to Siglo).

5. New Gold Mountain
21 Liverpool St, Melbourne, (03) 9650 8859

Tucked away in secluded Liverpool St off the top end of Bourke St (near Spring St) is a quaint little bar called the New Gold Mountain (NGM). You will recognise this place by a distinct bicycle hanging on top of the heavy wooden front door and as you walk in, you will find an intriguing array of black & white portraits of Chinese businessman and scholar types. I wonder why? Probably inspired by the theme of old Chinese Opium Dens from back in the day. Walk up a flight of stairs to reach the public bar with hanging bead curtains and an open fire place; or another flight of stairs to the private poppy rooms with cosy leather booths, warm red lighting & friendly hostesses (table service) to house private birthday functions, bigger groups and the like. Quirky and cool, you will no doubt find a cocktail to match this uniquely elegant experience.

* Sources of images include bar websites & author's own.

Cheryl's Top 5 Malaysian Recipes

Hi folks! A bit of background to this post. My friend Cheryl is a wonderful cook – consistently whipping up an array of yummy Malaysian specialties. AND, being Cheryl’s neighbour has its benefits, as I’ve been privy to some really authentic & scrumptious home-style Malaysian cooking. Upon my incessant prodding, Cheryl has kindly contributed and shared with us her Top 5 mouth-watering recipes. WOK not included! Enjoy! :)

1. Cheryl’s kung pow prawn (serves 2)
*Best served with rice

Ingredients:

12 large prawns (de-shell, de-vein & leave the tail on)

10 dried chillies

4cm length x 2cm width fresh ginger, finely sliced

8 cloves of garlic, finely chopped

1 large onion, roughly chopped

1/3 bunch of spring onions (cut into 5 cm long strips)

4 tbsp of dark soy sauce

4 tbsp of oyster sauce

5 tbsp of light soy sauce

1 tbsp of raw sugar
Few stalks of coriander

* Ingredients are a rough guide and can be adjusted to taste. Alternatively, you can substitute prawns with chicken.

Steps:

1. Pour half a cup of peanut/sunflower oil into heated wok

2. Once oil is heated, fry ginger & dried chillies till lightly brown, then add garlic and fry till crisp and brown

3. Add onion & sauté for a minute

4. Stir in prawns and cook for a couple of minutes (prawns); or cook for 5-6 minutes (chicken)

5. Then add oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, light soy sauce & sugar

6. Finally, add the spring onions & fry for another minute before serving
7. Garnish with coriander

This is my opinion is Cheryl’s signature dish – a truly authentic full-flavoured Malaysian specialty.












2. Cheryl’s home-style fried rice (serves 2)



Ingredients:

11/2 cups of cooked rice (for best results, leave cooked rice in the fridge overnight)

4 finely julienned fresh ginger slices (3cm lengths)

1 cup of finely chopped spring onions

2 strips of short cut bacon (diced into 1cm squares)

Half a cup of frozen peas & corns

2 eggs

3 tbsp of sesame oil (or more for those who love the sesame oil flavour)

2 tbsp of peanut/sunflower oil



* Ingredients are a rough guide and can be adjusted to taste



Steps:
1. Fry diced bacon in a heated wok with a teaspoon of oil till it’s cooked. Take it out from the wok & put it aside for later use.
2. Pour the sesame & peanut oil into the heated wok.
3. Once the oil is heated, add ginger into the wok and fry till lightly brown.
4. Loosen the cooked rice, add it into the wok & fry it for 2 minutes.
5. Add peas & corns & stir it into the rice for another minute.
6. Using your spatula, form a hole in the middle of the rice, add eggs into the hole, leave it for a minute before mixing it with the rice & stir fry the rice for another couple of minutes.
7. Then add spring onion & cooked bacon (from Step 1) and fry till the spring onion is cooked.
8. Finally, add salt & pepper to taste before serving it onto a plate.

You will find that the flavour from the bacon, ginger and sesame oil will permeate this dish, resulting in delicious home-style fried rice not unlike your mom’s. You can serve the rice in lettuce “bowls” like a san choy bao or add chilli oil for a more spicy flavour.










3. Malaysian style stir fried Hokkien Noodles (serves 4)



Ingredients:

2 rashes of bacon, cut the fat & dice it into 1cm squares, leaving the lean meat aside

7 to 8 groves of garlic, finely diced

Palm sized pork loin (thinly sliced, then marinated for 30 mins with 2 tbsp of soy sauce, 1 tbsp of sesame oil, 1 tsp of salt, 1 tsp of pepper & a dash of flour
)
6 to 8 stalks of choy sum, broken into 5cm lengths (separate the leaves from the stalks)

500g of Hokkien noodles (soak in hot water for 10 mins to loosen the noodles, then drain)

8 prawns (de-shell, de-vein & leave the tail on)
Half a cup of hot water

4 tbsp of dark soy sauce

4 tbsp of oyster sauce

4 tbsp of soy sauce

1 tbsp of raw sugar

6 tbsp of peanut/sunflower oil
Several stalks of coriander leaves



* Ingredients are a rough guide and can be adjusted to taste



Steps:

1. Fry prawns with 1 tbsp of oil till cooked, remove from wok & set aside for later use.
2. Add a tbsp of oil into heated wok.

3. Once the oil is heated, fry bacon fat till brown.

4. Add garlic in & fry till lightly browned.

5. Then add in pork & fry for 2 minutes.

6. Add noodles followed by water, stirring for a few minutes.

7. Add in all the sauces & stir well.

8. Add choy sum stalks, frying for a minute before adding the choy sum leaves for half a minute.

9. Garnish with coriander and serve

These hokkien noodles pack up a punchy mix of sweet, savoury and spicy flavours.

4. Cheryl’s soup noodles (serves 2)



Ingredients:

6 to 7 dried shitake mushrooms (Soak them in a bowl of hot water for 4 to 5 hours, then slice them up into half a cm thick slivers)

Palm sized pork loin (Thinly sliced, then marinated with 2 tbsp of soy sauce, 1 tbsp of sesame oil, 1 tsp of salt, 1 tsp of pepper & a dash of flour. Leave it for 30 mins. Alternatively, you can replace it with beef balls)

3 shallot onions (Thinly sliced)

4 to 5 gloves of garlic (Finely chopped)

6 to 8 stalks of choy sum (also known as Chinese flowering bak choy or Chinese flowering cabbage), break the stalks into 5cm lengths, separating the leaves from the stalks)

1 tbsp of chicken stock powder

1 pack of Vermicelli noodles or any type of noodles (Soak noodles in hot water for 3 to 4 mins then drain it)(Cheryl’s favourite vermicelli noodles is the Kong Moon brand - with yellow & red packaging)

4 tbsp of peanut/sunflower oil



* Ingredients are a rough guide and can be adjusted to taste


Steps:

1. Add oil in a heated wok, once oil is heated, add shallots & fry for a minute, then add garlic.
2. Once both shallots & garlic are browned, remove from wok & set aside for later use.

3. Add 1 litre of hot water into the wok, add chicken stock powder, mushrooms & meat, and simmer for 10 mins.

4. Add choy sum stalks, followed by noodles, and leave it for a minute before adding in the choy sum leaves.

5. Add salt & pepper to taste, as well as the fried shallot & garlic (from step 1), and the soup noodles are ready to be served.

For those who enjoy chilli, add a dash of Sriracha chilli sauce or fresh red cut chillies to the soup for an extra kick!


5. Cheryl’s white radish soup (serves 6)



Ingredients:

2 white radish, cut into 2cm lengths, then halved or quartered

600g of pork ribs

10 red dates

1 cup of goji berries (soak for few mins in warm water with red dates before draining)

2 dried cuttle fish (soak for few mins in warm water before draining – you can leave this out if you don't like the cuttle fish taste but we find it makes the soup sweeter)


Steps:

1. Place the pork ribs in 1 litre of water in a big pot for 5 mins then drain the water out.

2. Add 2 litres of hot water into the pot & bring it to boil.

3. Add all other ingredients in & simmer it for 2 to 3 hours (the longer the better).

4. Season with salt & pepper before serving.

Simple but oh so delicious – this soup will warm you up this winter.

Top 5 Star Finds

You know when you go to a restaurant and you feel like you've chanced upon something really special - it's almost like you need to tell everyone about it because it would be an injustice not to! Well that's how I feel about these top 5 star finds of mine. They provide excellent food at great value in inviting, charming settings. What more could you ask for?

1. Moroccan Soup Bar
183 St Georges Rd Fitzroy North (03) 9482 4240

I first heard about Moroccan Soup Bar from my friend Justin. He said he loves this local joint of his. Always serving up good food at reasonable prices. A banquet at $20 a head? Impossible. I had to check this joint out for myself. So I made a first failed attempt at getting there because I simply rocked up at 7pm on a friday and then went in and realised there was a 2 hour waiting list! So second time around, we went in earlier at 6pm and then put our names down on the waiting list and was told it was an hour's wait - that, we could do. Tip #1: You can't book for less than 6 people and if you want to get in without a booking, make sure you get there early (be prepared to wait) or you can also get takeaway. Tip #2: They are only open for dinner from 6pm-10pm Tuesdays to Fridays.

Let me tell you, it is worth the wait. This restaurant only serves up vegetarian dishes but I've never tasted more delicious & flavoursome vegetarian food than the ones I had here. The friendly lady owner greets you with a smile (there is no menu) and serves up a banquet commencing with a trio of dips (hommus, tzaiziki & pickled vegetables) with flat bread, followed by cous cous with 7 vegetables, saffron rice with lentils, eggplant turnover and my personal fave - chickpea bake. The chickpea bake is absolutely devine - chickpeas baked to perfection with layers of crisp flat bread topped with sour cream, chopped parsley and slivers of crunchy potatoes and peppered with moroccan spices & paprika. Throughout the meal, you will be served calming peppermint tea in tiny tea cups. But wait, there's more! Dessert follows with a platter of short bread with pistachios, sweet date cake & baklava and what better way to complete the banquet than with aromatic moroccan coffee! One word - WOW.










2. Borsch Vodka & Tears
173 Chapel st Windsor 03 95302694

With over 50 different types of vodka, this "traditional" polish bar and restaurant has so much to offer - remarkable food, amazing vodka, great service with a smile, cosy warm settings. It's the beez neez of polish food. For the ladies, ask the waiter to recommend you cocktails to suit your mood. I chose the flirty berry, with żubrówka vodka, cranberry juice & fresh lime shaken and layered with crème de cassis in a cocktail glass - which was fruity and refreshing whilst my friend had honey on toast - medos honey vodka with cinnamon, cream and crème de cacao shaken into a honey rimmed martini glass - it was sweet like honey with a hint of vanilla cream & spicy cinnamon goodness. Or, what about a deceivingly intense shot of chocolate vodka? mm mm..

But back to the food! Take your pick of entree or main sizes for the dumplings. We had mains of course, because we were hungry. The main "pierogi" comprised of traditional polish dumplings with 3 types of fillings: beef, chicken, herbs and spices with paprika meat sauce, porcini mushroom and sauerkraut with a breadcrumb coating & cheese and potato with fried onion and sour cream - my personal fave. The beef & chicken dumplings were very flavoursome, the cheese & potato dumpling had a rich flavour & the sauerkraut & breadcrumb dumplings had a crunchy savoury sour bite. The turkish pide with 3 dips (spinach ocean trout, capsicum & chilli dips) were delightful and whet our appetite for more. The wedges were simple but deliciously crisp to the bite mixed with the spicy zing of sour cream and sweet chilli dip. I am convinced you will enjoy Borsch and walk away satiated by this unconventional star find.



3. New York Tomato
2-6 New St Richmond (03) 9429 0505

It's almost like an adventure finding this spot but when you do, you'll be taken by the homely feel of this restaurant. Hint: It's located on the corner of New St and York St, hence the name! :) With no sign, a hanging bicycle prop on a garden cupboard and a sunny courtyard for an entrance, New York Tomato is quirky to say the least but wait till you try the food here. I had the claypot of roasted crisp kifler potatoes with savoury morcilla sausages, sweet caramelised onions, olives, paprika and 2 baked eggs, with a side of 2 buttery sour dough toasts for only $15.50. Don't be deceived by the size of the claypot because all the ingredients made for a very hearty breakfast! While John had the warm spinach, ricotta, walnut and parmesan tart topped with spicy rocket, Stan had the sweet NY cheesecake. If you want just the perfect comfort food in a engaging atmosphere, come to NYT.



4. Middle Eastern Restaurant
141 Sydney Rd Coburg (03) 9384 1531

Make sure you come here on an empty stomach because you need all the reserves you have to polish the food! :) The menu is simple - with no brainer set meals for one. But as a reviewer commented about this place - "Meal designed for 1, big enough for 2". That's exactly what it is. I ordered the mixed grill plate 2 which comprised of lamb and chicken shwarma (extremely juicy and tender meats fresh off the spit) with seasoned rice, tabbouleh, pickled cucumber, pickled turnip, lettuce, tomatoes and home made dips of baba ganoush (a smoky flavoured eggplant dip) and hommus (chickpea dip) - all that for $15! Oh plus a side of "yak yok" flat bread which went perfectly with the home made dips. I really enjoyed that smoky flavour with every bite of the bread. My friend is vegetarian and he had the falafel plate - with a generous portion of home made falafel that was crisp on the outside and soft on the inside with BIG BIG flavours for only $12. And we both struggled to finish the meal. Unreal.



5. Shire
69 Victoria St Fitzroy 03 9417 3788

They say the key to a good restaurant is excellent service. If so, Shire has it going big time for them. The only grouse is finding the entrance to the cafe (which is very obscure)! :) Once you find it, you'll be welcomed by a tall pretty waitress and the friendly owner. Seated in comfortable wooden dining tables and benches within the warm cosy atmosphere, you can enjoy a hot satisfying breakfast next to the burning fireplace. I had their signature dish - the sweet corn fritters with bacon, avocado, fetta, pesto and tomato (vegetarian options available - ie sauteed mushrooms instead of bacon) for $14.50. It was amazing - piled up like pancakes with layers of fresh quality ingredients. The tea came in massive teapots too - certainly value for money and a great place to hang out on a Sunday morning with good friends.

Top 5 Melbourne Tapas

Top 5 Melbourne Tapas

My Tapas* journey spans over 6 months of gastronomy with my fanatical gourmet friends, my fellow ardent foodies club members and chummy food connoisseurs alike. What was meant to be an earlier entry has been far delayed due to mixed reviews and my tossing about on the rankings but finally, the verdict! So here you go Melburnians, here are my Top 5 Melbourne Tapas joints. Disfrutar^#!

^# Spanish for “enjoy”.

* Tapas refers to a wide variety of appetizers, or snacks, in Spanish cuisine. They may be cold (such as mixed olives and cheese) or warm (such as chopitos, which are battered, fried baby squid). Around the world, tapas has evolved into an entire, and sometimes sophisticated, cuisine. In these countries, patrons of tapas restaurants can order many different tapas and combine them to make a full meal. ~ Wikepedia

1. Movida
1 Hosier Lane Melbourne 03 9663 3038

Facinating fact. Did you know that La movida was an era of Spanish expression with glitter-covered bodies, exaggerated makeup, leather jackets and crazily styled multicolored hair? It was an era of punks, glams, rockers– known primarily as the “spirit of the Spanish 80s”.

Interestingly the only hedonistic thing about the Spanish tapas restaurant Movida is the food. And oh where can I begin? Well, let’s start with the freshly shucked oysters and lemon, an array of newly baked breads (fresh from the oven), and seared scallops with an explosion of flavours topped with a surprising foam texture. Then captivate your tastebuds with a salty anchovy biscotti and tomato sorbet. Next, devour the succulent lamb cutlet with mint, parsley and pork pate stuffing. Then, bring on the quail with roast potato and grapes for a bit of sweet and salty. Follow on with the chargrilled octopus on a crisp seasoned potato coin. My personal favourite and the star of the show – be wowed by the tender and succulent beef cheeks with buttery mash in red wine jus, so good you might beg for seconds. And last but not least, the well seasoned Portobello mushrooms. (If you have room for more, make sure you order the churros (spanish donuts) served with a rich chocolate dipping sauce and icing.) By this time, you will have a burst of flavours in your mouth and a very full tummy to boot; but with only the freshest and best quality ingredients, you know you made the right choice with Movida. Quality doesn’t have to cost a bomb too here at Movida’s – 4 of us shared the above dishes and we each forked out $60 (including a bottle of good Spanish red wine).

Scallops with textured foam topping Freshly shucked oysters

2. Robbie's Stein
99 Sydney Rd Brunswick 03 9388 9817

This cosy tapas joint never fails to impress with its smorgasboard of wholesome flavours and personalised service. If the warm wooden interior, beautiful candle centre pieces and crimson lighting doesn’t invite you, the congenial bespectacled owner will. Watch him serve out dish after dish of top notch tapas as he wipes off beads of sweat with a tea towel strewn over his shoulder. Admittedly there were about 8 of us to share the tapas so don’t be overwhelmed by the length of the tapas list that we had below. Make sure you order the beautiful sangria which tastes like a fruit tingle in your mouth or the fine wine served in ornate Riedel glasses.

1. Creamy seafood chowder – a rich home made soup with fresh seafood ingredients
2. Olives – manzanilla / Spanish green olives
3. Bean roti- uniquely tasting roti with mashed beans
4. Fried vegie turnover in pastry – crispy and packed full of sweet vegie potato curry
5. Crab cakes – crispy on the outside and filled with warm flavoursome fresh crab pieces inside
6. Tiger prawns wrapped with proscuitto stuffed with goats cheese – a tad salty but very fresh
7. Crispy pan fried scallops with slow roasted capsicum and pistachio cream – Top notch in taste! With a Zing!
8. Freshly shucked oysters with lemon – they were moulting bay oysters from Tasmania
9. Hand cut chips with garlic aioli
10. Chicken feta and rocket salad
11. My personal fave – Peas, feta, Spanish onion and beet root salad which was extremely appetising, tangy and balsamic in flavour
12. Veal, rocket and olives salad – we felt the veal was a tad bit tough but had great flavours
13. Calamari stuffed with risotto salad

A feast for 8 people – this meal was very very moorish and filling and cost each of us only $40!! I call it a “Degustation delight” or “Tasting plates of Treasure”.

Robbie's Stein (picture from yourrestaurants.com.au)

3. Anada
197 Gertrude St Fitzroy 03 9415 6101

Here’s another value for money treat. At $49 for an 8 course meal and fine wine to boot, you can’t really go wrong here. We started with the freshly shucked oysters – a tad tiny but very fresh. Then the interesting cold Gazpacho soup with lemon, avocado, mint, celery, garlic and basil. It tasted like a cocktail – more sweet than savoury but very refreshing! The light potato cake with well seasoned spiced lamb followed – it was so crispy, delicious and gratifying. We moved onto the tangy sardines wrapped with vine leaves and pistachio. Another fave of mine – the oh so tender spicy beef cheeks with cheese cooked in a claypot. And to accompany everything, the tasty seasoned string beans and sweet salad jam lettuce. I love the variety offered at Ananda and the service is impeccable. By now, you would have realised a common theme in Tapas is oysters, seafood and beef cheeks. And why not? Bring it on I say! :)

Gazpacho soup

Light potato cakes

4. Gingerboy
27 Crossley St Melbourne 03 9662 4200

This one’s a little out of left field as it’s not exactly Spanish but hey, it is what I would like to conjure up as “Asian Tapas”. The quality and presentation of their food is magnificent and certainly worth shouting about. As you walk into Gingerboy, you’ll be greeted by their friendly French bartenders whipping up some yummy cocktails at the funky black bar counter against the white backdrop. Stop for a refreshing cocktail at the bar before proceeding into the chic restaurant with a bamboo ceiling, dark wood interior and red tassled lamps. Make sure you order the shared tasting plates – they are the only way to go. For the 3 of us, we ordered 5 dishes – the juicy cuttlefish with rock salt and chilli powder served with freshly squeezed lemon to bring the flavours out, followed by fully packed plump prawn dumplings with great tasting sauces including satay and coriander. Then the fresh flavoursome crispy duck salad with strips of duck skin & duck pieces. Because we simply LOVE duck, we had more duck in the form of the luscious duck san choi bao (shredded spiced succulent duck on iceberg lettuce). Finally the finger-licking good fried crispy salt and pepper chicken ribs – you have to use your hands for this one. But my personal favourite – we ended the meal with the orgasmic dessert tasting plate with 4 types of asian desserts – best described as a concoction of coconut, palm sugar and fresh fruit. Sweet Bliss!

Gingerboy

Dessert Tasting Plate

5. Robert Burns
376 Smith Street Collingwood 03 9417 2233

We went to Robert Burns on our friend’s recommendation and were absolutely wowed by the generous array of fresh Seafood and massive platters of Spanish paella. For $49 (minimum of 6 people required), we got a 3 course set menu comprising of 13 dishes. The first course (served with bread) included Patatas Bravas (crispy spiced potatos), Avocado Salad, Oysters Natural, Spanish Chorizo, Oysters Kilpatrick, Calamari De La Casa (grilled calamari), and Mussels Spanish Style. The second course (served with bread) included Mariscada (Spanish Seafood Stew – consisting of crab, prawns, clams, mussels, in a thick tomato based sauce PLUS a seafood platter of prawns, calamari, crab, mussels & baked fish – too good!), trays and trays of Paella followed including Paella Valenciana (saffron rice with green peas, potato, capsicum, chicken and seasoning), Paella Manchega (Seafood paella with prawns, mussels, peas and capsicum), and a Garden Salad. The Third Course was a simple seasonal fruit platter but just as well to cleanse the palate and aid in digestion after that full meal. Note though that if you ordered multiple jugs of sangria, it might blow the $50 budget (but it's worth it).

Paella

Mariscada

Top 5 Places To Go On A First Date

The first date - always a tad nerve wrecking and exciting at the same time. So it certainly helps when you have chosen a good venue - a sure-fire win! Tricks to a good venue:

a. Comfortable ambience in a convenient location
b. Good service and
c. it doesn't hurt to have great tasting food and wine too!
So here are some of my recommendations - tried and tested - guaranteed to always end with a smile on your face - unless you muck up the date of course. That I can't help you with.

1. The Turtle
1 Ormond Road Elwood 03 9525 6952
This laid back cafe was set up 20 years ago - cute fact - the original owner decided to name it after his daughter who apparently walks like a turtle. :) In recent years the original owner sold the cafe to 2 friends who wanted to produce great Italian influenced food - and so the Turtle keeps it's great reputation for flavoursome food, excellent wine and personalized service. Co-owner Michael is a familiar face at the turtle with a friendly smile to welcome his loyal local patrons. For starters, try the Arancini - crumbed rice balls packed full of flavoursome Spinach, Pumpkin and Parmesan. Dipped in Aioli you'll be wowed by the punch. For mains, make sure you try the Tagliatelle Genovese with succulent wagyu beef, veal, salami, proscuitti, and onion in red wine sauce. Or the delicious Gnocchetti with Italian sausage and fennel sugo. The casual atmosphere & attentive waiters will wind you down and you'll be in for a great time.

2. The Pier
1 Bay St Port Melbourne 03 9646 3990
This cafe bar is situated in a great location right across the Port Melbourne beach. Dine alfresco by the beach and enjoy the sea view as you watch the Spirit of Tasmania docking. Offering a variety of nibblies including the Tasting platter - a selection of almond crumbed calamari, cajun chicken, goats fetta, olive tapenade, semi dried tomatoes, marinated vegetables, chorizo sausage, smoked salmon and capers, Thick cut Aioli chips, wood-fired bruschetta, Dips with warm turkish bread or Nachos with beef or bean chilli con carne, there's bound to be something that will satiate your peckishness. Choose between sitting outside when it's sunny or within the sun drenched but covered courtyard in loungy leather couches. The cosy and intimate environment will allow you to warm up quickly to your date.

View from The Pier

3. St Ali
12-18 Yarra Place South Melbourne (03) 9686 2990
Another really chilled out but cool cafe to take your first date to is St Ali. Tucked away in a quiet laneway off Clarendon St in South Melbourne, this tiny treasure cove offers excellent house roasted coffee that's rich, aromatic and creamy. You can hear them roasting the coffee away as the busy joint packs up the crowds. The quirky waitress runs from table to table taking orders quickly then coming back each time smiling with plates of food saying "here you go starvin marvins"! The great cosy interior with yummy food at reasonable prices makes for an easy first date venue. The food in itself becomes the conversational piece as you and your date indulge in the "My mexican cousin corn fritters with baby spinach grilled haloumi kasundi and poached eggs". Or delightfully mix and match your eggs with different bits and pieces to create your own breakfast plate!

St Ali's cosy interior

St Ali Coffee

St Ali's "My mexican cousin's corn fritters"

4. Lindt Cafe
271 Collins Street, Melbourne Tel: (03) 9667 0900
Shop B193, Lower Ground Level Chadstone Shopping Centre Tel: (03) 9568 2444

Let's face it. Who doesn't like chocolate? No one. OK - unless you are allergic to it or have no idea how to live life. In any case, Lindt Cafe is the best bet for all chocolate lovers. Melt your first date's inhibitions away with the warm chocolate cake - oozing with a warm chocolate centre and side of vanilla ice cream, it's bound to impress. Or sweeten your first date's lips with the sweet chocolate waffles, ice cream and icing ala mode. Triple the sweetness factor with the delicate and light macaroons - choose from a variety of sweet flavours including classic chocolate to pistachio, coconut, strawberry and mocha. A guaranteed heart-warming date awaits you - all it takes is a hearty appetite for chocolate which shouldn't be hard to come by.

Warm chocolate cake

5. Red Star Cafe
315 Coventry St, South Melbourne 03 9696 6000
I keep coming back to this cafe because of a few reasons - the service is fast and precise, the food is good value & it's just across the South Melbourne market which makes for easy access to your weekly supply of fresh fruits and veges. You can't go wrong with that can you? And so the Red Star has a winning formula. The breakfast menu includes a hearty big breakfast of eggs (any style), crispy bacon, sausages, grilled tomato, mushrooms on sour dough toast. Make sure you order a side of the home made hash browns which are more like light thin crispy potato flakes. Or choose from the lunch menu - I like the delicious spanish paella with generous portions of plump prawns, mussels and packed full of saucy flavour served in a pan. After brunch, you can take your date for a leisurely stroll around the South Melbourne market to walk off the scrumptious meal you've just savoured.

Another "Passionate about life" entry. Drop me a comment or email me at passionatealife@gmail.com

Top 5 Scenic Melbourne Routes

As the season changes, it's time to get off that couch and take a scenic drive around some of Melbourne's best trails. If you love Mother Nature, here are some must-see Melbourne routes.

TOP 5 SCENIC MELBOURNE ROUTES

1. Mount Dandenong

* Approx an hour's drive from Melbourne City

Take a leisurely drive up Mount Dandenong, wind your windows down, as you breathe in the fresh alpine air and take in the beautiful landscape of forests and trees. Make sure you stop by Olinda along the way and visit one of the many tea rooms for Devonshire Tea and Scones (with freshly whipped cream and sweet home-made strawberry jam). Miss Marples Tea Room is highly recommended for their scones and high tea. There is also a traditional British charm to this little cottage. Their moorish home made cottage pie and welsh rarebit (mature english cheddar, eggs, guinness mustard & spices) sandwich fingers are to die for. Note: They don't take reservations so make sure you get in early at 11am to get a table. It can get quite packed and you have to expect a bit of a wait on weekends (but its certainly worth the wait). After a satisfying meal, make your way to the Mount Dandenong Observatory - 633 metres above sea-level and the highest point in the surrounding ranges. Here you can get breathtaking views of Melbourne and surrounds. It's also v romantic. All in, a fantastic & cruisey way to spend your Sunday.

2. Warburton

* Approx 1.5 hours drive from Melbourne City

This is another beautiful scenic drive up a mountainous area. Take a leisurely walk along the wonderfully scenic Warburton River Walk which is accessible from the Swing Bridge, just off Main Street. The beautiful Yarra River transforms from rapid pools to meandering waterholes along the length of the walk that is probably about 5 kilometres. You can spot the lyre birds & cockatoos along the way. End the relaxing stroll with a stop by Three Sugars Cafe for some hot chocolate, coffee & cake or some of the best pies in the region.

3. Bright

* Approx 3 hours drive from Melbourne City

The best time to go is during Spring/Autumn to see the Oak & Maple trees change colour. A "must do" is the Springtime in Bright Festival - October 24 to November 3. Make sure you take your bicycles with you so you can best appreciate the sights and sounds of Bright as you breeze through the Great Alpine Road. If you're feeling peckish after the ride, there are many fine quality restaurants in the area such as the Poplars Restaurant , a French Bistro drawing on local fresh produce and wine or the Edelweiss Bakery for a simple treat of freshly baked sweet & savoury pastries.

4. Grampians

* Approx 3.5 hours drive from Melbourne City

You will need a long weekend for this drive but the Grampians is the place to go to soak up the best of Nature. Here you can scale the Pinnacle or check out McKenzies Falls. Word of warning, you might need to have a certain level of physical endurance to complete the Pinnacle walk which is a 5 km trail overlooking Grampians National Park. The steep and winding steps are a challenge but the lookout at the end of the trail is certainly worth the hike offering breathtaking views of the rolling hills and mountainous valleys. Drive along Lake Wartook Road then take a 1 hr return walk to McKenzies Falls - the largest waterfall in the Grampians. The sound of the water splashing down into the lake creates a peaceful harmony with the leafy trees in the backdrop.

5. Cape Schanck

* Approx 1.5 hours drive from Melbourne City

Perhaps the one walk you shouldn't miss out on is called "The Cape" within the Mornington Peninsula National Park trail offering spectacular views of the Bass Strait. Make sure you take this long scenic walking trail - a reconstructed staircase and boardwalk which has been built right out of the beach and rock platform level. At the end of the trail, you can visit the Cape Schanck Lighthouse which has served shipping since 1859. I always feel refreshed after the walk, and am enthralled by how you can find a piece of serenity just 90 min from Melbourne city.