tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29583054742911255382024-02-09T04:41:34.359+11:00Taste Buds GaloreEating wherever I goEllehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03583940583873052602noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958305474291125538.post-51695177708701108522015-05-07T23:53:00.002+10:002015-05-12T22:43:33.683+10:00... moved to WordPress after 6 years.It's been nearly 6 years since I last blogged... and I have decided to pick it up again but this time on WordPress<br />
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Please feel free to come visit on my new blog :)<br />
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<a href="https://tastebudsgalore.wordpress.com/">https://tastebudsgalore.wordpress.com/</a><br />
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<a href="https://instagram.com/tastebudsglr/">https://instagram.com/tastebudsglr/</a>Ellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03583940583873052602noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958305474291125538.post-13554790450679601992009-09-05T13:46:00.017+10:002015-05-07T22:54:29.726+10:00Hako<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #666666;">310 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Flinders</span> La</span> <span style="color: #666666;"> <br />Melbourne 3000<br />VIC </span> <span style="color: #666666;"> Phone: (03) 9620 1881</span> <span style="color: #666666;"><br />Website:</span> <a href="http://www.hako.com.au/">www.hako.com.au</a><br /><br />This week I had lunch with 3 of my friends who I hadn't seen in a while, Chantel, Patches and Madeline. Chantel told me she felt like eating Japanese food, so we decided to go to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Hako. </span>I believe Hako has now become the default catch up lunch destination for Chantel and I.<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2671/3888176997_ece55262cd.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2671/3888176997_ece55262cd.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a></span> <span style="font-size: 85%;">I really like the simplicity of the decor.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span>
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: 85%;">The good thing about Hako is that you can trust it for a good solid simple but authentic Japanese meal. I really like the lunch menu they offer as well. It may be a little more pricey than some other Japanese joints in the city, however the food delivers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2522/3888141685_c0bffd11c5.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2522/3888141685_c0bffd11c5.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a>Complimentary <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Edamame</span></span> (Soybean)</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2472/3888148041_ec292b818d.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2472/3888148041_ec292b818d.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Nabeyaki</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Udon</span> </span>- tempura, vegetable, egg and noodle soup in a hot pot <span style="font-weight: bold;">$15.5<br /></span>Madeline ordered the udon. The thing that caught my attention was the already soggy tempura. I don't know about other people, but whenever I used to order Nabeyaki Udon, as soon as it arrived I'd take the tempura out and put it on the side to keep it as crisp as possible.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2502/3888965098_4dcf51fdfe.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2502/3888965098_4dcf51fdfe.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Hako</span> set</span> - six different dishes carefully selected and prepared by the chef served with steamed rice and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">miso</span> soup, 8 serve per day <span style="font-weight: bold;">$30<br /></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">The only other time I came to Hako, both Chantel and I ordered the Hako set. Because it was so good the first time I had it, I wanted to give it another go. I mean... the individual dishes change!</span></div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3485/3888143785_5015d8d7f8.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3485/3888143785_5015d8d7f8.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Miso</span> Soup</span>I love this. Not all Japanese restaurants here know how to make good miso soup. It had the right amount of ingredients, neither was it overly salty or watered down. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3455/3888969192_896ac02d30.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3455/3888969192_896ac02d30.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rice</span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3458/3888145695_9039684cee.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3458/3888145695_9039684cee.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Deep fried soy marinated chicken with egg salad</span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2453/3888960740_5d78648b03.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2453/3888960740_5d78648b03.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Prawn tempura</span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">I had forgotten to tell the staff that I had crustacean allergies. But how can you resist this prawn tempura when it is placed in front of you? So I did the probably not so smart thing and decided to take an allergy tablet and eat it anyway! Was it worth it or what.<br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2609/3888169393_35e16b0471.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2609/3888169393_35e16b0471.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Minced Pork and Potato croquette</span><br />Probably the most average dish, bar the salad.<br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2620/3888162395_0322e2c1ae.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2620/3888162395_0322e2c1ae.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Scallop <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">sashimi</span></span><br />Very fresh indeed.<br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3451/3888954864_4168f18bfb.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3451/3888954864_4168f18bfb.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Terriyaki</span> Beef</span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2514/3888957934_3cb6f6e8e6.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2514/3888957934_3cb6f6e8e6.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Salad</span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2671/3888173097_815262a585.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2671/3888173097_815262a585.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">salmon</span> - a box with grilled salmon ginger <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">teriyaki</span> and light salad <span style="font-weight: bold;">$15.8</span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2664/3888150331_663d6a37cd.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2664/3888150331_663d6a37cd.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Salmon ginger <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">terriyaki</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2607/3888947098_b949437bbf.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2607/3888947098_b949437bbf.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Eggplant</span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3514/3888951974_4e713291e2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3514/3888951974_4e713291e2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Light Salad</span> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br />I have yet to go to Hako for dinner, but I think it's one of the great places to go for lunch when you work in the city. Food doesn't take too long to arrive to you, so you can definitely fit it within your 1 hour break.<br /><br />One of the downsides to Hako I believe is the portions of the meal. The first time I came here I had to have 2 bowls of rice with my Hako set to fill me up and I don't even eat that much in comparison to many other people.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">P.S. </span>It is a good idea to make a reservation, the place isn't very big as you can see, and is quite popular among city workers.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />Pricing: </span>nothing is over <span style="font-weight: bold;">$32</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Entree:<span style="font-weight: bold;"> $5.8</span> to <span style="font-weight: bold;">$13.8</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Bento: <span style="font-weight: bold;">$15.8</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Hako Set: <span style="font-weight: bold;">$30</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Lunch Set: <span style="font-weight: bold;">$19 </span>to <span style="font-weight: bold;">$21</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Main: <span style="font-weight: bold;">$12.5</span> to <span style="font-weight: bold;">$20.8</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Sashimi/Sushi: <span style="font-weight: bold;">$15.8</span> to<span style="font-weight: bold;"> $32</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Overall Score - Fine Dining: </span>14.5/20<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Food: </span>7/10</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Service: </span>3.5/5</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Venue:</span> 4/5</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Other Useful Information:</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://yourrestaurants.com.au/guide/hako/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">YourRestaurants</span></a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://gourmettraveller.com.au/hako_melbourne_restaurant_review.htm">Gourmet Traveller</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">The Age Good Food Guide 2009 - Score: 14.5/20</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://www.theage.com.au/news/restaurant-reviews/hako/2007/12/03/1196530555320.html">The Age Epicure</a> (December 3, 2007)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Blog Reviews: <a href="http://spot4nosh.blogspot.com/2008/08/what-is-unctuous-hako.html">Spot4Nosh</a> (August 8, 2008)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Blog Reviews: <a href="http://offthespork.blogspot.com/2008/05/hako.html">Off the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">spork</span></a> (May 1, 2008)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Blog Reviews: <a href="http://www.melbournegastronome.com/2007/11/dinner-at-new-much-bigger-hako.html">Melbourne Gastronome</a> (November 21, 2007)</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: 85%;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Opening Hours</span></span><br />
<ul style="color: #666666;">
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lunch:</span> Monday to Friday - noon to 3pm </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dinner:</span> Monday to Saturday - 6pm to 10pm</span></li>
</ul>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958305474291125538.post-89008454016297767712009-08-31T13:15:00.038+10:002015-05-07T22:54:50.772+10:00Cumulus Inc<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #666666;">45 Flinders La</span><br /><span style="color: #666666;"> Melbourne 3000 VIC </span><br /><span style="color: #666666;"> Phone: (03) 9650 1445</span><br /><span style="color: #666666;">Website:</span> <a href="http://www.cumulusinc.com.au/" target="_blank" title="http://www.cumulusinc.com.au">www.cumulusinc.com.au</a><br /><br />I had actually planned to come to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Cumulus Inc</span> a week ago, but instead my friends decided that they wanted to have some Vietnamese rolls from Collingwood instead. Although Cumulus has been around for a while now, I had never gone... even with my friend Tofu constantly raving about it!<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2513/3866234847_cda576608d.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2513/3866234847_cda576608d.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a></span><br />
<a name='more'></a> <span style="font-size: 85%;"><br />My friends and I got there around 12:20pm in attempt to beat the business crowd. Every time I walk past Cumulus at night it's always packed, so I don't know if I would even bother trying to get a seat for dinner. (Yes, I am that impatient) And either way, if I'm not wrong, the menu is the same for both lunch and dinner.<br /><br />For those who don't know, there is a no booking policy at Cumulus. So if you want a seat, get there earlier! </span><span style="font-size: 85%;">(According to their website however, they do however take reservations of 8 to 12 guests.) </span><span style="font-size: 85%;">The dishes are tapas style too, so you order a few and share between you and your friends.<br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2598/3866236601_785b009fbb.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2598/3866236601_785b009fbb.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Trumer Pils </span>on tap 300ml<span style="font-weight: bold;"> $7.50</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">XS is a new comer to our weekly lunch gatherings, and he has a thing for trying out different beers no matter where we go. This was definitely one of the better beers he's tried so far. The texture is quite smooth and goes down easily.<br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2528/3866238811_176be6cbf8.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2528/3866238811_176be6cbf8.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Complementary bread & butter</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">The waiters will gladly offer you more bread once you've finished the first batch.<br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3487/3866240367_31dc014865.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3487/3866240367_31dc014865.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Scallop</span> wrapped in speck, caper & raisin vinaigrette <span style="font-weight: bold;">$5 each</span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2527/3867026244_05db2680d9.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2527/3867026244_05db2680d9.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Grilled quail</span> (half) in vine leaf, pistachio & labne <span style="font-weight: bold;">$7 each</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2457/3867028136_f10f93c4d4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2457/3867028136_f10f93c4d4.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kitchen charcuterie selection $23</span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2494/3867030546_da48dd5b52.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2494/3867030546_da48dd5b52.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Baked gnocchi</span>, Jerusalem artichokes, taleggio & truffle <span style="font-weight: bold;">$17</span><br />Hands down the best dish at Cumulus Inc. I never knew I liked Jerusalem artichokes so much until now. Luckily we ordered 2 of these. I wouldn't mind coming here JUST for this dish. The gnocchi had the right fluffy consistency, the artichokes were crisp on the outside and soft inside but not mushy, the taleggio and truffle perfectly permeated through the whole dish. Absolutely divine.<br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3442/3867035120_c3739f2d1b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3442/3867035120_c3739f2d1b.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Choucroute garni </span>- cabbage braised with salt pork belly, smoked Lyonniase sausage & roast pork strap <span style="font-weight: bold;">$23</span><br />Instead of pork belly, I believe we had pork shoulder instead. The sausages and braised cabbage were really good. I'm starting to believe that crackling just isn't my thing? (at least not the western version)<br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2440/3866248963_fda499ca67.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2440/3866248963_fda499ca67.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Spiced cauliflower</span> with goats curd <span style="font-weight: bold;">$14</span><br />I don't know what spiced cauliflower is supposed to look or taste like. But is it supposed to look and taste like burnt?<br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2570/3866252651_414652dcf7.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2570/3866252651_414652dcf7.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rockdale 240 day grain fed scotch fillet</span>, glazer shallots, nettle & horseradish <span style="font-weight: bold;">$38</span><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2457/3867038828_e87a647447.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2457/3867038828_e87a647447.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">New potatoes</span>, confit garlic & lemon<span style="font-weight: bold;"> $9</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;">Perfectly roasted potatoes.<br /><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;">Definitely worth trying out this place. The venue has quite a sleek touch to it, however at the same time you're able to let loose and relax while enjoying the great food that Josh Murphy and his team are cooking up for you.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">P.S.</span> If you do go, order the Baked Gnocchi!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pricing: </span>Overall it came up to <span style="font-weight: bold;">$35</span> per person and we were very satisfied with the meal.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Overall Score - Fine Dining: </span>16/20</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Food:</span> 8/10</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Service: </span>4/5</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Venue:</span> 4/5</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: 85%;">Just a comment about the service, one thing that really astounded me was that every time I went to take a sip of water from my glass, it was full again. I don't know about you, but for waiters to constantly top up your water and do it without you noticing most of the time is just amazing. Just one of those little things which makes for better service.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Other Useful Information</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://yourrestaurants.com.au/guide/cumulus_inc/">YourRestaurants</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://www.theage.com.au/news/restaurant-reviews/cumulus-inc/2008/08/26/1219516424090.html">The Age Epicure</a> (August 26, 2008)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://gourmettraveller.com.au/cumulus_inc_melbourne_restaurant_review.htm">Gourmet Traveller</a> (September, 2008)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Blog Reviews: <a href="http://www.melbournegastronome.com/2009/08/cumulus-inc-continues-to-seduce.html">Melbourne Gastronome</a> (August 20, 2009)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Blog Reviews: <a href="http://d0ublecooked.blogspot.com/2009/06/cumulus-inc.html">doublecooked</a> (June 19, 2009)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Blog Reviews: <a href="http://tummyrumbles.com/2009/03/cumulus-inc.html">Tummy Rumbles </a>(March 11, 2009)</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #666666; font-weight: bold;">Opening Hours</span></span><br />
<ul style="color: #666666;">
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Monday to Friday: 7am - 11pm</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Saturday: 8am - 11pm</span></li>
</ul>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958305474291125538.post-91467852716499492922009-08-22T23:58:00.029+10:002015-05-07T22:55:05.541+10:00Shira Nui<span style="font-size: 85%;"> <span style="color: #666666;">247 Springvale Rd</span><br /><span style="color: #666666;"> Glen Waverley 3150 VIC </span></span> <span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #666666;"> Phone: (03) 9886 7755</span><br /><br />A few weeks ago Chloe had asked everyone in our group if we wanted to dine at <span style="font-weight: bold;">Shira Nui </span>together. Out of the 10+ people in our circle of friends, it ended up that only 4 of us went. Too bad for the others really, it really was worth the 35 minute drive down to Glen Waverly! (Yeah I know I shouldn't complain, country restaurants are even further away!)<br /><br />So I picked up Kaelyn on the way and we made our way down to The Glen. So what did we learn tonight... we learnt that we should never trust Chloes directions. We walked a block around The Glen looking for Shira Nui according to what Chloe had told us, only to find the restaurant a few steps from where we had initially parked. Thanks Chloe!<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2523/3845390892_d55543c8ff.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2523/3845390892_d55543c8ff.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: 85%;">This was my first visit to Shira Nui and my first impression was that the place is tiny - seating no more than 40 people (at least it says 40 according to The Age Good Food Guide, seemed more like 30 max though). The whole night, there were people coming in and out of the door hopeful to grab a seat without a reservation, only to hear that the place was fully booked. Just a heads up, if you want to go to Shira Nui, be sure to make a reservation. They ran 2 shifts last night and both were full!<br /><br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3521/3844607319_a4190776c7.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3521/3844607319_a4190776c7.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><br />On the night we decided to order the Omakase which is only available to customers seated along the counter. The menu is left up to the chef who provides you 2 servings of each type. If you have any food allergies (like myself) they are able to tailor your menu towards that. The minimum charge is $30 per person, but you can pretty much eat till you're satisfied or until your time is up.</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"> So another warning, if you plan to eat a lot. Make sure all your friends arrive on time, because you're limited to the shift hours.<br /></span><br />
<div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;">APPETIZER<br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2457/3844609637_bf31d09dc9.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2457/3844609637_bf31d09dc9.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Deep Fried Fish</span> with pickled onions, carrots, red and green peppers<br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">OMAKASE</span><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2431/3845403716_1de29a9757.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2431/3845403716_1de29a9757.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">King Dory</span> with Lemon and Salt<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>(no soy needed)</span></div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2423/3844619319_fb77f5f53c.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2423/3844619319_fb77f5f53c.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pan-Fried Salmon</span> medium rare (no soy needed)<br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2430/3845422340_ee8780b36d.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2430/3845422340_ee8780b36d.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Unagi Hako Zushi</span> (no soy needed)<br />Sadly we didn't get to try this dish, Unagi is one of my favourites though. Next time I'll definitely request it.<br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2632/3845412550_298c3b86f5.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2632/3845412550_298c3b86f5.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Battera </span>marinated fresh mackeral and sweet clear seaweed (with soy)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;">I thought this was probably one of the more unique pieces that they offered, it was a combination that I hadn't tried before. The sweetness of the seaweed really helped reduce the saltiness of the marinated fresh mackarel and the extra soy sauce. I'd give it 2 thumbs up!<br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2444/3844635491_a71b09ae82.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2444/3844635491_a71b09ae82.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yaki Niku</span> rare special barbeque beef sushi (no soy needed)<br />I think the photo pretty much says it all, it made me salivate.<br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2665/3845428828_d015968500.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2665/3845428828_d015968500.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Red Clam </span>(with soy)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;">I was actually pleasantly surprised by the Red Clam nigiri. The texture of the red clam in your mouth was not only silky smooth but also had a nice crispiness when you bit into it.<br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3526/3844642099_837ab6c024.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3526/3844642099_837ab6c024.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Maguro Steak</span> rare pan-fried tuna (no soy needed)</span></div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2647/3845435746_7c5b6db816.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2647/3845435746_7c5b6db816.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tuna tartare</span> with flying fish roe (with soy)<br />I told Chloe I'd give her a special mention. Speedy had asked Chloe what this was, and Chloe had described it as "some fish with crab eggs on the top". At least she tried I guess?<br /></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2550/3844648517_c840b1ee4e.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2550/3844648517_c840b1ee4e.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> King fish belly</span> marinated (no soy needed)<br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2501/3845442180_757a034ab9.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2501/3845442180_757a034ab9.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Grilled Oyster</span> in mayonnaise (no soy needed)<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">COMPLIMENTARY DESSERT</span><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3490/3845445522_787160a746.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3490/3845445522_787160a746.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Aoshiso Sorbet</span>This sorbet, has to be one of the best I've ever had. It was just something new, fresh and was really cleansing for the palette. There were also a few bits of fruit in there which really gave it that extra punch!<br />Some random facts: </span><span style="font-size: 85%;">Aoshiso (Perilla) is from the mint family, it's actually really good for you. The green leaf that you see very often laid on your sushi plate, yep that's Aoshiso.</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br />All in all, it was an enjoyable meal, next time I know which ones I'm definitely requesting over others, if that is even possible.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Stand outs:</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Battera </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Yaki Niku</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Red Clam</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: 85%;">Others worth mentioning but were not as awesome as the others would be, the Pan-Fried Salmon and the Tuna tartare.</span><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pricing: </span>Our meal came up to a total of $80 each</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Overall Score - Fine Dining: </span>15/20</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Food: </span>8/10</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Service: </span>4/5</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Venue: </span>3/5</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;">Other Useful Information</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://yourrestaurants.com.au/guide/shira_nui/">Your Restaurants</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://www.theage.com.au/news/restaurant-reviews/shira-nui/2007/05/22/1179601388220.html">The Age Epicure</a> (May 22, 2007)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">The Age Good Food Guide 2009 - Score: 14.5/20</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Blog Reviews: <a href="http://tummyrumbles.com/2009/05/shira-nuiagain.html">Tummy Rumbles</a> (May 17, 2007)</span></li>
</ul>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958305474291125538.post-66913271088961751342009-08-14T21:35:00.006+10:002015-05-07T22:55:18.563+10:00Portello Rosso<span style="color: #666666; font-size: 85%;">15 Warburton La</span> <span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 85%;"> Melbourne 3000 VIC</span> <span style="color: #666666; font-size: 85%;"> Phone: (03) 9602 2273<br />Website: </span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://www.portellorosso.com.au/" target="_blank" title="http://www.portellorosso.com.au">www.portellorosso.com.au</a><br /><br />After seeing Claire's </span><span style="font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;">Portello Rosso</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"> <a href="http://www.melbournegastronome.com/2008/09/king-bourke-quest-part-20-portello.html">review</a> at <a href="http://www.melbournegastronome.com/">Melbourne Gastronome</a>, I just had to go. Especially to try out the chocolate pudding that she raved about!<br /><br />Upon arrival, I can already sense that I'm going to like this place. The atmosphere of the joint is very laid back and the waiters are very down to earth and friendly. We opted for a seat upstairs.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3566/3819642489_ba0764661b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3566/3819642489_ba0764661b.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br />My friends and I took our time looking at the menu, and after a while we decided that we had no idea what we wanted to order. Instead I asked the waiter if he could design the menu for us within a limit of $25 per person, which he was more than willing to do so. (We also requested to have at least one pizza, no rabbit since my friend refuses to eat it and no crustaceans because of my allergies.) He was just one of those waiters, who really seemed to be in the know - what food is good, what food the diners would like etc. So I felt totally at ease.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">On the side note, I forgot to take a photo of the specials board... so the names of the specials may be incorrect etc. You would think that after all these posts I'd learn to do that by now?</span><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3575/3820449638_ae226c2673.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3575/3820449638_ae226c2673.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Croquette</span> - Ham & Cheese <span style="font-weight: bold;">$9.00</span><br />This was from the specials menu, I just so happened to zoom into that above photo of the restaurant and spot the price haha. Anyway, back to the food... The croquette was nice, but Chloe and I agreed that <a href="http://tastebudsgalore.blogspot.com/2009/06/comme-kitchen.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Comme</span></a>'s croquette was better.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2557/3820451756_13bd805dcb.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2557/3820451756_13bd805dcb.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Duck migas</span> with fresh tomato salad <span style="font-weight: bold;">$11.5</span><br />Small description of the dish would be, salted duck in warm salad.<br />Warning: contains coriander!! (Note: Can be easily picked out without ruining the rest of the dish)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3452/3819648665_792fbef325.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3452/3819648665_792fbef325.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a>I'm sorry I don't remember what this dish was, but it was a special. I should probably email them and ask really.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3433/3819650925_e030fcfe86.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3433/3819650925_e030fcfe86.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Catalonian meatballs</span> with warm tomato salsa <span style="font-weight: bold;">$10.5</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3593/3820461092_d7de231b40.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3593/3820461092_d7de231b40.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bravas patatas $9</span><br />Mmm, these were so good... very nicely spiced and crisp on the outside<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2512/3819653681_bebcd19f54.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2512/3819653681_bebcd19f54.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Crumbed lamb cutlets </span>with (almond?) puree<br />As you can probably guess, this was another special... thus the question mark. XS quite liked this dish because it really kept its lamb flavour and it was also very succulent. The puree complimented the lamb really well (especially if you didn't want the lamb flavour to be so empowering).</span></div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3081/3820463054_1f7f878ab5.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3081/3820463054_1f7f878ab5.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Prosciutto pizze</span><br />At the beginning of the meal I asked the waiter what we should order, and he said.. "definitely the tapas". His reason was that you could get a pizza anywhere. Still the pizzas were enjoyable :)</span></div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3437/3819659949_98c6fae0b8.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3437/3819659949_98c6fae0b8.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Spiced Chocolate Pudding</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">$15</span><br />And here it is... THE chocolate pudding. Definitely worth getting. If you enjoy your chili chocolates, this is something you should not pass on!<br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;">For less than <span style="font-weight: bold;">$25</span> each for this meal between the 4 of us. I definitely though it was value for money. The <span style="font-weight: bold;">service was 10/10 </span>too, a good waiter can really make your meal! And of course, the food was delicious. I can easily say that I walked out of the restaurant completely satisfied and I would recommend anyone to go there.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Other Useful Information:</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.theage.com.au/news/entertainment/epicure/restaurant-reviews/portello-rosso/2008/11/13/1226318814265.html">The Age Epicure</a> (November 16, 2008)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.yourrestaurants.com.au/guide/portello_rosso/">Your Restaurants</a></li>
<li>Blog Review: <a href="http://woogie82.blogspot.com/2009/05/after-work-off-to-portello-rosso.html">slicing almonds & zesting lemons</a> (May 28, 2009)</li>
<li>Blog Review: <a href="http://www.bellygood.net/2009/02/22/a-mouth-watering-teaser/">bellygood</a> (February 22, 2009)</li>
<li>Blog Review: <a href="http://www.melbournegastronome.com/2008/09/king-bourke-quest-part-20-portello.html">Melbourne Gastronome</a> (September 14, 2008)</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #666666; font-weight: bold;">Opening hours</span><span style="color: #666666;">Tuesday - Friday from 7:30am </span><br /><span style="color: #666666;">Saturday from 6pm</span><span style="color: #666666; font-weight: bold;"><br />Kitchen hours</span><span style="color: #666666;">Tuesday - Friday Lunch 11:30am to 3pm</span><br /><span style="color: #666666;">Dinner from 5:30pm</span><br /><span style="color: #666666;">Saturdays 6pm to late</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958305474291125538.post-82207830127064101952009-08-14T21:24:00.005+10:002015-05-07T22:55:40.579+10:00Copenhagen, Denmark - Kong Hans Kælder<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #666666;">Vingaardsstræde 6</span> <span style="color: #666666;">DK-1070<br />Copenhagen (Sjaelland)</span> <span style="color: #666666;">Denmark </span><br /><span style="color: #666666;">Phone: +45 3311 6868</span><br /><span style="color: #666666;">Website:</span> <a href="http://www.konghans.dk/">www.konghans.dk</a><br /><br />So, the first night in Denmark I was really excited, because I was told that we were going to a one star Michelin Restaurant. We ended up outside the entrance of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Kong Hans Kælder</span>.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2627/3819669491_071c21f3cb.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2627/3819669491_071c21f3cb.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 85%;">One of the unique things about this restaurant is the building which it is in. It is the oldest building in Copenhagen. Originally a vineyard a thousand years ago, it was on ground level. However over the years the city around the restaurant has risen in level.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3542/3820475068_bbcf318296.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3542/3820475068_bbcf318296.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><br />As I had stated in my previous post about my trip to Europe, everything was ordered for us by the tour guide (I'm starting to believe that he had no bloody idea what he was ordering).<br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2502/3771635044_aaefc044eb.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2502/3771635044_aaefc044eb.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Condiments</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3521/3771635850_e7cf9384d3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3521/3771635850_e7cf9384d3.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Asparagus mousse</span> with duck bolognaise and cucumber cubes<br />This was slightly on the salty side... I take that back. This was god dam salty.<br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2446/3771636772_f1708713ba.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2446/3771636772_f1708713ba.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Butter</span> in marble bowls, just had to take a photo of it!<br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3563/3771637726_cf1f916a45.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3563/3771637726_cf1f916a45.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sea scallops</span> served in a soup of Jerusalem artichokes</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;">Although the sea scallops and the flavour of the soup were nice, it was a tad on the salty side of things.<br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2459/3771639342_d0eee19557.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2459/3771639342_d0eee19557.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Filet of Danish beef with assortment of onions and sauce</span></span><span style="font-size: 85%;">Okay, this steak was pretty crap. Excuse my language but hey it was a Michelin restaurant! There's just no excuse.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2432/3770836433_c5e3977f40.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2432/3770836433_c5e3977f40.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Roasted turbot with fennel and blanquette sauce</span></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br />Enjoyable.<br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2602/3771640110_a2bc9f6a07.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2602/3771640110_a2bc9f6a07.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Strawberries, vanilla ice cream and chocolate brioche</span><br />You just can't go wrong with such a simple dessert. And a simple dessert yes it was.<br /><br />Okay I'm starting to question whether it was our tour guides lack of understanding of how to order food or this place really need to pick up some slack. I'll go with the first after reading reviews on this place and seeing photos of their other dishes.<br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2568/3771640990_65dbcb082f.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2568/3771640990_65dbcb082f.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Petit Four</span><br />Okay. Maybe it was the 2nd option? Pretty disappointing plate. Everything was overly sweet, and are Madelines supposed to be burnt?<br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Overall Score - Fine Dining:</span> 13.5/20</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Food:</span> 5/10</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Service: </span>4/5</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Venue: </span>4.5/5</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #666666; font-weight: bold;">Opening hours:</span> <span style="color: #666666;"><br />Monday - Saturday 6:00 pm to midnight</span> <span style="color: #666666;"><br />Closed sunday </span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958305474291125538.post-24586743617663167192009-08-08T23:08:00.015+10:002015-05-07T22:56:17.187+10:00Cookie<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #666666;">252 Swanston St</span> <span style="color: #666666;"> <br />Melbourne 3000 VIC </span> <span style="color: #666666;"> <br />Phone: (03) 9663 7660</span> <span style="color: #666666;"><br />Website:</span> <a href="http://www.cookie.net.au/">www.cookie.net.au</a><br /><br />Last week I was reading <a href="http://tomatom.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tomatom</span></a>'s where I stumbled upon his <a href="http://www.tomatom.com/2009/07/anthony-bourdains-no-reservations-visit-to-melbourne/">post</a> about <span style="font-weight: bold;">Anthony Bourdain's - No Reservations</span> episode in Melbourne, Australia. First off... I love to watch Anthony Bourdain's show, he's a darn funny guy and he'll just give it to you straight. So I didn't waste any time to watch the episode, heck I watched it like 3 or 4 times that night!<br /><br />Since watching the episode, I have piled up on restaurants for my to go to list. First on my list was <span style="font-weight: bold;">Dainty Sichuan</span>. I personally do not really understand my tolerance level as of yet for spicy food. But after seeing Bourdain and Tam dive into those dishes of what it appeared to be a 90% dried peppers, I myself was salivating. As Tam said, "This is what you call <span style="font-style: italic;">sexy food</span>". So I quickly organised for my friends and I to go there on Thursday. However, just as lunch time was about to strike, I received a call from my friend telling me that Dainty Sichuan had relocated to Toorak Road. Yes... can you imagine my reaction? "NOOOO WHAT!? You're kidding me! NO WAY! Oh my god." Yes, I have now learnt my lesson... do more research before you go out to eat!<br /><br />So there we were, 8 of us standing on Swanston Street outside China Town, wondering what we were to eat instead. I know you're all probably thinking, it's not that hard to just find some place to eat. But keep in mind, everyone has different budgets, time constraints, like to eat different things and sometimes its just hard to find a place that will take 8 people for lunch without reservation in the city. Especially if the place is known for good food. We decided we'd just go for dumplings because we were just too hungry to think, but on the way I saw <span style="font-weight: bold;">Cookie</span> and immediately went upstairs to see if there were any spots for the 8 of us. Luckily, there were!<br /><br />Upon arrival, my friends didn't waste anytime to get some beer. One of them even had 3 beers during the entire meal. I guess if you're at Cookie, why not?<br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3558/3800052789_21bbe1ba62.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3558/3800052789_21bbe1ba62.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Beer</span></span> </div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br />Cookie is the restaurant which got me into Thai, before that I was always really hesitant to have Thai food, it had all the components in a dish which I didn't like - coconut, coriander, weird sourness etc.<br /><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3467/3800874374_aa61c039e4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3467/3800874374_aa61c039e4.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pad thai - </span>rice noodles with egg, bean curd & sprouts <span style="font-weight: bold;">$16.50</span>When my friend ordered her pad thai, she seemed disappointed that it was vegetarian<span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">, </span>even the menu clearly suggested that the dish had no meat in it. However, after she had a taste of it she seemed quite happy to finish the rest of it.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3435/3800061489_44eb4ee518.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3435/3800061489_44eb4ee518.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chilli beef stir fry</span> with beans & thai basil <span style="font-weight: bold;">$17.50</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;">Now this is the dish which turned me into a Thai food lover. I've tried having this dish at other restaurants, but they just don't come anywhere close to this! If you know of any other place which makes this dish well, don't hesitate to leave me a comment or something.<br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3579/3800885658_500f10cf0b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3579/3800885658_500f10cf0b.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Stir fried peppered snapper </span>with celery & spring onions <span style="font-weight: bold;">$21.50</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2547/3800063839_3a6bc9b1a0.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2547/3800063839_3a6bc9b1a0.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chicken hot pot</span> with fermented rice noodles & fresh vegetables <span style="font-weight: bold;">$16.50</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;">I got my friend to take this photo for me, obviously I should've taught him how to use my camera first.<br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2518/3800888122_e10c5ac79a.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2518/3800888122_e10c5ac79a.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Green curry </span>with chicken & corn dumplings <span style="font-weight: bold;">$19.50</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3552/3800891358_6523998b6f.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3552/3800891358_6523998b6f.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Stir fried raddish cake</span> with bean shoots & egg <span style="font-weight: bold;">$18.50</span><br />The raddish cake was really good, no complaints there!<br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2527/3800877516_cd1cc8b869.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2527/3800877516_cd1cc8b869.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hot & Sour chicken prawn & tomato </span>steamboat <span style="font-weight: bold;">$19.50</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 85%;">There isn't a single thing on the menu at Cookie which I've tried that was bad. So I think it's definitely worth going!<br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-weight: bold;">Opening Hours</span> <span style="color: #666666;"><br />Daily - noon till 11pm</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958305474291125538.post-69998193593506213642009-08-04T22:46:00.008+10:002015-05-07T22:56:28.231+10:00Copenhagen, Denmark - Copenhagen Corner<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span class="adr" dir="ltr" id="adr" style="color: #666666;"><span class="street-address">H.C. Andersens Boulevard 1</span><br /><span class="postal-code">1553</span> <span class="locality">København</span>, <span class="country-name">Denmark</span></span> <span style="color: #666666;"><br />Phone: +45 3391 4545</span><br /><span style="color: #666666;">Website:</span> <a href="http://www.nphotels.dk/copenhagencorner/index.htm">Restaurant Copenhagen Corner</a><br /><br />During the break I went on holidays to Europe with my family and I have to admit, Copenhagen was probably my favourite destination. The architecture around Copenhagen especially is just so beautiful. And did you know that a lot of the Royal European families are somehow branched out from the Danish Royal line? The things you learn when you travel!<br /><br />Anyway, moving on to food. First stop, Restaurant Copenhagen Corner! The venue was very spacious and had a touch of simple elegance. (Is that even a term? I think I just made it up)<br /></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2432/3771612060_216cc83d41.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2432/3771612060_216cc83d41.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br />There wasn't a single time that I got to look at the menu whilst on this trip (excluding the cruise). Everything was selected for us by our guide. So to be honest, I'm not too sure about the components of each dish.</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2312/3771613778_7a958b9d94.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2312/3771613778_7a958b9d94.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Beer</span><br />I couldn't stop myself from ordering a beer in each country that I went to while I was in Europe.<br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3519/3771607966_75f511c82e.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3519/3771607966_75f511c82e.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Crusty Bread</span><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2605/3770807787_9aecc40a12.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2605/3770807787_9aecc40a12.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Butter</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>I know it doesn't look that exciting, but I'm just warming up!<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3560/3770815725_929633f3a6.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3560/3770815725_929633f3a6.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Vegetable Soup</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>Okay here is when the guessing begins! I believe it was Carrot and Capsicum<span style="font-weight: bold;">, </span>with cream and balsamic drizzled on the top. Whatever it was, it was really good.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2635/3771615732_2187da86b4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2635/3771615732_2187da86b4.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Salad</span><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3479/3771619478_b7f13a5d22.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3479/3771619478_b7f13a5d22.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Pork Chop</span><br />This was our main obviously, and man was it good. The Danish definitely know their pork!<br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3475/3771620972_ea4a4f8189.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3475/3771620972_ea4a4f8189.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Vanilla Ice cream</span> served with Strawberries and Diced Carrot, with a smear of Reduced Strawberry Sauce<br />Pretty average dessert to be honest, but nonetheless I demolished it.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pricing:</span></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"> 3 Course is priced at <span style="font-weight: bold;">300DKK,- €41.10. </span>The menu comes with the prices which can be found on the website.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Overall Score - Fine Dining: </span>17.5/20</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Food: 8.5/10</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Service: 4/5</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Venue: 5/5</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #666666; font-weight: bold;">Opening Hours:</span><span style="color: #666666;"> 11:30am till 11:00pm</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958305474291125538.post-77662815232823713012009-08-04T22:00:00.007+10:002015-05-07T22:56:51.049+10:00The Alchemist Bar & Cafe<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #666666;">361 Brunswick St</span> <span style="color: #666666;"><br />Fitzroy 3065 VIC</span> <span style="color: #666666;"><br />Phone: (03) 9419 8250</span><br /><span style="color: #666666;">Website: <a href="http://thealchemistbar.com.au/">thealchemistbar.com.au</a></span><br /><br />On Saturday night I went to The Alchemist to attend a Welcome Back party for a friend of mine who has been overseas for god knows how long. To be honest I even lost track of where in the world he was, point is he's back!<br /><br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3513/3785264572_e7dfdfe9d4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3513/3785264572_e7dfdfe9d4.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br />The venue is quite nice with sofas and antique chairs placed around the venue, giving it a really relax and chilled atmosphere. There are even board games and what just in case your friends aren't entertaining enough!<br /><br />So upon arrival everyone ordered their drinks. I'm regretting not taking more photos of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">everyone's</span> cocktails, but everyone seemed to be quite pleased with what they got!<br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 100%; font-weight: bold;">DRINKS</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2481/3785193224_3d1679b3e2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2481/3785193224_3d1679b3e2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fizzy Strawberry & Raspberry <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Mocktail</span> $5</span><br />As per usual I asked for a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">mocktail</span> which never seem to exist on the drink menus. A fruity fizzy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">mocktail</span> to be exact! The bartender was oh so nice to mix one up for me, with real strawberries too! I thought it was very decently priced too.<br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3423/3785190432_9242e28857.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3423/3785190432_9242e28857.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Philosophers Stone</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"></span></span><br /></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">SOLIDS</span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;">During the night one of my friends told me that her sister was going to hold her 21st at the venue. So she was given money to try out some dishes on the menu. We sat there reading the menu and finally decided 5 dishes. Originally we wanted to order the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Aloo</span> Ki <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Tikki</span> but they had sold out for the day, instead they recommended the Lamb <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Kaftas</span>. (Or at least I think it was the Lamb <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Kaftas</span>...) Either way, next time I'm there I'm definitely want to try out the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Aloo</span> Ki <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Tikki</span>!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3540/3785179620_8eff4a6499.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3540/3785179620_8eff4a6499.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a>A Marriage of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Skewered Chicken</span>, Capsicum and Red Onion with home-made Satay Sauce <span style="font-weight: bold;">$7.5</span><br />This dish was enjoyable but I guess nothing special at the same time.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2642/3784363269_021de6b4c9.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2642/3784363269_021de6b4c9.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Balls of Fury</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>- Italian seasoned meat balls, piping hot & floating in spicy tomato puree <span style="font-weight: bold;">$8.5</span>I quite liked this dish. The spicy tomato puree gave it the kick it needed and the crusty bread worked well to compliment it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3564/3785176372_923fc9333c.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3564/3785176372_923fc9333c.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lamb <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Kaftas</span></span> a snack that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">originated</span> in the palaces of Persia centuries ago... <span style="font-weight: bold;">$8.0</span>I'm not a big lamb person, but this dish I quite liked, the dipping sauce melded really well with the meat balls. In the menu it says that this dish is served with Mint & Coriander Chutney which makes me question whether I even got the dish right. Since the sauce obviously was not that.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2636/3784358947_54a9bc2218.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2636/3784358947_54a9bc2218.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Steamed Dumplings </span>all in a Row - Vegetarian <span style="font-weight: bold;">$7.0</span><br />The filling I believe was rice noodles. All I can say is, this dish dissapeared within seconds upon arrival.<br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2504/3785162214_32d0179325.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2504/3785162214_32d0179325.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chargrilled baby octopus</span> - marinated in red wine, balsamic vinegar, soy and chilli then served with Thai Basil <span style="font-weight: bold;">$8.5</span><br />This dish didn't seem to be as popular amongst the group. However the flavour and texture of the octopus I found was still quite pleasant.<br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Price:</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Beers and Wines were around <span style="font-weight: bold;">$8 </span>or so</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Cocktails range from <span style="font-weight: bold;">$15 </span>to <span style="font-weight: bold;">$20</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Solids range from<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> $7 to $10</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: 85%;">Cocktails are generally pricey, but I think the cocktails here are made well.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Overall Score - Casual Dining: </span> 16.5/20</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Food:</span> 4.5/5</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Range of Choice: </span>4.5/5</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Value for Money:</span> 3.5/5</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Venue:</span> 4/5</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: 85%;">I'd definitely go back to this place again, however I think I should try going to some other places nearby. Brunswick Street definitely does not lack choices.</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958305474291125538.post-46245625104238310832009-07-28T19:01:00.005+10:002015-05-07T22:57:01.361+10:00Taipei, Taiwan - 筌壽司 Allsusi<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span class="query_terms" dir="ltr" style="color: #666666;"><span class="query_terms_bold">Near </span><span class="query_terms_bold">No.29-1 Da-dong Street<br />Da-an District<br />Taipei City, Taiwan 106</span></span> <span style="color: #666666;"><br />Phone: +886 2 2771 1856</span><br /><span style="color: #666666;">Website:</span> <a href="http://allsusi.com.tw/">allsusi.com.tw</a><br /><br />During my visit in Taiwan, a friend of mine had been kind enough to take me to this sushi joint near Breeze Centre. I was pretty excited considering my friend was a regular at <span style="font-weight: bold;">Kenzan </span>when he was living in Melbourne. When I say regular, I mean like... go there every day, know the chefs personally, go sing karaoke with them and gets happy birthday calls even when he's overseas. He had told me that he finally found a few joints around Taipei which made good sushi, so how could I not be eager to try it out?<br /><br />I'm going to tell you straight out now that I have no idea what fish is what. All I know is they were good. Dam good. Your eyes can do the rest of the work!<br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2620/3703739199_c10cf7c28c.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2620/3703739199_c10cf7c28c.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: 85%;">In season bamboo shoots, they were so naturally sweet and crunchy<br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2475/3704547000_461f3d48b4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2475/3704547000_461f3d48b4.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a>Marinated fish skin appetizer<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2572/3703740817_56ea811925.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2572/3703740817_56ea811925.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3282/3703741303_eb0782b09d.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3282/3703741303_eb0782b09d.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2424/3703740227_96912a3aec.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2424/3703740227_96912a3aec.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a>Sake!<br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3250/3704549144_ee54c43e9f.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3250/3704549144_ee54c43e9f.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3201/3704550288_1ea41aa6ee.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3201/3704550288_1ea41aa6ee.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3070/3703742523_96fab86644.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3070/3703742523_96fab86644.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2536/3704550794_b873385de7.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2536/3704550794_b873385de7.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2507/3704551234_be75908263.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2507/3704551234_be75908263.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2664/3704551650_42e231853f.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2664/3704551650_42e231853f.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3012/3703745359_a35c67a3cc.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3012/3703745359_a35c67a3cc.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a>Prawn<br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2479/3703744857_9108b2b073.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2479/3703744857_9108b2b073.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a>Scallop<br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3522/3704553114_df9f2276a1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3522/3704553114_df9f2276a1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a>Squid<br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2477/3703746515_872f6ce505.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2477/3703746515_872f6ce505.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2567/3704554216_860f6c838b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2567/3704554216_860f6c838b.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a>I'm not too sure if this is a Japanese thing, but it definitely is a big thing in Taiwan. It's dried Fish Roe with Daikon.<br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3102/3704555872_e1407d9133.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3102/3704555872_e1407d9133.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2469/3704554826_42594b59aa.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2469/3704554826_42594b59aa.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2641/3703749097_b0efd99f38.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2641/3703749097_b0efd99f38.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a>Japanese Sweet Egg (contains fish inside)<br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2657/3703738749_8150e98355.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2657/3703738749_8150e98355.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a>Dessert! Passionfruit Jelly I believe it was?<br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Price:</span> Pretty much tell the chef what you want your meal to cost for the evening and there you have it!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Overall Score - Fine Dining:</span> 18/20</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Food: 9/10</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Service: 5/5</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Venue: 4/5</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #666666; font-weight: bold;">Opening hours:</span><br /><span style="color: #666666;">Mondays to Saturdays</span> <span style="color: #666666;"><br />Lunch: 11:30AM to 2:30PM</span> <span style="color: #666666;"><br />Dinner: 5:30PM to 9:30PM</span></span></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958305474291125538.post-54302634597721663912009-07-28T18:20:00.005+10:002015-05-07T22:57:12.669+10:00Taipei, Taiwan - 圓鼎 YuanDing Teppanyaki<span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia; font-size: 85%;">1F<br />No. 28. JingZhou Street<br />Jhongshan District</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia; font-size: 85%;">Taipei City, Taiwan 104</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia; font-size: 85%;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">Phone</span></strong>: +886 2 2563 5010 </span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /><br />I realise it has been a while since I last updated the blog. I have collected many photos of food and what not to update the blog with from my trip to Taiwan and Europe over the past few weeks! So I'll be doing as much as I can over the next few days.<br /><br />University just started for me and this year is really full on in comparison to any other of my previous years of education. So I'm doing my best to keep this blog up to date.<br /><br />For people who love their food, Taiwan is a must go. I really mean it. YuanDing Teppanyaki is staple for me on my visits to Taiwan. The menu comes in set courses, however you can also go a la carte. Obviously the sets are more of a bargain! There are many different types of sets, the one we usually order include prawns but I can't eat prawns so I opted for another fish dish.<br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2655/3765325452_a28cf9e33c.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2655/3765325452_a28cf9e33c.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Minced Pork Rice </span>(Asked upon request - this is usually served to customers who are waiting to be served)</span></div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2442/3673946409_e602b5629f.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2442/3673946409_e602b5629f.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Corn Soup </span>(I've loved this since I was young)<br /><br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3560/3674755104_3f28fd2e48.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3560/3674755104_3f28fd2e48.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Steamed Lychee and Mango</span><br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2541/3673947393_28aec59f94.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2541/3673947393_28aec59f94.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Steamed Fish</span> served with Seaweed and drizzled with Japanese style dressing<br /></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3619/3674755486_ab549ed141.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3619/3674755486_ab549ed141.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Grilled fish </span>with honey mustard sauce and asparagus<br /></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2425/3674756050_18914f78ff.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2425/3674756050_18914f78ff.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Steamed egg</span> and truffle with caviar served on top<br /></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3635/3674756348_026de8f2fa.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3635/3674756348_026de8f2fa.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fruit plate</span><br /></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3638/3673948173_b47a785eeb.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3638/3673948173_b47a785eeb.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wagyu beef</span> rolled with salmon roe and caviar<br /></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2462/3673948931_c3863afeec.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2462/3673948931_c3863afeec.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sliced Wagyu Beef</span> - beautiful ey?</span></div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2516/3673949377_bff4fb5002.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2516/3673949377_bff4fb5002.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chicken, bamboo and turnip soup</span><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Price: </span>From memory, set courses vary from around <span style="font-weight: bold;">900NT </span>to <span style="font-weight: bold;">2,000NT</span> (so roughly $37AUD to $83AUD)<br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Overall Score - Fine Dining: </span>18/20</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Food: </span>9/10</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Service:</span> 5/5</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Venue: </span>4/5</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: 85%;">I find it kind of difficult in scoring a restaurant where I have been a long time diner. However they do deliver top notch food every single time and are willing to whip up different dishes at the request of diners. So I have no complaints!<br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"></span><br />
<div style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><strong>Opening Hours:<br /> </strong>Lunch: 11:30AM to 2:30 PM<br />Dinner: 5:00PM to 10:00PM </span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958305474291125538.post-11108643093817014122009-06-29T22:06:00.025+10:002015-05-07T23:01:03.883+10:00Svago's<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #666666;">285 High St</span> <span style="color: #666666;"> <br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Kew</span> 3101 VIC </span> <span style="color: #666666;"> <br />Phone: (03) 9855 0505</span> <span style="color: #666666;"><br />Website:</span> <a href="http://www.svago.com.au/">www.svago.com.au</a><br /><br />It's actually been a while since I last updated this blog. Had been busy finishing up examinations, and I'm already overseas now! But before I left, I had to meet up with my high school friends. One of them had gone to Italy for half a year as exchange and once she got back she was always complaining that she couldn't have things like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Gelati</span> anymore in Melbourne because it paled in comparison to what she had over there. So I had been wanting to take her <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Svago</span></span>'s for some time, since she really craved for <span style="font-style: italic;">real</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Italian</span>.<br /><br />I will start off now by saying. A lot of the photos did not come out. And it is too <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">embarrassing</span> to put up photos as blurry them. The restaurant is pretty dark so you need to hold the camera REALLY still for it not to be blurry... it didn't help having my friend hurrying me up seeing as she wanted to eat. </span><span style="font-size: 85%;">I know what you're going to think when you see the photos.. this is a good photo!? Yeah well, you don't know how bad the other ones were! So these are good enough.</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br />At <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Svago's</span> the way the menu works is that you order dishes to share. So the main menu is split into 2 sections; entree and sized dishes. We ended up ordering 3 entrees, 3 mains and 3 desserts in total between the 3 of us.<br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #666666; font-weight: bold;">ENTREES<br /></span></span><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3606/3673937673_048cf01708.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3606/3673937673_048cf01708.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Baccala</span>' <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">alla</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">vincentina</span> con <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">panissa</span></span> - dry salted cod, stewed in milk with chickpea <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">polenta</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">$10.00</span>When ordering, the waiter told us that the dish now used fresh cod which was better quality than the dry salted cod. I had this dish the first time I came, and this one I felt tasted much nicer. It really was a good dish!<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3401/3670985597_7ac72df240.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3401/3670985597_7ac72df240.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Capensante</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">grigliate</span> e <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">crema</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">di</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">borlotti</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">spumeggiante</span></span> - grilled scallops with cream of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">borlotti</span> bean foam $<span style="font-weight: bold;">13.00</span><br />Yep I've officially been converted into a Scallop <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Appreciator</span>. These were so nice scallops! Different to the usual big plump scallops, but these were oh so nice and the sauce was also divine.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3359/3670985117_9958a71300.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3359/3670985117_9958a71300.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Verdure <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">pastellate</span> con <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">fonduta</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">di</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">taleggio</span></span> - tempura style vegetables with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">taleggio</span> fondue <span style="font-weight: bold;">$12.00</span><br />My friend really enjoyed this dish, why not? The flavours were there, my only complaint is that the batter could have been more crisp - it was a little soft.<br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-weight: bold;">MAINS</span><br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2484/3670985463_c7e5179fbf.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2484/3670985463_c7e5179fbf.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Qualglia</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">arrostita</span> a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">gatto</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">di</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">patate</span> </span>- roasted quail with potato gateau <span style="font-weight: bold;">$19.00</span><br />This quail was really nice, very juicy and tender. That potato gateau was more like a cheese gateau... I took a huge bite of it and it was slightly overwealming with its really strong but tasty cheese flavours! It is definitely something that is to be appreciated in smaller bites.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2590/3670985301_c6550369ca.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2590/3670985301_c6550369ca.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Risotto <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">revigiano</span> con <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">radiocchio</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">brasato</span> e <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">provola</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">affumicata</span> </span>- risotto with braised radicchio & smoked <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">provola</span> cheese <span style="font-weight: bold;">$19.00</span>Both my friends LOVED this risotto, heck they scraped it clean pretty much.<span style="font-style: italic;"><br />[bad photo]</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Porchetta</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">alla</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Romana</span> con <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">ragu</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">di</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">lenticchie</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">blu</span></span> - Berkshire breed oven roasted pork with blue lentil <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">ragu</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">$24.00</span><br />Okay well this dish I enjoyed, but my friends who don't seem to enjoy the taste of pork that much but chose to order the pork weren't too big on it. However they really liked the blue lentils. I enjoyed this dish as a whole both pork and lentils, even the crackling of the skin was really nice.<br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-weight: bold;">DESSERTS</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;">None of the photos for dessert came out.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">Torta</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">caprese</span> con <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">crema</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">di</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">arance</span> - almond & chocolate <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">tartlet</span> with orange <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">anglais</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">$12.00</span>What came out looked more like chocolate pudding rather than chocolate <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51">tartlet</span>, still enjoyable however.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52">Cannolo</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53">svago</span> con mousse <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54">leggera</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_55">di</span> ricotta e <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_56">zabaione</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_57">al</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_58">caffe</span>' - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_59">cannolo</span> filled with light ricotta mousse & coffee <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_60">zabaglion</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">$12.00</span>If you like your coffee, this one really hits the punch on that. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_61">Zuppa</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_62">Inglese</span> - Italian trifle <span style="font-weight: bold;">$12.00</span>I have another confession to make. I hate glacier cherry. And within an Italian trifle, you guessed it, was cherry that tasted just like that! My friend LOVED it though, as for my other friend, she shares my sentiments.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: 85%;">What can I say? Lovely meal, lovely company, lovely night.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Price:</span> At the end of the night we spent around $50 per person, I was feeling satisfied.</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Entrees</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Mains</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Desserts</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Overall Score - Fine Dining:</span> 15.5/20 </span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Food:</span> 8/10<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Service:</span> 4/5<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Venue: </span>3.5/5<br /><br />I'm still unsure as to how I should sort my scoring system, as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_63">Svago's</span> does not seem to fall into the same category as Jacques, Attica etc. I'll work it out some other day.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Other Useful Information:</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://www.yourrestaurants.com.au/guide/svago/">Your Restaurants</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://www.theage.com.au/news/entertainment/epicure/restaurant-reviews/svago/2008/09/30/1222651035559.html">The Age Epicure</a> (September 30 2008)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Blog Reviews: <a href="http://www.eatalmostanything.com/2008/08/dinner-svago.html">Eat (Almost) Everything At Least Once</a> (August 21 2008)</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #666666; font-weight: bold;">Opening Hours</span><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-weight: bold;">Lunch:</span><span style="color: #666666;"> Tuesday to Saturday - 6pm till 11pm</span><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-weight: bold;">Dinner:</span><span style="color: #666666;"> Thursday to Friday - noon till 2:30pm</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958305474291125538.post-4880703958421863032009-06-22T19:00:00.005+10:002015-05-07T23:01:18.599+10:00Attica<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #666666;">74 Glen Eira Rd</span></span><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"> Ripponlea 3185 VIC </span> <span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"> <br />Phone: (03) 9530 0111</span> <span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br />Website:</span> </span><a href="http://www.attica.com.au/" style="font-family: georgia;" target="_blank" title="http://www.attica.com.au">www.attica.com.au</a><br /><br />On the weekend I took my cousin Aurelie to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Attica </span>as a Graduation gift, since I'm all out of ideas on what to get her, and what I know she wants is <span style="font-style: italic;">slightly</span> out of budget. Being from a family like mine, you seem to be born with expensive taste. A blessing and a curse at the same time.<br /><br />When I had told Aurelie of my plans to take her to Attica, she gladly offered to take photos of the food with her much more professional SLR camera. So the photos in this post are brought to you by Aurelie! You can really tell the difference in the photos from that of an SLR and a typical digital camera.<br /><br />My cousin recently started her own blog <a href="http://lamaisonnuage.blogspot.com/">La Maison Nuage</a>, I highly recommend you check it out. She's quite the writer, much more eloquent than I am in speech. She also made a post <a href="http://lamaisonnuage.blogspot.com/2009/06/huzzah-why-so-excited-well-following_21.html">here</a> on our visit to Attica.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3351/3646750026_9e9ec6c2ea.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3351/3646750026_9e9ec6c2ea.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 335px;" /></a></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br />We had the tasting menu which consisted of 8 dishes in total.<br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2424/3650190472_55432dfede.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2424/3650190472_55432dfede.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chicken Appetiser</span><br />I really liked this, may I say that it was one of the stand outs of the night? (This photo is taken with my camera)</span></div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span> <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3315/3645945645_eddd6dc569.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3315/3645945645_eddd6dc569.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 335px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a></span><span style="font-size: 85%;">These are the condiments for the bread, pretty nifty huh. The one in a glass was slow cooked carrot, which went nicely with the bread.<br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2439/3650191288_6e8906004b.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2439/3650191288_6e8906004b.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bread</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"> I'm sorry though, but VDM and Jacques have better bread, by quite a far stretch. (My camera)</span></div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3345/3646753068_e9a73aa25d.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3345/3646753068_e9a73aa25d.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 335px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Snow Crab</span><br />To be honest I wasn't that big on this dish, don't get me wrong, it wasn't horrible or anything, just wasn't up my alley. But that may be due to the fact that I'm very particular when it comes to crab, and I am also allergic to crustaceans. It was interesting none the less and had a nice texture - the horse radish powder was definitely something new.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3325/3646776072_52ea38bb9c.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3325/3646776072_52ea38bb9c.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 335px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Smoked trout broth, crackling, basil seeds, fresh smoke</span><br />And there it is, the Age Good Food Guide 2009 Dish of the Year. Need I say more? Let the eyes do some of the tasting for you.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3313/3646756444_3243c6057a.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3313/3646756444_3243c6057a.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 335px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">A simple dish of potato cooked in the earth it was grown, saltbush, mojama</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;">This dish supposedly incorporates traditional Kiwi style of cooking potatoes, the flavour was definitely different.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2473/3646757040_ee134c701c.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2473/3646757040_ee134c701c.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 335px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kingfish, chorizo, almond, squid</span><br />At first Aurelie and I weren't too sure if the fish is supposed to be that raw, with trout and tuna we understand. But with kingfish, the fish is slightly tougher to cut through. After being assured that the fish is purposely prepared in that manner, we were able to enjoy the dish.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3381/3646757562_5a6802207f.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3381/3646757562_5a6802207f.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 335px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Beef, ginger, peanuts, beach spinach</span><br />The beef was nice, it worked well with all the individual components on the dish.<br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3655/3645961973_fe1489d6c8.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3655/3645961973_fe1489d6c8.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 335px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pork Loin, morcilla, fennel pollen harvested by hand</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;">The black sphere that you see there, was black pudding. Very delicious black pudding I must add. I liked the black pudding more than I did the pork loin, which got a little too fatty for me at the end. But the pork as a whole was very nicely cooked.<br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3361/3645953777_9df4810de5.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3361/3645953777_9df4810de5.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 335px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Terroir</span><br />When Claire from Melbourne Gastronome found out I was going to come to Attica, she recommended that I try this dish. Even <a href="http://www.tomatom.com/2008/08/784/">Tomatom </a>believes that this is the "real unsung dish of the year". I've had bad experiences eating molecular gastronomy desserts and it wasn't a good experience, but this I liked - it was familiar yet at the same time very unique and interesting. Aurelie loved it because she thought it looked cute.<br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2423/3645954745_52caa42953.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2423/3645954745_52caa42953.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 335px;" /></a></span><span style="font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;">Violet Crumble</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;">Okay, if anything was to make me love molecular gastronomic desserts, this would be it. I really loved this dish. I know most people prefer the terroir, but with each bite of this dessert my eyes lit up. It was as if I was in the willy wonka factory tasting his new inventions!<br />When you take a bite of the chocolate dust, it first goes cold in your mouth then instantly dissolves - heavenly really. The honeycomb was perfect, as my cousin said... it had a nice "bitterness" to it (Masterchef joke). The "Violet Icecream" as the waiter referred to it as was really interesting. I'm still not 100% on what it consisted of, but after my many spoonfulls of the icecream, I concluded that it was Blueberry, Cream Cheese of some sort and Lemon. It did also had a slight tangy/fizziness to it, which I tried to explain to Aurelie as "kind of like Wizz Fizzes but not as fizzy!"<br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"> <a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3639/3646748966_4c83a0138b.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3639/3646748966_4c83a0138b.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 335px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pineapple Jubes</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;">I know exactly what you're thinking... where the heck are the petite fours! I can tell you, I was thinking the exact same thing! But hey these were still nice.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3328/3646760980_212085f83d.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3328/3646760980_212085f83d.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 335px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tea</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 85%;">Overall most dishes were good, the desserts and the trout were the most memorable though.<br /></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;">One complaint I have about Attica is the service. It's not that they don't know what they're doing, rude or anything - infact they were very polite and were willing to answer any queries that you had about the food and the restaurant. I don't know if it's just me but, but I for some reason expect to have waiters come to the table when I am looking at them, as if they were to possess some sort of sixth sense. I'm the kind who does not like to verbally call out for waiters in a fine dining environment, so I like them to be alert and look around the restaurant from time to time to see if there are any diners in need of service. I found that it was very frustrating trying to catch the attention of staff at the restaurant. It took some time before I could get them to come over.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Price: </span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tasting Menu</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">$130 </span>per person, with matched beverages <span style="font-weight: bold;">$215</span> per person</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Entrees $20</span> to <span style="font-weight: bold;">$30</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mains <span style="font-weight: bold;">$</span>37</span> to <span style="font-weight: bold;">$45</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Desserts<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>$18</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Overall Score - Fine Dining: </span>16/20</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Food: </span>8.5/10</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Service: </span>3.5/5</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Venue:</span> 4/5</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Other Useful Information</span> </span><br />
<ul style="font-family: georgia; text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://www.yourrestaurants.com.au/guide/attica/">Your Restaurants</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">The Age Good Food Guide: 2 hats Score: 17/20 Vittoria Restaurant of the Year</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Blog Reviews: <a href="http://d0ublecooked.blogspot.com/2009/05/attica.html">Double Cooked</a> (28 May 2009)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Blog Reviews: <a href="http://www.melbournegastronome.com/2009/04/extraordinary-dinner-at-attica.html">Melbourne Gastronome</a> (April 24 2009)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Blog Reviews: <a href="http://cakestorm.blogspot.com/2008/01/dinner-at-attica.html">Cakestorm</a> (January 30 2008)</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Opening Hours</span><br />Tuesday to Saturday: 6pm till late</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958305474291125538.post-12493028376665084542009-06-20T13:37:00.010+10:002015-05-07T23:01:31.416+10:00Jacques Reymond<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;">78 Williams Rd</span><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;">Prahran 3181 VIC </span> <span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"> <br />Phone: (03) 9525 2178</span><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;">Website:</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span><a href="http://www.jacquesreymond.com.au/" style="font-family: georgia;" target="_blank" title="http://www.jacquesreymond.com.au">www.jacquesreymond.com.au</a><br /><br />On Thursday I had dinner with my parents at <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jacques Reymond</span>. My dad had originally asked me if we should dine at <span style="font-weight: bold;">Vue de Monde</span>, however I opted for something a little more classic.<br /><br />Let me start off by saying that, Jacques Reymond comes with guest parking behind the restaurant, so you don't need to spend your time trying to find some parking on the street. (Yes we parked on the street)</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"> <a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3602/3637924443_6fdec9f1f5.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3602/3637924443_6fdec9f1f5.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br />From the outside, the restaurant looks like any other house that you'd find on the street, but it was definitely a restaurant inside. </span><span style="font-size: 85%;">I actually really loved the interior design of Jacques Reymond - it had a very pleasant atmosphere. With the fire place quitely roaring on the other end of the room, the diners were able to relax and enjoy a spectacular meal without the "uptightness" that you may experience in other fine dining restaurants.<br /><br />I had already decided on having the Winter Degustation Menu when I made the dinner reservations, so it didn't take long to get our meal started.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I'm not too sure about other food bloggers out there, but I really don't know my food all that well yet. I find that when the waiters are describing each component of the dish to me I just nod and smile as if I understood. But in reality, everything they just said flew over my head. Do other food bloggers have like a pen and paper to copy down each component of a dish so they can blog about it later or something? I'd probably need to bring a voice recorder to get down everything they say!</span><br /></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"> </span> <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3550/3638735722_a846d365ac.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3550/3638735722_a846d365ac.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bread Puffs</span><br />Originally I thought this was our bread for the night, silly me. Because I would have been shattered, I guess I was never too fond of Cream Puffs let alone Puffs without any cream in it. I think people who generally like their croissant or puff pastry would enjoy this.<br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3342/3637923255_0e15980f50.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3342/3637923255_0e15980f50.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a>Now, why not take the photo of the <span style="font-weight: bold;">butter</span>? You don't see that many restaraunts with such nice looking butter covers!<br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3546/3637925173_55ff9272d1.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3546/3637925173_55ff9272d1.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lime Mocktail</span>My parents decided they weren't going to have any alcohol for the night, so we each ordered a mocktail. It was very nice! Not too sour, not too sweet and had the right fizzyness to it.<br /><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3297/3637927055_87db749e8a.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3297/3637927055_87db749e8a.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">White Bread</span>, there were 3 kinds in total - they were all really good.<br />The white bread came in two different shapes, this and one which resembled a bread stick (more crunchy on the outside). The other kind was wholegrain, which both mum and I agreed was the best out of the 3.<br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3076/3638739562_ab5fa41e47.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3076/3638739562_ab5fa41e47.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Crab dumpling</span><br />Considering that this had blue cheese in it, it was very light and enjoyable.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"> </span> <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3412/3638741370_9e89521f5f.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3412/3638741370_9e89521f5f.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Scallop & kingfish</span><br />I have a confession to make. I used to hate scallops as a kid. But I have since converted and I like them whenever they are fresh and not overcooked. And this was a fresh scallop :)<br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2434/3638742464_5d65409aeb.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2434/3638742464_5d65409aeb.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Five Spiced John Dory</span><br />Okay to be honest, I'm not too sure if this was John Dory anymore. Correct me if I'm wrong. The fish was flavoured nicely and had a nice texture. Wasn't too big on the lime dressing, though I did not despise it either.<br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3133/3637930303_cd3bf1bced.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3133/3637930303_cd3bf1bced.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Deep Fried Quail Leg</span> rested on brown rice<br />I'm starting to see a pattern of coriander in these dishes.. still a nice dish though<br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3664/3638744830_f550db8a2a.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3664/3638744830_f550db8a2a.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wallaby</span><br />I didn't know people ate this either. When the waiter had told me he was serving us Wallaby for the next dish, I was pretty suprised. Sure I've had kangaroo meat before, but it definitely was not something I particularly liked. It's tough and it has a strong smell to it. And also I imagine a Wallaby to be an ever more adorable version of a kangaroo.<br />The wallaby in fact was not tough at all, it simply had the texture of Beef Tataki. However, there was still a slight smell - just not as strong as kangaroo meat. Somehow Jacques Reymond managed to have me enjoy eating wallaby...<br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3405/3638745744_2bd769143a.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3405/3638745744_2bd769143a.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wagyu Steak </span>with mustard icecream</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;">Hands down the best dish that night. I don't even know what to say except that the wagyu was oh so sweet and tender. Definitely a must have!<br /></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3661/3638746802_0537eec7c2.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3661/3638746802_0537eec7c2.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wild Mushrooms </span>with Rosemary<br />At the beginning of the night, the waiter went around asking diners if they would like to order some wild mushrooms as a side. The flavour of this dish was oh so lovely, I loved the rosemary and cheese. However, I didn't quite like the texture of these mushrooms - was kind of weird to me (mum only had one and stopped eating it and dad doesn't even like mushrooms). I ate a few more for the taste - if only it was some other kind of mushroom I probably would have demolished the whole thing.</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;">There was not a single dish which I did not enjoy, except maybe the mushrooms.<br /><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">DESSERT</span><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3409/3638747656_6b9829c66c.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3409/3638747656_6b9829c66c.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chocolate Mousse </span>with chocolate sauce, coffee icecream and rice puffs<br />(When they described it, it was MUCH more sophisticated than what I'm regurgitating on my blog)<br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3596/3638748476_fecf2f09f6.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3596/3638748476_fecf2f09f6.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pear tart </span>with some kind of tea flavoured icecream and yuzu jelly<br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3633/3637935773_cbb81f75f5.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3633/3637935773_cbb81f75f5.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a>Up close<br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3588/3638753822_8508640362.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3588/3638753822_8508640362.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Petite Fours</span><br />Now this is what I call Petite Fours (Forty One need to learn to make Petite Fours like these) . All of them were delish!<br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;">I loved ALL the desserts, and I don't even usually like pear! I even had 2 servings of each dessert seeing as my dad doesn't eat sweets. I can honestly say that I was about to explode by the end of the night with so much food inside of me. But it was well worth it. </span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br />Overall it was a fantastic meal and I highly recommend anyone to go. If you don't know what to order, the degustation menu is always a good choice.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pricing:</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Eight Course Degustation Menu <span style="font-weight: bold;">$165.00</span>, including matches wines <span style="font-weight: bold;">$255.0</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Menu Vegetarian (Degustation) <span style="font-weight: bold;">$130.00</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Three courses <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">$98.00</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Four courses <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">$125.00</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Five courses<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> $150.00</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Overall Score - Fine Dining:</span> 19/20</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Food:</span> 9/10</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Service:</span> 5/5</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Venue:</span> 5/5</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Other Useful Information</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://yourrestaurants.com.au/guide/jacques_reymond/">Your Restaurants</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">The Age Good Food Guide 2009 - 3 hats Score: 18/20</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://www.theage.com.au/news/restaurant-reviews/jacques-reymond/2008/09/11/1220857726645.html">The Age Epicure</a> (September 11, 2008)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Blog Reviews: <a href="http://tummyrumbles.com/2008/10/jacques-reymond.html">Tummy Rumbles</a> (October 30, 2008)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Blog Reviews: <a href="http://www.bellygood.net/2009/02/15/piggys-weekend-of-pure-gluttony-jacques-reymond-movida/">Belly Good</a> (February 15, 2009)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Blog Reviews: <a href="http://new-epicurean.blogspot.com/2009/04/jacques-reymond-17-april-2009.html">The New Epicurean</a> (April 18, 2009)</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Opening Hours</span></span><br />
<ul style="color: #666666;">
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Lunch: Thursday to Friday, noon till 2pm</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Dinner: Tuesday to Saturday, 6.30pm till 10pm </span></li>
</ul>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958305474291125538.post-20457690580720882502009-06-19T14:16:00.000+10:002015-05-07T23:01:55.744+10:00Tiamo's Restaurant & Bistro<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> <span style="color: #666666;">303 Lygon St</span></span><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"> Carlton 3053 VIC</span> <span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"> Phone: (03) 9347 5759</span><br /><br />Amazon decided we were going to eat lunch on Lygon this Tuesday seeing she had an exam at REB later that arvo. She had heard good things about <span style="font-weight: bold;">Tiamo</span>, and so we were eager to try it out.<br /><br />Next to Tiamo is Tiamo 2, we originally tried going into Tiamo 2 but they couldn't seat the 7 of us since there had already been reservations made by a large group. We even spotted Red Symons eating there!<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2442/3638723008_3e5e8d9be6.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2442/3638723008_3e5e8d9be6.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a></span><br />
<a name='more'></a> <span style="font-size: 85%;"><br />When we walked into Tiamo we asked for a table for 7. We were allocated to this one table at the end of the restaurant which barely fit the 7 of us. I guess people don't usually go in large numbers? But hey at least we got a seat.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3380/3637910147_ef2e95dc0b.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: georgia;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3380/3637910147_ef2e95dc0b.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a>After looking at the menu, most of us decided to get pasta of some sort. Amazon is currently my walking food dictionary, I find that there are a lot of food names I genuinely don't know yet. Really need to start studying up!</span><br />
<div style="font-family: georgia; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3593/3638729838_1bd0e43cc2.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3593/3638729838_1bd0e43cc2.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Amatriciana</span> (Penne)<span style="font-weight: bold;"> $14.90</span><br />As you can see from the top the portions were quite generous, same goes with the other dishes. I quite enjoyed this one in particular, the mild spiciness of the sauce really gave it a kick.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: georgia; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3403/3637915159_c0189921c0.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3403/3637915159_c0189921c0.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a>A closer look</span></div>
<div style="font-family: georgia; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3377/3637914125_06b848a348.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3377/3637914125_06b848a348.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Napoli</span> (Ravioli) <span style="font-weight: bold;">$14.90</span></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"> </span><br />
<div style="font-family: georgia; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3583/3637912011_0e275aa72e.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3583/3637912011_0e275aa72e.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saltati</span> (tortellini) <span style="font-weight: bold;">$14.90</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: georgia; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3578/3637913053_bb59eaeabf.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3578/3637913053_bb59eaeabf.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Risotto</span> Baby Veal<span style="font-weight: bold;"> $15.90</span>I was pretty disappointed with the risotto<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: georgia; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: georgia; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3388/3638725050_7d716135aa.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3388/3638725050_7d716135aa.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cannelloni $14.90</span>I know what you're thinking, that looks like one fine Cannelloni. I'm not too sure if the meat in this dish is supposed to taste off, but it did. Amazon seemed fine with it though.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: georgia; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;">Overall, the Amatriciana with Penne was by far the best. The Saltati with tortellini and the Napoli with ravioli were good as well. The Risotto was a bit bland but the Cannelloni was by far my least favourite.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Price: </span>The pasta dishes are mostly priced at<span style="font-weight: bold;"> $14.90</span> with other mains going up to<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> $21.90</span></span>. The generous servings for the pasta dishes make it worth the $14.90.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Overall Score - Casual Dining:</span> 13.5/20</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Food: </span>3.5/5</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Range of Choice: </span>3/5</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Value for Money:</span> 3.5/5</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Venue: </span>3.5/5</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: 85%;">I probably would have given the venue a higher score if the 7 of us hadn't been squished onto one table.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>Other Useful Information:</span></span></div>
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://yourrestaurants.com.au/guide/tiamo_restaurant_and_bistro/">Your Restaurants</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://www.theage.com.au/news/restaurant-reviews/tiamo/2007/06/04/1180809409827.html">The Age Epicure</a> (June 4, 2007)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Blog Reviews: <a href="http://jess-cookbook.blogspot.com/2009/05/tiamo-italian-restaurant.html">Jess Cookbook</a> (May 11, 2009)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Blog Reviews: <a href="http://eyeeat.blogspot.com/2008/10/tiamo-lygon-st-charlton.html">Eye Eat</a> (October 14, 2008)</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #666666; font-weight: bold;">Opening Hours:</span><br /><span style="color: #666666;">Everyday - breakfast till late</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958305474291125538.post-12126937441341116902009-06-15T15:46:00.012+10:002015-05-07T23:02:03.902+10:00Japan - Nagoya: Sakai<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span dir="ltr" jsdisplay="$title||!$laddr||!$addrurl" jstcache="84" jsvalues=".innerHTML:$addrline;dir:bidiDir($addrline,true)">2丁目8 23大須</span></span><br />
<div jsinstance="*1" jsselect="m.addressLines" jstcache="75" jsvalues="$addrline:$this;" style="color: #666666;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span dir="ltr" jsdisplay="$title||!$laddr||!$addrurl" jstcache="84" jsvalues=".innerHTML:$addrline;dir:bidiDir($addrline,true)">中区Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan<br />(Near Osu Kannon Station)</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 85%;">I'm currently counting down the days till my holidays begin, and I thought it would be a good idea to look back at some wonderful meals I've had overseas.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">If you're wondering why the address of the restaurant is in Japanese, it's because I haven't been able to find out what it is in English due to my lack of Japanese and Google skills. I did try though! If you copy and paste the address directly to Google Map it works.<br /></span>So, Japan, Japan, where to begin? Within the past 3 or 4 years, I've gone there at least once a year - Tokyo, Osaka & Nagoya to name the main destinations. Which city had the most memorable meals? Nagoya is definitely the front runner in my books. This is mostly due to the fact that we have an awesome family friend in Nagoya who's always willing to take us around to the nicest restaurants there.<br /><br />One of the must go to places on his list includes<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Sakai,</span></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"> a restaurant that specialises in top of the line Matsusaka Beef. </span><span style="font-size: 85%;">I have only made 2 trips down to Nagoya, yet I've eaten at the restaurant 3 times already - believe me, it's freaking good. (I'm sure the photos will make you understand)<br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3350/3628343686_fba54a27b5.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3350/3628343686_fba54a27b5.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: 85%;">Like many Japanese restaurants, this one is in alley, hidden and does not seat many people. There are 3 main seating areas, 2 private rooms and a bar style area that allows you to watch the kitchen in action. (Kind of like a sushi bar)<br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3626/3627517543_bbcc121331.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3626/3627517543_bbcc121331.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a>For starters, a very nicely dressed and fresh salad<br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2482/3627515849_a07f042cab.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2482/3627515849_a07f042cab.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sakuraniku</span> I'm not going to say what this is just in case some people may get offended. But it is a Japanese delicacy. (This dish is actually not served in the restaurant)</span></div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2453/3627520809_cbe0df01ee.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2453/3627520809_cbe0df01ee.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a>The perfect steak.<br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3323/3627518993_c2e6fd4c44.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3323/3627518993_c2e6fd4c44.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a>Condiments for the steak<br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3639/3628334430_678edd5e63.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3639/3628334430_678edd5e63.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a>Grilled Matsusaka beef.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3329/3628342710_eaea909cb5.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3329/3628342710_eaea909cb5.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a>Thinly sliced beef for Shabu Shabu</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3302/3627524191_7191901db3.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3302/3627524191_7191901db3.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a>Miso Soup</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3354/3628337476_d8512dacbd.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3354/3628337476_d8512dacbd.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a>Simple but delicious garlic fried rice<br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2475/3628340382_c2c7dd0889.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2475/3628340382_c2c7dd0889.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a>Coffee</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3374/3627526945_4a65d0fc66.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3374/3627526945_4a65d0fc66.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a>Desserts<br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">I don't know if I even have to tell you how good this place is. My photos don't even do this place justice. If you ever consider going to Nagoya, I strongly advise you to book this place in advance.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Overall Score </span></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">- Fine Dining</span></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">:</span></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;"> </span>17/20</span><span style="font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Food:</span> 9/10</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Service: </span>4/5</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Venue:</span> 4/5</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">I think the service would have been better if we could actually communicate in Japanese. In terms of the venue, the fact that the place is quite small, it can be hard to get around when you're seated in the private rooms.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958305474291125538.post-8953283154582681902009-06-13T13:02:00.011+10:002015-05-07T23:02:16.017+10:00Blueprint - Bar, Eatery & Kitchen<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #666666;">222-224 Pelham St</span> <span style="color: #666666;"><br />Carlton 3053 Vic</span> <span style="color: #666666;"><br />Phone: (03) 9347 3691<br />Website: <a href="http://blueprintcatering.com.au/">blueprintcatering.com.au</a></span><br />Yesterday my friend and I went and bought some food at Blueprint for lunch. And guess what I had! Yes it was </span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: black;">"the roll with ham in it, which looks kind of like the salmon one"</span></span> that I mentioned in my <a href="http://tastebudsgalore.blogspot.com/2009/06/blueprint-bar-eatery-kitchen.html">previous post</a> about Blueprint. I believe it is called Novona... I really should have written it down somewhere!<br /><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3306/3620480969_6daca09681.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3306/3620480969_6daca09681.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: 85%;">THE<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>Novona</span> </span><span style="font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;">$8.70</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br />I should also copy down what the roll actually consists of, but from what you can see... it's got cheese, ham, tomato, lettuce & mayo. (I need to pick up on my food blogging skills!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3297/3620480967_f99189f708.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3297/3620480967_f99189f708.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a>My friend bought a <span style="font-weight: bold;">Quiche</span>, and decided he wanted to become a thumb model. So here is his debut! I believe it had bacon & spinach in it. <span style="font-weight: bold;">$7+</span><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">Overall I enjoyed my Novona, there is a reason as to why it is one of my staple lunch foods! Though sometimes after I eat it, the roof of my mouth becomes sore because the bread was so crusty and fresh. My friend enjoyed his Quiche, but he prefers the beef burgundy pie that they also have .<br /><br />Just before our exam that day, we went to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Baretto Espresso Bar </span>in the Alan Gilbert building, and I noticed that a lot of the sandwiches they had were the same (though I did not see the Novona - may have been sold out?). A few of my friends were discussing the other day that all these cafes fall under the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Brunetti</span>'s chain, so that would explain everything.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Update: </span>A friend just linked me to the Blueprint website, so they're actually owned by the same people as Baretto and 2 other spots around Melbourne University. According to him, Blueprint used to be much better 2 years ago.<br /></span><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Opening Hours:</span>Open 7 days a week</span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958305474291125538.post-77534884970765575882009-06-12T22:15:00.019+10:002009-06-13T23:00:24.962+10:00Laksa King<span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" >Shop 3<br />320 Racecourse Rd<br />Flemington 3031 VIC<br /></span> <span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> Phone: (03) 9372 6383</span><br /><br />For someone who isn't fond of coconut in their meal, I have to say I've been eating all the wrong cuisines. This all comes down to the fact that I have many friends who really enjoy their Malaysian, Thai and Indonesian food.<br /><br />So last night my friends decided to go to<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Laksa King</span> to get their much needed dose of Laksa. </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" >I know what you're thinking, I can't believe I agreed to go either.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;">Amazon actually made a reservation before we headed down to the place, you start to understand why when you arrive... the place is pretty packed for a Thursday night, and supposedly it's like this every day! Not only is it full inside the place, but there's also quite a number of people waiting outside for takeaway.<br /></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" ><br /></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2443/3616663078_40a50ecce1.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2443/3616663078_40a50ecce1.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />I had a hard time deciding what to have, I even asked the waiter what he would recommend off the menu that didn't consist of any coconut. Because I couldn't make up my mind, I decided that I would order after my friends got their meals so I would be able to try a bit to see which one I'd prefer.<br /></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" ><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3636/3616662530_698a4e8950.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3636/3616662530_698a4e8950.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chicken Satay</span> (4 skewers) <span style="font-weight: bold;">$6.80</span><br />We ordered two plates of these, they were pretty good - the chicken was still quite tender and moist.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3359/3615842799_bf18d9b663.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3359/3615842799_bf18d9b663.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Seafood Fried Crispy Noodle</span> - Combination of seafood, veggies topped with gravy</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">$11.80</span><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;">I don't think I've mentioned anywhere on my blog yet that I'm allergic to crustaceans, I did however try a bit of the noodles and it was quite enjoyable. (Tasted pretty shrimpy, obviously)<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2430/3615843063_ed6ff817bc.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2430/3615843063_ed6ff817bc.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Curry Laksa</span> - Mixed noodle with shrimp, fishcake & chicken <span style="font-weight: bold;">$8.50</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The mixed noodles consist of hokkien mie and rice vermicelli, personally I preferred the rice vermicelli over the hokkien mie. According to my friends, Laksa King has the best Laksa's in Melbourne.<br /></span></div><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" ><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2456/3616661798_a070d49ace.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2456/3616661798_a070d49ace.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hainanese Chicken Rice </span>- Chicken steamed to perfection served with chicken rice & soup <span style="font-weight: bold;">$8.50<br /></span>This is the dish which Charlotte ordered, she thought the sauce for the chicken was a bit too salty but thought the rice was quite nice<span style="font-weight: bold;">.</span><span> Charlotte doesn't eat much spicy food, so Amazon VERY happily obliged to finish the chilli sauce for her. You could tell she really enjoyed it.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></div><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" ><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3641/3615843597_7e6a5ac601.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3641/3615843597_7e6a5ac601.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Nasi Lemak Special (beef) </span>- A unique combination rice dish served with pickled anchovies, egg, peanut & a choice of curry chicken or beef<span style="font-weight: bold;"> $9.20 </span><span>(My friend just told me this is usually called Rendang)<br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" >After trying a bit of each dish, I thought that the Nasi Lemak Special was probably the nicest out of all the dishes, however I decided to go with the Laksa since the place was obviously known for their Laksa's. For someone who doesn't enjoy coconut in their meal, I did manage to finish the whole thing bar the broth. I didn't drink any of the broth because although MSG is supposed to make things taste better, it makes me dizzy and VERY thirsty. I found the Laksa to be okay, not something I'd really crave for or want to order again.<br /><br />Next time I go back though I'm definitely going for the Nasi Lemak Special instead.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Price:</span> The mains can range from <span style="font-weight: bold;">$8.50 </span>to<span style="font-weight: bold;"> $16.80 </span>depending on what you order. A noticed that most of the people in there ordered Laksa's though which are priced between <span style="font-weight: bold;">$8.50 </span>to <span style="font-weight: bold;">$10.50</span>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Overall Score - Casual Dining: </span>14/20<br /></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Food:</span> 4/5</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Range of Choice: </span>4/5<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Value for money: </span>4/5</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Venue: </span>1/5<br /></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">NOTE: </span> you go to Laksa King for their range of authentic Malaysian food at affordable prices, not the venue. They do not skimp on the portions. If you order seafood you get your worth of seafood.<br /><br />I asked Amazon what she would rate Laksa King out of 20, and she said 18. She loves her Malaysian food, so I'm sure she knows more about it. Although all my friends enjoy eating at Laksa King, they thought she may have been a bit generous.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />Whilst I was browsing around for other reviews on Laksa King, I stumbled upon <a href="http://wuching.blogspot.com/2006/03/laksa-king.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Journal of the Whills</span></a>. According to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Wuching</span>, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Baba House</span> is better than Laksa King. I'll have to bring this up with Amazon! But for now I would like to take a break from coconut in my meals.</span><br /><br /><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Useful Information:</span><br /></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.yourrestaurants.com.au/guide/laksa_king/">Your Restaurants</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Blog Reviews: <a href="http://hausfraumelbourne.blogspot.com/2009/05/laksa-king.html">Hausfrau in Melbourn</a><a href="http://hausfraumelbourne.blogspot.com/2009/05/laksa-king.html">e</a> (May 18, 2009)<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Blog Reviews: <a href="http://tummyrumbles.com/2009/03/laksa-king.html">Tummy Rumbles</a> (March 23, 2009)</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">Blog Reviews: <a href="http://crushedguava.blogspot.com/2007/10/laksa-king.html">Crushed Guava</a> (October 26, 2007)<br /></span></li></ul><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Opening Hours:</span><br />Monday to Saturday<br />Lunch: 11.30am-3pm<br />Dinner: 5pm-10.30pm </span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958305474291125538.post-64477968677659491132009-06-11T21:50:00.012+10:002009-06-13T15:37:36.071+10:00Blueprint - Bar, Eatery & Kitchen<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">222-224 Pelham St</span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><br />Carlton 3053 Vic</span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><br />Phone: (03) 9347 3691<br /></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">Website: <a href="http://blueprintcatering.com.au/">blueprintcatering.com.au</a></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Blueprint </span>is one of the places I go to quite regularly due its proximity to Uni. </span></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">On my first trip to Blueprint, a Uni staff suggested that I try this ham roll, which was so good that it has now become one of my staple lunch foods! Too bad I never remember the name of it and refer to it as "the roll with ham in it, which looks kind of like the salmon one". I do remember that it was somewhere around $8.</span></span><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3559/3615845345_721f36c1ab.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3559/3615845345_721f36c1ab.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">So upon arrival today, I was hoping that my ham roll would be there. When I asked where the "roll with the ham in it that looks like that salmon one" was, they said they had already run out of it for today! Darn it, I'll have to arrive earlier next time.<br /><br /></span></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3403/3616663644_aee3444243.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3403/3616663644_aee3444243.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fish & Chips</span> with squeezable tartare & tomato sauce <span style="font-weight: bold;">$9.90</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />I ended up having this instead, the batter was nice and crisp, not soggy or overdone at all. My friend said the fish tasted like those baked fish that you buy frozen, but what the heck, it was still good!<br /></span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /></span></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3398/3615844781_4efa9f68a8.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3398/3615844781_4efa9f68a8.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sausage Roll</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>served with salad and sauce for the sausage roll. (I think I really need to start learning my sauces, it tasted kind of like barbecue sauce but I could be wrong, most likely am wrong)<br />It tasted okay, a sausage roll which is pre-made and then heated up can only go so far. Speedy didn't seem to mind it.<br /></span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3559/3616664202_53d55a0a27.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 375px; height: 500px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3559/3616664202_53d55a0a27.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Blueprint Burger</span> (Beef) in Salad & Chips<span style="font-weight: bold;"> $9.90<br /></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:85%;">One of my friends always orders the Blueprint Burger when we come here.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> I tried a bit of the burger meat and I found that the consistency and taste was really similar to a sausage roll except more dense, a bit strange. I'm sure it would've tasted better if I had ate the whole thing together.<br /><br />The highlight of lunch today was probably finding out Amazon couldn't eat burgers properly, she had to unstack the burger before she could eat it haha.<br /></span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Blueprint also offers a breakfast menu that goes until 11am, muffins, yogurt, fruit salad etc. the types of food you'd typically find at this kind of cafe. They have a set lunch menu but they also have daily specials.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pricing: </span>The lunch menu can range from<span style="font-weight: bold;"> $9.90 </span>to<span style="font-weight: bold;"> $18 </span>depending on what you order. </span><span style="font-size:85%;">You won't be feeling hungry after ordering one of the dishes off their lunch menu. </span><span style="font-size:85%;">The rolls, pies etc. are around <span style="font-weight: bold;">$8</span> or so.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Overall Score - Casual Dining: </span>14/20<br /></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Food:</span> 3.5/5</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Range of Choice: </span>4/5<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Value for money: </span>3.5/5</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Venue: </span>3/5</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:85%;">Oh, a thing about the venue... the decor is quite nice, but those are some small chairs! I always see these business people cramped up in them, it can look quite funny at times though haha. </span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958305474291125538.post-14485549722564926092009-06-11T21:23:00.008+10:002015-05-07T23:03:07.908+10:00Threshermans Bakehouse<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;">221 Faraday St</span> <span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"><br />Carlton 3053 VIC</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #666666;">Phone: (03) 9349 2319<br /><br /><span style="color: black;">On the way into Uni today, my friends decided to stopped over at <span style="font-weight: bold;">Threshermans Bakehouse</span> to grab some breakfast. Upon arrival you notice how big the place is, for some very odd reason the decor reminded me of Sovereign Hills. Ah... the days of panning gold and failing at it.<br /></span></span></span><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3568/3615842369_599e80f20b.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3568/3615842369_599e80f20b.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br />I didn't grab anything as I already had a blueberry muffin (one of my staple home baked goods!) for breakfast, but I couldn't help myself from taking a photo of the counter. As you can see, the prices are pretty decent!<br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2469/3616664732_d0cd389307.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2469/3616664732_d0cd389307.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a>Speedy already had breakfast too, but I guess he was too tempted by the <span style="font-weight: bold;">custard tart</span>. (a pretty good looking one!) It didn't take long before this tart vanished into thin air.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3305/3615845961_2a03f17cf1.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3305/3615845961_2a03f17cf1.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a>Deans bought a <span style="font-weight: bold;">croissant</span> and a pizza bread.<br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;">He seemed to have enjoyed the croissant more than he did his pizza bread. I think it was partly due to the fact that he wanted to heat up his pizza bread, only to find that the student microwave at Uni looked pretty feral and decided against it.</span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #666666;"></span><br />Next time I'll have to try something! Maybe the good ole cinnamon donuts.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Useful Information:</span></span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://www.yourrestaurants.com.au/guide/threshermans_bakehouse/">Your Restaurants</a></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Opening Hours</span><br />Daily 6am - 10.30pm </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958305474291125538.post-6464074783521231202009-06-10T18:22:00.016+10:002015-05-07T23:03:30.723+10:00Garage Cafe & Bar<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #666666;">221 Berkeley Street</span><br /><span style="color: #666666;">Carlton 3053 VIC</span> <span style="color: #666666;"> Phone: (03) 9349 5000<br />Website: <a href="http://garagecafe.com.au/"><span style="font-style: italic;">garagecafe.com.au</span></a></span></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: 85%;">I had trouble sleeping last night, no thanks to the hail outside. It started around 11pm or so and was on and off up until 6am. Ended up sleeping at 6am in the morning, only to wake up at 10am to find that it was all white outside! Most of the hail had actually melted by then, but you could still see bits of it.<br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3660/3621248958_7a769586e9.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3660/3621248958_7a769586e9.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: 85%;">Imagine all that hail on the walkway that would have been there around 6am, crazy huh?</span></div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br />I'm actually in examination period at the moment, so I've been heading into Uni every few days in an attempt to be productive! For lunch, my friends and I usually go somewhere close so we don't waste too much time. Originally I wanted to go to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Blue Print</span>, however Chloe and Speedy already decided that today we were going to have lunch at <span style="font-weight: bold;">Garage Cafe & Bar</span>.<br /></span><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3635/3621249378_96ca49c5d6.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3635/3621249378_96ca49c5d6.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 85%;">My friends have actually been coming to Garage since Tahlia took us there during first year Uni, I must admit that I wasn't too big on it back then so I was slightly hesitant. But hey, they seemed really excited, Viper even came all the way from her work just so she could eat their sambal terasi (the red chili paste that you see in the photos).</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3621/3621248414_acfbab4ea1.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3621/3621248414_acfbab4ea1.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chicken Opor (Opor Ayam)</span> - Indonesia chicken curry served with half fried bold eggs & tofu on mild coconut sauce with steamed rice <span style="font-weight: bold;">$9.50</span>I'm actually not big on coconut in my food, such things like thai curry etc. I tend to stay away from. So I can't really comment on it, though my friends say they always order it.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3611/3621247596_42296959c8.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3611/3621247596_42296959c8.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bakwan Penyet</span> - Steamed rice served with fried meatballs, fresh cabbage, tomato & cucumber served with sambal on cold black stone <span style="font-weight: bold;">$9.50</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3541/3621249836_f1950e8b52.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3541/3621249836_f1950e8b52.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Garage Full Penyet</span> - steamed rice served with Fried chicken, meatballs, soybean, tofu & boiled egg served with fresh cabbage, tomato & cucumber with sambal on cold black stone <span style="font-weight: bold;">$14</span><br />The meatballs were probably the best on this plate, followed by the fried chicken. The soybean, tofu & boiled eggs were okay. The sambal makes a really big difference, it made everything taste much better! I ordered this today, but I think next time I'd rather have just the meatballs.<br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3406/3620429379_55a5a5df5a.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3406/3620429379_55a5a5df5a.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Condensed Milk Tea</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;">Chloe and Viper both ordered a milk tea each. Viper seemed like she really needed it with all the sambal she was eating, having ordered a seperate sambal terasi <span style="font-weight: bold;">$3.5</span> along with what she already had on her plate. (she cleared up the whole thing)</span> </div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pricing: </span>Most of the mains are priced at <span style="font-weight: bold;">$9.5</span>, specials <span style="font-weight: bold;">$14</span>, vegetarian up to <span style="font-weight: bold;">$9. </span>I'm definitely going with the meatballs next time.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Overall Score - Casual Dining: </span>13.5/20</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Food:</span> 3.5/5</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Range of Choice: </span>3/5</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Value for money: </span>3.5/5</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Venue: </span>3.5/5</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Other Useful Information</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Blog Review: <a href="http://www.melbournegastronome.com/2008/11/back-to-uni-back-to-garage.html">Melbourne Gastronome</a> (November 10, 2008)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Blog Review: <a href="http://jinhooi.blogspot.com/2007/09/garage-caf-bar.html">Smell & Taste Are My Memory</a> (September 9, 2007)</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Opening Hours</span><br />Monday to Friday: 12pm - 10pm<br />Saturday: 5pm - 10pm</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958305474291125538.post-38738498420153521612009-06-08T17:05:00.026+10:002015-05-07T23:03:41.150+10:00Comme Kitchen<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #666666;">7 Alfred Pl</span><br /><span style="color: #666666;"> Melbourne 3000 VIC</span> <span style="color: #666666;"> Phone: (03) 9631 4000</span><br /><span style="color: #666666;">Website: </span><a href="http://www.comme.com.au/" style="color: #cc6600; font-style: italic;" target="_blank" title="http://www.comme.com.au">www.comme.com.au</a><br /><br />If I had started this blog a month ago, I would have 3 <span style="font-weight: bold;">Comme Kitchen</span> posts by now. But because I didn't I'm missing quite a few photos of the dishes here and there, so bear with me!<br /><br />As some of you may know, I couldn't get reservations at Comme for Chantels' dinner mid May, so I decided to have lunch there instead with Kaelyn since it was so close to her work.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 85%;">On my first visit there with Kaelyn, we each ordered 2 entrees and 1 main, and shared a desert which totaled to $29 dollars each. The waiter even halved the chocolate tart for us and gave us an extra scoop of their malted ice cream which was to die for. With that sort of an experience, who wouldn't go back for more? Great food, great service and a great venue!</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /><span style="color: #666666;">I'm sorry that the photos aren't that great this time around, I'm still a beginner! :) </span><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3168/3620426471_cf88a8fe84.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3168/3620426471_cf88a8fe84.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Free Range Chicken</span> in the oh so lovely puree<span style="font-weight: bold;"> $18</span></span><span style="font-size: 85%;">This dish is no longer on the menu since they changed it 2 weeks ago.. which is very sad because it was definitely a WOW dish. By far my favourite, along with the croquettes! </span><span style="font-size: 85%;">(1st & 2nd visit)</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2482/3620426019_4d86a5173b.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2482/3620426019_4d86a5173b.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Seared calamari</span>, chorizo, broad benas, pickled chilli, lemon olive oil <span style="font-weight: bold;">$18</span><br />I can honestly say that I didn't enjoy this dish at all. The texture of the calamari wasn't what I expected. It just did not sit right with me. </span><span style="font-size: 85%;">(2nd visit)</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3543/3621244150_dd1b4d7977.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3543/3621244150_dd1b4d7977.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;">This <span style="font-weight: bold;">beef</span> dish was from the Fast Lunch menu. The dish was okay, not what I expected either like the calamari, however I seem to have enjoyed the purree much more than I did the actual beef. </span><span style="font-size: 85%;">(2nd visit)</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3072/3621243358_041e81c247.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3072/3621243358_041e81c247.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Braised Macleay Valley rabbit</span>, olives, tomato, basil, sherry, white polenta <span style="font-weight: bold;">$18</span><br />This dish would have to come close after the chicken. Especially the white polenta, that was to die for. </span><span style="font-size: 85%;">(3rd visit)</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3662/3620425259_ec706e8ffa.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3662/3620425259_ec706e8ffa.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rare roast venison,</span> bitter chocolate sauce, parsnip puree, cavalo nero <span style="font-weight: bold;">$19</span><br />I'm not too sure if I'm that fond of game meat yet, because the flavours are usually more rustic. But it definitely was a good dish. </span><span style="font-size: 85%;">(3rd visit)</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;">All 3 visits I've had to the restaurant, I have ordered:</span> <br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Porcini, jamon and Emmental croquettes <span style="font-weight: bold;">$2.5</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">each</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Kurobuta proscuitto, wilted greens, shallot vinaigrette, shaved parmesan <span style="font-weight: bold;">$3 each</span></span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"> I would've ordered the chicken again the third time if they still had it. The croquette never fails to impress... one bite of it and the insides ooze - dissapearing in your mouth. As with the Kurobuta proscuitto dish, I felt like the first time I had it was the best, the second and third time the wilted greens were drowned in the vinaigrette.</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br />There were many other dishes I did actually try, but these are the ones I either thought were worth mentioning, or I just so happened to take a photo of the dish.<br /></span> <span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Price: </span>On average I spent around $30 to $35. </span><span style="font-size: 85%;">You can also have a Fast Lunch that comes with 2 plates and a glass of wine priced at<span style="font-weight: bold;"> $29</span></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">. </span></span>For dinner there is also a set meal which you can order.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />Verdict: </span>So because I had 3 trips to the restaurant before starting up this blog, and each experience I felt was different, I decided to score them separately. </span><span style="font-size: 85%;">All my friends who I took to Comme really loved the decor, especially the bar that is situated in the middle of the restaurant.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Overall Score </span></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">- Fine Dining</span></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">:</span></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">First Visit</span></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">: </span>17/20</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Food:</span> 8/10</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Service: </span>5/5</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Venue:</span> 4/5</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Second Visit</span></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">: </span>14/20</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Food:</span> 6/10</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Service: </span>4/5</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Venue:</span> 4/5</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Third Visit</span></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">: </span>15/20</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Food:</span> 7.5/10</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Service: </span>3.5/5</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Venue:</span> 4/5</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: 85%;">I have to admit, the restaurant staff really do make a big difference on your dining experience. On my first visit, there was not a bad thing you could say about the waiter who served us. On the other two visits, although the waiters were both very friendly, they were no where near as attentive and helpful as the first.</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Other Useful Information</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">The Age Good Food Guide 2009 - 1 hat Score: 15/20</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://www.theage.com.au/news/restaurant-reviews/comme-kitchen/2007/12/04/1196530662027.html">The Age Epicure </a>(December 4, 2007)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://www.yourrestaurants.com.au/guide/comme_kitchen/">Your Restaurants</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://ieatthereforeiam.blogspot.com/2007/11/comme-kitchen.html">I Eat Therefore I Am</a> (December 17, 2007)</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Opening Hours</span><br />Monday to Friday: Midday until Late<br />Saturday: Four until Late</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958305474291125538.post-65284223318630119442009-06-07T12:03:00.018+10:002015-05-07T23:03:51.222+10:00Sydney: Forty-One<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #666666;">Level 42 </span> <span style="color: #666666;"><br />2 Chifley Sq</span><br /><span style="color: #666666;"> Sydney 2000 NSW</span><br /><span style="color: #666666;">Phone: (02) 9221 2500</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #666666;">Website:</span> <a href="http://www.forty-one.com.au/" style="font-style: italic;" target="_blank" title="http://www.forty-one.com.au">www.forty-one.com.au</a><br /><br />During the Easter Break I went up to Sydney. A family friend had been wanting to take us to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Tetsuya</span>'s since hearing about the restaurant being one of the best in the world. Now, tell me who could pass on that offer? Sadly Tetsuya's was closed for the entire Easter Weekend, so our family friend took us to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Forty-One</span> instead.</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3663/3620416945_4443bec1d3.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3663/3620416945_4443bec1d3.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: 85%;">The restaurant is definitely considered upper dining. Not only were the diners dressed very well for the night, but the noise level of the place was quite low. Being up on the Level 41 on the building</span><span style="font-size: 85%;">, diners get a fantastic view of the city and its harbour.<br /><br />We opted for the degustation menu that was offered on the night. (Saturday 11, 2009)</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"> A few of us had our meal with matching wines, and the waiter we had was <span style="font-weight: bold;">very</span> kind in that department :)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2481/3620416409_bd5d246c3a.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2481/3620416409_bd5d246c3a.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Amuse Bouche</span>… Pickled Quail Breast, Aubergine, Blood Orange, Watercress, Salted Walnut</span></div>
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<a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2473/3620415957_f3e22fc12e.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2473/3620415957_f3e22fc12e.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Langoustine Tail</span> Sauteed in Leek, Jerusalem Artichoke, Pine Nuts, Olives<br /></span><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3540/3620417307_9a588b9d7b.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3540/3620417307_9a588b9d7b.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;">Barramundi Fillet, Crab Meat Croquette, Celeriac, Saltwater Pork Belly</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3377/3621236018_9090f25232.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3377/3621236018_9090f25232.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Roast Duck Breast</span>, Chorizo Stuffed Date, Sauce Soubise, Piquillo Pepper<br /></span><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3337/3620420531_42cfd3b256.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3337/3620420531_42cfd3b256.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Demi Tasse of French Onion Soup</span>, Gruyere Crème<br /></span><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2436/3621236450_932b4ec7c6.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2436/3621236450_932b4ec7c6.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Roast Beef Fillet</span>, Wood Mushrooms, Baby Spinach, Truffle Butter<br /></span><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3366/3621238752_1cf85081d5.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3366/3621238752_1cf85081d5.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 85%;">Raw Milk "Alpage" Cheese from Switzerland, Sauvignon Blanc Poached Pear, Beetroot Oil<br /></span><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2290/3620420013_4994c3ba02.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2290/3620420013_4994c3ba02.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2475/3621237218_5a0f01f1b9.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2475/3621237218_5a0f01f1b9.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dark Chocolate Tart</span>, Raspberry, Mascarpone Sabayon<br /></span><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3396/3620419239_abb5b9c873.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3396/3620419239_abb5b9c873.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fine Apple Tart</span>, Cinnamon, Caramel</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3309/3621236860_9eb86f04de.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3309/3621236860_9eb86f04de.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Petit Four</span><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;">I really enjoyed the first four plates, they were put together very well, the only comments I would have to make would be that</span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">I am still iffy about pork crackling, I find it really hard to chew and it just gets stuck in your teeth</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">The stuffed date that came with the duck breast was by far too sweet for me, though it did really compliment the duck breast. </span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-size: 85%;">The steak was perfectly cooked, so no complaints there and the desserts were quite enjoyable. Only thing which caught me off guard were the petit fours, after having such wonderful plates of food I was expecting the petit four to come out with something a little more creative.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Price: </span>The Menu Gourmande 6 course degustation is priced at $150.00 pp, with matched wines $225.00 pp. Degustation menus are usually priced over $130+ nowadays, so it was reasonable.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Verdict: </span>I really enjoyed my meal at Forty-One, the food was absolutely delightful. The service was on the spot and the waiters were very friendly. </span><span style="font-size: 85%;">Not sure if I would go back there any time soon as there are many other restaurants in Sydney I'd like to try out first. But I do recommend others to at least give the place a try, it should not disappoint.</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Overall Score - Fine Dining:</span> 16/20</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Food:</span> 7.5/10</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Service: </span>4.5/5</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Venue:</span> 4/5</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Other Useful Information</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2009 - 2 Hats Score 16/20</span></li>
<li style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://www.smh.com.au/news/entertainment/good-living/restaurant-reviews/forty-one/2008/09/23/1221935628024.html">SMH Review</a> (Septmber 23, 2008)</span></li>
<li style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="http://www.yourrestaurants.com.au/guide/forty_one/"><span style="font-size: 85%;">Your Restaurants</span></a></li>
<li style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">Blog Review: <a href="http://tummyrumble.net/2009/06/05/forty-one-sydney/">I Am Obssessed with Food</a> (June 5, 2009)</span></li>
<li face="georgia"><span style="font-size: 85%;">Blog Review: <a href="http://grabyourfork.blogspot.com/2008/02/forty-one-restaurant-sydney.html">Grab Your Fork</a> (February 18, 2008)</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Opening Hours</span><br />Lunch - Tuesday to Friday from 12 noon<br />Dinner - Monday to Saturday from 6pm</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 7;"></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958305474291125538.post-45328920615674082752009-06-06T22:14:00.028+10:002015-05-07T23:03:58.351+10:00The French Brasserie<span style="color: #666666; font-size: 85%;">2 Malthouse La<br />Melbourne 3000 VIC </span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 85%;"> Phone: (03) 9662 1632</span> <span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br />Website: </span><a href="http://www.thefrenchbrasserie.com.au/"><span style="font-style: italic;">www.thefrenchbrasserie.com.au</span></a></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 85%;"><br />A bunch of friends my friends went to <span style="font-weight: bold;">The French Brasserie</span> to celebrate our friend Chantel's birthday mid May. Chantel was pretty busy, so I offered to look for a restaurant for her for her birthday. Originally I had <span style="font-weight: bold;">Comme Kitchen</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Italian</span> in mind, however they were both booked out, so I decided to go with The French Brasserie as my third option.</span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 85%;"><br /><br />In terms of making a reservation, it was quite a breeze, considering there were 13 of us in total. They even offered to seat us upstairs as we had a larger group so that we would have more freedom.</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"> When I walked into the restaurant that night, </span><span style="font-size: 85%;">I immediately noticed the two story glass windows that go along the side of the restaurant. The venue has a nice feel to it.</span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 85%;"><br /><br />While waiting for everyone to arrive, I asked the waiter for a mo</span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 85%;">cktail, something tropical and bubbly! Although mocktails weren't on the drinks menu, they were kind enough to whip me exactly what I asked for! The drink was very refreshing with plenty of fresh strawberries in it. Chantel and Maddie ended up ordering one each after trying mine. :)<br /><br />For starters we got a basket of fresh bread which the guys quickly demolished seeing they were quite hungry.<br /><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia; font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;">ENTREES</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2465/3620406913_864a330142.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2465/3620406913_864a330142.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 375px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 500px;" /></a></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;">Charcuterie </span><span style="font-size: 85%;">- The French Platter - The best of French terrines and cured meats with caperberries, red wine vinegar reduction and toasted sourdough </span><span style="font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;">$35</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3660/3620407219_def1ef8328.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3660/3620407219_def1ef8328.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a></span><span style="font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;">Escargots de Bourgogne a l'ail</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"> - Snails with garlic butter </span><span style="font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;">$29</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"> per dozen</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">The French Platter was quite nice, especially the pate which went well with the bread and crackers that came with. As for the Escargot, I have to admit it was my first time eating snails so I didn't know what to expect, let alone can I tell if it was good or bad. If you've never had escargot before, I would advise you not to have an image of garden snails in your head before you eat it, does not make it easier!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia; font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">MAINS</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;">The mains were divided into two kinds 1. Grill and 2. Main Course. Everyone ordered their own main, most of the guys ended up ordering a Grill of some sort. We also ordered french fries and sauteed button mushrooms for sides.</span><span style="font-size: 85%;">So, with the grill, it was just a choice of meets with roughly the same sides. The dishes under the main course I felt were more well rounded. Didn't see the need of taking photos of different types of grilled meats in that case.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3314/3620406199_ef54f67e02.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3314/3620406199_ef54f67e02.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Filet d agneau </span>- Herb crusted lamb loin celeriac flan and shiraz suace </span><span style="font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;">$33</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3359/3620406505_8daba17e92.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3359/3620406505_8daba17e92.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a></span><span style="font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;">Grilled Faux filet</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"> - 300gms Aged Grain fed Porterhouse served with choice of sauce and layered scalloped potatoes </span><span style="font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;">$34</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3316/3620405749_1aa067af7b.jpg?v=0" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3316/3620405749_1aa067af7b.jpg?v=0" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 500px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 375px;" /></a></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Side</span> - Sauteed button mushrooms <span style="font-weight: bold;">$7</span><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 85%;">The dish I ordered was the herb crusted lamb, at first I had a bite of the lamb and thought it was okay, but when you have all of the different components of the dish together... it made sense! I also had a bit of the steak, to be honest it wasn't anything mind blowing. I definitely prefer the steak at <span style="font-weight: bold;">Bistro Vue</span> (with truffle mustard) over the one they had here.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;">DESSERT</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 85%;">We skipped on dessert because Patches booked tickets for Angels & Demons later that night.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Price: </span>We spent roughly $50 dollars each on the meal. Taking into account that we had only a bottle of red wine but no dessert. Honestly I don't think we could have stomached any more food by then anyway.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />Verdict: </span>Overall I was quite satisfied with the meal, but that's because I had the lamb main course. </span><span style="font-size: 85%;"> The venue was very much what I was looking for - clean cut fine dining atmosphere. And the staff were very friendly, the service however was a bit slow.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: 85%;">If you're considering going to The French Brasserie, I recommend the Herb Crusted Lamb, the entrees and sides are the typical good staples. I've also heard that they make some nice desserts, so maybe I'll have to go back another day to try that out. If you want steak, I recommend you go to Bistro Vue, but that's just me.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Overall Score - </span></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fine Dining</span></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">: </span>13/20</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Food:</span> 6/10</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Service: </span>3/5</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Venue:</span> 4/5</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: 85%;">My friend tofu who went to the restaurant the next day thinks they deserves a 6/10. He wasn't satisfied with the service what so ever or the food.<br /></span><span style="font-size: 85%; font-weight: bold;">Other Useful Information</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br /></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">The Age Good Food Guide 2009 - Score 13.5/20</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://www.theage.com.au/news/restaurant-reviews/the-french-brasserie/2008/08/12/1218306835433.html">The Age Review</a> (August 12, 2008)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="http://www.yourrestaurants.com.au/guide/the_french_brasserie/">YourRestaurants</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Blog Review: <a href="http://cookingdownunderblog.blogspot.com/2009/05/un-beau-repas.html">Cooking Down Under</a> (May 11, 2009)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Blog Review: <a href="http://ieatidrinkiwork.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7674&Itemid=82">I eat I drink I work</a> (June 25, 2008)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 85%;">Blog Review: <a href="http://1001dinners.blogspot.com/2007/04/blakes-feast-at-malthouse.html">1001 Dinners</a> (April 07, 2007)</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: 85%;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Opening Hours</span><br />Monday to Friday: noon -3pm<br />Saturday: 6pm - 10:30pm</span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958305474291125538.post-12032315259723440482009-06-06T18:12:00.003+10:002009-06-07T01:24:27.850+10:00Time to get the create juice buds flowing!<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">I have to admit, I've yet to familiarise myself with the restaurants around Melbourne.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">So for a food "newbie" like myself, to decide on where to eat next I usually turn to the following:</span><br /></span><ol><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">The Age Good Food Guide</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">YourRestaurants </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" >(<a href="http://www.yourrestaurants.com.au/">www.yourrestaurants.com.au</a></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" >)</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">Food Blogs</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">Google </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" >(which eventually lead me to food blogs)</span></li></ol><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">I guess this would have to be one of the main reasons I started this blog. Not only to document the places I've been to and post all the wonderful photos of food (food pornography as some may call it), but also so others like myself have something to refer to when they're deciding where to eat next!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">For now though I'd like to mention a few of my favourite sites that I like to visit when it comes to food.</span><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" ><br />Food, Food & More Food Photos</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><ul style="font-family:georgia;"><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tastespotting</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>(</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.tastespotting.com/"><span style="font-style: italic;">www.tastespotting.com</span></a></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >)<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">FoodGawker</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" > (</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://foodgawker.com/"><span style="font-style: italic;">www.foodgawker.com</span></a></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >)</span></li></ul><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" >Need I say more? I think the names of these sites are pretty self explanatory</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" >.<br /><br />Melbourne</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><ul style="font-family:georgia;"><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tummy Rumbles </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >(<a href="http://tummyrumbles.com/">tummyrumbles.com</a>) - </span><span style="font-size:85%;">This blog comes in handy when eating in the CBD. </span><span style="font-size:85%;">If it weren't for this blog I would not know about <a href="http://tummyrumbles.com/2008/10/creperie-le-triskel.html">Creperie Le Triskel</a>! </span><span style="font-size:85%;">Mellie and EG also make sure you have regular updates on Asian eateries. </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Melbourne Gastronome </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >(</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.melbournegastronome.com/">www.melbournegastronome.com</a></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >) -</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> This site comes in handy when you're looking for a good cafe. Claire keeps you updated on restaurants to eat at, new cafe openings and invites you to have a home-cooked meal with her family.<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Eat (Almost) Anything At Least Once </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >(</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.eatalmostanything.com/">www.eatalmostanything.com</a></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >) - </span><span style="font-size:85%;">If you like fine dining and traveling across Europe, this is definitely the blog you should be reading. Paloo and Haloo ensure that there will be no shortages in reviews of the best restaurants in Melbourne.<br /></span></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;" >Other places in the World</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><ul style="font-family:georgia;"><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Use Real Butter</span> </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >(</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://userealbutter.com/">userealbutter.com</a></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >)</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> - so far this blog would have to be my favourite, not only is it regularly updated, the writing, the food, the photos... Jen has it all down pat. You have to check it for yourself to see<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Wandering Eater</span> </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >(</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://thewanderingeater.com/">thewanderingeater.com</a></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >) - </span><span style="font-size:85%;">ever wondered what it was like to dine in NY? Tina definitely knows her restaurants and her photography.<br /></span></li></ul>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0