tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10439239153333872732024-03-05T16:47:51.367+11:00SWEET AND SOUR FORK HAS MOVED!If not redirected within 5 seconds, click <a href="http://sweetandsourfork.com/">HERE</a>.
(and don't forget to update your bookmarks!)minghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02173537262392098472noreply@blogger.comBlogger450125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043923915333387273.post-30438339281730203642015-05-18T12:59:00.001+10:002015-05-18T12:59:23.010+10:00Sweet and Sour Fork has moved!So I finally got sick of Blogger's terrible search functions and clunky post editing software, and Chris has finally gotten off his buttocks to build me a new website.<br />
<br />
If you're reading this, you probably haven't been redirected to the new website, in which case, here it is: <a href="http://sweetandsourfork.com/" style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;">sweetandsourfork.com</a>. Don't forget to update your bookmarks!minghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02173537262392098472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043923915333387273.post-33465109392073368642015-05-18T09:00:00.000+10:002015-05-18T09:00:01.210+10:00Delhi Streets<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="street-address"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">22 Katherine Place</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="locality"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Melbourne, VIC</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span class="hidden-xs"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3000<span style="background: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<a href="http://www.delhistreets.com.au/"><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">http://www.delhistreets.com.au/</span></a><br />
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Delhi Streets</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> opened in a little laneway near Southern Cross
Station a month or so back, and I wouldn’t have heard of it at all if it
weren’t for a long overdue catch-up dinner with a couple of lovely
ex-co-workers, Ben and Aisling. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibMfAwSxkVav5WVF5Yn_Fi9ugI8ORIFpeUlSIvFyAFkOF081xG7E6ASmglbtCBggvnD6fqeztN8gsvorC_fZJUGrdBeqTLt08h40awW_L96DwKA0edQTpkpNj98EBuwYZ_XkxdREhta90/s1600/(1)%2BInterior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibMfAwSxkVav5WVF5Yn_Fi9ugI8ORIFpeUlSIvFyAFkOF081xG7E6ASmglbtCBggvnD6fqeztN8gsvorC_fZJUGrdBeqTLt08h40awW_L96DwKA0edQTpkpNj98EBuwYZ_XkxdREhta90/s1600/(1)%2BInterior.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I met up with the lovely duo in the
snug little restaurant a tad past six. The staff were bubbly and welcoming, and
before too long, the small 20 (or so) seater restaurant began filling up with
punters craving an authentic Indian food fix. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXXj78Zt_9iWq_dwDrvD0_9YWprg1vQw5wvPyNet8I7_PcT4MpDpXTGIMDic7IjAIZmFUQyr_p6oN1MSbCxMOYkiG6pon_8D8XLwM8Eq5CjJjBgMV8jj9QqVcCVq8cLHmy4FdBH3RQAck/s1600/(5)%2BPuffs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXXj78Zt_9iWq_dwDrvD0_9YWprg1vQw5wvPyNet8I7_PcT4MpDpXTGIMDic7IjAIZmFUQyr_p6oN1MSbCxMOYkiG6pon_8D8XLwM8Eq5CjJjBgMV8jj9QqVcCVq8cLHmy4FdBH3RQAck/s1600/(5)%2BPuffs.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pani Puri ($7, 5pcs) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The <b><u>Pani Puri</u></b> ($7, 5pcs) were toted as a ‘must have’, and they
were indeed one of a kind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghekPsMYP-z9Nf0pDC0e0mcfsDI7N0bNvL8b22ZSqbV8jWXL8U8OckAAXJbCDumwLsqwwkAOoChyphenhyphenMvcuGVz01tReoG626-Umb5K3HoIeXW_koRG6IHtrI0_1kvdwu-7hWfGMkokWMYKgo/s1600/(6)%2BPuffs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghekPsMYP-z9Nf0pDC0e0mcfsDI7N0bNvL8b22ZSqbV8jWXL8U8OckAAXJbCDumwLsqwwkAOoChyphenhyphenMvcuGVz01tReoG626-Umb5K3HoIeXW_koRG6IHtrI0_1kvdwu-7hWfGMkokWMYKgo/s1600/(6)%2BPuffs.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pani Puri ($7, 5pcs) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Nested in the hollow lentil puffs
was a mixture of potatoes, onions, chickpeas, and herbs. But wait, there’s
more! To finish it off, you fill the puffs with tangy tamarind water, and shove
it all in your mouth for a crunchy, tangy taste explosion! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnD4EAgCvHPbTMpK1LbS2-VqIjbuydAG3OqKysjfLcs5-gE_A0twn7pvQZbrnU7rCiaHyAWeaqj_QYo-a6BFFChsQUJoF_HDLGIr2FrNJyIuFkmqTMmhCuCuTVNMwfOidOA2yWB3O1m18/s1600/(7)%2BLentil%2BNachos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnD4EAgCvHPbTMpK1LbS2-VqIjbuydAG3OqKysjfLcs5-gE_A0twn7pvQZbrnU7rCiaHyAWeaqj_QYo-a6BFFChsQUJoF_HDLGIr2FrNJyIuFkmqTMmhCuCuTVNMwfOidOA2yWB3O1m18/s1600/(7)%2BLentil%2BNachos.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Papri Chaat ($7) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The <b><u>Papri Chaat</u></b> ($7) had me at Indian nachos, and the comparison
was indeed apt. Delicate lentil crackers were topped with a sloppy, moreish mix
of yoghurt, mint and tamarind chutneys, and soft potato pieces, and finished
off with fresh coriander. This is one plate of nachos that won’t go to your
thighs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3v64TOUYrFTBcYiPOE48v03JaGNR35m-RdR7khhaSShDhow9Q22cIDVbp7Gdx-b_YYWXMQuHE6__PBNmchjkY8BaLaI5be879Jl5RjRjyJLOJvn3lHB4Ko_8MNjlrqvD2WephZK4ZlDo/s1600/(8)%2BLentil%2BDumplings.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3v64TOUYrFTBcYiPOE48v03JaGNR35m-RdR7khhaSShDhow9Q22cIDVbp7Gdx-b_YYWXMQuHE6__PBNmchjkY8BaLaI5be879Jl5RjRjyJLOJvn3lHB4Ko_8MNjlrqvD2WephZK4ZlDo/s1600/(8)%2BLentil%2BDumplings.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dahi Vada ($7, 2pcs) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Meanwhile, the <b><u>Dahi Vada</u></b> ($7, 2pcs) were indeed feather light, the fluffy
dumplings soaking up the mixture of chutneys, yoghurt, and slow-cooked veggies. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIQumV6hqjSNZXmQxMwDdPsNX3fvQ_pdKcu38U8X2IcZhALsLNH0xGA-Uf734Dipwz_mB2uT_Q2EhG5zl2BjWrLEuOgmxa_w-244GnyW72vIt6-JTwqaN7eSeF-S5ycHqI2szVVpVtHs/s1600/(9)%2BPotato.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIQumV6hqjSNZXmQxMwDdPsNX3fvQ_pdKcu38U8X2IcZhALsLNH0xGA-Uf734Dipwz_mB2uT_Q2EhG5zl2BjWrLEuOgmxa_w-244GnyW72vIt6-JTwqaN7eSeF-S5ycHqI2szVVpVtHs/s1600/(9)%2BPotato.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aloo Tikki ($7, 2pcs) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The unanimous favourite however was
the <b><u>Aloo Tikki</u></b> ($7, 2pcs) –
two fat mashed potato dumplings fried to golden perfection, topped once again
with the tangy trio of (everybody together now!) chutneys, yoghurt, and
veggies. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mOQC10bDBzdbgGaJleFQo0TbgMcO_kC5MJTbNOmEZb9KibetuIpxYL76itW3R4wDEnqsOKXbvDW4brp7O-oFrU313-q22eMlPbK4hGRQUXkzx7dBwMIrt_lkcwZsqlCqM4qYYtsyvLA/s1600/(10)Thali.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mOQC10bDBzdbgGaJleFQo0TbgMcO_kC5MJTbNOmEZb9KibetuIpxYL76itW3R4wDEnqsOKXbvDW4brp7O-oFrU313-q22eMlPbK4hGRQUXkzx7dBwMIrt_lkcwZsqlCqM4qYYtsyvLA/s1600/(10)Thali.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Special Thali ($13)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">For our mains, we had a traditional
<b><u>Special Thali</u></b> ($13), which included
3 curries of our choice, along with a large mound of rice, naan, and crisp
pappadums. The butter chicken was golden and creamy, tasting like a warm hug.
Meanwhile the lamb vindaloo was all fire and spice, and the ideal curry to have
with dollops of cool raita. Our only vegetarian choice, the paneer curry, was a
good one, consisting of a warm mix of spices and squeaky cheese. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhftCCVLToF7C9NHFQ4VcpH06wWP2I17N9mwa0p3NC4y6WXNpXYbxevLq9F3QGXop5Hb8EW4VOWg_WSFiRvDnfssbM-YjpfhFUdSUJwUNrZno1ij7TGlzalqABlq4QZH3OlzrdqzRw89hs/s1600/(11)%2BPizza.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhftCCVLToF7C9NHFQ4VcpH06wWP2I17N9mwa0p3NC4y6WXNpXYbxevLq9F3QGXop5Hb8EW4VOWg_WSFiRvDnfssbM-YjpfhFUdSUJwUNrZno1ij7TGlzalqABlq4QZH3OlzrdqzRw89hs/s1600/(11)%2BPizza.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tandoori Chicken Pizza Naan ($9.5)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Of course, we had to try something
from the Pizza and Wraps section as well, and we decided on the <b><u>Tandoori Chicken Pizza Naan</u></b>
($9.5). The naan was deliciously flaky and burnished, topped generously with
smoky chunks of chicken, crisp veggies, and cheese that stretched for miles. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz03bhnD_YomtQhtl4GOB2Ob5fmvArRnD7knfTE31xx0h56s0jkdHTkKkgjzbwBGWhP8liLFyhxXa7ag9jqcG_CQDDyu0U0lso-Hl7IIBrA8oDFYkig49MyJQd3mOs57pvX_kjD-MAMQg/s1600/(12)%2BCarrot%2BHalwa.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz03bhnD_YomtQhtl4GOB2Ob5fmvArRnD7knfTE31xx0h56s0jkdHTkKkgjzbwBGWhP8liLFyhxXa7ag9jqcG_CQDDyu0U0lso-Hl7IIBrA8oDFYkig49MyJQd3mOs57pvX_kjD-MAMQg/s1600/(12)%2BCarrot%2BHalwa.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carrot Halwa ($5)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I hate carrots in every single
incarnation, except as it turns out, the <b><u>Carrot
Halwa</u></b> ($5). The mixture of carrots, sugar, and clarified butter was
downright addictive, and I couldn’t keep my spoon away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Y-0HsNcD2wkzsmCYy2Lm0XU_IGcP4tn2r8FqiwWXklkBLhOMUGWvSfTH4vzXO2NHScfjKn44__d8U2Ka-3t5t5zDWqlBCUn41M_l7aeWRjLNgCEzaq0wVer1aFIiY-JJuPnuu_ROkbo/s1600/(13)%2BDonut.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Y-0HsNcD2wkzsmCYy2Lm0XU_IGcP4tn2r8FqiwWXklkBLhOMUGWvSfTH4vzXO2NHScfjKn44__d8U2Ka-3t5t5zDWqlBCUn41M_l7aeWRjLNgCEzaq0wVer1aFIiY-JJuPnuu_ROkbo/s1600/(13)%2BDonut.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gulab Jamun ($5, 2pcs) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMat9if8cKhv7MFbLbHyEVCqFs32VHD3U9-mIPaQ2y1Kf-ywq9DUnwd4SqBdesyKle8Z6xu2GN5PXii9gcr26gpyKvOZGFX0LNqD3eALoBxhT0aKqokJpA1BAY-pH75DEnTD96uyUewhk/s1600/(14)%2BDonut.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMat9if8cKhv7MFbLbHyEVCqFs32VHD3U9-mIPaQ2y1Kf-ywq9DUnwd4SqBdesyKle8Z6xu2GN5PXii9gcr26gpyKvOZGFX0LNqD3eALoBxhT0aKqokJpA1BAY-pH75DEnTD96uyUewhk/s1600/(14)%2BDonut.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gulab Jamun ($5, 2pcs) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">However, that’s not to say that the
<b><u>Gulab Jamun</u></b> ($5, 2pcs) wasn’t
a strong contender. These donuts were soaked through with hot syrup, their
sweetness balanced expertly between sinfully indulgent and cloying. They would
be stellar with a cup of strong mint tea. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Going by my relatively limited
experience with Indian food, I would say that Delhi Streets is the real deal, or
at least close to. We feasted like Sultans and Sultanas for just over $20 a
head, and a good time was had by all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Rating: 13/20 – chickpeas, lentils, and rice.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">This rating reflects my personal experience at the time of visit. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1940885/restaurant/CBD/Delhi-Streets-Melbourne"><img alt="Delhi Streets on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1940885/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>
<br />
<br />minghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02173537262392098472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043923915333387273.post-83656640590824115712015-05-14T09:00:00.000+10:002015-05-14T09:00:01.059+10:00Isabella's at Rochford<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="street-address"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">878 - 880 Maroondah Hwy</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="locality"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Coldstream, VIC</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span class="hidden-xs"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3770</span></span><br />
<a href="http://www.rochfordwines.com.au/"><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">http://www.rochfordwines.com.au/</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Though
I’ve yet to cultivate an appreciation for the mystery that is wine, I have
always loved the concept of wine tasting. Right now my palate is limited to
sweet dessert wines, and more recently, vermouth. With that said though, I constantly
feel as if understanding is dancing teasingly at the tips of my fingers, and maybe
the mystery of the grape will be laid bare for me with <i>just one more sip</i>! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">One
thing I do understand however is food, and although I don’t think drunk-driving
is crash-hot (see what I did there), there were no downsides to a trip out to
the Yarra Valley to sample the autumn menu at <b><u>Isabella’s at Rochford</u></b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Rochford
is a beautiful country estate nestled amongst acres of vineyards. Though it was
overcast, the panoramic view over the rolling hills was nevertheless
enchanting, especially amidst the tinkling of cutlery in a wood-fire scented
restaurant. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Before
getting to the restaurant however, we walked through the wine tasting bar, as
well as a boutique that sold the best of what the Yarra Valley has to offer.
There was everything from hand-poured candles to fat chunks of nougat, and
cheeky aprons to go with a cheeky bar of chocolate. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKtCz87fin5rfjZFmoDVrQNGvBhxIOnNLkzLEszdxuhMRvmrZW7f3aEnucUIfWkEdmsv0r1hsXYC-7L1Oc0ZTrzaapOR-iEzb9zJWoie3u6388YjV81IwuFjPFNWUi4wKXyVmjk_RX6c/s1600/(9)%2BBread.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKtCz87fin5rfjZFmoDVrQNGvBhxIOnNLkzLEszdxuhMRvmrZW7f3aEnucUIfWkEdmsv0r1hsXYC-7L1Oc0ZTrzaapOR-iEzb9zJWoie3u6388YjV81IwuFjPFNWUi4wKXyVmjk_RX6c/s1600/(9)%2BBread.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Multigrain Sourdough</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
autumn menu came as a choice of <b><u>Two
Courses</u></b> ($65) or <b><u>Three
Courses</u></b> ($73) from a set menu, and being the greedy guts that I am, I
insisted on the whole shebang. We whetted our appetites with a slice of warm <b><u>Multigrain Sourdough</u></b>, still
steaming from the oven, and a frothy swirl of whipped butter sprinkled with the
unmistakably earthy aroma of truffle. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHAe4T_LmOb20ez2-Q379peENhnVhXu4uCt6FHONFCGEeoUrVGzFeW0xFqmbEnCPOuqy86ijWPLEimXF3wiM1X_cQ2aA529wykS4x18gB8HwUDFPaFVlmC5UkFk5pnKFH3UrTg_gf3M20/s1600/(11)%2BToast.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHAe4T_LmOb20ez2-Q379peENhnVhXu4uCt6FHONFCGEeoUrVGzFeW0xFqmbEnCPOuqy86ijWPLEimXF3wiM1X_cQ2aA529wykS4x18gB8HwUDFPaFVlmC5UkFk5pnKFH3UrTg_gf3M20/s1600/(11)%2BToast.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crab Toast</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
<b><u>Crab Toast</u></b> was first, a thin
slice of toasted pumpernickel bread topped with shredded crab mixed with mayo
and herbs. Garnished with capers and chopped tomato, it was a light but
indulgent start to the meal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCyUA5g9TFFGK6lraYpG5hkPah9C6u05EOx3uL5gW6m5NDPcgACl7KtPaoLJL7TfsazWVz4G5AnNuq31Y28aro9eCyfsjEosJuhGte7ApzkjhLM9G-h67qUD68PdIaz-VFPEWk6zhM-o/s1600/(12)%2BSalad.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCyUA5g9TFFGK6lraYpG5hkPah9C6u05EOx3uL5gW6m5NDPcgACl7KtPaoLJL7TfsazWVz4G5AnNuq31Y28aro9eCyfsjEosJuhGte7ApzkjhLM9G-h67qUD68PdIaz-VFPEWk6zhM-o/s1600/(12)%2BSalad.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panzanella Salad</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Planning
for the long haul, we chose the <b><u>Panzanella
Salad</u></b> in favour of the corned beef sirloin, as we had some meat-heavy
mains to come. Though simple, the combination of house-made ricotta, croutons,
and tomatoes made for a surprisingly flavoursome salad.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg08wSrhUfh868emTRg7p4xKo8BKc4j0Rx9xlr0BnZzNqCc-vUSd1adYmVir2RPLGH0WyoWIktfOjeYsN1T-vFMForNMgY34VdL3IrVJQdTMRX_DEWx_905H2-0gVMbR2gZXewM1j-tYrQ/s1600/(13)%2BSalad.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg08wSrhUfh868emTRg7p4xKo8BKc4j0Rx9xlr0BnZzNqCc-vUSd1adYmVir2RPLGH0WyoWIktfOjeYsN1T-vFMForNMgY34VdL3IrVJQdTMRX_DEWx_905H2-0gVMbR2gZXewM1j-tYrQ/s1600/(13)%2BSalad.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Panzanella Salad</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
tomatoes were like multicoloured jewels, ranging in hue from the palest green
to a deep purple. The house-made herbed ricotta was smooth and creamy.
The oomph in the salad came from the petals of pickled onion, and the overall
result was delicate and refreshing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2ZSO2MrNIZJrO2YoaKA82dV5iOV5I_HpgVBqLHWvDqcKe57nhStJO9OQPWoHRzWTo1K0pvpkpVqIjtSwr3S2VtBu1D8PXmTtUbP8a95TyzbYS-_aF9ZA1cCQhr5ubkpNWmaqfDCbO08/s1600/(14)%2BFish.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2ZSO2MrNIZJrO2YoaKA82dV5iOV5I_HpgVBqLHWvDqcKe57nhStJO9OQPWoHRzWTo1K0pvpkpVqIjtSwr3S2VtBu1D8PXmTtUbP8a95TyzbYS-_aF9ZA1cCQhr5ubkpNWmaqfDCbO08/s1600/(14)%2BFish.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 10.6666669845581px; line-height: 21.3333358764648px; text-align: start;">Monkfish Medallions, Baby Calamari, and Jamon Serrano</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I
have a confession: I only ordered the <b><u>Monkfish
Medallions, Baby Calamari, and Jamon Serrano</u></b> because my stomach didn’t
feel up to taking on suckling pig, but it was a good thing that I did. The
monkfish fillets were firm but pearly, contrasting with the wrapper of smoky
jamon, then interrupted again by a smear of sharp lemon puree. The calamari was
similarly well done with a melt-in-the-mouth texture and a peppery batter. It
was all served on a bed of wild rice and crisp broccolini florets, dressed with
just a squeeze of lemon. Though clean and elegant, the jamon and the density of
the fish made it a surprisingly hearty meal – an absolutely delicious
transition from summer to autumn. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFz_f5Mcp7jRZONQQkQ5XJ3j6M4LhL9hUWgjvnjYtxHocf7XQFsIlMpNa6UK3ynKGPjUneI0LGxGQAXxqDLPH6OzMnH3bxA4sbrQLKZtBoqYiJX2TQun-9CNMC4uHka1rNk2M_gtvi3I/s1600/(15)%2BWellington.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFz_f5Mcp7jRZONQQkQ5XJ3j6M4LhL9hUWgjvnjYtxHocf7XQFsIlMpNa6UK3ynKGPjUneI0LGxGQAXxqDLPH6OzMnH3bxA4sbrQLKZtBoqYiJX2TQun-9CNMC4uHka1rNk2M_gtvi3I/s1600/(15)%2BWellington.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wagyu Wellington</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">There
was a $10 surcharge on the <b><u>Wagyu
Wellington</u></b>, but if you ask me, it was entirely justified. The medium
rare wagyu was gorgeously succulent, paying the high-grade beef the respect it
deserves. Slathered on top was an indulgent paste of mushroom and pate for an
extra burst of earthy umami. The golden layers of pastry initially flaked, then
melted as it soaked up the juices from the roast beef. It was all extremely
decadent, which made the fruity Pinot Noir jus all the more apt. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhocVNgZxqQ2yh1nyVJhUogGl1yMs6cAqoz6MX1dz3nWoNnIUPpYhJu_PNCQhMuhxyaHyEqDzvyAnTSSVWa69dKgQERWKyfIwNvuIE1u1kxMuWWakM7JFm7petbfDLsiMalD1w49nTZg/s1600/(20)%2BTiramisu.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhocVNgZxqQ2yh1nyVJhUogGl1yMs6cAqoz6MX1dz3nWoNnIUPpYhJu_PNCQhMuhxyaHyEqDzvyAnTSSVWa69dKgQERWKyfIwNvuIE1u1kxMuWWakM7JFm7petbfDLsiMalD1w49nTZg/s1600/(20)%2BTiramisu.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rochford Cappuccino</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It’s
not often that we order two desserts, so I took the chance to order something
Chris doesn’t fancy – the <b><u>Rochford
Cappuccino</u></b>. It was a tiramisu served whimsically in a coffee cup,
consisting of layers upon layers of thick custard, whipped cream, and fluffy
sponge, finished off with biscuit crumbs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguIuucJPoK5aqa4UW0o4REz9461K-zFDpeQLzhXT1w1eHUywVvuCFuwB3TzrmKXXCRwl-W0ESF8L5gzO91-xbGlDlY1YmMLqzKqky6naZcsLm93ajRg-jQaqeBk2mpjJNwwFkog20LjOo/s1600/(16)%2BBrownie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguIuucJPoK5aqa4UW0o4REz9461K-zFDpeQLzhXT1w1eHUywVvuCFuwB3TzrmKXXCRwl-W0ESF8L5gzO91-xbGlDlY1YmMLqzKqky6naZcsLm93ajRg-jQaqeBk2mpjJNwwFkog20LjOo/s1600/(16)%2BBrownie.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocolate Brownie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Meanwhile,
Chris couldn’t stay away from the <b><u>Chocolate
Brownie</u></b>, deconstructed and served with freeze-dried berries and chopped
nuts. It was unfortunate that it tasted nowhere as good as it looked, with the
only standout being the invigoratingly summery scoop of strawberry sorbet. Nevertheless,
Chris mopped it all up because hey, warm brownies. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Though
the food at Isabella’s was uninspiring, I still enjoyed the meal very much all
up. Everything was well-cooked, and though there was nothing unexpected,
everything was delicious, and I’m sure it would’ve been even better paired with
a few wines. And if you’re not into wining or dining, you can always take a
guided Segway tour of the vineyards. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Rating: 13.5/20 – the wellington was
delicious, no doubt aboot it!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This rating reflects my personal
experience at the time of visit.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Sweet and Sour Fork dined as a guest
of Isabella’s at Rochford. </span></i></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1500139/restaurant/Melbourne/Rochford-Winery-Restaurant-Coldstream"><img alt="Rochford Winery Restaurant on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1500139/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a><br />
<br />minghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02173537262392098472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043923915333387273.post-65261803551239677032015-05-11T09:00:00.000+10:002015-05-11T09:00:00.342+10:00Ayam Chef<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="street-address"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">67-69 Coventry St</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="locality"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Southbank, VIC</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <span style="box-sizing: border-box;"></span></span><span class="hidden-xs"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3006</span></span></span><br />
<a href="http://ayamchef.com.au/">http://ayamchef.com.au/</a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">When I make my fortune, I am going
to buy a luxurious studio apartment in either South Yarra or Southbank and live
the high life. The apartment will have 5 star hotel-worthy facilities, million
dollar views, and be within walking distance of dozens of good places to eat.
In the meantime, I’ll just settle for sleuthing out nice restaurants, and <b><u>Ayam Chef</u></b> makes a good point for
Southbank.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSawDqRjEOzzNYTbn4q2EF2PcMPws0GMCcC1MHs0p8pEO-chFPK_JGtUS0DRHORFVidFT2G9zv_WQnCFP_cv3QSbD2EiS-Z3pXHhYGQyMXbQfe2hieOOvLooaIQdzSml37Gxaqh6sOUf4/s1600/(1)%2BExterior.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSawDqRjEOzzNYTbn4q2EF2PcMPws0GMCcC1MHs0p8pEO-chFPK_JGtUS0DRHORFVidFT2G9zv_WQnCFP_cv3QSbD2EiS-Z3pXHhYGQyMXbQfe2hieOOvLooaIQdzSml37Gxaqh6sOUf4/s1600/(1)%2BExterior.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU4sHe0k2CcuJwMkiyvFrP_ats1zljPLMHyOVASIgEj6OFZCouugljNkqhLTwrTrNHwfOI0aGpTVs_dpFh4m_kV56hD0C0Ek_a9Xyw92bzdJN5rLcLLGRSjs78yy5otiph-nc3N5Ovuv4/s1600/(2)%2BExterior.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU4sHe0k2CcuJwMkiyvFrP_ats1zljPLMHyOVASIgEj6OFZCouugljNkqhLTwrTrNHwfOI0aGpTVs_dpFh4m_kV56hD0C0Ek_a9Xyw92bzdJN5rLcLLGRSjs78yy5otiph-nc3N5Ovuv4/s1600/(2)%2BExterior.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">When I think about Southbank,
Malaysian food does not tend to follow. After all, what does the folksy street
food of South East Asia have to do with an illustrious suburb in Melbourne? As
it turns out, Ayam Chef fits right in with its bright and modern interior,
fitted out with lots of sleek dark tables and a tropically-influenced mural.
Though it’s a bit canteen-like, it doesn’t feel tacky at all, and is really
rather welcoming. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6DK6IEOY_9v31rMWdgD0knAl3ncnz5viw5HirV3CmVcIsSrXzmCgAU77mkhXk7xHio_tmjytiBaUZw-EpcRQ-It_Mo5hXG62wxlDd4oisl7LED5838R3k0TFixAJGMgXjwGGy6GXZWOU/s1600/(4)%2BSoy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6DK6IEOY_9v31rMWdgD0knAl3ncnz5viw5HirV3CmVcIsSrXzmCgAU77mkhXk7xHio_tmjytiBaUZw-EpcRQ-It_Mo5hXG62wxlDd4oisl7LED5838R3k0TFixAJGMgXjwGGy6GXZWOU/s1600/(4)%2BSoy.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soy Milk ($2.8)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Like most Asian restaurants, the
menu is designed to share. Whilst I browsed through my choices, I sipped on a
tall, sweet glass of <b><u>Soy Milk</u></b>
($2.8).<b><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-83oH1qQc9zNLidqPTyYjQ_nZztZtcOx9jArD5OSoF0pXFb57VxRlpDUtSLrNR_cf6_aIKQQJ-pNhupTQ0QufDdDTPZcSG1fLu1kfhxSUGLxnOoi750Lrve4ZIiOIaWprB33ehB83ncA/s1600/(5)%2BPancakes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-83oH1qQc9zNLidqPTyYjQ_nZztZtcOx9jArD5OSoF0pXFb57VxRlpDUtSLrNR_cf6_aIKQQJ-pNhupTQ0QufDdDTPZcSG1fLu1kfhxSUGLxnOoi750Lrve4ZIiOIaWprB33ehB83ncA/s1600/(5)%2BPancakes.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crunchy School Prawns and Chives Pancakes ($6, 2pcs)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">In the end, I asked our waitress to
give me a hand, and she suggested that we try the <b><u>Crunchy School Prawns and Chives Pancakes</u></b> ($6, 2pcs). This dish
gave a fantastically refined twist to the greasy chive pancakes of my
childhood. Light and golden, they were embedded with crunchy school prawns, and
absolutely mouth-watering when dipped into the sauce of lime and fresh red
chillies. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifcwhMXKUMZiu2B3SPqfUs4tNs1IfzQs6iLUgoX0SNZg0WNbn5R1zU1DV2vS0QH1D95Xc_vpFZ6QsWVnh-JbAXi0AVCqpIYVFDHEDwfEt2JmqmP1GQg86NU1GZnkicswNLGt1MQukSXJs/s1600/(6)%2BLobak.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifcwhMXKUMZiu2B3SPqfUs4tNs1IfzQs6iLUgoX0SNZg0WNbn5R1zU1DV2vS0QH1D95Xc_vpFZ6QsWVnh-JbAXi0AVCqpIYVFDHEDwfEt2JmqmP1GQg86NU1GZnkicswNLGt1MQukSXJs/s1600/(6)%2BLobak.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lobak ($8, 2pcs)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Similarly delicious was our snack
of <b><u>Lobak</u></b> ($8, 2pcs).
Ensconced in the brittle parchment of fried tofu skin was a moist filling of
minced pork. It was warmly seasoned with the unmistakable aroma of 5-spice
powder, and the addition of finely chopped black fungus gave it an addictive
element of crunch. Have it with or without the plum sauce – it’s all good.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCtfhuD47TpckT860SeJsffyot_qHG7Ac5gUM3TMsAf3KXqPth1i9TRbYkPTgTdQM5L6LZVy71dYDjkVwWexkxeXWR7JcCbxvT6gJ_NKoci3wGa0tlTC7DZMxKhXElK7M7_aL9xHltO_0/s1600/(8)%2BEggplant.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCtfhuD47TpckT860SeJsffyot_qHG7Ac5gUM3TMsAf3KXqPth1i9TRbYkPTgTdQM5L6LZVy71dYDjkVwWexkxeXWR7JcCbxvT6gJ_NKoci3wGa0tlTC7DZMxKhXElK7M7_aL9xHltO_0/s1600/(8)%2BEggplant.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sambal Eggplant ($17) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">One look at the <b><u>Sambal Eggplant</u></b> ($17) and I knew
it was going to be bursting with flavour. The plump strips of eggplant
glistened with oil, and each piece was infused with the briny, exotic flavour
of sambal – chilli, fried shallots, and shrimp. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4lkWtMM9uEXi84j1BQrKSAPmSFyPVsbPjhnqqmlaSHyeEXX3TWHT7gThHyasl9Dffrnm6Tf5rGzAJggKQOJPVIzaLry55bzJZdXCsy3Jdwq-njzJy8P2BW4WsjSHAwQI99eNQrG-_Ok/s1600/(9)%2BEggplant.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4lkWtMM9uEXi84j1BQrKSAPmSFyPVsbPjhnqqmlaSHyeEXX3TWHT7gThHyasl9Dffrnm6Tf5rGzAJggKQOJPVIzaLry55bzJZdXCsy3Jdwq-njzJy8P2BW4WsjSHAwQI99eNQrG-_Ok/s1600/(9)%2BEggplant.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sambal Eggplant ($17) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">For a little variance on the
texture, the eggplant was stir-fried with slippery pieces of okra, and beans
that still had their crunch. It was a quintessentially Malaysian dish that was
perfect with rice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhamBMfnyCqE_h9_aWbTkgk36EHpS8y3o1gBESmS1sXPlNpzGhHLgwZbmrpVWWTX6bdXdXoXhLPQ0xKlIsKVKeEH5sejs1WFatO_2szmcuUhrK5E8tSG1Uytkc7uJNGZBZSZOsMzwdN3oI/s1600/(11)%2BPrawn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhamBMfnyCqE_h9_aWbTkgk36EHpS8y3o1gBESmS1sXPlNpzGhHLgwZbmrpVWWTX6bdXdXoXhLPQ0xKlIsKVKeEH5sejs1WFatO_2szmcuUhrK5E8tSG1Uytkc7uJNGZBZSZOsMzwdN3oI/s1600/(11)%2BPrawn.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coconut Butter Prawns ($22) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The <b><u>Coconut Butter Prawns</u></b> ($22) was a more modern take on
Malaysian cuisine. The massive prawns were quickly pan-fried before being
coated with an aromatic buttered coconut crumb. The texture of the prawns was
astounding; it was bouncy and succulent, and the freshness was exquisite. Though
the serving had initially seemed small, the richness actually meant that I needed
way less than I had expected. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP4UUgE-NSfSWDjDdzDzD_HCdw6RMIaaJ2Yc-y7ybfsW1tG3H_3yghe7LIPpHmQwNaMomM0Cr5oQBwJRHPy4IVM9_zEztLnT5pEi6hOU5XnhgLqHb_BffwTxDsLZQzUk6Y11xOrySrTJk/s1600/(12)%2BDessert.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP4UUgE-NSfSWDjDdzDzD_HCdw6RMIaaJ2Yc-y7ybfsW1tG3H_3yghe7LIPpHmQwNaMomM0Cr5oQBwJRHPy4IVM9_zEztLnT5pEi6hOU5XnhgLqHb_BffwTxDsLZQzUk6Y11xOrySrTJk/s1600/(12)%2BDessert.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kueh Dada ($7.5) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Now that Chris has decided that he
does like coconut after all, we have a much easier time choosing dessert at
Asian restaurants. The <b><u>Kueh Dada</u></b> ($7.5) was presented
beautifully, the jade-green crepes wrapped around shredded coconut soaked in
palm sugar. On the side were scoops of coconut ice cream, which was studded
with pieces of frozen coconut and finished with a drizzle of chocolate. I felt
that this dish suffered from an identity crisis, as it couldn’t decide if it
wanted to be Asian or Western. However it tasted good enough, and looked lovely
enough, that I couldn’t really bring myself to care. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">My meal at Ayam Chef brought to
mind one of the most delicious meals I had in Malaysia at a local seafood
restaurant. It is quite a few steps up from the hawker-styled dishes you’re
likely to find at the Malaysian restaurants around Melbourne, and showcases the
flavours Malaysia has to offer beyond noodles and rice. Though the portions are
slightly on the small side, it is definitely worth a visit if you’re in the
area.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Rating: 13.5/20 – classy malaysia.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">This rating reflects my personal experience at the time of visit.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Sweet and Sour Fork dined as a guest of Ayam Chef.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1854022/restaurant/Melbourne/South-Melbourne/Ayam-Chef-Southbank"><img alt="Ayam Chef on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1854022/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>
<br />
<br />minghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02173537262392098472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043923915333387273.post-63728527337437903032015-05-07T09:00:00.000+10:002015-05-07T09:00:03.522+10:00JD's Burgers<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="street-address"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">85 Willsmere Rd</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="locality"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Kew, VIC</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <span style="box-sizing: border-box;"></span></span><span class="hidden-xs"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3101<span style="background: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://jdsburgers.com.au/">http://jdsburgers.com.au/</a></span></span><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">What does an 8-layer burger look like?<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizu6DPMyYFUbbr_olOXa8x2XnnbihSLTShP3eyscor_CacBgR3CKlSe7MHndMMrcr1yMNI0O7iHUtrdpORmI3eXZJu05BxJp8I975rxa45LdwFdZgNGI389n1s2Ht4NdUXz3odIBpOhdk/s1600/(6)%2BSaiyan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizu6DPMyYFUbbr_olOXa8x2XnnbihSLTShP3eyscor_CacBgR3CKlSe7MHndMMrcr1yMNI0O7iHUtrdpORmI3eXZJu05BxJp8I975rxa45LdwFdZgNGI389n1s2Ht4NdUXz3odIBpOhdk/s1600/(6)%2BSaiyan.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2kg Legendary Super Saiyan Burger Challenge ($50)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This</span></i><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">.
It looks like <i>this</i>. It looks like regrets
and dreams stacked into a 2kg monstrosity of cholesterol and saturated fats.
Thankfully I wasn’t the one who ordered this.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1Jj-GDaE7b7OJcVVUOLCJ2BWLtOReYNCzqqPDT09bM6T5WU7Hz0w5AHGfsdEz4e95w54hhBIMHBXF36-HfAgzf3C54Cxlw2znGe15WIi_jp7n6UaktQI0cSA3Lph44ahk_MPB4lPZxs/s1600/(3)%2BInterior.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1Jj-GDaE7b7OJcVVUOLCJ2BWLtOReYNCzqqPDT09bM6T5WU7Hz0w5AHGfsdEz4e95w54hhBIMHBXF36-HfAgzf3C54Cxlw2znGe15WIi_jp7n6UaktQI0cSA3Lph44ahk_MPB4lPZxs/s1600/(3)%2BInterior.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 17px;">This guy was the one who ordered it.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvflHzORePC9i_z_JRmlzt4xxF9Be_pqweUEOxizv9F7yS_1ZBZGBfwbBQiEZpsnhEKZgXMolQt9Y2TbtMWu9SZZVMrv5HJ3JMkK_uLQEXrjHbiry0TDJF7dZ-a_60trjLmxwdKXBaxs/s1600/(2)%2BMenu.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvflHzORePC9i_z_JRmlzt4xxF9Be_pqweUEOxizv9F7yS_1ZBZGBfwbBQiEZpsnhEKZgXMolQt9Y2TbtMWu9SZZVMrv5HJ3JMkK_uLQEXrjHbiry0TDJF7dZ-a_60trjLmxwdKXBaxs/s1600/(2)%2BMenu.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Hidden
away on a suburban shopping strip in Kew is <b><u>JD’s Burgers</u></b>, a small take-away burger cafe that is popular
with locals, tradies, and people turning in their dignity for a chance at the
glory of completing the burger
challenge. In comparison, the promise of Asian fusion burgers almost fades into
the background. But I’m a little more conscious about the condition of my
arteries, so instead of unhinging my jaw on the 8-layer monstrosity, I decided to
check out what happens to burgers when east meets west. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bUb5kth4nLweP_P-z8Dus_cOP12H5YlDhAm8RpUHECjGDFPVFpJgsseH377_6eMlLoo-7ZHHj-2LeCx0CKpRerRgIjsidLb9U_ng7xSG28PLE-wfwhezWuYBP3Wfn6VrBPScfZFtM4U/s1600/(10)%2BBeef.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bUb5kth4nLweP_P-z8Dus_cOP12H5YlDhAm8RpUHECjGDFPVFpJgsseH377_6eMlLoo-7ZHHj-2LeCx0CKpRerRgIjsidLb9U_ng7xSG28PLE-wfwhezWuYBP3Wfn6VrBPScfZFtM4U/s1600/(10)%2BBeef.JPG" style="cursor: move;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JD's Mighty Beef Burger ($12)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">As
great as fusion creations may be, what is a local burger shop if it can’t get
the basics right? I tested JD’s mettle with their signature burger, the <b><u>JD’s Mighty Beef Burger</u></b> ($12).
Though thick and juicy, the patty erred towards blandness, and the cheese was
only semi-melted. The rasher of bacon on the other hand was intoxicatingly
smoky, combining well with the glazed brioche bun. Despite its flaws, it was a
satisfyingly sloppy burger that earned itself a generous pass. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwvX0tbSHtmSj4qHH4BcD4rH4mm12vBKXVnFG8Lw1BYAISDSW-kn4hVWIldBZ5R7vANmUKNJK4Yv7bBqTLVV-weDja7PDdhgRKzBKC49K0l6mjXn0cGOmsWGKAF1G_n1I0rZ-DBZ4Fbw/s1600/(9)%2BCurry.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwvX0tbSHtmSj4qHH4BcD4rH4mm12vBKXVnFG8Lw1BYAISDSW-kn4hVWIldBZ5R7vANmUKNJK4Yv7bBqTLVV-weDja7PDdhgRKzBKC49K0l6mjXn0cGOmsWGKAF1G_n1I0rZ-DBZ4Fbw/s1600/(9)%2BCurry.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Japanese Curry Chicken Burger ($11)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Of
course, I couldn’t leave without trying something weird and wonderful as well.
Though there are influences from all over Asia, including Korea, Vietnam, and
Hong Kong, I couldn’t resist the <b><u>Japanese
Chicken Curry Burger</u><i> </i></b>($11),
which combined two things I love to eat. Between the same glossy buns was,
quite literally, a scoop of saucy chicken curry, complete with chunks of
potato. It was accompanied simply by fresh salad and a smear of Kewpie mayo. Even
though it was unusual, it was unexpectedly delicious, even when there was
nothing but sauce and bun left.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gHqy6rrsP8Q319kXdeHOxCwHFBKJUWOBeEqoIerzeMCtMdFhmuv0syCo1QyTLO6hbReDXI7i5iYe9t27t_UrANxcXPgT7rzNEq1nFF3Vq21csBTBRPvkdb3WnV88ty9AULOX61u43-w/s1600/(7)%2BChips.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gHqy6rrsP8Q319kXdeHOxCwHFBKJUWOBeEqoIerzeMCtMdFhmuv0syCo1QyTLO6hbReDXI7i5iYe9t27t_UrANxcXPgT7rzNEq1nFF3Vq21csBTBRPvkdb3WnV88ty9AULOX61u43-w/s1600/(7)%2BChips.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beer Battered Chips with Special Seasoning ($4.5, small)/JD's Homemade Aurora Chip Sauce ($2)/Aioli Dipping Sauce ($2)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I
have a confession: I only went to the gym that morning so I could have an order
of <b><u>Beer Battered Fries</u></b> ($4.5,
small) without feeling guilty. They would’ve been worth it regardless, with
their lightly seasoned exterior and mushy centre. We also sampled the two
dipping sauces on offer – a thick and potent <b><u>Garlic Aioli</u></b> ($2) which I loved, and the tangy <b><u>Aurora Chip Sauce</u></b> ($2) made with
mayo and a secret ingredient. I thought it tasted like a faintly Asian pickle
relish but alas, my tastebuds weren’t clever enough to work it out.</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Despite
the novelty factor of the Legendary Super Saiyan Challenge, JD’s is still a
legitimate place for a decent burger. They have their classics down pat, whilst
offering a wacky range of fusion burgers for the adventurous. There are plenty
of chicken, fish, and vegetarian options, and you can even build your own
sandwich from scratch. Aside from the extremely health-conscious, there’s
likely something for everybody here. </span></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Rating: 13/20 – kamehameha!!</span></b><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This rating reflects my personal
experience at the time of visit.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Sweet and Sour Fork dined as a guest
of JD’s Burgers</span></i><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1876515/restaurant/Melbourne/JDs-Burgers-Asian-Fusion-Kew"><img alt="JD's Burgers - Asian Fusion on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1876515/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>
<br />
<br />minghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02173537262392098472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043923915333387273.post-79000058222665246822015-05-04T09:00:00.000+10:002015-05-04T09:00:03.782+10:00Kao Thai<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="street-address"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">347 Sydney Rd</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="locality"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Brunswick, VIC</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span class="hidden-xs"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3056<span style="background: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%;">I like relaxing on Friday nights with a good meal, but that’s
often complicated by the need to blog said meal. And that’s why I find myself
foregoing the fancy Friday night date more and more, in lieu of a simple and
companionable dinner. The multi-course tapas blog post can wait for when I’m a
little more awake. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxR9tTWzhOEhTyGPSXE3GdH1GsPLsfuabRP2nCaRfW32mGMCUu2EM6h8vZaqdKIkdGhpv1bx7IWTbHJepQmyGkBNKr6nfx3DaxwCj-yeSaWzkVMVOU4LCko4BiB806A9KtG_-72wuUC78/s1600/(2)%2BCounter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxR9tTWzhOEhTyGPSXE3GdH1GsPLsfuabRP2nCaRfW32mGMCUu2EM6h8vZaqdKIkdGhpv1bx7IWTbHJepQmyGkBNKr6nfx3DaxwCj-yeSaWzkVMVOU4LCko4BiB806A9KtG_-72wuUC78/s1600/(2)%2BCounter.JPG" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrO742ucwmREqbBDrrU-t6D2rSHhroxkMYVwUlqizqvF9aAPtNdnzhYjiYzNi8u4M2VGqFE8kUCtX4HxEEsaxMr-uXEW9ZJ-YrT3tePALyQ94PrDOcoCGDNBmTyqqA8hukAH4HHXgR9Tw/s1600/(3)%2BMenu.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrO742ucwmREqbBDrrU-t6D2rSHhroxkMYVwUlqizqvF9aAPtNdnzhYjiYzNi8u4M2VGqFE8kUCtX4HxEEsaxMr-uXEW9ZJ-YrT3tePALyQ94PrDOcoCGDNBmTyqqA8hukAH4HHXgR9Tw/s1600/(3)%2BMenu.JPG" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Though my love for authentic Thai food is undying, I have to
admit I’ve developed a bit of a grudging soft spot for its mildly westernised
incarnation. And despite plenty of reviews insisting that <b><u>Kao Thai</u></b> is the best and most authentic Thai food in Melbourne,
I was pretty sure that at least the second part of that statement is a bit of a
fib. Still, that doesn’t bother me as much as it used to, and I was happy to
settle for something simple and delicious. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1SoqdYfW3ltbg-b8vDQndSmepaDStnlbMexQwbcLrT2CQkBQZhWcTuBvATPlW3Ur7EJ-u5Ma2byAm47AhnclGj9HNNcKmEQpCB71U00oKJH6C2xPlG8YMbofaABduM-IQXlqAORr5H5g/s1600/(1)%2BCompilation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1SoqdYfW3ltbg-b8vDQndSmepaDStnlbMexQwbcLrT2CQkBQZhWcTuBvATPlW3Ur7EJ-u5Ma2byAm47AhnclGj9HNNcKmEQpCB71U00oKJH6C2xPlG8YMbofaABduM-IQXlqAORr5H5g/s1600/(1)%2BCompilation.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Like most places along Sydney Road, Kao Thai is homely but
incredibly cramped. There is however a quiet and pretty little walkway, which
led to a quaint sheltered courtyard. Though everything was simple, it was all
very welcoming, and none of it was gaudy or overdone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qLxvNTBtoLQ8oYYeU7drHFZ5ZFTzKANvcMHBIyAt-Ce_jPNZA6ZTpRhMW41cS-plflNeFhNSNJE9a1MY-YIMsZwALsuAPvo75u2X5JcLvMTWC9plhDSId7B6kk7dAfYtQMYMdtKMerM/s1600/(6)%2BTea.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qLxvNTBtoLQ8oYYeU7drHFZ5ZFTzKANvcMHBIyAt-Ce_jPNZA6ZTpRhMW41cS-plflNeFhNSNJE9a1MY-YIMsZwALsuAPvo75u2X5JcLvMTWC9plhDSId7B6kk7dAfYtQMYMdtKMerM/s1600/(6)%2BTea.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thai Milk Tea ($3.5)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%;">I’m a big lover of <b><u>Thai
Milk Tea</u></b> ($3.5), but whilst this had the milky sweetness and enticing
orange colour, it failed to deliver on the actual tea aspect. If you don’t like
tea, you’ll love this tea. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcRilkaPny7z9hSHw1eMJSmGYLfaNuA3mWLL5gJibUqeYuHPASKt9jqMQysMW3TRk3LfnYNRn0w9ZZpOJyrxKfwoz5zVRNTvTgWcReJSNVcoufWSo40dz1RknovYRDa8_6_oanYLm_ohg/s1600/(8)%2BNoodle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcRilkaPny7z9hSHw1eMJSmGYLfaNuA3mWLL5gJibUqeYuHPASKt9jqMQysMW3TRk3LfnYNRn0w9ZZpOJyrxKfwoz5zVRNTvTgWcReJSNVcoufWSo40dz1RknovYRDa8_6_oanYLm_ohg/s1600/(8)%2BNoodle.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pad Keemao with Beef ($13.9) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Our plate of <b><u>Pad Keemao
with Beef</u></b> ($13.9) was rather good. Though the wok-smoke and fish sauce
made the rice noodles taste more Malaysian than Thai, the balance was shifted
back by the distinct aroma of Thai basil and a small amount of green
peppercorns. It was actually very tasty,
the mouthfuls of slippery rice noodles going down a treat with the crunch of
vegetables and tender sliced beef. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXqv2JVbuXPP2I0hLqwZzMEBEViybXU8mS_SkqqI-8c33dfUMp90TO5ytZSc4qhogkWJ5t56o5d-vUdFnZqHp26r9DNe4jBkdZD5EknmVnBgeB5lG8fXAwx-7rOvn-nxnGHQSlvXPJfL0/s1600/(9)%2BCurry.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXqv2JVbuXPP2I0hLqwZzMEBEViybXU8mS_SkqqI-8c33dfUMp90TO5ytZSc4qhogkWJ5t56o5d-vUdFnZqHp26r9DNe4jBkdZD5EknmVnBgeB5lG8fXAwx-7rOvn-nxnGHQSlvXPJfL0/s1600/(9)%2BCurry.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Chicken Curry ($14.9)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Similarly hearty and delicious was the <b><u>Red Chicken Curry</u></b> ($14.9). Despite my initial impression of
‘this is much too sweet!’, the coconut cream actually segued well into a deep,
aromatic richness, with just a hint of spiciness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxLiFeF4TbHoQnFwygqS2OxMVLjCZRJwD6Vh6mvco24Zh6beWzliHmp5do5hXQEaz7WSkK1Zf7TcWn6k2QVnszaHz2SqoUPbM6gkAKJaEFpRe8pey8RCZ0yfzsxRRyQvjhnZC71jNkp7Y/s1600/(10)%2BCurry.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxLiFeF4TbHoQnFwygqS2OxMVLjCZRJwD6Vh6mvco24Zh6beWzliHmp5do5hXQEaz7WSkK1Zf7TcWn6k2QVnszaHz2SqoUPbM6gkAKJaEFpRe8pey8RCZ0yfzsxRRyQvjhnZC71jNkp7Y/s1600/(10)%2BCurry.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Chicken Curry ($14.9)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%;">The gravy was well balanced between the warm and comfort of
cumin and red chillies, and the sharper additions of lemongrass, kaffir lime,
and peppercorns. The chicken was doled out in large chunks, and the vegetables
were once again crisp and fresh. There was way too much curry there for a
single serve of <b><u>Jasmine Rice</u></b>
($2.5), no matter how generously we scooped the sauce on, and I was left
dolefully eyeing the remainder. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Despite only being semi-authentic, I liked Kao Thai way more
than I thought I would. The food was unchallenging and delicious, and sometimes
that’s really all I’m after. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Rating: 13.5/20 – easy
blogging.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%;">This rating reflects my
personal experience at the time of visit. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1720748/restaurant/Melbourne/Kao-Thai-Restaurant-Brunswick"><img alt="Kao Thai Restaurant on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1720748/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>
<br />
<br />minghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02173537262392098472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043923915333387273.post-59989515085763680962015-04-30T09:00:00.000+10:002015-04-30T09:00:01.529+10:00Scarvelli Cafe<span class="street-address"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">143 Whitehorse Road</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="locality"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Balwyn, VIC</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span class="hidden-xs"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3103<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Living in the outer eastern suburbs
of Melbourne, I am a bit short on luck when it comes to brunch. However, I
don’t live in Melbourne for nothing. Though few and far in between, there are
quite a few well-regarded cafes in the east, though most of them are clustered
closer to the CBD. One that would come to most people’s minds is <u><a href="http://sweetandsourfork.blogspot.com.au/2014/06/snow-pony.html">Snow Pony</a></u>,
but just down the road from that is <b><u>Scarvelli
Cafe</u></b>, doing a roaring trade in all things brunch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ley5AHEHbhHuXQTj_u6TzN5OKHyBgnoCWOuho4oebSIUvWv7sbkUny71P42xYGrOxZ8RjUazwUC0nJmzOCdEXXUekjdZ8Wk0CYj350GgSVtu-vy9BtAcwDLsWtbeK5XdS-IHdtYhyJ8/s1600/(1)%2BExterior.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ley5AHEHbhHuXQTj_u6TzN5OKHyBgnoCWOuho4oebSIUvWv7sbkUny71P42xYGrOxZ8RjUazwUC0nJmzOCdEXXUekjdZ8Wk0CYj350GgSVtu-vy9BtAcwDLsWtbeK5XdS-IHdtYhyJ8/s1600/(1)%2BExterior.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT55YW2kjnA9LJgNgW2Goab8Jad8ad8icxxWsHLbnqreUXwSLi4p7qNvNWk2VAETyvwFX40j4Zt0OojdvSlDlooHxeXycQtNiKzXXYbtciiesfOuYxbqFEbYw-TXR_FyhHGhxAqqry46g/s1600/(2)%2BInterior.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT55YW2kjnA9LJgNgW2Goab8Jad8ad8icxxWsHLbnqreUXwSLi4p7qNvNWk2VAETyvwFX40j4Zt0OojdvSlDlooHxeXycQtNiKzXXYbtciiesfOuYxbqFEbYw-TXR_FyhHGhxAqqry46g/s1600/(2)%2BInterior.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYESLvvzTImHrluLrRrGSuwDbxPthMx0j8jBtdIEfR9iDR3TE7CZpIu7MlyX96AJqOcUBRkYozQh2A3hM7_kf1A-3IB7V8zmqcmy2sOhJU8lzjKPvHhK0TWG6YqYnu7DWMlP_mOvoxGc/s1600/(4)%2BCompilation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYESLvvzTImHrluLrRrGSuwDbxPthMx0j8jBtdIEfR9iDR3TE7CZpIu7MlyX96AJqOcUBRkYozQh2A3hM7_kf1A-3IB7V8zmqcmy2sOhJU8lzjKPvHhK0TWG6YqYnu7DWMlP_mOvoxGc/s1600/(4)%2BCompilation.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">To ease my sister’s back-to-school
and dentist appointment blues (I know, the poor kid), I promised her brunch as
a treat. As we cruised down the highway, Scarvelli Cafe shouted out to us with
an enormous graffiti painting of an eldritch woman, and before long we had
parked the car in a side street, and our buttocks on some chairs by the window. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxnu9xJRUwFtu-GGMqcYNXzNjnFP49obsTiehbg1INWCywJqEvDlOwuGTJ4jVk6_rtVFwIWYqWFoVjRmSSYDvpowQ2Pong335F2IcxJ7O0KWCcmKJ7NKSA1C1r-lj80WZ6sF5Au6i9j0/s1600/(3)%2BInterior.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxnu9xJRUwFtu-GGMqcYNXzNjnFP49obsTiehbg1INWCywJqEvDlOwuGTJ4jVk6_rtVFwIWYqWFoVjRmSSYDvpowQ2Pong335F2IcxJ7O0KWCcmKJ7NKSA1C1r-lj80WZ6sF5Au6i9j0/s1600/(3)%2BInterior.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvW17f__y3QWs4xDd-ZfB3wQ9kv1ZTJa5kh5d2rqmAh5rAK00EegigC_CUSISqqHdlZ84WZXv6swd_YtYesjsFmEapbJs1CGJlIJg5IBPPvmibrs7kKFXo3Q3JaM4u6_OKLlb4gd_UMjI/s1600/(7)%2BFlowers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvW17f__y3QWs4xDd-ZfB3wQ9kv1ZTJa5kh5d2rqmAh5rAK00EegigC_CUSISqqHdlZ84WZXv6swd_YtYesjsFmEapbJs1CGJlIJg5IBPPvmibrs7kKFXo3Q3JaM4u6_OKLlb4gd_UMjI/s1600/(7)%2BFlowers.JPG" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh4pjfn2b2c-Yuvq5NzFO85RD-wc_xURm70EI1mwqcXXpxSJeMULMwP6aEe9JciQvIeiMmbjDgCOsasDYQJ0Zht4tXJiYzlfqKuBSJfiqm9sG1G2FeRPahUmkZyA30FgGjTkRnFAj5TgI/s1600/(6)%2BCourtyard.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh4pjfn2b2c-Yuvq5NzFO85RD-wc_xURm70EI1mwqcXXpxSJeMULMwP6aEe9JciQvIeiMmbjDgCOsasDYQJ0Zht4tXJiYzlfqKuBSJfiqm9sG1G2FeRPahUmkZyA30FgGjTkRnFAj5TgI/s1600/(6)%2BCourtyard.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">It always amazes me when I see a
restaurant in my end of town decorated with a patchwork of creative
thrift-store knick-knacks. Generally speaking, I’m used to seeing cafes that
are comfortable, but lacking in character. Otherwise, there is so much
character that it makes you wish the cutlery wasn’t so chipped, and the tables
weren’t so grotty. Scarvelli however is a true Melbourne cafe, dressed up with
freshly trimmed posies, rusted pots impersonating lampshades, and an unusually
high number of moose-related pieces. There
was even a spacious courtyard out back; it’s a shame the weather was so
blustery that day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpgv9SjCg6ucrH1oLtBWuNWYanRkNRDSP-Cjo3YJo-cj_NnKgyY6aXjOKMYNCzs8ZXPt0s4QZXZZ0wrEhY5mX-kykI4SDtokeqMYNYiB8SUvbrqPsj5XDGZw0NkhKilM55lyNMPYULSEY/s1600/(8)%2BJuice.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpgv9SjCg6ucrH1oLtBWuNWYanRkNRDSP-Cjo3YJo-cj_NnKgyY6aXjOKMYNCzs8ZXPt0s4QZXZZ0wrEhY5mX-kykI4SDtokeqMYNYiB8SUvbrqPsj5XDGZw0NkhKilM55lyNMPYULSEY/s1600/(8)%2BJuice.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apple and Watermelon Juice ($6.5) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I heartily recommended the <b><u>Apple and Watermelon Juice</u></b>
($6.5) to my sister, in the fear that if left to her own devices, she might
decide to have a milkshake before noon. It was a good decision, as the juice
turned out to be fresh and sweet, with just a hint of seasonal tartness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJHRsu_JLjSqTFb9DmoKJNsiYmEPd70YdcT0-xsox2vbmhpYBQyyn9LvvIOvo8n82MIvQu2WOXiaMweYnG9ud7zWNP1UJK1VdECyf4VHlPUUzqJWz-Scrd9sUjB8vcAfhjLrJ9wJeQJjk/s1600/(9)%2BCoffee.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJHRsu_JLjSqTFb9DmoKJNsiYmEPd70YdcT0-xsox2vbmhpYBQyyn9LvvIOvo8n82MIvQu2WOXiaMweYnG9ud7zWNP1UJK1VdECyf4VHlPUUzqJWz-Scrd9sUjB8vcAfhjLrJ9wJeQJjk/s1600/(9)%2BCoffee.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skinny Flat White ($3.8) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I, on the other hand, am a grownup,
and therefore don’t need to take my own advice. And that’s how I ended up
drinking my entire <b><u>Skinny Flat White</u></b>
($3.8) on an empty stomach, <i>after<u> </u></i>going
to the gym. Even though I was jittery afterwards, it was well worth it. With
some help from the tasting notes, I found notes of plum and chocolate in my
brew, but unfortunately the sweet citrus escaped me. It was a big, comforting
cup with a smooth, rich aroma. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bhDLmUhu92oMmxxJmHJd4lIYWhLPr_KRrl7K8PpG7HvPyDToNfq6atEmcT4QJH9CZ0-4g-bTBwjyJwhjTc4heEiW_Sy1U90J7pnLnQN_ZshelQYsag40JI40FFstDToowXD1z_Ww5Nk/s1600/(10)%2BBurger.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bhDLmUhu92oMmxxJmHJd4lIYWhLPr_KRrl7K8PpG7HvPyDToNfq6atEmcT4QJH9CZ0-4g-bTBwjyJwhjTc4heEiW_Sy1U90J7pnLnQN_ZshelQYsag40JI40FFstDToowXD1z_Ww5Nk/s1600/(10)%2BBurger.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wagyu Burger ($20)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Though I didn’t like her having the
milkshake, I couldn’t deny my sister the <b><u>Wagyu
Burger</u></b> ($20). It was as pretty as a picture, and tasted even better
than it looked. If you think the combination of beef, cheese, American mustard,
and special sauce in a sesame seeded brioche bun sounds familiar, you would be
right. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGx3GeS0JPnhEkBKDZkniyKgCnpYEQIFkp4FdGk64jghcjM5v-mJlXPDg9YBQqJTzXxnCaXUk9mmP0kjqMC8k0Ru34MRmn4YCfef-kzYFHUUfe_WfVb6L7Ne86fxJJUyYkFC97ulSmb8/s1600/(14)%2BInnards.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGx3GeS0JPnhEkBKDZkniyKgCnpYEQIFkp4FdGk64jghcjM5v-mJlXPDg9YBQqJTzXxnCaXUk9mmP0kjqMC8k0Ru34MRmn4YCfef-kzYFHUUfe_WfVb6L7Ne86fxJJUyYkFC97ulSmb8/s1600/(14)%2BInnards.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wagyu Burger ($20)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">However, this is a burger McDonalds
could only dream of creating. The beef patty was thick and juicy, with a slice
of jack cheese melting into the charred crevices. Layered on top were the
tangy-creamy duo of mustard and a heavy dollop of special sauce, and vibrantly
fresh salads. Even the chips were
amazing; they were golden perfection with a centre of mashed potato, generously
salted and served with a side of pungent mustard aioli. This is definitely one
worth breaking the diet for. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg40UHNJAvLPbTLJnzpeAnGHlk3BKlqcKkz6gsb-GKnIALub69PXHZHmSRNVyLRFSVySjHpTGeTAoUnviVbvxWWfpQFWz7sZgIsl2rhV_GgbRjUdvhdys0P7zddvlM1MQwtEeSsmEeeoWI/s1600/(15)%2BBreakfast.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg40UHNJAvLPbTLJnzpeAnGHlk3BKlqcKkz6gsb-GKnIALub69PXHZHmSRNVyLRFSVySjHpTGeTAoUnviVbvxWWfpQFWz7sZgIsl2rhV_GgbRjUdvhdys0P7zddvlM1MQwtEeSsmEeeoWI/s1600/(15)%2BBreakfast.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chilli Eggs and Ham ($16.5) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">My order of <b><u>Chilli Eggs and Ham</u></b> ($16.5) on the other hand was nothing
like I had expected. What read like an innovative but hearty breakfast was
actually an innovatively reconstructed Sunday lunch. The centrepiece was a
golden ham hock and potato hash that proved once and for all that Scarvelli is
the master of deep frying. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbheCwKsdREilV0ulTwzbQyFqOLT-ARj3owscRb7-moJXTETKc8ow5D0KtXmehax2gluTg9ePkF4BHNhOibgienfZfVcfxAfVwXwsovVGXVhTIxh8sl6DIvVSRrHDIvbK31KbAmOeR4zY/s1600/(16)%2BCroquette.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbheCwKsdREilV0ulTwzbQyFqOLT-ARj3owscRb7-moJXTETKc8ow5D0KtXmehax2gluTg9ePkF4BHNhOibgienfZfVcfxAfVwXwsovVGXVhTIxh8sl6DIvVSRrHDIvbK31KbAmOeR4zY/s1600/(16)%2BCroquette.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chilli Eggs and Ham ($16.5) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Underneath the hash was a bed of
sweet minted peas, served with a delightfully zesty herb and onion salad on the
side. Topping it all off were two perfect sunny-side-up eggs with the yolks
still wobbling, ready to be mixed in with the chilli sauce. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2juoaGhmzX0XFFizRqIGSnEZ4RihSSLv2cX0JI4LYEkTIlYGRqPO_fEi5sz6MeCDjq25bVvvX_GbfVKRZBp1pDtyRChNuq-p3vR4QKMKnPh7NxL61Xz57sArtzs1cFg26ytyZlONuz5Q/s1600/(17)%2BPastries.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2juoaGhmzX0XFFizRqIGSnEZ4RihSSLv2cX0JI4LYEkTIlYGRqPO_fEi5sz6MeCDjq25bVvvX_GbfVKRZBp1pDtyRChNuq-p3vR4QKMKnPh7NxL61Xz57sArtzs1cFg26ytyZlONuz5Q/s1600/(17)%2BPastries.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mango and Lime Tart/Chocolate Brownie with Crystalised Ginger/Pomegranate Shortbread, </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">But wait, there’s more! On my way
out, I was handed a small bag of goodies, which turned out to contain a
deliciously tangy and flaky <b><u>Mango and
Lime Tart</u></b>, an unbelievably gooey <b><u>Chocolate
Brownie with Crystalised Ginger</u></b>, and a buttery piece of <b><u>Pomegranate Shortbread</u></b>, studded
with little fruity kernels. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">And this awesome grow-in-the-bag
coriander, which my mum confiscated gleefully the moment I got home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">There is plenty to love about
Scarvelli Cafe, from the simple but delicious food, to the cosy, laid back
atmosphere. And possibly most of all, excellent coffee in a part of Melbourne
where (shock horror) not every single cafe serves a good espresso. One thing I
did however find fault with was the service. Though friendly enough when you do
actually get it, it just all seems rather half-hearted and a bit reluctant.
C’mon guys, you were almost perfect!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Rating: 14/20 – sunday dinner brunch lunch.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">This rating reflects my personal experience at the time of visit.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Sweet and Sour Fork dined as a guest of Scarvelli Cafe.</span></i></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1783647/restaurant/Melbourne/Scarvelli-Cafe-Balwyn"><img alt="Scarvelli Cafe on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1783647/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>
<br />
<br />minghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02173537262392098472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043923915333387273.post-9652968993292852322015-04-27T09:00:00.000+10:002015-04-27T09:00:01.917+10:00Tipo 00<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="street-address"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">361 Little Bourke St</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="locality"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Melbourne, VIC</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <span style="box-sizing: border-box;"></span></span><span class="hidden-xs"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3000</span></span></span><br />
<a href="http://www.tipo00.com.au/">http://www.tipo00.com.au/</a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">For the last couple of weeks, I’ve
been treated to (and tortured by) a series of photos on Facebook of one of my friends,
who is currently travelling around Italy. Whilst I may not be able to join in
on the blue skies, clear waters, and beautiful historic sites, I can at least appease
my craving with a good bowl of pasta.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFGgDxXqshqEWECppW7SvVhCaNvYAJmBkb6gEQveI5aa3XeWcAIfDHdy3NvYhNHGjrZHJeMNjn4SfU2Xuif5IPO_-ix_lzmKK2vW3a8rOjbEKvDXjoZXQYfzkFfS335tKUrWoOeVbroc/s1600/(3)%2BInterior.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFGgDxXqshqEWECppW7SvVhCaNvYAJmBkb6gEQveI5aa3XeWcAIfDHdy3NvYhNHGjrZHJeMNjn4SfU2Xuif5IPO_-ix_lzmKK2vW3a8rOjbEKvDXjoZXQYfzkFfS335tKUrWoOeVbroc/s1600/(3)%2BInterior.JPG" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8_YvhVEKHJCAdfqmUh5JvXHzfETtmpI052JPCpzaj_oDMQbfIMsoHAJHm8H9L-IX7ilr-0mu0hX7f-YAkzlTkdh7MyV1G9mMRpXmx9hpt-JPueT7RybIoLiFQRAVE_teDrKDicaAuUA/s1600/(9)%2BName.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8_YvhVEKHJCAdfqmUh5JvXHzfETtmpI052JPCpzaj_oDMQbfIMsoHAJHm8H9L-IX7ilr-0mu0hX7f-YAkzlTkdh7MyV1G9mMRpXmx9hpt-JPueT7RybIoLiFQRAVE_teDrKDicaAuUA/s1600/(9)%2BName.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">My usual go-to place for authentic
but classy pasta (as opposed to <u><a href="http://sweetandsourfork.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/marias-trattoria.html">an enormous feed by nonna</a></u>) is <u><a href="http://sweetandsourfork.blogspot.com.au/2013/09/grossi-cellar-bar.html">Grossi Cellar Bar</a></u>, but I’ve been hearing increasingly about the new <i>it</i> place for Italian in the CBD – <b><u>Tipo 00</u></b>. After having worked at <u><a href="http://sweetandsourfork.blogspot.com.au/2014/07/vue-de-monde_10.html">Vue de Monde</a></u> for 4 years, as well as stints at other Melbourne fine-dining destinations,
chef Andreas Papadakis has turned his talented hands to creating this cosy but
refined little pasta bar. Since its opening late last year, Tipo 00 has quickly
gained almost universal acclaim from both critics and diners. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUsPjgsw9M_kfT4ItZIGMXpUElfLURn81SyggpPNmudiax57odLOLMoZpQE8YXfnuFGat5yRKEFCLlayULWCDjMOO9l238YenyFb5NOQ4-uP4OeZBDly1alPqdhg__mpcKkyvGAFTkhU/s1600/(4)%2BInterior.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUsPjgsw9M_kfT4ItZIGMXpUElfLURn81SyggpPNmudiax57odLOLMoZpQE8YXfnuFGat5yRKEFCLlayULWCDjMOO9l238YenyFb5NOQ4-uP4OeZBDly1alPqdhg__mpcKkyvGAFTkhU/s1600/(4)%2BInterior.JPG" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhagmlou8d7ETRql-BZQuAfg_3yDOCHZdZ5wcT5f9IIGPGiJTaZ_TIstVCfHzwJI6bYO6I7nhjBt2nYsq9SYb1_tnTWOOOlr5NufWghtQdFhbWT00EDuABTMiAbCNf54-y8XzGOAeQXEY/s1600/(6)%2BChefs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhagmlou8d7ETRql-BZQuAfg_3yDOCHZdZ5wcT5f9IIGPGiJTaZ_TIstVCfHzwJI6bYO6I7nhjBt2nYsq9SYb1_tnTWOOOlr5NufWghtQdFhbWT00EDuABTMiAbCNf54-y8XzGOAeQXEY/s1600/(6)%2BChefs.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The 43-seater restaurant was
predictably booked out for a Friday night, but we were confident of our chances
of scoring some bar-seating if we showed up at about a quarter to six. For
once, not even our habit of early dinners could save us, as the wait quoted was
half an hour to 45 minutes (and get this: by 6:30, the wait-time was over an
hour and a half). Luckily the restaurant gave us a call back within about 15
minutes, and though we were seated right by the door which let in draughts of cold
air whenever anyone went in or out (and that’s extremely often), we were
seated. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWMliGPKG00WDX7XkouMvznwTCbpGKs1vx_ho9tel3QqDyyuSY4jfoVQvmxk6gzdwa1JC9hmYEZZJpJrGSnGATBO7FnmbO6xC0lu8dwkZskDLtsy-XFwtZrBID_hlFAcmfZwx7rRe4-Hg/s1600/(10)%2BBread.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWMliGPKG00WDX7XkouMvznwTCbpGKs1vx_ho9tel3QqDyyuSY4jfoVQvmxk6gzdwa1JC9hmYEZZJpJrGSnGATBO7FnmbO6xC0lu8dwkZskDLtsy-XFwtZrBID_hlFAcmfZwx7rRe4-Hg/s1600/(10)%2BBread.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foccacia with Ricotta</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The menu at Tipo 00 has been pared
back, leaving nothing but a handful of entrees and pastas, and a few mains for
the gluten-intolerant. Still, between the delectable specials and the debate of
entree-vs-dessert, ordering was not as easy as you would expect. Once we had
ordered however, we were rewarded with a plate of <b><u>Foccacia with Ricotta</u></b>. The bread was warm and crisp,
seasoned with a moreish combination of sea salt and herbed oil. On the side was
a cool dollop of ricotta, spreading smoothly and easily over the bread. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">It was also at this point that some
bar seating freed up, and the angelic staff asked if we would like to be moved –
an incredibly considerate suggestion that made our dinner much less cold, and much
more enjoyable. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7klNeWtjBwjx2PYLYT4w6KAA7v04l_4X73EaOQKAcH53hyphenhyphenxb61QKLX7ALvQ2wRXABYSHu_kIL7vGi9ztbmqc1I4gdR1XKp8bdaliCY85yWuBM0tSFh8tJ-2xZCs0AjP5fhbdaZ65B4Lg/s1600/(13)%2BSpaghetti.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7klNeWtjBwjx2PYLYT4w6KAA7v04l_4X73EaOQKAcH53hyphenhyphenxb61QKLX7ALvQ2wRXABYSHu_kIL7vGi9ztbmqc1I4gdR1XKp8bdaliCY85yWuBM0tSFh8tJ-2xZCs0AjP5fhbdaZ65B4Lg/s1600/(13)%2BSpaghetti.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spaghetti Affumicati ($24)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Though I’m happy to give anything a
go, I will always order the spaghetti with clams if I see it on a menu. Tipo 00
served up a delicious plate of <b><u>Spaghetti
Affumicati</u></b> ($24), consisting of spaghetti drenched in a gently briny
broth with just a hint of ripe, smoky tomatoes and coarsely chopped parsley. Best
of all were the thick, wheaty strands of pasta that satisfy the carb craving,
whilst still being perfectly al dente. It was just as good, if not better than
the spaghetti vongole at Grossi Cellar Bar. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNrmt0WhuasYTUO-CT58rEXBEoFL3KEeN8MOZ9TOAJ-y2g-XQT_6t4zacKOkDC_EY59IR7wWhZ7vsowuQm1qAnutrtp1AsoXR38_fe00jV5jkxHpcEW3iD4qmysJvzfIUbgJOz0sDAMI/s1600/(14)%2BGnocchi.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNrmt0WhuasYTUO-CT58rEXBEoFL3KEeN8MOZ9TOAJ-y2g-XQT_6t4zacKOkDC_EY59IR7wWhZ7vsowuQm1qAnutrtp1AsoXR38_fe00jV5jkxHpcEW3iD4qmysJvzfIUbgJOz0sDAMI/s1600/(14)%2BGnocchi.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gnocchi di Patate ($26) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I never get food envy over Chris’
order, but there’s a first for everything, and the <b><u>Gnocchi di Patate</u></b> ($26) was deserving of my envy indeed. The
gnocchi were draped with sticky braised duck and porcini mushrooms, the gravy
rich and buttery, having extracted every last morsel of flavour in the process
of slow-cooking. The gnocchi themselves were velvety pillows that melted in the mouth,
its texture more like mashed potato than pasta, and were absolutely perfect for
soaking up the sauce. Perfection was achieved with a generous grating of sharp
pecorino cheese that brought the earthy, hearty flavours to life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7uMgmLa6avMKyiyDOgaQvadP1otnmy-gaSDZAaY2f9hK6IzUHf2xYsEOSog7yp-PDBKZexfSQ2dKjGaYh6lnARLbJuficTRbLYVl4QdjmWyoMidcIzuNIy-vcdgu1ILlhHcl9LY20tM4/s1600/(15)%2BGnocchi.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7uMgmLa6avMKyiyDOgaQvadP1otnmy-gaSDZAaY2f9hK6IzUHf2xYsEOSog7yp-PDBKZexfSQ2dKjGaYh6lnARLbJuficTRbLYVl4QdjmWyoMidcIzuNIy-vcdgu1ILlhHcl9LY20tM4/s1600/(15)%2BGnocchi.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gnocchi di Patate ($26) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Though the serve initially seemed
small, it was indulgently rich, and there was almost as much duck as there was
pasta. We ended up being entirely satisfied with the portion size. The waiter
even offered us more bread to soak up the sauce, thus cementing their place in
my heart. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qAd7Tt_kvAN-WhuKnqoWYPTnBoY49lHODAJ7ZenquP54ovrlIaPiP-nmk2Jo1qFcPSeOfSMN4wKMbJ_4IEMJFy0oqlb5bITYyQTmHyP-ZH5F57dnz2efZetLWQ7EViB11086brZvkj8/s1600/(17)%2BDessert.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qAd7Tt_kvAN-WhuKnqoWYPTnBoY49lHODAJ7ZenquP54ovrlIaPiP-nmk2Jo1qFcPSeOfSMN4wKMbJ_4IEMJFy0oqlb5bITYyQTmHyP-ZH5F57dnz2efZetLWQ7EViB11086brZvkj8/s1600/(17)%2BDessert.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pannacotta ($14)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">After finishing our pasta, we were
satisfied, but with plenty of room left for the <b><u>Pannacotta</u></b> ($14). The flawless disc of cream and sugar was
thick and silky, and flecked through with aromatic vanilla bean. That would’ve
been excellent just on its own, but it was complemented by a bouquet of honeyed
berries that tasted of the peak of summer, and streaks of intensely fruity
raspberry compote. My only regret is not having room to try their <i>tipomisu</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Even though I’ve had plenty of
pasta in my time, I find myself continuously astounded by just how delicious simple
and well-cooked Italian food can be, and in my opinion, Tipo 00 makes what is
arguably the best pasta in Melbourne. I have to say that pricing is a little
painful, but instead of regret, all I felt as I walked out was smugness,
courtesy of all the good pasta lining my tummy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Rating: 16/20 – tipo of the pile.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">This rating reflects my personal experience at the time of visit.</span></i></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1891973/restaurant/CBD/Tipo-00-Melbourne"><img alt="Tipo 00 on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1891973/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>
<br />
<br />minghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02173537262392098472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043923915333387273.post-64419538388357756872015-04-23T09:00:00.000+10:002015-04-24T21:38:01.463+10:00El Sabor<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">5<span class="street-address"><span style="background: white; color: #333333;">00 Victoria Street</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="locality"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">North Melbourne, VIC</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span class="hidden-xs"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3051</span></span><br />
<a href="http://www.elsabor.com.au/"><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">http://www.elsabor.com.au/</span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">They say hindsight is 20:20, and it’s
only now that I’ve gone back to working full time that I realise that I took my
time off from employment for granted. Instead of lying at home like a sack of
dog food when I’m not looking for work, I could’ve taken the time to really
de-stress and enjoy myself. On the plus side though, post-work dinners have
regained their shine, and it was with great anticipation that I stepped into <b><u>El Sabor</u></b>, a-hankerin’ for a good
Mexican meal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcsnjp4DZhJBBv9UDLs9Iw63doRP01GNu3_9ZkND6b4CNEvg81unB1FggSXGUhvY32amdHy310NnHe-J_53HkfHNvACgIvRDYNPGQWSj9uyRrNmKGuR9cS_PCA_fsCkvOwxcCYIqYl3VE/s1600/(1)%2BInterior.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcsnjp4DZhJBBv9UDLs9Iw63doRP01GNu3_9ZkND6b4CNEvg81unB1FggSXGUhvY32amdHy310NnHe-J_53HkfHNvACgIvRDYNPGQWSj9uyRrNmKGuR9cS_PCA_fsCkvOwxcCYIqYl3VE/s1600/(1)%2BInterior.JPG" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdyMEhPWLhR3HdkaOXO_bIZl9HDzGZ1h7LCdc7ZaTLp2rqMM3rgkJUCJFJzwgnu71LMCCx8e-jQAX6cTFwO9g8hS3goDdS0Ewf5WW8kGBGIVxeWwg0YLhQMQTRgZRE0c_en8uPjrEXDco/s1600/(3)%2BSombrero.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdyMEhPWLhR3HdkaOXO_bIZl9HDzGZ1h7LCdc7ZaTLp2rqMM3rgkJUCJFJzwgnu71LMCCx8e-jQAX6cTFwO9g8hS3goDdS0Ewf5WW8kGBGIVxeWwg0YLhQMQTRgZRE0c_en8uPjrEXDco/s1600/(3)%2BSombrero.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I felt instantly toastier when I
walked through the door; the luridly orange walls reminded me incessantly of
all things warm, and the decorations of a summer festival. The restaurant was
mostly filled with happy locals who braved the moody Melbourne weather to get
their fiesta fix. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiplcDHCboezT8a1HkLF6rekdFg5rEQcQxcuBSpVrqKzvYCr0-XtpllRiNkEmDMfkZ6oPQjMp1-viA5hk_74twTbVwDQ41sWhu9RjpWH5NQFXH3oF4J6StL2liYt1m71SZ3y0Idy6Nkx7k/s1600/(2)%2BChair.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiplcDHCboezT8a1HkLF6rekdFg5rEQcQxcuBSpVrqKzvYCr0-XtpllRiNkEmDMfkZ6oPQjMp1-viA5hk_74twTbVwDQ41sWhu9RjpWH5NQFXH3oF4J6StL2liYt1m71SZ3y0Idy6Nkx7k/s1600/(2)%2BChair.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Having travelled extensively around
Mexico, the owner of El Sabor, Dhi, knows what’s up with Mexican food. There is
incredible passion for bringing a real taste of Mexico to Melbourne, and the
food Dhi serves is what he loves to eat himself. Considering the fact that we
could not stop salivating at the smell of the enchiladas at the next table, he
is on to something good. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoU3RVkRERp0NRtPHXoSTIvsFFkbACSw9KLC-frliRP9B48C3BVhdcN52wIX6_C2dUvcqAzvC61IfOEUfdVJ0Kk24nQFzXrQsWFx81XCScoHoSuS5LCQVeCeL-qLoGTPwxXLCXs9yZzec/s1600/(4)%2BSoup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoU3RVkRERp0NRtPHXoSTIvsFFkbACSw9KLC-frliRP9B48C3BVhdcN52wIX6_C2dUvcqAzvC61IfOEUfdVJ0Kk24nQFzXrQsWFx81XCScoHoSuS5LCQVeCeL-qLoGTPwxXLCXs9yZzec/s1600/(4)%2BSoup.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pozole</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">To start off, our stomachs were
warmed with a bowl of traditional <b><u>Pozole</u></b>
– not yet on the menu, but keep an eye out as the weather cools! Despite
looking thin and unremarkable, the soup was a chorus of bold flavours that
expanded on the palate in a burst of warmth, having been bravely seasoned with the
heat of 2 types of chilli.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-0d6OaRUPQMDJD9Oq1iyEH3No0NfagEehgzP_GyK_GMeRlO4FoKX62bTPdEtYrt2oYW60hZXBmmIS50OzccVvfQoZt5Z1g3QRbPFFEgPNQ0uFwKdxZ3mjOvfu79k77bA9MdjEDQEtYA/s1600/(5)%2BSoup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK-0d6OaRUPQMDJD9Oq1iyEH3No0NfagEehgzP_GyK_GMeRlO4FoKX62bTPdEtYrt2oYW60hZXBmmIS50OzccVvfQoZt5Z1g3QRbPFFEgPNQ0uFwKdxZ3mjOvfu79k77bA9MdjEDQEtYA/s1600/(5)%2BSoup.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pozole</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Hidden beneath the surface was a
jumble of chewy hominy kernels that soaked up the broth, and shredded pieces of
slow-cooked chicken and pork. This is the ultimate in comfort food that brings
frozen fingers and toes back to life. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCfFyVCy-NHGAANcXAn_GnMj1ZWvWF2wUs8qxO3wlo8iz2WDr_YohSmp4u-szh2pbphCgdV4liwRiWNVK0SxQTzYlsLRA0JKLOrXncmPClJwtnmpEjcshdEg9ybov8PJSdRV9ql4KbL_Q/s1600/Chips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCfFyVCy-NHGAANcXAn_GnMj1ZWvWF2wUs8qxO3wlo8iz2WDr_YohSmp4u-szh2pbphCgdV4liwRiWNVK0SxQTzYlsLRA0JKLOrXncmPClJwtnmpEjcshdEg9ybov8PJSdRV9ql4KbL_Q/s1600/Chips.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tres Salsas con Totopos ($10)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">We were served some <b><u>Tres Salsas con Totopos</u></b> ($10) in
conjunction with the soup. Chris loved the ripe sweetness of the salsa, and the
cooling of the sour cream, swirled into his pozole. I on the other hand
lavished my attention on the generously zesty guacamole.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7UaC6Ab33dbJRF1u64a02k1gagan9wVcWJy_NBYDPCbyoustVybebKEzlTynrR-Ikja6XQO1dud4Ebb8WW271586YdIyF4jRHKAp25uV9-2QLlmdH1dwUNcLWR3HDvuYMf2OdH2z694/s1600/(7)%2BCalamari.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7UaC6Ab33dbJRF1u64a02k1gagan9wVcWJy_NBYDPCbyoustVybebKEzlTynrR-Ikja6XQO1dud4Ebb8WW271586YdIyF4jRHKAp25uV9-2QLlmdH1dwUNcLWR3HDvuYMf2OdH2z694/s1600/(7)%2BCalamari.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calamari Fritos ($15)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The plate of <b><u>Calamari Fritos</u> </b>($15) was tantalisingly shallow-fried in a
batter glowing with spice, and the calamari itself was the most tender I’ve
ever had; it all but disintegrated on the tongue. Unfortunately the overall
effect is a little dull, even with the addition of aioli and guacamole. After
all, how can anything measure up to a spicy bowl of pozole?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxiSemmdPoosJg9zd_jNPVAzX_-Oo4bUN1KCqHz9YLpwZeng9M5PONPNYEu1Xcex2xazNqsLSs7tmu2NAb8skoHySle2F67_qZNWrIc17UyPMdf5G5YtVhoxKmFfMlXuGy_Zecbux8d6s/s1600/(9)%2BTamales.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxiSemmdPoosJg9zd_jNPVAzX_-Oo4bUN1KCqHz9YLpwZeng9M5PONPNYEu1Xcex2xazNqsLSs7tmu2NAb8skoHySle2F67_qZNWrIc17UyPMdf5G5YtVhoxKmFfMlXuGy_Zecbux8d6s/s1600/(9)%2BTamales.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tamales de Pollo ($18, 3pcs)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 200%;">The </span><b style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 200%;"><u>Tamales de Pollo</u></b><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 200%;"> ($18, 3pcs) on the other hand were anything
but boring, despite its demure appearance.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKe8B-nktCt7IRfFniBAalShCI55KQhD9Bu6jbif7cdc40k5IckZ2xYB10CmalFRE61G_XUaGo-YgUPBUjO3t1ZIUS7Aq09AiD4UIDv_qRW-xu6YLoN8efX3vmJepLUlVvdJhg9YGv9tc/s1600/(10)%2BTamales.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKe8B-nktCt7IRfFniBAalShCI55KQhD9Bu6jbif7cdc40k5IckZ2xYB10CmalFRE61G_XUaGo-YgUPBUjO3t1ZIUS7Aq09AiD4UIDv_qRW-xu6YLoN8efX3vmJepLUlVvdJhg9YGv9tc/s1600/(10)%2BTamales.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Tamales de Pollo ($18, 3pcs)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The first thing that’ll tip you off
is the smoky aroma exuding from the corn husk. Peel that back and you’ll find a
soft corn dumpling stuffed full of spicy pulled chicken. All permeated with the
smouldering aroma of corn on a grill. The condiments on the side were served in
the colours of the Mexican Flag. Contrived? Maybe. But it is infinitely
endearing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixB7IhkWELzITYalztZFIOU6t9pZPoPmyFNpiOZ5CJWPyrUu8vNr8yP2AZMKLxD6w7PT0L1Fdm7kEcTvqVFGn2dRzmzl1gflSBboz1gdqLI4UQzBk_k8sHEY-gCx9YVs1mxV4itTHoYQQ/s1600/(8)%2BChicken.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixB7IhkWELzITYalztZFIOU6t9pZPoPmyFNpiOZ5CJWPyrUu8vNr8yP2AZMKLxD6w7PT0L1Fdm7kEcTvqVFGn2dRzmzl1gflSBboz1gdqLI4UQzBk_k8sHEY-gCx9YVs1mxV4itTHoYQQ/s1600/(8)%2BChicken.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alitas ($10, half dozen)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I love a good chicken wing, and its
extra nice when they’re rubbed with spices and scorched with grill marks, like
these <b><u>Alitas</u></b> ($10, half
dozen) were. Each piece was succulent and smoky, and cut through with a cool
drizzle of sharp jalapeno mayo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVIsfRpXz8bcaS_XPmebmv-3Jwh60DC33vEtF4f0Yd-ppKcYPYW6SsudKB45acPUBf04boiVmrDORug-MdBH066IgPAwhwx1uBXvfAc5mvKQuu5RaT20pOIBriVsnEVJ25PU7w3fVgOto/s1600/(11)%2BMexican.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVIsfRpXz8bcaS_XPmebmv-3Jwh60DC33vEtF4f0Yd-ppKcYPYW6SsudKB45acPUBf04boiVmrDORug-MdBH066IgPAwhwx1uBXvfAc5mvKQuu5RaT20pOIBriVsnEVJ25PU7w3fVgOto/s1600/(11)%2BMexican.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pescado Taco/Res Taco ($12, 2pcs)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I tend to judge a book by its
cover, and a Mexican restaurant by its tacos, so this is what I had been
looking forward to the most. The <b><u>Pescado
Taco</u></b> ($12, 2pcs) consisted of large pieces of white fish in a sheer
coating of corn-based batter, wrapped in a fragrant tortilla with the simple
accompaniments of guacamole, chipotle mayo, and lettuce. The result was a light
but moreish taco that I found thoroughly enjoyable.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Meanwhile, the <b><u>Res Taco</u></b> ($12, 2pcs) was the warm, earthy counterpart to the
freshness of the fish. The giant wad of pulled beef was juicy and spicy,
generously flavoured with chilli and cumin. Just make sure you eat this one
first though, as the gravy does soak through the tortilla. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqrLLuP_fmezFrCbVxkrR4UJ6YzflxujPG8eLsGxysa5w_zDT-PND82THS0rQ4ZbM6Oc8v3bhu3_jrg8J9aVe4F9X-Fkp1ohgcWy5ZRSlfn2YLjWCXH1ACee6rfB0wULAlD450xBdGXFA/s1600/(12)%2BChurros.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqrLLuP_fmezFrCbVxkrR4UJ6YzflxujPG8eLsGxysa5w_zDT-PND82THS0rQ4ZbM6Oc8v3bhu3_jrg8J9aVe4F9X-Fkp1ohgcWy5ZRSlfn2YLjWCXH1ACee6rfB0wULAlD450xBdGXFA/s1600/(12)%2BChurros.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Churros ($15, 5pcs)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Aside from dessert tequilas and cocktails,
the menu contained three sweet options: crème caramel, corn cake, and <b><u>Churros</u></b> ($15, 5pcs). Whilst
churros would normally be my last resort, I am so glad I wasn’t the one making
decisions for once. The fingers of pastry were briefly fried for a crisp
exterior and a gooey centre, but their full potential was not unleashed until
it was dipped into the chocolate sauce. Consisting of a mix of Mexican
chocolate, dark chocolate, and a slick of cream, the sauce tasted of nothing
but sugar for a second or two, before the soft explosion of cocoa hit. It was a
perfect balance of sweet and bitter, its creamy richness heated by the coating
of powdered cinnamon on the churros. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">In the end, El Sabor made good on
its promise of delicious and authentic Mexican food, and I had serious food
envy over the saucy enchiladas at the next table. And the best bit? They do
deliveries within about a 7km radius, and Dhi told me for a fact that they
often deliver to the staff and patients at my hospital. Now there’s a good
option for lunch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Rating: 14.5/20 – hospital fiesta.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">This rating reflects my personal experience at the time of visit.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Sweet and Sour Fork dined as a guest of El Sabor.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1770915/restaurant/Melbourne/El-Sabor-North-Melbourne"><img alt="El Sabor on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1770915/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>
<br />
<br />minghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02173537262392098472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043923915333387273.post-91538872157349940472015-04-20T09:00:00.000+10:002015-04-20T09:00:03.919+10:00Cumulus Up<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="street-address"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">45 Flinders Lane</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="locality"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Melbourne, VIC</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span class="hidden-xs"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3000</span></span><br />
<a href="http://cumulusinc.com.au/up/"><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">http://cumulusinc.com.au/up/</span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">If there’s one man I can admit to
loving just as much as Frank Camorra, it would be Andrew McConnell (sorry
Chris). Barring <u><a href="http://sweetandsourfork.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/golden-fields.html">Golden Field</a>s</u>, which was just ok, there has been no <u><a href="http://sweetandsourfork.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/cumulus-inc.html">Andrew</a></u>
<u><a href="http://sweetandsourfork.blogspot.com.au/2014/09/cutler-and-co.html">McConnell</a></u> experience that hasn’t left me foaming at the mouth with
delight. I had promised to treat myself to dinner at <b><u>Cumulus Up</u> </b>once I finally found a job, so here we are! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdXAKqb0PprRykwmUERyUn-ybUv9RjzUkNqTUQJro3SS2pDHawZlYUrcpfvqb-u4C1r1dFoSH8MSneGskCCkJt855pnajK6HJP7XqeklCV3p1v_uDgMLia70CTWgy2xu-S3xhHPy7f65Y/s1600/(1)%2BInterior.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdXAKqb0PprRykwmUERyUn-ybUv9RjzUkNqTUQJro3SS2pDHawZlYUrcpfvqb-u4C1r1dFoSH8MSneGskCCkJt855pnajK6HJP7XqeklCV3p1v_uDgMLia70CTWgy2xu-S3xhHPy7f65Y/s1600/(1)%2BInterior.JPG" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9hjetrC1g3YZ9QFzhhAVisxe34atN9jn6TEEr1PFk9vFymfrjULi39En1EfkQARXBpqT5G-1O8WwLBR_VgdTGD7ytvi2_fNnKmOjs3cBw9awxndXYmjWZ9fMFRzR33DsYALL-R4u5nA/s1600/(2)%2BBar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9hjetrC1g3YZ9QFzhhAVisxe34atN9jn6TEEr1PFk9vFymfrjULi39En1EfkQARXBpqT5G-1O8WwLBR_VgdTGD7ytvi2_fNnKmOjs3cBw9awxndXYmjWZ9fMFRzR33DsYALL-R4u5nA/s1600/(2)%2BBar.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">If you haven’t caught on by now,
Cumulus Up is the little sibling to the Modern Australian magnate, Cumulus Inc.
And yes, it is <i>up</i> from Cumulus Inc.
However, whereas Cumulus Inc. is airy and whitewashed, Cumulus Up is a European-styled wine bar buzzing with sophistication. The ambience is dark
and sensuous, the dining room decorated with ample amounts of exposed brick and
rough-hewn wood, topped off with a glimmering bar. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjPqyfsmDJDKK8S0nH2eHK2XvS6fkHLIeBFrbyGQjrNY63vNS9tZyMA2JOJFCIcd0fkdfKOOEQatbOTv7KntI9bH8spx6VycOlpU6M9gqjlvIIE4kdWdpp3kRskjkA3s6JGcXYSI4p5yM/s1600/(3)%2BMenu.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjPqyfsmDJDKK8S0nH2eHK2XvS6fkHLIeBFrbyGQjrNY63vNS9tZyMA2JOJFCIcd0fkdfKOOEQatbOTv7KntI9bH8spx6VycOlpU6M9gqjlvIIE4kdWdpp3kRskjkA3s6JGcXYSI4p5yM/s1600/(3)%2BMenu.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4vUw8oJP2QzE7A9OdMyXytTP2UsNUvd0W6nZfoJetetSZPctwgUQUY9X8cG4n0Bh-9F4_P2EkRce32n_6Ylfola6Khxcx26EiE7GR9cBR_vPLQNdAHTeDDYswnRQc7HQqIptB6_57pGE/s1600/(4)%2BBread.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4vUw8oJP2QzE7A9OdMyXytTP2UsNUvd0W6nZfoJetetSZPctwgUQUY9X8cG4n0Bh-9F4_P2EkRce32n_6Ylfola6Khxcx26EiE7GR9cBR_vPLQNdAHTeDDYswnRQc7HQqIptB6_57pGE/s1600/(4)%2BBread.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bread and Butter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Though the menu was only one page
long, it was more than made up for by the thick, leather-bound wine list. But
as usual, we’re here for the food, and before long we had ordered, and started
on our plate of <b><u>Bread and Butter</u></b>
in the interim. The sourdough was thickly sliced, with a chewy crust and a
moist, doughy centre. It was the butter however that really stood out with its
creamy texture and organic, milky taste. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8GKMgU3f_sS9noeb2f8r8QJ2r5s0wRMmgdFQh5053uw37s3GGtchmkvUNYyTFN8qLbgA-vgu0KOtPQMXa1M1-G0jfrG57hTRvNX-AVn0l6EZG41XkwUPCSlcmmtvjFfkAkUbZKFv8Qyk/s1600/(5)%2BPrawn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8GKMgU3f_sS9noeb2f8r8QJ2r5s0wRMmgdFQh5053uw37s3GGtchmkvUNYyTFN8qLbgA-vgu0KOtPQMXa1M1-G0jfrG57hTRvNX-AVn0l6EZG41XkwUPCSlcmmtvjFfkAkUbZKFv8Qyk/s1600/(5)%2BPrawn.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grilled King Prawn, Crème Fraiche & Lemon ($9ea) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">When I smelt the smoky aroma of the
<b><u>Grilled King Prawn, Cr</u></b></span><b><u><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">è</span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">me Fraiche & Lemon</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> ($9ea) at
the next table, I knew I had to have it. The morsels of prawn inside the
charred shell were sweet and succulent, the vividly briny flavours brought out
by the creamy sauce and a squeeze of lemon. Though pricy (and fiddly!), it was
worth every cent. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXcK5Ro7OM4hM6WzZ9XPkMisCgK2iC_15g6dPvAjHQiZ4f523Zl4sMZeCIMynNnQ8DyWk04uVIKGjsX-T1tLQHvfzqqnSvarK6WCmMnsXjQSmF-Bm9c5zmDlK2k9gUnQ_zlBfXFiP1iwI/s1600/(7)%2BWaffle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXcK5Ro7OM4hM6WzZ9XPkMisCgK2iC_15g6dPvAjHQiZ4f523Zl4sMZeCIMynNnQ8DyWk04uVIKGjsX-T1tLQHvfzqqnSvarK6WCmMnsXjQSmF-Bm9c5zmDlK2k9gUnQ_zlBfXFiP1iwI/s1600/(7)%2BWaffle.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duck Waffle, Foie Gras, Prune ($9ea) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The <b><u>Duck Waffle, Foie Gras, Prune</u> </b>($9ea) is the signature dish
at Cumulus Up, and there was nary a table without it. After spreading the
rosette of foie gras into the waffle pockets and taking that first bite, the
reason for its popularity becomes obvious.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv0-ddBjKdz6igGVv8gYdzqnuxfoJkX18gHM-SdSJ2JCAUseXMZoZ0vYbKokRMPwtBLOyAqUr66cgxiQOgXI1Dp-Vz48oymal3JmJsvkrkirafpSmdb9vZzx0TyIduvC84bfu2ujxPosE/s1600/(8)%2BWaffle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv0-ddBjKdz6igGVv8gYdzqnuxfoJkX18gHM-SdSJ2JCAUseXMZoZ0vYbKokRMPwtBLOyAqUr66cgxiQOgXI1Dp-Vz48oymal3JmJsvkrkirafpSmdb9vZzx0TyIduvC84bfu2ujxPosE/s1600/(8)%2BWaffle.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duck Waffle, Foie Gras, Prune ($9ea) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Biting through the crisp exterior
of the waffle, we quickly discovered shreds of duck meat folded into the airy
batter. Spread thickly with the ethereal foie gras and summery prune jam, I am
happy to report that this is indeed the food of gods. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-V7xmPXDZ1ZTzPJlGFOYQBvS4LIzdWJNT-031vsKGymwdcG0n2SgFG37BnPX8E_x-13j8Kqai_PAUh7P-6TE0U7pYl85CtXLwZU2zytYSYDC22QyAVPcao2RI4n1whx8egI-aXs65xLI/s1600/(9)%2BFish.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-V7xmPXDZ1ZTzPJlGFOYQBvS4LIzdWJNT-031vsKGymwdcG0n2SgFG37BnPX8E_x-13j8Kqai_PAUh7P-6TE0U7pYl85CtXLwZU2zytYSYDC22QyAVPcao2RI4n1whx8egI-aXs65xLI/s1600/(9)%2BFish.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raw Kingfish, Tomato, Oyster Mayonnaise & Laver ($18) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">If there’s one thing Andrew
McConnell taught me, it’s that sashimi does not need to be confined to Japanese
cuisine. Especially if the result is as magnificent as one I had at Cutler and
Co. So it was unsurprising that the <b><u>Raw
Kingfish, Tomato, Oyster Mayonnaise & Laver</u></b> ($18) was a
breathtaking work of art. The plump slices of sashimi peeked through the gauzy
roasted kelp, highlighted with daubs of macerated tomato and pale green dill
oil. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjekVYAaP-Ui2keoGuO1sDIkMGBG7xX_PLymGVJe5vkSNfVMu5351OTNSKXW0GlC1OSHlq-plk70pJWfvqdJcW58kkhaaJpKIh2yVcnPq7GRJEklu8AGzjQe7Q3KWIXIX_zrdxyAc5EwIE/s1600/(11)%2BFish.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjekVYAaP-Ui2keoGuO1sDIkMGBG7xX_PLymGVJe5vkSNfVMu5351OTNSKXW0GlC1OSHlq-plk70pJWfvqdJcW58kkhaaJpKIh2yVcnPq7GRJEklu8AGzjQe7Q3KWIXIX_zrdxyAc5EwIE/s1600/(11)%2BFish.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raw Kingfish, Tomato, Oyster Mayonnaise & Laver ($18) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Despite the sheer intensity of the
flavours, they matched the kingfish in daintiness. The thickly cut fish was
adorned with the sweet citrus of apples and tomatoes, whilst the thick oyster
mayo brought in another element from the ocean. It was topped off with the
unexpected warmth from the brittle shards of kelp, forming a flavour palette
that’s so vibrant yet harmonious that you really have to taste it to believe
it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2s5M6jCvYsEHDdulkz77tQqF0lxj_M7so3kFGg5r2mV3QW1gEchuBJbrAO1Dy6HmEUK16dbfrYpZc1kdj6pD7AnYk-dojMMwfBnhAR516mdG6v6cP2G-5JB7NB4T5FdImMV_hbv-KO9k/s1600/(12)%2BSteak.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2s5M6jCvYsEHDdulkz77tQqF0lxj_M7so3kFGg5r2mV3QW1gEchuBJbrAO1Dy6HmEUK16dbfrYpZc1kdj6pD7AnYk-dojMMwfBnhAR516mdG6v6cP2G-5JB7NB4T5FdImMV_hbv-KO9k/s1600/(12)%2BSteak.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peppered Butcher’s Steak, Hand-Cut Chips ($32) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Coming back down to earth for the
mains, we ordered the much simpler <b><u>Peppered
Butcher’s Steak, Hand-Cut Chips</u></b> ($32) to share. Cut into 4 thick
slices, each piece was deliciously pink with a salt-rubbed exterior, and then
served with the most amazing pepper sauce. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_c4iRBmjBeGP-ObyyX6_qDY7SCxO2gwsAC8BkFuXJBThZO-37ir_i5wk_UTxnSEOUwaBiTZycMSVGIwb7v9eLQ2HNlyeDh4b5OqU8OHaR7XmLDzH9VPPsqpJO4-vLA15YomtcsgqON4/s1600/(15)%2BChips.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_c4iRBmjBeGP-ObyyX6_qDY7SCxO2gwsAC8BkFuXJBThZO-37ir_i5wk_UTxnSEOUwaBiTZycMSVGIwb7v9eLQ2HNlyeDh4b5OqU8OHaR7XmLDzH9VPPsqpJO4-vLA15YomtcsgqON4/s1600/(15)%2BChips.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hand-Cut Chips</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The hand-cut chips were equally as
good; rustic and fluffy, with plenty of little crispy bits.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE1C6scobNgoyd2gxaQ5gqZvoRL_Q7U8sTAvZ1noIN5X7xDqJtjvklruxMCrQxlOPOjpcJQvs5ub0IWP1qC6tuh8oe2uVYMCrUlP9mXru1FZwCw6ri8NnR6Mhuiz_CYV2QZcBMXLrpR_M/s1600/(16)%2BBeans.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE1C6scobNgoyd2gxaQ5gqZvoRL_Q7U8sTAvZ1noIN5X7xDqJtjvklruxMCrQxlOPOjpcJQvs5ub0IWP1qC6tuh8oe2uVYMCrUlP9mXru1FZwCw6ri8NnR6Mhuiz_CYV2QZcBMXLrpR_M/s1600/(16)%2BBeans.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Bean, Chopped Egg & Tarragon Vinaigrette ($12)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The obligatory greenery came in the
form of <b><u>Green Bean, Chopped Egg &
Tarragon Vinaigrette</u></b> ($12). The lush, crisp beans were flavoured with
the contrasting creaminess of soft boiled eggs, and the sharp dressing. The
result was a light yet balanced side dish that I had no trouble polishing up,
even after all the steak was gone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">It’s hard to write a conclusion
when the restaurant is so unequivocally amazing; I suppose the service could be
improved, as I felt the restaurant was a little short-staffed and the waiters
very business-like. But whatever, average service really doesn’t bother me, not
when the food is so stupendously good. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Rating: 16.5/20 – in the clouds.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">This rating reflects my personal experience at the time of visit. </span></i></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1734251/restaurant/CBD/Cumulus-Up-Melbourne"><img alt="Cumulus Up on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1734251/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a><br />
<br />minghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02173537262392098472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043923915333387273.post-55395224606109126842015-04-16T09:00:00.000+10:002015-04-16T21:30:36.772+10:00Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="street-address"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">27 Russell St</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="locality"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Melbourne, VIC</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span class="hidden-xs"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3000</span></span><br />
<a href="http://www.ikkoryu.com.au/"><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">http://www.ikkoryu.com.au/</span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">It has begun. The Ramen Revolution.
2014 blessed Melbourne with two of the best ramen restaurants we have to date –
<u><a href="http://sweetandsourfork.blogspot.com.au/2014/06/fukuryu-ramen.html">Fukuryu Rame</a>n</u> and <u><a href="http://sweetandsourfork.blogspot.com.au/2014/08/hakata-gensuke-ramen.html">Hakata Gensuke</a></u>. In fact, my hopes have been
raised high enough that the thought of a visit to the newest ramen restaurant
in Melbourne – <b><u>Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen</u></b>
– no longer makes me retreat into my shell for fear of being disappointed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZCPVsD9JINfEvW_f2FSQuUhL6eUJXj0O-iKGNWDNd-5PEHFDLbeT1BwR_4CnBfjuIWwKLQEm88r9s7f9Tvlxp-fTkKrhNNJz_fF-NHQg2l1_nqNoBb-BPPWUdDsprHpDgI_mQfmhzB2Q/s1600/(1)%2BInterior.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZCPVsD9JINfEvW_f2FSQuUhL6eUJXj0O-iKGNWDNd-5PEHFDLbeT1BwR_4CnBfjuIWwKLQEm88r9s7f9Tvlxp-fTkKrhNNJz_fF-NHQg2l1_nqNoBb-BPPWUdDsprHpDgI_mQfmhzB2Q/s1600/(1)%2BInterior.JPG" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2gbbkVvShWxXfHKs59Qo2L7ItZECNbSi-vLfGFy2JmYD8mKQYCFPUW7S-GhY5MX0CSoRB6_r238LvUDFu0goL5jWqiUlufuFyTmw5zkxzZI0hyjfBG0mVNnLj-BRjsWrEx-g9DQMe4E/s1600/(4)%2BKitchen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho2gbbkVvShWxXfHKs59Qo2L7ItZECNbSi-vLfGFy2JmYD8mKQYCFPUW7S-GhY5MX0CSoRB6_r238LvUDFu0goL5jWqiUlufuFyTmw5zkxzZI0hyjfBG0mVNnLj-BRjsWrEx-g9DQMe4E/s1600/(4)%2BKitchen.JPG" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQrvfoK2kMf96zN4I8aabj8A4tyq349v7qRt1Bq97hkGiggVU-SAhRjz0wHslP99NnT9jjz2t2FhiQpGn01KHAZMq91rX4V0cRf3KwoHQB97_6iU3KG9vcWj_9AiNVNAd_lU3JglgaDj8/s1600/(2)%2BPrivate%2BRoom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQrvfoK2kMf96zN4I8aabj8A4tyq349v7qRt1Bq97hkGiggVU-SAhRjz0wHslP99NnT9jjz2t2FhiQpGn01KHAZMq91rX4V0cRf3KwoHQB97_6iU3KG9vcWj_9AiNVNAd_lU3JglgaDj8/s1600/(2)%2BPrivate%2BRoom.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Though a bit hard to find, the
result is well worth it. The set-up reminded me a lot of Japan, albeit being a
lot less grungy and rough around the edges. The window behind which the chefs
work in clouds of steam is the main attraction, but the sake bar and private
function room is pretty sweet too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3vnH53k4kVB8411qitslaRZzX90cY912H5espI4JiqzwAguB1qSzSF0w6I8YTlYUWby-RsTVgrDBwVKVEN6-akFc840b2YHxr0rM39YBsGuEqxrmRSUP2eOo1D7SbDTSXVFVWIiR5tc/s1600/(6)%2BRice.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3vnH53k4kVB8411qitslaRZzX90cY912H5espI4JiqzwAguB1qSzSF0w6I8YTlYUWby-RsTVgrDBwVKVEN6-akFc840b2YHxr0rM39YBsGuEqxrmRSUP2eOo1D7SbDTSXVFVWIiR5tc/s1600/(6)%2BRice.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yakimeshi (normally $12)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Whilst waiting for our ramen, we
whetted our appetites with a couple of the samples coming out of the kitchen.
The first was a pinch of <b><u>Yakimeshi</u></b>
(normally $12) – Japanese fried rice. The fluffy grains were tossed about in a
hot wok with a fragrant mixture of egg and pork, bound together with a savoury
smokiness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibkRcH_IO7aMTbDGY-DxIIl2e4fPazt0gd36nQ_Tp0vi2oW_CESjhf8tRj_VFiWQdcNXOI4vZqhcEQFcyHrYas1lOs2PYsPn-wykAywzu042f6ErGora6l9nQGCC_vJg21SyMPcsv6UZE/s1600/(8)%2BGyoza.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibkRcH_IO7aMTbDGY-DxIIl2e4fPazt0gd36nQ_Tp0vi2oW_CESjhf8tRj_VFiWQdcNXOI4vZqhcEQFcyHrYas1lOs2PYsPn-wykAywzu042f6ErGora6l9nQGCC_vJg21SyMPcsv6UZE/s1600/(8)%2BGyoza.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gyoza ($11, 5pcs)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Equally as lovely were the <b><u>Gyoza</u></b> ($11, 5pcs), its slippery
smooth skin burnished to a crisp at the bottom, and holding within it a juicy
nugget of pork mince. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWDeSeNivbkIWVJnhRrdpa2hA6z0Q61fUligqs4KR_qbTAqgA3zYfYa95NXFuNxpw7Q_PVzTjDz0S4T0K1_r6y-_JsEK0tZl4r7fJiJXNsXRdfxjHhSTzJCcXeWKdJ52FBqJAhCwumhlA/s1600/(9)%2BDrink.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWDeSeNivbkIWVJnhRrdpa2hA6z0Q61fUligqs4KR_qbTAqgA3zYfYa95NXFuNxpw7Q_PVzTjDz0S4T0K1_r6y-_JsEK0tZl4r7fJiJXNsXRdfxjHhSTzJCcXeWKdJ52FBqJAhCwumhlA/s1600/(9)%2BDrink.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sake Punch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">From the bar was a <b><u>Sake Punch</u></b> – a refreshing combination of sake and apple juice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuksPCZRnVcKikUyhXo5n6Tm51qgjsOYAJ1lDEJIGcNIYzO_HN7I_bwz8TcbXasWGzjXAnVU2rbW7deXOA8SUKdxlMOf1UZjTdyaeLz3NESk7Tn-mFZ5a1a1CI139PRmHwUer1AxLldY/s1600/(10)%2BTonkotsu.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuksPCZRnVcKikUyhXo5n6Tm51qgjsOYAJ1lDEJIGcNIYzO_HN7I_bwz8TcbXasWGzjXAnVU2rbW7deXOA8SUKdxlMOf1UZjTdyaeLz3NESk7Tn-mFZ5a1a1CI139PRmHwUer1AxLldY/s1600/(10)%2BTonkotsu.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ikkoryu Original Tonkotsu ($15) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">There were 5 types of ramen on the
menu, and customisation ranged from toppings, to noodle texture, to the amount
of oil on your ramen. Going back to basics, I ordered the <b><u>Ikkoryu Original Tonkotsu</u></b> ($15) with a ‘normal’ level on all
the customisable options. This bowl of noodles took me back to Japan, with its
creamy soup and globules of fat glistening on the surface. The toppings were
also top-notch; the gooey egg was savoury from being marinated in a soy
mixture, and though thin, the charshu slices had an optimum fat-to-meat ratio
that melted in the mouth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt3RXoNN3yba-s7fPtdleOAcjJE7p39WhckoCBq4UZeA7YDhGqt-Mk8T33UjR-usca9_j607nlmtX3CZyqma5Gk1ph2vaYMly1QWHueZoyT_WXH6Fk2kWu_gDcR9l25JNbzJjT95PBJWw/s1600/(14)%2BMiso.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt3RXoNN3yba-s7fPtdleOAcjJE7p39WhckoCBq4UZeA7YDhGqt-Mk8T33UjR-usca9_j607nlmtX3CZyqma5Gk1ph2vaYMly1QWHueZoyT_WXH6Fk2kWu_gDcR9l25JNbzJjT95PBJWw/s1600/(14)%2BMiso.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miso Tonkotsu ($17)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The <b><u>Miso Tonkotsu</u></b> ($17) was exactly what it sounded like. The
addition of miso paste meant that the soup was earthier, and had a thicker
mouth-feel that nevertheless still allowed the porkiness to come through. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCynTFYK95QdhIJNYyXHLeS3l-_avz1cPhjYnwTXIagSQW62emZLxxQO5jhIFPrZ9pKwWhMfyAq2PuSOkU7CJp-MjQUQ_man0oeXj12Mqj1PJRF-EI8PLMnVtOt8JsYJH6_6eBPHl9TMw/s1600/(16)%2BNoodles.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCynTFYK95QdhIJNYyXHLeS3l-_avz1cPhjYnwTXIagSQW62emZLxxQO5jhIFPrZ9pKwWhMfyAq2PuSOkU7CJp-MjQUQ_man0oeXj12Mqj1PJRF-EI8PLMnVtOt8JsYJH6_6eBPHl9TMw/s1600/(16)%2BNoodles.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miso Tonkotsu ($17)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The noodles themselves were
absolutely fantastic. Medium thickness and just a little bit curly, these were
toothsome with a lingering hint of bicarbonate – a necessity in any good noodle
if you ask me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">So what did I think? Despite the
good food, this was a hard question to answer. I thought the noodles were
noticeably better than Fukuryu Ramen, but not as tasty as the JUST-LIKE-JAPAN
ramen of Hakata Gensuke. Although this puts Ikkoryu well within the top 3
ramens you can get in Melbourne, I just couldn’t get over the pricing. I was
nowhere near full after my $17 bowl of noodles, and although the toppings were
first-rate, they were rather miserly in terms of portion size. Even more
insulting was the price of the gyoza - $11 for 5 pieces! I don’t like to bring
price into my reviews (unless it’s a bargain of course!), as I believe that
everyone has different standards as to how much a meal is worth, but the prices
at Ikkoryu are borderline daylight robbery. Combined with the fact that I can
get better noodles for less at Hakata Gensuke, or a cheaper, larger, and still
pretty great bowl of noodles at Fukuryu, I don’t think I’ll be back any time
soon. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Rating: 13/20 – what a shame.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">This rating reflects my personal experience at the time of visit.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Sweet and Sour Fork dined as a guest of Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen. </span></i></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1939493/restaurant/CBD/Ikkoryu-Fukuoka-Ramen-Melbourne"><img alt="Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1939493/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>
<br />
<br />minghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02173537262392098472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043923915333387273.post-41349343226355985492015-04-13T09:00:00.000+10:002015-04-13T09:00:04.559+10:00ORee Korean Duck Restaurant<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="street-address"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">179 Queen Street</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="locality"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Melbourne, VIC</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span class="hidden-xs"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3000</span></span><br />
<a href="http://www.oree.com.au/"><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">http://www.oree.com.au/</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Korean
BBQ? Been there, done that. Except it turns out that I haven’t – not quite
anyway. Whilst I am intimately familiar with the seductive sizzling of beef and
pork and occasionally chicken over a coal fire, I have to admit that duck is
not something that swims to the forefront of my mind when I think KBBQ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_uSDkZZoY_HDNnopEV-gHXMymhJtzTjOQN_NB3FoPYf1s8wZiWbgl4TX70od0IZnjwQDPw2FeKNeEIn2s2P1FJyzdAHQ5UplZnYJEV0QkD-3q9sTI29Kop3sJzyNGQZrXdVoV-UqNqD4/s1600/(1)%2BInterior.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_uSDkZZoY_HDNnopEV-gHXMymhJtzTjOQN_NB3FoPYf1s8wZiWbgl4TX70od0IZnjwQDPw2FeKNeEIn2s2P1FJyzdAHQ5UplZnYJEV0QkD-3q9sTI29Kop3sJzyNGQZrXdVoV-UqNqD4/s1600/(1)%2BInterior.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYdQ7FeKYOfQe0wrXw0y-wIVj7xqyMSC4JOcOq782u-GBSLEsPCELuvrI9Eqfz_aIhGx5_UG3Up_dDDFKHQnsezlaCUL2BTaEYbj17CwNBqBUMZwcNrCw94Zt2yi1gddx04NafP7TISF8/s1600/(2)%2BInterior.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYdQ7FeKYOfQe0wrXw0y-wIVj7xqyMSC4JOcOq782u-GBSLEsPCELuvrI9Eqfz_aIhGx5_UG3Up_dDDFKHQnsezlaCUL2BTaEYbj17CwNBqBUMZwcNrCw94Zt2yi1gddx04NafP7TISF8/s1600/(2)%2BInterior.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">As
it turns out, duck is actually a rather popular BBQ meat in Korea, and its
absence in Melbourne meant that the opening <b><u>ORee Korean Duck Restaurant</u></b> was long overdue. Though the
outer half of the restaurant felt like a casual takeaway lunch sort of place,
the inner sanctum was lined with booths and ventilator pipes that are surely
familiar to anyone who has ever had Korean BBQ. And if you haven’t, the smoky
smells will give the gig away. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYPh-8FXn8Z66hqH4EGvufvy7Nxx4nBSFyZn8Ag-M4a-mcqyLM-0DJHDoVtYV25Z8-PGaQOp35f3oQ_QKvii39J4VfCsRBj8OsCBegIQ-gbnj2myriu8bhZ4260_q0e6RhZJf1dN0HdVY/s1600/(3)%2BBanchan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYPh-8FXn8Z66hqH4EGvufvy7Nxx4nBSFyZn8Ag-M4a-mcqyLM-0DJHDoVtYV25Z8-PGaQOp35f3oQ_QKvii39J4VfCsRBj8OsCBegIQ-gbnj2myriu8bhZ4260_q0e6RhZJf1dN0HdVY/s1600/(3)%2BBanchan.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duck with Nut Porridge/Banchan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We
were recommended the <b><u>Course 2</u></b>
($60pp) by our lovely waitresses, and being cold and hungry, we happily agreed
on the 8 courses of duck-centric goodness. Within minutes we were plied with
plates of banchan, and the first course – <b><u>Duck
with Nut Porridge</u></b>. Though unusual sounding, the combination of almonds
and rice boiled down in duck stock was nutty and comforting. And if you want a
bit more pep, you have your choice between sour pieces of crunchy <b><u>Kimchi</u></b>, slivers of <b><u>Pickled Onion</u></b>, and chewy strips
of marinated <b><u>Fish Cake</u></b>. The
best bit of all however was the <b><u>Steamed
Egg Omelette</u></b>. Piping hot and aerated like cotton candy, it was studded
with specks of carrot and onion, and perfect for whetting the appetite. And
yes, it is complimentary. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_O8u-1DEcgHVaFAWPknvmh8Pr_vem7zxV7qB6X-Y6eT2STJK4EEyKSCxN5tvpiF-yBevjhIsat6g_HFS0eAvvgxM0lm5gE3eNadeZ-yUWF-yMfMGU5ptMAnVLrR0t-BmQ180Y5tN81rw/s1600/(5)%2BSalad.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_O8u-1DEcgHVaFAWPknvmh8Pr_vem7zxV7qB6X-Y6eT2STJK4EEyKSCxN5tvpiF-yBevjhIsat6g_HFS0eAvvgxM0lm5gE3eNadeZ-yUWF-yMfMGU5ptMAnVLrR0t-BmQ180Y5tN81rw/s1600/(5)%2BSalad.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fried Duck Salad with Kiwi Dressing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Our
next course was the <b><u>Fried Duck Salad
with Kiwi Dressing</u></b>. Koreans have always been good at frying, and these
succulent pieces of duck were bound tightly in a crisp and savoury batter. It
reached its full potential when dipped in the (spoiler alert!) honey mustard
sauce that we were served later on. One thing I couldn’t wrap my mind around
however was the salad. Whilst the vegetables held no surprises, the kiwi
dressing tasted like melted fruit-flavoured ice cream, and left me with my
bewildered face on. Don’t get me wrong – it tasted nice; I just wasn’t sure how
to feel about it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8HR3IJfTmRdAEcG1Ad3WiXlDjJnnsh8x54eu-JAwpfNu-rw1nG9ICk0mk9s3S0t8ft6dQ6o6gjlNK_ajfkJ1u15mis9dOUKUHOVt2_hqMimgi5LlERqUOTsLAv1JljKyl7MiQblv480/s1600/(6)%2BDumplings.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8HR3IJfTmRdAEcG1Ad3WiXlDjJnnsh8x54eu-JAwpfNu-rw1nG9ICk0mk9s3S0t8ft6dQ6o6gjlNK_ajfkJ1u15mis9dOUKUHOVt2_hqMimgi5LlERqUOTsLAv1JljKyl7MiQblv480/s1600/(6)%2BDumplings.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fried Duck Dumpling</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Another
twist on a classic dish was the <b><u>Fried
Duck Dumpling</u></b>, which was delicious with its pink and juicy centre,
dipped in sweet and sour sauce. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">At
roughly this point in the meal, Chris left to go to the bathroom. Why am I
mentioning this? Because on the way back in, he walked smack-bang into the
devilishly clean sliding glass door, and proceeded to bleed profusely from his
nose for the next 15 minutes, scaring all the staff (and me of course!) silly.
He’s alright now, but the swelling is making his nose look even more crooked
than it already is. So if the food descriptions become a bit weak after this,
you’ll know why. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg61bV8eGbKlWXy39PvSxdJSkR7UW0MeXNZAoF_xejW-sJzeHBK0ODVvUR4cQjYlkEU2X13epyzJuD8sTsTJ4uSEDMfkkk6xxf8OTlTZRxhVZF7qqg9nWdT3wNE_GXRaEY-Vlfm2HGKMSs/s1600/(7)%2BRoast%2BDuck.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg61bV8eGbKlWXy39PvSxdJSkR7UW0MeXNZAoF_xejW-sJzeHBK0ODVvUR4cQjYlkEU2X13epyzJuD8sTsTJ4uSEDMfkkk6xxf8OTlTZRxhVZF7qqg9nWdT3wNE_GXRaEY-Vlfm2HGKMSs/s1600/(7)%2BRoast%2BDuck.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh Roast Duck (100g)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA82saCpUNHpFPMWRwGtPCn3XYJ6wmGJMNncDU62RKG6l5D_FGEiO6lRGbm5znadJspiVesXZVMGT6F71tF1pwREwxs3t3NMnobOt4PG7a3QRRecU94cMcykgjHhFm1Th6LvaPuAP1PZ8/s1600/(8)%2BRoast%2BDuck.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA82saCpUNHpFPMWRwGtPCn3XYJ6wmGJMNncDU62RKG6l5D_FGEiO6lRGbm5znadJspiVesXZVMGT6F71tF1pwREwxs3t3NMnobOt4PG7a3QRRecU94cMcykgjHhFm1Th6LvaPuAP1PZ8/s1600/(8)%2BRoast%2BDuck.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh Roast Duck (100g)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Between
dried blood off Chris’ face and giving first-aid advice, I managed to stuff
down mouthfuls of the <b><u>Fresh Roast
Duck (100g)</u></b>. Even in my anxious state, I was able to appreciate just
how delicious it was. The duck was rich and meaty, lined with just enough fat
to give it that extra flavour. I had fun playing mix and match with the buffet
of condiments we were given, and I decided that it tasted the best with <b><u>Onion Sauce</u></b> and <b><u>Salt and Pepper</u></b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwG70uiAG2BxazTOWy0eVy9iDHpCyOSGOfwvbikiH7BUihYv7NXPpiudR5MB-gh_RTxDqsgelvgb8o6hpdPyc_CVG5oxc392QrygYsfjfNnyK_cbNdWtiQimExJ3oWtJtv97MYfFK3k0/s1600/(9)%2BSmoked%2BDuck.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwG70uiAG2BxazTOWy0eVy9iDHpCyOSGOfwvbikiH7BUihYv7NXPpiudR5MB-gh_RTxDqsgelvgb8o6hpdPyc_CVG5oxc392QrygYsfjfNnyK_cbNdWtiQimExJ3oWtJtv97MYfFK3k0/s1600/(9)%2BSmoked%2BDuck.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smoked Duck (100g)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
second plate for the BBQ was the <b><u>Smoked
Duck</u></b> (100g). With some of the fat trimmed off, this duck tasted a lot
leaner. The smoking process also left it a lot more tender, and infused it with
a woody aroma reminiscent of camping trips. It was distinctly different from
the roast duck, and I honestly couldn’t decide on which I liked more. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXJKVdLDXz5fBsNK0ptx4PkzSJON2RI9vOMMO3N_zcNCKNpSIP8tE6ADLdElJoJpAcrkB6k9hEFMfcoiFXUlxQXl4rfBSqmv7Um-UQrvog6S8izlsT07dYhGTaMxYMqGUHt8xb0VeLo9E/s1600/(10)%2BSoup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXJKVdLDXz5fBsNK0ptx4PkzSJON2RI9vOMMO3N_zcNCKNpSIP8tE6ADLdElJoJpAcrkB6k9hEFMfcoiFXUlxQXl4rfBSqmv7Um-UQrvog6S8izlsT07dYhGTaMxYMqGUHt8xb0VeLo9E/s1600/(10)%2BSoup.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duck Soup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
leftover duck bones were made into <b><u>Duck
Soup</u></b> to be served with rice. I was super full by this point as Chris
hadn’t done much eating, but I did manage a sip or two. Steeped with herbs,
this soup was light and cleansing – an ideal conclusion to the rich BBQ meats. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFcExXyL7d7Ia5hUlLRZDUOLwu9GHEW7ZXyKLtfzSlBLaVxOlYmWZEJHR6J61yuwpRwpGxEle56zRIi21HZjZAireb0DmFJ7q3Rk3UTqdQzA2wKaY4EwbDRfxB__WqLr9ENm_yA7KjFIY/s1600/(11)%2BBulgogi.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFcExXyL7d7Ia5hUlLRZDUOLwu9GHEW7ZXyKLtfzSlBLaVxOlYmWZEJHR6J61yuwpRwpGxEle56zRIi21HZjZAireb0DmFJ7q3Rk3UTqdQzA2wKaY4EwbDRfxB__WqLr9ENm_yA7KjFIY/s1600/(11)%2BBulgogi.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marinated Soy Bulgogi (100g)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
last savoury dish (I know! More!) was the <b><u>Marinated
Soy Bulgogi</u></b> (100g). Instead of being cooked on a fire, this mix of duck
and vegetables were cooked on a stone hot plate, which was slanted ingeniously
so that all the fat dripped into a little paper cup.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrXJC4kxFzo-0J7q1t87-9OhVVAlcMJhRjqmRvMDE2iL4l1TO-hcFLDcbv6yYDprxYiPwV3_DhUSoRP8bYhTa6BRQLLjB9SKMxKjdIyKOgbP-UWSzOGsd27Q6A2YeiKqDNiRscOtnZBqY/s1600/(12)%2BBulgogi.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrXJC4kxFzo-0J7q1t87-9OhVVAlcMJhRjqmRvMDE2iL4l1TO-hcFLDcbv6yYDprxYiPwV3_DhUSoRP8bYhTa6BRQLLjB9SKMxKjdIyKOgbP-UWSzOGsd27Q6A2YeiKqDNiRscOtnZBqY/s1600/(12)%2BBulgogi.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Marinated Soy Bulgogi (100g)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Having been marinated for hours in the sweet
soy, all the tough fibres in the duck were broken down, and the result was the
most tender and succulent duck I’ve ever had. Interspersed with the meat were a
variety of vegetables, including bushels of mushrooms and thinly sliced onion
to soak up the marinade. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6to10MNmWnVXH9jIA0xkbkXDViBaVM2Fxq1C51jfl-2Ty4SHf7OWgIdNr0LKFdyNUxOCtjAx7dfgTNkjErXU5ydDJyLNsVk8g-FFyGwBZdm9GqeMvMHmoMaT9oor42OB14_2OFgpxyE/s1600/(14)%2BDessert.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6to10MNmWnVXH9jIA0xkbkXDViBaVM2Fxq1C51jfl-2Ty4SHf7OWgIdNr0LKFdyNUxOCtjAx7dfgTNkjErXU5ydDJyLNsVk8g-FFyGwBZdm9GqeMvMHmoMaT9oor42OB14_2OFgpxyE/s1600/(14)%2BDessert.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Bingsu</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Luckily,
our dessert contained no duck. Instead, it was the popular Korean (and Asian)
dessert of <b><u>White Bingsu</u></b>, aka
fluffy shaved ice cream topped with condensed milk and sweet red beans. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_eWaS7ZlocGivpd8yxtRYjXPEKYpIWG0UExArT2w1Fp79Pn2fkncNZs2uPYw3nGCw8TAoZtmD9LJCc74s-tGIOPwiznHz9m0l75yAVg7KqtC15DG8itvNsBspf0e0EG_L12gD2Hp4Soc/s1600/(13)%2BSpread.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_eWaS7ZlocGivpd8yxtRYjXPEKYpIWG0UExArT2w1Fp79Pn2fkncNZs2uPYw3nGCw8TAoZtmD9LJCc74s-tGIOPwiznHz9m0l75yAVg7KqtC15DG8itvNsBspf0e0EG_L12gD2Hp4Soc/s1600/(13)%2BSpread.JPG" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Despite
Chris busting his nose, this was still one of the nicest Korean meals I’ve had
in a long time. The food was both high quality and well made, and a duck-centric
menu is definitely not something you see every day. Just make sure you do like
duck because it’s in more or less in everything on the menu – no joke. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Rating: 15.5/20 – quacker of a meal. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This rating reflects my personal
experience at the time of visit.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Sweet and Sour Fork dined as a guest
of ORee Korean Duck Restaurant.</span></i></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1935516/restaurant/CBD/Oree-Korean-Duck-Restaurant-Melbourne"><img alt="Oree Korean Duck Restaurant on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1935516/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>
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<br />minghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02173537262392098472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043923915333387273.post-1341294798363620422015-04-09T09:00:00.000+10:002015-04-09T09:00:02.969+10:00Belle's Hot Chicken<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="street-address"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">150-156 Gertrude St</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="locality"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Fitzroy, VIC</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <span style="box-sizing: border-box;"></span></span><span class="hidden-xs"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3065</span></span></span><br />
<a href="http://www.belleshotchicken.com/">http://www.belleshotchicken.com/</a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">After a week of having home-made
rice paper rolls for lunch at work, I felt that I’d earned a meal at <b><u>Belle’s Hot Chicken</u></b>. And call it
providence but, this also turned out to be an early celebratory dinner, as less
than 12 hours later, I finally got my big break as a pharmacist! Hooray to
working in prestigious hospitals!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdRuroRq6l0VX4RqxqOFGf6xH2qKVu-k-r5mUciJXSY1ocKsFGp0gYe9X_Y0F9-byNoB7U6dvT0ymMszb4j6e0YDYJZTdXJS3qWTtAZ62FhX1u5gLrGhKj6hl-mJCxUnYARrLZLxo8r4/s1600/(1)%2BDiner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdRuroRq6l0VX4RqxqOFGf6xH2qKVu-k-r5mUciJXSY1ocKsFGp0gYe9X_Y0F9-byNoB7U6dvT0ymMszb4j6e0YDYJZTdXJS3qWTtAZ62FhX1u5gLrGhKj6hl-mJCxUnYARrLZLxo8r4/s1600/(1)%2BDiner.JPG" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The vibe here is diner-classy (yes
that’s a thing now) and so is the food. Once night dropped, the bar and booths
took on the glow of perpetual twilight, evoking with it a mood of quiet
companionship and the promise of a night still young. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhErKACyfpHVL4XSX7AT2IkPRBJ8ljPNGW6j0jB3SejmcoXITv2fRRt3C91N6lf21QUJZrqbcMNdcI4fzOs3sPxr8N4BAszeJcn43hg_m0HnFSEY2b2_WqihKmGNE8zQtgXVJjv-zPoFlM/s1600/(2)%2BCompilation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhErKACyfpHVL4XSX7AT2IkPRBJ8ljPNGW6j0jB3SejmcoXITv2fRRt3C91N6lf21QUJZrqbcMNdcI4fzOs3sPxr8N4BAszeJcn43hg_m0HnFSEY2b2_WqihKmGNE8zQtgXVJjv-zPoFlM/s1600/(2)%2BCompilation.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Eschewing any beating around the
bush, Belle’s Hot Chicken is exactly what it says on the packet – <b><u>Meat, Heat, Sauces, Sides, Eat</u></b>! The
thoughtful box of wet wipes on the table gives a hint of what’s to come; there
is also cutlery available but PFFT. Fish and mushrooms are available for those
who don’t like fried chicken – a considerate addition. If you don’t like fried
however, then you’re very much out of luck.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJZU8n_JZCEWXLrZBXOoRxXjjDXaqmJDri1ad0KUh6j66Up_UQflz2uo3G_NjBvSFyT-8mklWuYiOaRCz9koVnAQJxQ6U1kh0dNi31XcrnX20Ri34aE-eMtPRmrhpnQscB7bl3YlwUVU/s1600/(6)%2BDark.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJZU8n_JZCEWXLrZBXOoRxXjjDXaqmJDri1ad0KUh6j66Up_UQflz2uo3G_NjBvSFyT-8mklWuYiOaRCz9koVnAQJxQ6U1kh0dNi31XcrnX20Ri34aE-eMtPRmrhpnQscB7bl3YlwUVU/s1600/(6)%2BDark.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hot Dark Meat (drumstick and thigh) ($16)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">For $16, we were given the option
of 3 cuts of chicken in 5 degrees of spiciness, all the way up to Really
F**king Hot (sic). It was a no-brainer of a choice for me, and I went with the <b><u>Hot Dark Meat (drumstick and thigh)</u></b>
($16). The chicken was crazy juicy, and each bite left the fat dripping down my
chin. The crisp, dry batter had a nice, smoky kick; between the sizzling fat
and spices, I regretted not getting a tub of ranch sauce to cool things down. Luckily
the chicken was served with a generous handful of sweet house-made pickles, so
I doused the fire that way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0OkpQzEkVtF-TmbX8zsW_rb2f5kXBPlJOxx4RRd_9ieQ_CP8WZkxihXm-ce8FysGO6DPW6Znt4Xi4ew5QE00IyctRupcZhkIbYuBwL9pu6Y7hIFJ8dOVf51IlDfZAkXhyPjydycjaR8/s1600/(8)%2BTenders.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0OkpQzEkVtF-TmbX8zsW_rb2f5kXBPlJOxx4RRd_9ieQ_CP8WZkxihXm-ce8FysGO6DPW6Znt4Xi4ew5QE00IyctRupcZhkIbYuBwL9pu6Y7hIFJ8dOVf51IlDfZAkXhyPjydycjaR8/s1600/(8)%2BTenders.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Southern Tenders ($16) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Mild-mannered Chris on the other
hand ordered the <b><u>Southern Tenders</u></b>
($16) – a placid serve of 4 chicken strips coated in a warm mix of spice. Though
not as juicy as the dark meat, these were nevertheless notably tender and moist,
and the batter was flavoursome without overpowering the chicken. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOgdObGjdc6eZYCSZuyNe7cGhSxyz4AGy5DgSYBGIp-MPmxdX2B8cOxXP5N7ktr8kBqwRBdaUhA65HtAYjWpXBSO83bDITs7dAXRI42ppiBNJCOjHHY4ztcPGUVzEu3fq0-1jRJFNYZA/s1600/(7)%2BBeans.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOgdObGjdc6eZYCSZuyNe7cGhSxyz4AGy5DgSYBGIp-MPmxdX2B8cOxXP5N7ktr8kBqwRBdaUhA65HtAYjWpXBSO83bDITs7dAXRI42ppiBNJCOjHHY4ztcPGUVzEu3fq0-1jRJFNYZA/s1600/(7)%2BBeans.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost Arnold’s Beans</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Each serve of chicken also came
with your choice of any side, and the first we had was the <b><u>Almost Arnold’s Beans</u></b>. Completely defying expectations, the
string beans were cooked to a comforting mushiness in a pork hock stew, and
then given a little pick-me-up with a hint of spice and pickle. Frankly I could have this on its own as a
meal, scooped over a bed of fluffy white rice. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEXZ_yQHm0AQ_rtm0ZdCw9fNuS4XGqn9j3lQtbfpKqKYlCG5RcTxRnsMmsSMn6piDJ5hlXkmpDl1OM3Dt4ZZSeosy_ZS3AzRthLGg4yc40v39iqhqW9j8Qa1Sy7XsvVAxnVrA2AqGBmeQ/s1600/(9)%2BMeal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEXZ_yQHm0AQ_rtm0ZdCw9fNuS4XGqn9j3lQtbfpKqKYlCG5RcTxRnsMmsSMn6piDJ5hlXkmpDl1OM3Dt4ZZSeosy_ZS3AzRthLGg4yc40v39iqhqW9j8Qa1Sy7XsvVAxnVrA2AqGBmeQ/s1600/(9)%2BMeal.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hot Dark Meat with Almost Arnold's Beans ($16)/Southern Chicken Tenders with Old Bay Fries ($16)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">And of course, the <b><u>Old Bay Fries</u></b>. These were cooked
to perfection – the outside lightly bronzed, with a fluffy centre. Shaken over
was the nostalgically savoury spice mix, and we had no trouble polishing them
off.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nnuSu0rd80Osdy1VU_CRKmzjX5OxvAtQ_3TXe9yAdPvCT6SI3xI9D8Vh9_pgdZ1I7doTLCA_zw5UG-yAnXfw2dhMYiEEdJLnuXLaIDa0hxmHEx2kqUylsfczZlnkfPDhhJ9KuCY-0cQ/s1600/(10)%2BDessert.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nnuSu0rd80Osdy1VU_CRKmzjX5OxvAtQ_3TXe9yAdPvCT6SI3xI9D8Vh9_pgdZ1I7doTLCA_zw5UG-yAnXfw2dhMYiEEdJLnuXLaIDa0hxmHEx2kqUylsfczZlnkfPDhhJ9KuCY-0cQ/s1600/(10)%2BDessert.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocolate and Peanut Brittle Soft Serve ($6)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Our indulgent meal was wrapped up
with a serve of <b><u>Soft Serve</u></b>
($6). This isn’t just any soft serve – the flavours change from day-to-day, and
we were lucky enough to stumble upon the concoction of <b><u>Chocolate and Peanut Brittle</u></b>. The ice cream was light and
smooth, almost like a just-frozen milkshake, and tinged with cocoa. Meanwhile
the brittle was layered lavishly through the soft serve, the crunch of toffee
shards combining addictively with crushed roasted peanuts. This is a soft serve
that’s definitely worth the price tag. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">In the end, fried chicken is just
fried chicken, but there’s something to be said about even the most simple of
dishes when they’re made to such a high standard. Plus, where else can you go
that practically mandates ordering fried chicken? And if you say KFC, just wait
until you try fried chicken that doesn’t leave a coat of grease in your mouth.
Like Belle’s Hot Chicken. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Rating: 13.5/20 – beautiful hot chicks.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">This rating reflects my personal experience at the time of visit.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1876424/restaurant/Melbourne/Belles-Hot-Chicken-Fitzroy"><img alt="Belle's Hot Chicken on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1876424/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>
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<br />minghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02173537262392098472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043923915333387273.post-29329658604052925472015-04-06T09:00:00.000+10:002015-04-06T09:00:01.024+10:00Juicy Bao<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="street-address"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Shop 2/178-190 Little Bourke St</span></span><br />
<span class="street-address"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span class="locality"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Melbourne, VIC</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <span style="box-sizing: border-box;"></span></span><span class="hidden-xs"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3000</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Excuse me as I interrupt your usual Ming-written programme with a guest
post from Chris! I’m back for another round whilst Ming does a 9am-7pm work
week. She’ll be back shortly!</span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Sometimes it feels like, for all
the Chinese food Ming and I eat, we very rarely go to Chinatown. I suppose
given any random Chinatown restaurant, it’s hard to know if you’re in for some
authentic Chinese food or just some Western-pandering Beef in Black Bean Sauce.
However, on recommendation from a friend of Ming’s, tonight <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>we
once again made our way into that small, brightly lit street to try out <b><u>Juicy Bao</u></b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTAxVrVXpKZUEAeDGpjLV58MWHjWD_XlCSNvLxfkKUsfrfFghy0GTER-UvTYVzn8zAOsvGml26wW6iPIbnuCZRO__RBtHOfvjtDiDFU3eiTQ-0PziGY2sns49GbA7JHMEwbkq3yPuzHq8/s1600/(2)%2BInterior.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTAxVrVXpKZUEAeDGpjLV58MWHjWD_XlCSNvLxfkKUsfrfFghy0GTER-UvTYVzn8zAOsvGml26wW6iPIbnuCZRO__RBtHOfvjtDiDFU3eiTQ-0PziGY2sns49GbA7JHMEwbkq3yPuzHq8/s1600/(2)%2BInterior.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Juicy Bao looks more or less like
your typical Chinatown restaurant, if somewhat less extravagant than some
others (and certainly cleaner than yet others too), but we had high hopes as we
sat down and ordered from their no-surprises menu.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7-mQP5dROaQFAJ5OWdZD7s_IauvQeTq8XS-DZMD7uu74yA6u5ab5Hr-UbI2WC3usUuX2a0T-rickZXT0dzyN77k2JLY6vu2DwCba7DBXPKcz6GirK_MQOvVz43dmcrZyr8y-Kl1jsv0/s1600/(6)%2BWontons.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7-mQP5dROaQFAJ5OWdZD7s_IauvQeTq8XS-DZMD7uu74yA6u5ab5Hr-UbI2WC3usUuX2a0T-rickZXT0dzyN77k2JLY6vu2DwCba7DBXPKcz6GirK_MQOvVz43dmcrZyr8y-Kl1jsv0/s1600/(6)%2BWontons.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pork and Prawn Wonton Soup ($9.8, 15pcs)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Ming was very eager to try their <b><u>Pork & Prawn Wonton Soup</u></b>
($9.8, 15pcs), and having normally eschewed wontons in favour of dumplings
myself, I was happy to concur. After clumsily dropping one of these meaty
parcels onto the floor, I fished another out of the light chicken broth, and
thankfully this one was securely in my grasp. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSK7ltPJa6gt5LRwOOoS4rsCz9Ti41c0NejIeHA6UL_48IstVY1QJgle2u5guRQEcDSBuUU845EMNWO1zluthfe17PCiMn1a3iRzFaLftsZBi9j1VwDX5ibyF6hMX0zYI_a1kL3GLkQc/s1600/(7)%2BWontons.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSK7ltPJa6gt5LRwOOoS4rsCz9Ti41c0NejIeHA6UL_48IstVY1QJgle2u5guRQEcDSBuUU845EMNWO1zluthfe17PCiMn1a3iRzFaLftsZBi9j1VwDX5ibyF6hMX0zYI_a1kL3GLkQc/s1600/(7)%2BWontons.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Pork and Prawn Wonton Soup ($9.8, 15pcs)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Despite the juicy flavour granted
by the soup, these wontons unfortunately failed to impress, lacking somewhat in
prawns – the pieces of prawn were simply spread out too much and too little to
be majorly noticeable. This left Ming a bit disappointed, though personally I
still enjoyed them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJbgyWDyUzUbK4VpqnlpoOUH-DBictH52fAT1oGdZbB7F2NG2wRZZ4wcicxbiaOb40arnUE_Ec5xqU7JiDNldStqT7oomvCjcvPkphyc9K0jjzWu6RLjhYt9LaeHarQGcAEsufTZSWkZw/s1600/(3)%2BCalamari.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJbgyWDyUzUbK4VpqnlpoOUH-DBictH52fAT1oGdZbB7F2NG2wRZZ4wcicxbiaOb40arnUE_Ec5xqU7JiDNldStqT7oomvCjcvPkphyc9K0jjzWu6RLjhYt9LaeHarQGcAEsufTZSWkZw/s1600/(3)%2BCalamari.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salt and Pepper Squid ($6.8)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">My first bite of their <b><u>Salt & Pepper Squid</u></b> ($6.8) yielded
a lovely hit of flavour, the salt and pepper plentiful though not overdone.
However, when I eagerly started eating some more pieces, I was instead greeted
with a much more restrained flavour. As it turns out, the flavouring in this
dish was inconsistent, the aforementioned pattern repeating throughout the
meal. That said, even when not bursting with flavour, I enjoyed the batter
which was not too heavy like some others we’ve had, and the squid hidden inside
which had a good level of chewiness. All in all, I liked the dish, I just wish
it had been more consistent!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXr4T0_2h-lu0MXUCCZssgxLFgtj0RfBNldsoFiFWsIt4FvXmt3bFBBRxEyJwppGwTUq_iWD2S_3ohUNHiFupxoxVmKo918jKV9UAj4u7v3QsmPKv0KQ2HnIbQG47dQcBPyWri-opMGfo/s1600/(4)%2BNoodles.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXr4T0_2h-lu0MXUCCZssgxLFgtj0RfBNldsoFiFWsIt4FvXmt3bFBBRxEyJwppGwTUq_iWD2S_3ohUNHiFupxoxVmKo918jKV9UAj4u7v3QsmPKv0KQ2HnIbQG47dQcBPyWri-opMGfo/s1600/(4)%2BNoodles.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Zha Jiang Mian ($9.8)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiewbtZgFHU05zmnegeU3nnixDRIvDbo8hvPPu3SsD-mpUez1Barvj1ZfgJ6eAcFrscfzXO0sFzanWLA3t7ihoGwmKH6eWApqAvgcavozu6dOKwG6XsiuJfHNngvLBAQii1ic6QbHpkIzI/s1600/(5)%2BNoodles.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiewbtZgFHU05zmnegeU3nnixDRIvDbo8hvPPu3SsD-mpUez1Barvj1ZfgJ6eAcFrscfzXO0sFzanWLA3t7ihoGwmKH6eWApqAvgcavozu6dOKwG6XsiuJfHNngvLBAQii1ic6QbHpkIzI/s1600/(5)%2BNoodles.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zha Jiang Mian ($9.8)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">One of these days, I’ll remember <b><u>Zha Jiang Mian</u></b> ($9.8) by its
actual name – but until then, I’ll simply get by on “oh, that really slippery
noodle dish with the pork and cucumber on top”. I’ll admit upfront that the slipperiness
of these noodles has always bothered me a little; my white-boy chopstick skills
can only handle so much! But I digress – these savoury noodles, heaped
generously in the bowl, became a tasty, chewy mix with the morsels of minced
pork. It also made for a tasty lunch the next day, thanks to our slight
over-ordering.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Perhaps Juicy Bao didn’t quite live
up to our expectations, but to be perfectly honest, I would happily eat there
again and try some of their dumplings and rice dishes. It doesn’t really exceed
the other good restaurants in Chinatown, but it’s on par with price, so you
won’t feel short-changed spending your money here either.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Rating: 12/20</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">This rating reflects my (Chris’) personal experience at the time of
visit. </span></i></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1881336/restaurant/CBD/Juicy-Bao-Melbourne"><img alt="Juicy Bao on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1881336/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>
<br />
<br />minghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02173537262392098472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043923915333387273.post-11288991828380658932015-04-02T09:00:00.000+11:002015-04-02T09:00:04.549+11:00Ms Collins<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="street-address"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">425 Collins Street</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="locality"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Melbourne, VIC</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span class="hidden-xs"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3000</span></span><br />
<a href="http://www.mscollins.com.au/"><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">http://www.mscollins.com.au/</span></a></div>
<span style="line-height: 200%;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 200%;">What’s
this? Sweet and Sour Fork is reviewing clubs now? Yes, and no. Yes </span><b style="line-height: 200%;"><u>Ms Collins</u></b><span style="line-height: 200%;"> is a club, but no
that is not all she is. Mind you, the only thing that would be able to get me
to a club (besides insistent friends) would be good food. Though I initially
shirked at the prospect of eating in a place with the music going DOOF DOOF DOOF, the big names
behind the menu changed my mind almost instantaneously.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxh14X51ZagC5JOkixxujohvYdVkq-SwKTJeQf0Yu6h2DaCjo5cUPPGj-IHYXUClb4kraJZgl77dLXj-Nrw_fJPOmxsE4NubtDfGy-79nht1dyTRb-q2O-JI08X2VFRqzoSCdDNv1vCvU/s1600/(3)%2BBar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxh14X51ZagC5JOkixxujohvYdVkq-SwKTJeQf0Yu6h2DaCjo5cUPPGj-IHYXUClb4kraJZgl77dLXj-Nrw_fJPOmxsE4NubtDfGy-79nht1dyTRb-q2O-JI08X2VFRqzoSCdDNv1vCvU/s1600/(3)%2BBar.JPG" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-rs4PYGYtKdHVHOoyIM4Ay9gOG6WrGZ1mVNdi1FDHgnugDAsVbVHJiziF0wMdnQgZWe0veX9WICZZmUuq_rn9Exs6VuuEaVx13isd1WB47T0czkTQyZF5LcUWV7TSQrduQexp2mc3iQ/s1600/(4)%2BNeon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-rs4PYGYtKdHVHOoyIM4Ay9gOG6WrGZ1mVNdi1FDHgnugDAsVbVHJiziF0wMdnQgZWe0veX9WICZZmUuq_rn9Exs6VuuEaVx13isd1WB47T0czkTQyZF5LcUWV7TSQrduQexp2mc3iQ/s1600/(4)%2BNeon.JPG" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnjuEoTdAFsHzD4kFA-cUO4JMg8SA05AgxLykCxhPUIr0LecY94K9tXHKbCTUwZK6bN7gkD1eLo-ldDle0AXCC-ig1xvC3SL_SVDK9A_-hKQdIxm26Q5wIXXrd72tKqE1KoHhTdl1p-VA/s1600/(5)%2BInterior.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnjuEoTdAFsHzD4kFA-cUO4JMg8SA05AgxLykCxhPUIr0LecY94K9tXHKbCTUwZK6bN7gkD1eLo-ldDle0AXCC-ig1xvC3SL_SVDK9A_-hKQdIxm26Q5wIXXrd72tKqE1KoHhTdl1p-VA/s1600/(5)%2BInterior.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So
who did Ms Collins manage to rustle up for her dinner party? Paul Wilson from the city of Sydney, Riccardo Momesso of Valentino, Daniel Wilson of Huxtable (and <u><a href="http://sweetandsourfork.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/huxtaburger-cbd.html">Huxtaburger</a></u>!),
and – get this – <b><u>Jacques Reymond
himself</u></b>. Sure, it may feel weird eating food by a three-hatted chef in
a heritage building decorated with graffiti and lit in pink, but where else are
you going to get to eat food by Jacques Reymond?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifNk9PUPtVxVlWP6G_YxCqRudvdY9DinHyq6jjqDUKM0l1Q9XhZP9BkXbyMNDMKdMZPW0Pex4RdsGupsjm9iKaEkPgq0JOZSaQISI0DOv9W0rQq9wkiafzMr0hBN-8-RXTbwlOV9xQaaw/s1600/(7)%2BWine.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifNk9PUPtVxVlWP6G_YxCqRudvdY9DinHyq6jjqDUKM0l1Q9XhZP9BkXbyMNDMKdMZPW0Pex4RdsGupsjm9iKaEkPgq0JOZSaQISI0DOv9W0rQq9wkiafzMr0hBN-8-RXTbwlOV9xQaaw/s1600/(7)%2BWine.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 10.6666669845581px; line-height: 21.3333358764648px; text-align: start;"> </span><span style="font-size: 10.6666669845581px; line-height: 21.3333358764648px; text-align: start;">Distant Cousins Sauvignon Blanc 2014</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We
came to Ms Collins especially to partake in their Friday <b><u>Bao Down</u></b> promo. For just $20 you can find yourself indulging
in 3 baos (flavours change weekly) and a glass of wine/beer/champagne. And
seeing as I won’t need to drive for another few hours, I indulged in a glass of
<b><u>Distant Cousins Sauvignon Blanc 2014</u></b>,
which was crisp and very fruity – lots of fun to drink.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiOogNxcQkZYJOM-lC9n9iUTV924IXPCWvALmj5lFMezCXpNT0QKIGgh9CDnd8XghhXN4LdqKH3KxVC7zmmf370uml1GPbuNnOhxE7Lr4lKhAwhiiq6zBu3mcuDYxQf376ZSuvCEQ2UeY/s1600/(11)%2BBao.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiOogNxcQkZYJOM-lC9n9iUTV924IXPCWvALmj5lFMezCXpNT0QKIGgh9CDnd8XghhXN4LdqKH3KxVC7zmmf370uml1GPbuNnOhxE7Lr4lKhAwhiiq6zBu3mcuDYxQf376ZSuvCEQ2UeY/s1600/(11)%2BBao.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 10.6666669845581px; line-height: 21.3333358764648px; text-align: start;">Wagyu Beef and Pickled Red Cabbage Bao</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
bao we were treated to that week was stuffed with <b><u>Wagyu Beef and Pickled Red Cabbage</u></b>. Let me make a confession
here: despite the big names behind the restaurant/club/bar, I was a bit apprehensive about the food. I mean, how many famous chefs eventually sell out after
retiring? Anyway, disregard all my hang-ups, because these bao were
sensational. The wagyu was slow-cooked in its juices until it was sweet and
unctuous, whilst the acidic ribbons of red cabbage gave the beef its vivacity.
It was all wrapped up in a snowy, fluffy bun and left us licking our fingers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsRLc15xP7OaqVN2T2FtnIyg4jSk61UC3Rb6aq-CkaWbZ2N9YAXDC02-XvriZSUVHsrp9TKqydMnyTf-zAIMpaWXlNGVmnxAAoYaRa8cO4hVSiGUG_t770N0p8ZsNqc1Mz5OHPz_kytxI/s1600/(12)%2BEmpanada.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsRLc15xP7OaqVN2T2FtnIyg4jSk61UC3Rb6aq-CkaWbZ2N9YAXDC02-XvriZSUVHsrp9TKqydMnyTf-zAIMpaWXlNGVmnxAAoYaRa8cO4hVSiGUG_t770N0p8ZsNqc1Mz5OHPz_kytxI/s1600/(12)%2BEmpanada.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 10.6666669845581px; line-height: 21.3333358764648px; text-align: start;">Empanadas de Picadillo with Mission Fig Mole</span><span style="font-size: 10.6666669845581px; line-height: 21.3333358764648px; text-align: start;"> ($12, 3pcs)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
success with the bao made me excited to try something else, but I apparently still
haven’t learnt my lesson – the <b><u>Empanadas
de Picadillo with Mission Fig Mole</u></b> ($12, 3pcs) just made me think of
greasy pastry filled with nasty mince. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfbrEg5mxAKxQh3bOWJjsCe6gsf4kHoOuwhKFy7W9QkvqJ75INZvHZh2YKX2cdKcKYPNlj9rgYOS5sICIoSVOXQyOnfgMTLvEHHGkbfqwqgAosVu1jbmLflo4r4JHbT3T-a3eIkEEHrJI/s1600/(14)%2BEmpanada.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfbrEg5mxAKxQh3bOWJjsCe6gsf4kHoOuwhKFy7W9QkvqJ75INZvHZh2YKX2cdKcKYPNlj9rgYOS5sICIoSVOXQyOnfgMTLvEHHGkbfqwqgAosVu1jbmLflo4r4JHbT3T-a3eIkEEHrJI/s1600/(14)%2BEmpanada.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 10.6666669845581px; line-height: 21.3333358764648px; text-align: start;">Empanadas de Picadillo with Mission Fig Mole</span><span style="font-size: 10.6666669845581px; line-height: 21.3333358764648px; text-align: start;"> ($12, 3pcs)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidyc4VjQ-thoAi6M5kSFxJBRiDYFzW2xKYuW8GVhCNlk2lfKS9mEj5LiRnqbyg72C0kDvLpE-i6RuB-yJFE0H9Vv4Ao91DaPfUspBJhyphenhyphenFYUwGXBkzry6SZy9kOm06WwsQ-vfOMJmYUeQM/s1600/(15)%2BEmpanada.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidyc4VjQ-thoAi6M5kSFxJBRiDYFzW2xKYuW8GVhCNlk2lfKS9mEj5LiRnqbyg72C0kDvLpE-i6RuB-yJFE0H9Vv4Ao91DaPfUspBJhyphenhyphenFYUwGXBkzry6SZy9kOm06WwsQ-vfOMJmYUeQM/s1600/(15)%2BEmpanada.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 10.6666669845581px; line-height: 21.3333358764648px; text-align: start;">Empanadas de Picadillo with Mission Fig Mole</span><span style="font-size: 10.6666669845581px; line-height: 21.3333358764648px; text-align: start;"> ($12, 3pcs)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I
was of course once again spectacularly wrong. The buttery pastry absolutely dissolved
in the mouth, revealing a chunky, aromatic centre of spiced lamb. But wait,
there’s more! The empanadas were sweetened with a streak of fig mole, and
hiding behind the fruit was the darker smokiness of chilli and chocolate.
Topping it all off were crunchy peptia seeds, and caramelised figs. I don’t
even need to reminisce to decide that these were the best empanadas I have ever
tasted. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxRHUvBedKHf6x_avjRn2B7gWUujGVD9_NRvnpd8XTVE2G4a8xKKfQenc3TFVsF4kdWGePeo2qtPERgrO18dXNdXUeT3q9B9Rxkc8O2bIG4FZvj6laAeL8Zi53ffkShdAxcss-mU5JfNQ/s1600/(16)%2BDessert.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxRHUvBedKHf6x_avjRn2B7gWUujGVD9_NRvnpd8XTVE2G4a8xKKfQenc3TFVsF4kdWGePeo2qtPERgrO18dXNdXUeT3q9B9Rxkc8O2bIG4FZvj6laAeL8Zi53ffkShdAxcss-mU5JfNQ/s1600/(16)%2BDessert.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Banana and Ron Zacapa Parfait ($12)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Despite
only being nibbles, the bao and empanadas were actually quite filling, most
likely due to their richness. However we were coerced picking a dessert, and it
was possibly the hardest decision I had to make that day (I was still
unemployed at the time but NOT ANYMORE!). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQqhVSCtymSYdlJGN-DNnIZaBdBrQHT0zhLXo8uPukXTKoaVu-xwhtrAZJhgJhlzfF6I8WLB5IoiPr1PhqxOfqBg_mYrpMnBmnuSQTM59x70Cep5q_N3zywuFiVBiwYQ-RzS8nX8nYIbA/s1600/(17)%2BDessert.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQqhVSCtymSYdlJGN-DNnIZaBdBrQHT0zhLXo8uPukXTKoaVu-xwhtrAZJhgJhlzfF6I8WLB5IoiPr1PhqxOfqBg_mYrpMnBmnuSQTM59x70Cep5q_N3zywuFiVBiwYQ-RzS8nX8nYIbA/s1600/(17)%2BDessert.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Banana and Ron Zacapa Parfait ($12)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In
the end it was the <b><u>Banana and Ron
Zacapa Parfait</u></b> ($12) that I chose, seduced by the combination of rum,
hazelnut brittle, and salted caramel.
Though not as astonishing as the empanadas, this were nevertheless
delicious. The boozy log of banana ice cream was crunchy and moreish once
rolled in the crunchy hazelnut brittle, whilst the combination of bitter salted
caramel and bananas torched to toffee sweetness was as good as a bonus dessert.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Though
we stayed in the main area, I was told that Ms Collins also has private
function rooms in all shapes and sizes. Another thing I learnt was that Kiet,
the owner of Ms Collins, also owns <u><a href="http://sweetandsourfork.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/operator25.html">Operator25</a></u> and Alumbra – two big
names in brunch and nightlife, so you know that Ms Collins comes from prime
pedigree. No matter what sort of night out on the town you’re looking for, Ms
Collins has you covered. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Rating: 14/20 – be my mrs collins?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This rating reflects my personal
experience at the time of visit.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Sweet and Sour Fork dined as a guest of Ms
Collins. </span></i><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1875985/restaurant/CBD/Ms-Collins-Melbourne"><img alt="Ms Collins on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1875985/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>
<br />
<br />minghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02173537262392098472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043923915333387273.post-27005875178480555742015-03-30T09:00:00.000+11:002015-03-30T09:00:03.555+11:00Rustica Sourdough<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="street-address"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">402 Brunswick St</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="locality"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Fitzroy, VIC</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span class="hidden-xs"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3065</span></span><br />
<a href="http://www.rusticasourdough.com.au/"><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">http://www.rusticasourdough.com.au/</span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The grass is always greener on the other side;
case in point: whilst I’ve lamented my unemployment through a string of
brunches, Chris is constantly complaining about the hotcakes that he’s not
getting to have on account of work. But now that Chris is back at uni (and I’m
still more or less unemployed), we finally have a chance to brunch together at <b><u>Rustica Sourdough</u></b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSUhTHxOx-2ta57585x5zomLJTAasS7_qBIS0ganjxkXQN0HPMTKmsJJo281A9tQMA2VPTDpayHiN6sa69YvAD6905NWg4q0Ja8v05BPcFUl1dm8CIsRJphZd14ILFoZRAMXB5UxpTiCY/s1600/(1)%2BInterior.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSUhTHxOx-2ta57585x5zomLJTAasS7_qBIS0ganjxkXQN0HPMTKmsJJo281A9tQMA2VPTDpayHiN6sa69YvAD6905NWg4q0Ja8v05BPcFUl1dm8CIsRJphZd14ILFoZRAMXB5UxpTiCY/s1600/(1)%2BInterior.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX2X3jyRDuhuc9zSSlvAOVCTrfG8N1gRsU5ZKdkebLIJtoWHKvIzAdFS0ylT8LHR5gQasU-FQMwvYswVjIK3il_G_eCLEGAMHk7iIgFAOz1dHuM7xGI40CF3Ff98StmZ2WcCM-10QTEx8/s1600/(3)%2BBread.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX2X3jyRDuhuc9zSSlvAOVCTrfG8N1gRsU5ZKdkebLIJtoWHKvIzAdFS0ylT8LHR5gQasU-FQMwvYswVjIK3il_G_eCLEGAMHk7iIgFAOz1dHuM7xGI40CF3Ff98StmZ2WcCM-10QTEx8/s1600/(3)%2BBread.JPG" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjuY9mgGl46pESZvaGHjTIuxxDz4NRvXzpZhfbhW8sP73EL2U8yQzF6k_x9QOHpPfTCwMxCUxwAwADXf1WFITS3B_DBF0l7yLFcb3TMfQe9xOm3w_Wyv0cXAnF5-2_Nrf6ZGgUh-A0XIs/s1600/(2)%2BTable.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjuY9mgGl46pESZvaGHjTIuxxDz4NRvXzpZhfbhW8sP73EL2U8yQzF6k_x9QOHpPfTCwMxCUxwAwADXf1WFITS3B_DBF0l7yLFcb3TMfQe9xOm3w_Wyv0cXAnF5-2_Nrf6ZGgUh-A0XIs/s1600/(2)%2BTable.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Located right around the corner from brunch
big shot <u><a href="http://sweetandsourfork.blogspot.com.au/2013/12/hammer-tong.html">Hammer and Tong</a></u>, Rustica Sourdough lures passers-by in with its
tantalising display of baked goods. But as most people quickly discover, not
only is Rustica a bakery, but also a quaint little cafe. Decorated with bushels
of wildflowers and grainy wooden furniture, it is indeed rather <i>rustica</i>, and very very charming. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggojTVASdXmO8NODSesGtuHLD-_x1il6AMLWKuJarv2DGC_T2ir69Rl7y3kcvJq_jNuGGGF0CLENnvwyOBZ9SJDJEXgfA-FbRpcy4FQELj30r6l2Ax-LKG8m8DJHnmDib64przIznf88A/s1600/(4)%2BHCBs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggojTVASdXmO8NODSesGtuHLD-_x1il6AMLWKuJarv2DGC_T2ir69Rl7y3kcvJq_jNuGGGF0CLENnvwyOBZ9SJDJEXgfA-FbRpcy4FQELj30r6l2Ax-LKG8m8DJHnmDib64przIznf88A/s1600/(4)%2BHCBs.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hot Cross Buns</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-JwzBq2-eMwIhHrnNqp-NijX-Trp4jkaaFptpiocZMHQUJ64WyHZ4bcikqVGeqYV_msKIstVaAFTGKT5NKQAtwkFTS-6pO5AYxdcD5lCbJVqmv7y1K2BwRYx3WQMyFCGfPL3BNk7FsY/s1600/(5)%2BPizza.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-JwzBq2-eMwIhHrnNqp-NijX-Trp4jkaaFptpiocZMHQUJ64WyHZ4bcikqVGeqYV_msKIstVaAFTGKT5NKQAtwkFTS-6pO5AYxdcD5lCbJVqmv7y1K2BwRYx3WQMyFCGfPL3BNk7FsY/s1600/(5)%2BPizza.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Home-made Pizza</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3OZJx3Iqhb2Avz7R17ppa-CJJQ2KFsmAROIJH5KlytiqAwNIHXerkQ_VfbB9vKt3y9kH5p-dpBvO1Wc-_uXGR6C5zTCMizdYn3Ify7UhjfmWVcASy8-gIY0Hkz2fJKX_-Q8uIY4ZYcAc/s1600/(7)%2BBread.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3OZJx3Iqhb2Avz7R17ppa-CJJQ2KFsmAROIJH5KlytiqAwNIHXerkQ_VfbB9vKt3y9kH5p-dpBvO1Wc-_uXGR6C5zTCMizdYn3Ify7UhjfmWVcASy8-gIY0Hkz2fJKX_-Q8uIY4ZYcAc/s1600/(7)%2BBread.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Banana and Pecan Loaf</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Aside from bread though, there is an
intoxicating range of goodies lined up behind a long counter. Sweets and
savouries, treats and take-away lunches – whatever you need, they’ve got you
covered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8b9s0xAWhNqcEQXXHzzSlOi37D1nSIiRGoDpZpAJ0MX_cQYvrl0jMVmNMuQ_Y_mGlGmte8xS6frmjc8-jmmWNEiowb3XmPxbJ4wO6IaWYWbbS4ejdBxos1cZJeBKjBE-JM6Uk9BNrM_4/s1600/(9)%2BCoffee.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8b9s0xAWhNqcEQXXHzzSlOi37D1nSIiRGoDpZpAJ0MX_cQYvrl0jMVmNMuQ_Y_mGlGmte8xS6frmjc8-jmmWNEiowb3XmPxbJ4wO6IaWYWbbS4ejdBxos1cZJeBKjBE-JM6Uk9BNrM_4/s1600/(9)%2BCoffee.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skinny Flat White ($3.5) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Having resigned myself to my coffee addiction,
I happily sipped on a <b><u>Skinny Flat
White</u></b> ($3.5) whilst waiting for my food. Unfortunately this was a
fairly unremarkable coffee. To its credit though, it has a healthy, strong kick
to it, and the crockery it’s served in is darling. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsnFYo5JEAVFmrBopDwKvDKbBFI5R2dX6Hf0Zcjc22otK95nigmNSaiBovWQlTtXutXnRs8l-L5DdV84Sbe5s6hZg905TcJDfFsYXlxWyunFQghs0pLd-ulr98uqYOx3uMlQfmPHUC_UI/s1600/(11)%2BToast.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsnFYo5JEAVFmrBopDwKvDKbBFI5R2dX6Hf0Zcjc22otK95nigmNSaiBovWQlTtXutXnRs8l-L5DdV84Sbe5s6hZg905TcJDfFsYXlxWyunFQghs0pLd-ulr98uqYOx3uMlQfmPHUC_UI/s1600/(11)%2BToast.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">French Toast ($16.5) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNuekykKb4F07kqqKs85TEP15Zcfg0B922r958jjEz8SAx79Le6rAuiPxcAmWx6_0cSB6vnYgQkMUvhXNUXhEkwSp7lAp5rhCUgxRIZ7PhgHZ9W8QeWMyoMR1XSikXt86kftih6jyOE0o/s1600/(13)%2BToast.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNuekykKb4F07kqqKs85TEP15Zcfg0B922r958jjEz8SAx79Le6rAuiPxcAmWx6_0cSB6vnYgQkMUvhXNUXhEkwSp7lAp5rhCUgxRIZ7PhgHZ9W8QeWMyoMR1XSikXt86kftih6jyOE0o/s1600/(13)%2BToast.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">French Toast ($16.5) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We were warned that the <b><u>French Toast</u></b> ($16.5) would be enormous, and despite brushing
off the waiter’s cautions, I couldn’t help but gasp when confronted with this
mountain of sugary goodness. The thick, golden slabs of brioche were coated
with sticky butterscotch cream. From the top of the pile tumbled a cornucopia
of ripe summer berries, garnished with flower petals and sugary crushed
praline. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGTI3R4o9FBmyzW6QbX99OM-J0FGq5CJdqYTk6XQoHoxxDLTlLy8HM8k9KREoKy0j1jmnf664SZYJxSZJAB0mPNNhAPqPQ4c_GaNDUF9ZR6_RDAZLDCqBOruDP7SXenJaqHNEz8Psodcc/s1600/(14)%2BToast.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGTI3R4o9FBmyzW6QbX99OM-J0FGq5CJdqYTk6XQoHoxxDLTlLy8HM8k9KREoKy0j1jmnf664SZYJxSZJAB0mPNNhAPqPQ4c_GaNDUF9ZR6_RDAZLDCqBOruDP7SXenJaqHNEz8Psodcc/s1600/(14)%2BToast.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">French Toast ($16.5) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Despite its indulgent appearance however, the
dish was actually a rather balanced affair. The richness of the butterscotch
sauce combined well with the cool pistachio mascarpone, whilst the poached
apples, sandwiched by the fluffy brioche, were ripe and wholesome. But in the
end, we were defeated by the sheer size of it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9IEi2WK5LDZLJnX3YaxCJRJLvRm4ZGbnUvUGnWgoec4kagKYf5qrnwJAVa6u_DC34_Pv6YcKdUi2tXi_qV-koWrr__f_YXqO-7YTpzKUVTMGtxPfA2yWT0D_EAgYM5ByHaA_ruIuQIUM/s1600/(15)%2BOmelette.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9IEi2WK5LDZLJnX3YaxCJRJLvRm4ZGbnUvUGnWgoec4kagKYf5qrnwJAVa6u_DC34_Pv6YcKdUi2tXi_qV-koWrr__f_YXqO-7YTpzKUVTMGtxPfA2yWT0D_EAgYM5ByHaA_ruIuQIUM/s1600/(15)%2BOmelette.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spanish Omelette ($17) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Compared to the French Toast, anything would’ve
looked underwhelming, but although the <b><u>Spanish
Omelette</u></b> ($17) looked humble, it wafted tantalisingly with the aroma of
sage and pine nuts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7G68QVEsLmJhFP_W59UVfsktwQsFq4vimFSCshtIoqxqXt9tYvCBLb6ceLmAOS5JKfudm45iMCHdIAyGbLQryP-5bfN0X-518-BTQopI8F0fsNZJGedTVmKeQNqZRPH4k8Yh76hyKMTU/s1600/(16)%2BOmelette.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7G68QVEsLmJhFP_W59UVfsktwQsFq4vimFSCshtIoqxqXt9tYvCBLb6ceLmAOS5JKfudm45iMCHdIAyGbLQryP-5bfN0X-518-BTQopI8F0fsNZJGedTVmKeQNqZRPH4k8Yh76hyKMTU/s1600/(16)%2BOmelette.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spanish Omelette ($17) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I was originally sceptical about the lack of
toast, but the sheer amount of egg in this dish meant that we really didn’t
need it. The omelette was crisp on the outside, but fluffy in the middle, and studded
with chewy strips of spicy chorizo and sweet butternut squash. The peppery salad
of wild rocket meant that the eggs didn’t become cloying halfway through. That said
though, I would call this more of a summer frittata than a Spanish omelette
but hey, a rose by any other name, right?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtH__Ztk0RxUH8x-veiOCeF4YZBfQWC4RuFU84QUlQ4ONGRzKgMQBJiTtrae-hgwr_CUH0AYZJgKiGuNrsxCNYonFu2dgkuMG3uHon2KnsmLOe0voB26bGCvcpIZLB4UblEg5jgb_MWd8/s1600/(17)%2BBread.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtH__Ztk0RxUH8x-veiOCeF4YZBfQWC4RuFU84QUlQ4ONGRzKgMQBJiTtrae-hgwr_CUH0AYZJgKiGuNrsxCNYonFu2dgkuMG3uHon2KnsmLOe0voB26bGCvcpIZLB4UblEg5jgb_MWd8/s1600/(17)%2BBread.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quinoa, Soy, and Linseed Sourdough/Roasted Pumpkin Sourdough </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I was just mourning over the fact that I had
no room to try any of the baked goods, when the staff showed up with a massive
goodie bag for me to take home. I was treated to two fresh loaves of bread – a strong
and yeasty <b><u>Quinoa, Soy, and Linseed
Sourdough</u></b>, studded with wholesome nuts, and a <b><u>Roasted Pumpkin Sourdough</u></b> that’s creamy yellow in the middle
with a hint of sweetness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyUfM1ZABjijvqNsquJ9Db-gRVF0EB3N24TDx6pWQNk8O7ZxpPhGGKibEGMdLt9zRPO1Zv-x3tdGC1dQsV2NsNAAhjIBAJ7KOBQBMSqxeSPtd19uQVppSe_ATabGmUA_999R8nNIXjJE/s1600/(18)%2BPastries.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkyUfM1ZABjijvqNsquJ9Db-gRVF0EB3N24TDx6pWQNk8O7ZxpPhGGKibEGMdLt9zRPO1Zv-x3tdGC1dQsV2NsNAAhjIBAJ7KOBQBMSqxeSPtd19uQVppSe_ATabGmUA_999R8nNIXjJE/s1600/(18)%2BPastries.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salted Caramel and Vanilla Custard Cronut/Savoury Muffin/Hot Cross Buns/Ispahan Croissant/Blueberry Brioche Doughnut</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The best bit by far however was the box at the
bottom, which included 5 delectable treats:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Salted
Caramel and Vanilla Custard Cronut</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">: yes this was as scandalously indulgent as it
sounded, the buttery pastry layered with thick vanilla custard and a salty
streak of caramel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Savoury Muffin</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">: I usually can’t stand savoury muffins,
but this one was stuffed with herbs and deliciously fluffy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Hot Cross
Buns</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">:
these were swooped up before I had a chance to try them, but I was told that
they were chock-full of fruit and quite lovely.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Ispahan
Croissant</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">:
this was my favourite of the lot. Though it looked pretty with rosewater icing
and dried flower petals, it’s the centre that really took my breath away. The
flaky layers were streaked through with raspberry and lychee, so that it took
on a melt-in-the-mouth texture reminiscent of bread and butter pudding. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Blueberry Brioche
Doughnut</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">:
lightly fried and rolled in a flurry of sugar, this doughnut was golden on the
outside, whilst the inside remained fluffy and white, soaking up the chunky
blueberry compote. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Though Rustica Sourdough wasn’t anything
fancy, I thought that it made for a nice change to have a brunch that was
generous in size, and just plain tasted good. Plus, I like the range of options
available when it comes to ordering a small post-brunch dessert. This is a
great option for those who just can’t be bothered to wait 40 minutes to get
into Hammer and Tong. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Rating:
13/20 – doughnut forget me!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This rating
reflects my personal experience at the time of visit.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Sweet and
Sour Fork dined as a guest of Rustica Sourdough. </span></i></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1675134/restaurant/Melbourne/Rustica-Sourdough-Bakery-Fitzroy"><img alt="Rustica Sourdough Bakery on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1675134/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>
<br />
<br />minghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02173537262392098472noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043923915333387273.post-70305771549036268632015-03-26T09:00:00.000+11:002015-03-26T09:00:03.441+11:00Pastuso<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="street-address"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">19 ACDC Lane</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="locality"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Melbourne, VIC</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span class="hidden-xs"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3000</span></span><br />
<a href="http://pastuso.com.au/"><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">http://pastuso.com.au/</span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 200%;">When I think I’ve just about </span><s style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 200%;">seen</s><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 200%;">
eaten it all, Melbourne finds another way to surprise me, and this time it’s with
</span><b style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 200%;"><u>Pastuso</u></b><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 200%;">. Led by head chef
Alejandro, who has done his hard yards around the globe, including at Heston’s
The Fat Duck, Pastuso is a re-imagining of classic Peruvian cuisine. I find the clash of cultures in this cuisine
to be fascinating – European meets Asian, plus a healthy dash of indigenous South
African. Tonight however, I’m here to experience the influence of Chinese
cuisine on Peruvian food at Pastuso’s </span><b style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 200%;"><u>Chifa
Dinner</u></b><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 200%;"> ($85pp; +$40pp for matching wines), as part of the Melbourne
Food and Wine Festival. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifttfvlHZFB1OPaM39RUZKiQKPoG5yQY0RkbmMCbJU83nhrAswGHM3edNBxam1A8b8d0vMALVMf2cYOMHCPFTxwH9gljzaMiy388eCtXDeanv-ONCP8ZUXWwlJKhifFuEUtoYah7Ux-H0/s1600/(2)%2BInterior.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifttfvlHZFB1OPaM39RUZKiQKPoG5yQY0RkbmMCbJU83nhrAswGHM3edNBxam1A8b8d0vMALVMf2cYOMHCPFTxwH9gljzaMiy388eCtXDeanv-ONCP8ZUXWwlJKhifFuEUtoYah7Ux-H0/s1600/(2)%2BInterior.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_14uoYq0asuWeqkk4h0yWina0WL-R5zcXpDCi274LmghQ-7QNJVdx3xqTc6zkXKQI-nUIplNudw8SiCJ3s6r8-PqnjNIrkg8H3D1STOjeV4STTOe7oDSaFITNvW1DWXpFNwjT4hyphenhyphen5iQ/s1600/(6)%2BWall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_14uoYq0asuWeqkk4h0yWina0WL-R5zcXpDCi274LmghQ-7QNJVdx3xqTc6zkXKQI-nUIplNudw8SiCJ3s6r8-PqnjNIrkg8H3D1STOjeV4STTOe7oDSaFITNvW1DWXpFNwjT4hyphenhyphen5iQ/s1600/(6)%2BWall.JPG" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMo1jRWifqHYkrHnxvlfqaICa-9-ta4sUPvoOpVER_0Im0gAkyOOoK8TGzWArEFem1GrjgN0YokJkDMITDWsPWI5HWZl7T7BHD6htS_JnnfAk1G0PEEgo-qAle8BlQhomenuxIoC41vE/s1600/(4)%2BBar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMo1jRWifqHYkrHnxvlfqaICa-9-ta4sUPvoOpVER_0Im0gAkyOOoK8TGzWArEFem1GrjgN0YokJkDMITDWsPWI5HWZl7T7BHD6htS_JnnfAk1G0PEEgo-qAle8BlQhomenuxIoC41vE/s1600/(4)%2BBar.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Pastuso is located at the bottom of
the hill, down ACDC (yes, AC</span><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">ϞDC)
lane. Though the signage is in lush, gold script, you don’t get a good feel for
the restaurant until you actually walk inside. And I have to admit I was
surprised – Pastuso was exceedingly lovely, consisting of lots of dark wood and
intimate corners, juxtaposed with lurid posters and banquet tables. </span><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Tonight
however, it’s been given a dose of the oriental with a spate of paper lanterns,
and I love it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5c1XtqFFeqz3TXzEoRKPStkI773q9vw1s2Pkr4Kj1WunlFDq7cTU-LicHVKQyZUxFHYw3iPdgH3lnXkO_2nj0fyuNzTCJ1M6zwni97PDZZgKLdsi9h08EEVuCAB2XHodFiN3RFuo4oJI/s1600/(5)%2BKitchen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5c1XtqFFeqz3TXzEoRKPStkI773q9vw1s2Pkr4Kj1WunlFDq7cTU-LicHVKQyZUxFHYw3iPdgH3lnXkO_2nj0fyuNzTCJ1M6zwni97PDZZgKLdsi9h08EEVuCAB2XHodFiN3RFuo4oJI/s1600/(5)%2BKitchen.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alejandro is the strong, silent bloke with curly hair and glasses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM1ItIRQMH6up4Au4kBORfdcyaNAuwUgfIVYs9ipDK1J0z_hJnOMK62MpbgQaf4Z-knOe2mPuzjjD9kM4g7BL9b3c2OnJjj4VCzwsZeVw4ABgdHFNncTIjWsR3Em7Rg3tWDrJlG_VKZu0/s1600/(8)%2BVermouth.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM1ItIRQMH6up4Au4kBORfdcyaNAuwUgfIVYs9ipDK1J0z_hJnOMK62MpbgQaf4Z-knOe2mPuzjjD9kM4g7BL9b3c2OnJjj4VCzwsZeVw4ABgdHFNncTIjWsR3Em7Rg3tWDrJlG_VKZu0/s1600/(8)%2BVermouth.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iris Vermouth Blanco</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">To kick off the evening, Alejandro
gave a short introduction on Peruvian food, whilst the people who opted in for
matching wines enjoyed a tumbler of <b><u>Iris
Vermouth Blanco</u></b>, clinking and glistening with ice cubes. Though
initially sweet and light, it quickly released a burst of warm spices and
festive notes of citrus. If this is what all vermouth tastes like, then
consider me a fan. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJnwKSMc5weLuZqiPZ_XxzcjlcBBrt6Mg8fd7IcLFBd4wz5E_jUJ9igtt8Yf4hRrum5jGYnMNbFCf3nizjYy9QV9lIe8nNV8oSpok0Z-BEFkfz8Y93OoYMGFCgwVAbYPjypF18HovLHM8/s1600/(9)%2BEmpanadas.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJnwKSMc5weLuZqiPZ_XxzcjlcBBrt6Mg8fd7IcLFBd4wz5E_jUJ9igtt8Yf4hRrum5jGYnMNbFCf3nizjYy9QV9lIe8nNV8oSpok0Z-BEFkfz8Y93OoYMGFCgwVAbYPjypF18HovLHM8/s1600/(9)%2BEmpanadas.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Empanada Achifada</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Our first course was the <b><u>Empanada Achifada</u></b>. Cutting
through the fancy name though, I’m going to go out on a limb and say that this
is no more (or less) than a good fried wonton. Whilst the skin was blistered
and crispy, the filling of pork and crab was juicy and succulent. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQpWoT8zQc9SPvk1u4lP8lSXAjO37X7GdrmRBgPb7KFOXejzRmeCGq3wEjaVVsbFtly4OWzcuR_-Mylt1bofKMURd3c3CiGB9VmesBN_nfodNsSDS3h05F-s6AIMBuhrjRBo42dsIAcGs/s1600/(10)%2BEmpanadas.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQpWoT8zQc9SPvk1u4lP8lSXAjO37X7GdrmRBgPb7KFOXejzRmeCGq3wEjaVVsbFtly4OWzcuR_-Mylt1bofKMURd3c3CiGB9VmesBN_nfodNsSDS3h05F-s6AIMBuhrjRBo42dsIAcGs/s1600/(10)%2BEmpanadas.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Empanada Achifada</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">What I liked the most though was
the accompanying ginger and lemon dipping sauce – it gave the simple starter a
sharp and memorable kick.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1FKttmFl6rFwj0fTFG5bGN9TUWyrZ7jgl6pyJUOIeh8NMP2CJGjTYICsESlnAcX3LwC9aqrv5ZW37P9-X5z60satlGLFMvccBNcKQRvfkfQDfd1NUH6K2mhV-_dVm9BfpJ5JJoOCazBA/s1600/(12)%2BPlatter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1FKttmFl6rFwj0fTFG5bGN9TUWyrZ7jgl6pyJUOIeh8NMP2CJGjTYICsESlnAcX3LwC9aqrv5ZW37P9-X5z60satlGLFMvccBNcKQRvfkfQDfd1NUH6K2mhV-_dVm9BfpJ5JJoOCazBA/s1600/(12)%2BPlatter.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chifa Barbeque Platter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Much more substantial was the <b><u>Chifa Barbeque Platter</u></b>,
presented to diners with many oohs and ahhs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ3tfRqwhzIBEz6kt1_04sGJ6OboYL19Ke5IRW__vDRs1kTUY3gQMC0d60VzAeyuEL1XWIMJzc7GGo8vfQPLUt2-ZEfaKXq6MVcNdPoE0MPi2_FBAlFUvWSSjOw8vMGqLvqF7_HNsdXc0/s1600/(14)%2BPork.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ3tfRqwhzIBEz6kt1_04sGJ6OboYL19Ke5IRW__vDRs1kTUY3gQMC0d60VzAeyuEL1XWIMJzc7GGo8vfQPLUt2-ZEfaKXq6MVcNdPoE0MPi2_FBAlFUvWSSjOw8vMGqLvqF7_HNsdXc0/s1600/(14)%2BPork.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barbeque Pork</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The barbeque pork was my first
taste of Peru. Not only was it slightly pink and very tender like any good
roast pork should be, this one also carried with it a smokiness that was laced
with exotic spices. Served on the side were paper-thin slices of house-pickled
daikon, its vinegary zest the ideal accompaniment to the rich meat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzV1y4luopqAtRmBTdToloy0gcjzyMsU300xDLSBqVp3-TyffE4V7YY6MN9kbYk8nvHByREvwmPp5UOfvP4Rt3SXtQu71sz9oYKdrl-5LOYXqlUbW4vBIp3SJ4ECp4GpIlkuYSxfEfNz8/s1600/(15)%2BDuck.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzV1y4luopqAtRmBTdToloy0gcjzyMsU300xDLSBqVp3-TyffE4V7YY6MN9kbYk8nvHByREvwmPp5UOfvP4Rt3SXtQu71sz9oYKdrl-5LOYXqlUbW4vBIp3SJ4ECp4GpIlkuYSxfEfNz8/s1600/(15)%2BDuck.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peking Duck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">On the other side of the board was
a serve of traditional Peking duck. Once again, the execution was flawless; the
breast showcased the cut’s silken smoothness, whilst the shredded thigh was
sweeter and fattier, and topping it off were sinfully crispy shards of duck
skin. We ate it the traditional way, wrapped in the soft pancakes with a piece
of cucumber. I found the result to be rather dry and wondered why there wasn’t
any sauce to go with it. Now that I read over the menu again, I realised that
it was supposed to have been served with a pisco, honey and aji panca sauce, so
that was a little disappointing. But hey, I got to have some great duck and barbeque
pork. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhe9EQttYU8p0JdVSZC_fJ7dFPFZ0ZK3avxXTTUnCwXnEjFCV91p83VnfeJmCDEeGKnxTtd_0jaru17Snb26hznKEM5vrKWuwnhhcRgmLmTNmf00iEbk3xvUPK4QhoTx7NsTrKi6L4sTw/s1600/(17)%2BFish.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhe9EQttYU8p0JdVSZC_fJ7dFPFZ0ZK3avxXTTUnCwXnEjFCV91p83VnfeJmCDEeGKnxTtd_0jaru17Snb26hznKEM5vrKWuwnhhcRgmLmTNmf00iEbk3xvUPK4QhoTx7NsTrKi6L4sTw/s1600/(17)%2BFish.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sudado de Bonito</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Sandwiched by the more indulgent
dishes was the more subtle dish of <b><u>Sudado
de Bonito</u></b>, which consisted of a slow-cooked bonito fillet, served with
rolled up rice noodles and Chinese greens in a subtle broth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0TIbLlNkhmKere-lxjGLaDMToneM__Vvw39usVXVZmD9lK9-ozlFt4sMiQN91IJx2gb9nT1QYi9UOSQcID_MepL-brGQGe_jOelalZhF-kfhog_PgWIb7h5tdORwJvX6w6E8iWWAg1L0/s1600/(18)%2BFish.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0TIbLlNkhmKere-lxjGLaDMToneM__Vvw39usVXVZmD9lK9-ozlFt4sMiQN91IJx2gb9nT1QYi9UOSQcID_MepL-brGQGe_jOelalZhF-kfhog_PgWIb7h5tdORwJvX6w6E8iWWAg1L0/s1600/(18)%2BFish.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sudado de Bonito</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">This was the only dish of the night
that I didn’t enjoy. Whilst the fish was cooked to pearly, opalescent
perfection, everything else was bland. I had expected a stronger stock to
impart more flavour to the delicate fish, and although it had a beautiful hint
of umami from the seafood and shiitake mushrooms, the lack of salt did it no
favours. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggIU5ccwK5u-XNzjQnNKV-6z8mgj5aJR0bCrtHUfvHp1-MozckT7AiApondLfq8HRYb-PKZnV9VwFyhDoSpYmFv3j1i9IVit8zdC4HUmJnNVVQQTAEfN4zwr_8FXF4AshnejkTeM_RsOM/s1600/(21)%2BBeef.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggIU5ccwK5u-XNzjQnNKV-6z8mgj5aJR0bCrtHUfvHp1-MozckT7AiApondLfq8HRYb-PKZnV9VwFyhDoSpYmFv3j1i9IVit8zdC4HUmJnNVVQQTAEfN4zwr_8FXF4AshnejkTeM_RsOM/s1600/(21)%2BBeef.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lomo Saltado </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">So it was just as well that the <b><u>Lomo Saltado</u></b> was fantastic. Though
it looked very much like a traditional roast dinner, what made all the
difference was the spicy soy-based gravy, flavoured with caramelised onions and
spices. It was a bold and unique mix of flavours that had me soaking up the
dregs with the fluffy potatoes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTR0S2yufNd0uSvp2JUbr7N7oCNdQPabzDVnYBKH9owdXaeaVvqGZ8S1ZlXFFQrWek__1y1VLFe3r1eHXFCSZ5LjMk2r_7x22Mdpc0GxKAzV5YxZZg6jCg6KCvlBADN8YZcrR_OSFOTI/s1600/(23)%2BBeef.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTR0S2yufNd0uSvp2JUbr7N7oCNdQPabzDVnYBKH9owdXaeaVvqGZ8S1ZlXFFQrWek__1y1VLFe3r1eHXFCSZ5LjMk2r_7x22Mdpc0GxKAzV5YxZZg6jCg6KCvlBADN8YZcrR_OSFOTI/s1600/(23)%2BBeef.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lomo Saltado </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">And let’s take a moment to
appreciate the perfect medium-rare-ness of the juicy, flavoursome wagyu beef. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1nn1L095Ie7LzDXzos4YGe8MKf1CROKk7VwpdRUTrAVmdkdjjbP6XZJ821q-C5g58xLvEhxBi_yx_rIyLrHMjKAzWj9iKLvd1Zle3qH5kcGU28pGDcKFoHqcmxFw6S1nm1F5KUW8Iqo/s1600/(24)%2BRice.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1nn1L095Ie7LzDXzos4YGe8MKf1CROKk7VwpdRUTrAVmdkdjjbP6XZJ821q-C5g58xLvEhxBi_yx_rIyLrHMjKAzWj9iKLvd1Zle3qH5kcGU28pGDcKFoHqcmxFw6S1nm1F5KUW8Iqo/s1600/(24)%2BRice.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fried Rice</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">And to go with the beef was a side
of fried rice. Though it went back to being very much Chinese, the ample use of
dried shrimp gave it an extra element of briny flavour and chewy texture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNRJbL9RJ8LRLbVLVBLs4YdliLdSRWOpsTzhQZtPVdFQXu99hzpfMxCueAAR3HKkrNEnymL_Bb7KwzE8fhdQho7EK2MraOWOQGBK0U0giERwjZUIRXYmaoNyaWXw0oNFyhzPuQ3WYvjGU/s1600/(25)%2BDessert.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNRJbL9RJ8LRLbVLVBLs4YdliLdSRWOpsTzhQZtPVdFQXu99hzpfMxCueAAR3HKkrNEnymL_Bb7KwzE8fhdQho7EK2MraOWOQGBK0U0giERwjZUIRXYmaoNyaWXw0oNFyhzPuQ3WYvjGU/s1600/(25)%2BDessert.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ensalada de Fruta</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I usually spend my Christmases with
Chris’ family, and one of his aunties always makes the most amazing trifle. And
although our dessert was called the <b><u>Ensalada
de Fruta</u></b>, the combination of fruit jelly, pandan sponge, and rice
pudding custard sounded like a trifle to me! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCAlNygof1Dv-qbUKYC1kTIG8CrD1onpK_ggBiu57msuu7yTd6-3m0FDR9IqCh53UlYCgtViljeDAYgMuZXmpDkTuF5PoHyEdjL31qzh0F1nLa1o5VATzl2so_DbDCfz4_XTmkoaPZDL8/s1600/(27)%2BDessert.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCAlNygof1Dv-qbUKYC1kTIG8CrD1onpK_ggBiu57msuu7yTd6-3m0FDR9IqCh53UlYCgtViljeDAYgMuZXmpDkTuF5PoHyEdjL31qzh0F1nLa1o5VATzl2so_DbDCfz4_XTmkoaPZDL8/s1600/(27)%2BDessert.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ensalada de Fruta</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">We chewed and slurped and crunched
our way through the mess of jelly, cream, and lollies. This was a delicious
candy-coloured-and-flavoured concoction, and a complete riot of fun. On the
side was a plantain spring roll that I didn’t like very much, and a couple of
exceedingly sugary and buttery house-made fortune cookies that I liked very
much indeed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippUuSYarw3QB3F0amH6FrYpx8MssdJWCbGUqhH3LHfQzd0lqqWgoDURwh2c_FvYEEvdBAFLxRDAE64C6PUDtA3pqL9FT9kmXmHZQB3eUurKr-i48BU8BbsloG_CgmGx1OcDukXTmbYXg/s1600/(28)%2BFortune.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippUuSYarw3QB3F0amH6FrYpx8MssdJWCbGUqhH3LHfQzd0lqqWgoDURwh2c_FvYEEvdBAFLxRDAE64C6PUDtA3pqL9FT9kmXmHZQB3eUurKr-i48BU8BbsloG_CgmGx1OcDukXTmbYXg/s1600/(28)%2BFortune.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ensalada de Fruta</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">According to the master fortune
teller at Pastuso (that’s who writes their fortunes, right?), both Chris and I
should exercise less. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKH40xvsivZ2oxUSv2tmpWp53bTB2m1Qk80KiH3iG37A7jl4IYYfmopREVZoU9O8lMhpg8a-KH1jvgkxy8XDDJqtXAuHm4PcIvqmJAEGvDW1hyphenhyphenmE1PG2zJ0g823CV5YGMvfeTzPZ3pP0U/s1600/(11)%2BWines.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKH40xvsivZ2oxUSv2tmpWp53bTB2m1Qk80KiH3iG37A7jl4IYYfmopREVZoU9O8lMhpg8a-KH1jvgkxy8XDDJqtXAuHm4PcIvqmJAEGvDW1hyphenhyphenmE1PG2zJ0g823CV5YGMvfeTzPZ3pP0U/s1600/(11)%2BWines.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">But wait, I hear you ask, what
about the wine? If you read my blog much at all, you’ll realise I’m not much of
an alcohol person. Couple that with needing to drive home on my P-plates meant
that I couldn’t do the matched wines justice. But I did have a go, and here it
is:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Wine 1: <b><u>Tiattelli Vineyards Torrontes 2013 Premium Reserve</u></b> – a crisp
and citrusy white, but with a surprisingly sweet aftertaste. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Wine 2: <b><u>Humberto Canale Estate Pinot Noir 2013</u></b> – tart but
surprisingly juicy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Wine 3: <b><u>Bodega la Azul</u></b> – another red, but this time the flavour was sweet
and spicy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I told you I wasn’t good at wines. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Despite it feeling a little
pedestrian, I had a good time at Pastuso’s Chifa Dinner. Whilst I probably
wouldn’t be jumping at the chance to have another of what admittedly felt like
a mostly Chinese meal, the wagyu beef left me extremely eager to come back and
explore Peru some more. Just as soon as I get a job. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Rating: 13.5/20 – keen for more.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">This rating reflects my personal experience at the time of visit.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<i style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Sweet and Sour Fork dined as a guest of Pastuso. </span></i><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1872620/restaurant/CBD/Pastuso-Melbourne"><img alt="Pastuso on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1872620/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>
minghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02173537262392098472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043923915333387273.post-38038752207275357682015-03-23T09:00:00.000+11:002015-03-23T09:00:00.528+11:00Hophaus Bier Bar Grill<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.85pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">West end, Mid-level<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.85pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Southgate Ave <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.85pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Southbank, VIC </span><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">3006<span style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<a href="http://hophaus.com.au/"><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">http://hophaus.com.au/</span></a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I may be a foodie, but I’m pretty
chill about it all things considered. Though I am very much on the constant lookout
for new places to eat (and blog), I’m happiest just stumbling across them in my
own time instead of hunting them down. After all, I’m a pretty stressed person
– I’ve yet to go to a masseuse who hasn’t commented on the tension in my neck
and shoulders.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8D8TxY-8T4hczzoTNYhCtPsqo1y7bJJFXX5K26rKAke5USvDeKOqXc_bp4YWY_4VT84Tl4CHcDS3FjZRnjqndkeS-otziN0NrIIXLNZHaW6BDzq08pJYNZXDw0Nwk-pO25Ijpx6Hqwq0/s1600/(1)%2BExterior.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8D8TxY-8T4hczzoTNYhCtPsqo1y7bJJFXX5K26rKAke5USvDeKOqXc_bp4YWY_4VT84Tl4CHcDS3FjZRnjqndkeS-otziN0NrIIXLNZHaW6BDzq08pJYNZXDw0Nwk-pO25Ijpx6Hqwq0/s1600/(1)%2BExterior.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Because of that however, I never
make the most of the myriad of foodie events that go on in Melbourne. I don’t
want to learn to cook fancy dishes, I don’t want to go to a lecture about where
restaurants source their produce, and I definitely do not want to eat festival-specific
set-menus, as they usually turn out to be incredibly underwhelming. But when an
invite turned up during the Melbourne Food and Wine festival for <b><u>Hophaus Bier Bar Grill</u></b>, I was
won over by the promise of an all-German tasting platter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG9KuveQOtERk_LmUlHJi9FEoKwzHHaRwnVWpybFx0mmo6BuhzjMnaHtr05a0ZbtW87hgibfWr6unlsiJEpnfEZ2r_R0uVmvXwQ2xLaI8QPHSXwaxQ-iVqWzXdzDyJrGv44QlxAiOi6sc/s1600/(3)%2BInterior.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG9KuveQOtERk_LmUlHJi9FEoKwzHHaRwnVWpybFx0mmo6BuhzjMnaHtr05a0ZbtW87hgibfWr6unlsiJEpnfEZ2r_R0uVmvXwQ2xLaI8QPHSXwaxQ-iVqWzXdzDyJrGv44QlxAiOi6sc/s1600/(3)%2BInterior.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_QCLYRbC7DHwkE34dh7Uz__hyphenhyphenA-V8BNE-NrM-Ds16gdAYAR2rnYaeKmEnB6zCXLdTvptc-M0uFlxtO_Um-GLZHfzsfcUDP0i_Er-CsKEiVIUajgsKespEvywsk4uPmXZAFfm_BCc3HlQ/s1600/(2)%2BBalcony.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_QCLYRbC7DHwkE34dh7Uz__hyphenhyphenA-V8BNE-NrM-Ds16gdAYAR2rnYaeKmEnB6zCXLdTvptc-M0uFlxtO_Um-GLZHfzsfcUDP0i_Er-CsKEiVIUajgsKespEvywsk4uPmXZAFfm_BCc3HlQ/s1600/(2)%2BBalcony.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I was incredibly surprised by the
size of Hophaus. I wandered through the restaurant with my mouth gaping, going
past a beautiful bar, cosy booths, round tables, and bar seating, before
emerging onto the balcony, which was glittering in the calm after the previous
night’s summer storm. I also met my new best friend – a whole suckling pig on a
spit, who provoked a bit of a <u><a href="http://media.tumblr.com/c1e88ff44c842add81f5b2c9e623f6f6/tumblr_inline_mmpfn12nWw1qz4rgp.gif">Homer Simpson Response</a></u> from me. And if
you’re wondering why there’s no photo, it’s because I couldn’t get one that
didn’t look so much like, well, a pig carcass. If you’re still keen however,
here is a much nicer shot by <u><a href="http://gastro-logy.blogspot.com.au/2014/09/hophaus-oktoberfest-hoptoberfest-20.html">Gastrology</a></u>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEy-LPJoc78c4hFnGjz7XShUwSV606-nIQPQQfdirvXbaGmCpZ40y5731TOFe7egx-QbP5gLUBrvEUDQJMLbG5eRqAplts0LxBzS0ufU1W57eqQl-xelpA1808OKZOALIqiatoJb5gRs/s1600/(5)%2BPlatter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEy-LPJoc78c4hFnGjz7XShUwSV606-nIQPQQfdirvXbaGmCpZ40y5731TOFe7egx-QbP5gLUBrvEUDQJMLbG5eRqAplts0LxBzS0ufU1W57eqQl-xelpA1808OKZOALIqiatoJb5gRs/s1600/(5)%2BPlatter.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tasting Board ($15)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Our <b><u>Tasting Board</u></b> ($15) came on a cute little wooden paddle
lined with newspaper. We were treated to a selection of Germanic delights,
including pulled pork, corned beef, pork and veal sausage, marinated herring,
house pickle, and some toasted rye bread. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59-SkPwnGSz0ow48rPuW5oaWxISo7OHWkwYoi47PkSnFfitj5ltwBptEeghVL-uvwVrsCMwOvqIfId8XiP-SkbqzxLz03t2XuYJs_AM9WZFsRezNnoyVtmjYol5CR50F0raiTkh0GxR8/s1600/(6)%2BPork.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh59-SkPwnGSz0ow48rPuW5oaWxISo7OHWkwYoi47PkSnFfitj5ltwBptEeghVL-uvwVrsCMwOvqIfId8XiP-SkbqzxLz03t2XuYJs_AM9WZFsRezNnoyVtmjYol5CR50F0raiTkh0GxR8/s1600/(6)%2BPork.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pulled Pork</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Things made a good start with the <b><u>Pulled Pork</u></b>. Moist and tender,
it was given a slight oriental twist with the use of cinnamon. Mixed in was
some slaw to give it crunch, and the two slices of syrupy braised apple paired
with the pork like peanut butter and chocolate. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrDXzAW4NVV6oSOt9KK7DhZ6ZcLvl4GiSHTBU3f1cjftjDRu2zRU0eaH0qqmpl7PBkDz06LgHG5m0VfYZQewM6fwRMnyylQtDa1m9uk6vde1w_4exVptswAsKD1JlTXHaQ_AhEw7jR42E/s1600/(9)%2BSausage%2Band%2BBeef.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrDXzAW4NVV6oSOt9KK7DhZ6ZcLvl4GiSHTBU3f1cjftjDRu2zRU0eaH0qqmpl7PBkDz06LgHG5m0VfYZQewM6fwRMnyylQtDa1m9uk6vde1w_4exVptswAsKD1JlTXHaQ_AhEw7jR42E/s1600/(9)%2BSausage%2Band%2BBeef.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pork and Veal Sausage/Corned Beef/House Pickle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I was equally as, if not more
impressed by the <b><u>Pork and Veal
Sausage</u></b>. It was deliciously meaty without the greasy after-taste, and
the casing was satisfying snappy. Likewise, the <b><u>Corned Beef</u></b> was also very tasty, encrusted in a layer of
spices. And to cut through all that meat, the <b><u>House Pickle</u></b> was crisp and refreshing – the perfect balance
between sweet and sour. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFsfGcIorJFqqmS2lg783c6KNQgtocEfN-fyycVVib5l3I2FN_uneyu2w1opNNUaYx6mJdfYoS1THRTzhPJLMc9ombzTDtuLC6V3vHaOi9QgjcRRI2kS3cyWyjmmt2yne6X3Cvdq7hlfI/s1600/(10)%2BHerring.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFsfGcIorJFqqmS2lg783c6KNQgtocEfN-fyycVVib5l3I2FN_uneyu2w1opNNUaYx6mJdfYoS1THRTzhPJLMc9ombzTDtuLC6V3vHaOi9QgjcRRI2kS3cyWyjmmt2yne6X3Cvdq7hlfI/s1600/(10)%2BHerring.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marinated Herring</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The last item on the plate was the <b><u>Marinated Herring</u></b>. The fat slab
of fish was briny and heavily salted, and though good in small doses, I just
couldn’t handle that much sodium in one go, and left most of it untouched. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif6imF-dnqgtccQgdwAsiMpZRW-LXxAFKR92uONjlBfAJ06Y-GQqOEkdO8KSUZOfliy_I9Pg0lnex_zUzZGxBktM7VaAmZ7iwA10RePq3EPG4V4p_TeHm8YFDAsh9sentsnpVVcG0gIyk/s1600/(13)%2BSalad.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif6imF-dnqgtccQgdwAsiMpZRW-LXxAFKR92uONjlBfAJ06Y-GQqOEkdO8KSUZOfliy_I9Pg0lnex_zUzZGxBktM7VaAmZ7iwA10RePq3EPG4V4p_TeHm8YFDAsh9sentsnpVVcG0gIyk/s1600/(13)%2BSalad.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 10.6666669845581px; line-height: 21.3333358764648px; text-align: start;">Leaves, Shredded, Radish, Creamy Dill Dressing</span><span style="font-size: 10.6666669845581px; line-height: 21.3333358764648px; text-align: start;"> ($7)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 200%;">To balance out our meal somewhat,
we ordered the </span><b style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 200%;"><u>Leaves, Shredded,
Radish, Creamy Dill Dressing</u></b><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 200%;"> ($7) off the main menu. The first thing I
have to say about this salad is that, </span><i style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 200%;">the
dressing tastes like Big Mac Sauce</i><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 200%;">, and as a result, was annoyingly
addictive. Which is just as well, because the rest of the salad was a profound
disappointment. It consisted of mostly shredded iceberg lettuce, with only a
scant few pieces of Mesclun and radish thrown into the mix. But then again, </span><span style="font-size: 10.6666669845581px; line-height: 21.3333358764648px;">sauerkraut</span><span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 200%;"> German food is hardly known for its salad. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Though most of the tasting platter
was pretty scrumptious, I had one major complaint – the bread. It was toasted
so excessively that it each bite splintered loudly enough to make my ears ring,
and my mouth was literally bleeding a little by the end. Aside from the painful
bread experience and harried waitresses however, Hophaus has caught my attention
enough to warrant a re-visit. I’m still not a fan of set menus for special
events, but the pork knuckle sitting a few tables down has me intrigued. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Rating: 12.5/20 – but wait, let me try the pork knuckle.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">This rating reflects my personal experience at the time of visit.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Sweet and Sour Fork dined as a guest of Hophaus Bier Bar Grill. </span></i></div>
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1841221/restaurant/Melbourne/Hophaus-Southbank"><img alt="Hophaus on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1841221/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>
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<br />minghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02173537262392098472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043923915333387273.post-80082603915829595792015-03-19T09:00:00.000+11:002015-03-19T09:00:01.803+11:00Maria's Trattoria<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="street-address"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">124 Peel St</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="locality"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Melbourne, VIC</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span class="hidden-xs"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3051</span></span><br />
<a href="http://www.mariastrattoria.com/"><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">http://www.mariastrattoria.com/</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">As
much as I hate paying for food that I can make myself, sometimes I want
home-styled cooking <i>and</i> to be lazy. But
whilst my end of town is good for dumplings and stir-fries, I’m not as
fortunate when I’m craving pasta or curry. Those who live near <b><u>Maria’s Trattoria</u></b> however, are. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9a8klAmlNViX7k-pX7wT7FFZPnrCF_dZxHeLPRmeaDDqUHr7R4v8WOI8QoIxRQgITB8rWZnxBgSUGghkP-0rARr8shHxxR2qGAJrjpuO2Nn9K0MTekz4IM-3Ho5tiVj3cCtL0Irohx0/s1600/(1)%2BInterior.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9a8klAmlNViX7k-pX7wT7FFZPnrCF_dZxHeLPRmeaDDqUHr7R4v8WOI8QoIxRQgITB8rWZnxBgSUGghkP-0rARr8shHxxR2qGAJrjpuO2Nn9K0MTekz4IM-3Ho5tiVj3cCtL0Irohx0/s1600/(1)%2BInterior.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF68JmsONrAV5EDq8T_e2W2kJj7iVWH0Pc0URg_rLDDI7AqMblEoPJ141wqinvAHwxOyhJPGH6IGJd1LW7GshR5Di39BHi2kFjZ-VMJ64jnKqwI7QyFDYm9bJ8mneDP6gRLi3riTgKARw/s1600/(3)%2BZinc.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF68JmsONrAV5EDq8T_e2W2kJj7iVWH0Pc0URg_rLDDI7AqMblEoPJ141wqinvAHwxOyhJPGH6IGJd1LW7GshR5Di39BHi2kFjZ-VMJ64jnKqwI7QyFDYm9bJ8mneDP6gRLi3riTgKARw/s1600/(3)%2BZinc.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Opened
literally 30 years ago, Maria’s Trattoria is very much the quintessential
family-run eatery. Its aged facade is very easy to overlook, but what caught my
eye was the collage of faded Cheap Eats Awards pasted on the window. I doubt
the restaurant itself has changed since the day it opened, and over the years it
has become antiquated and tacky, but in a homely, well-loved way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjte4xV864bDBT8K8P5reHK0SwWk4xYcAyLvYBJeqT3mOYNQlWoT6C76ojPbElgIuIMZh0vCjBgkBV6EWBSr5mUXgGFTDEydgmUEGyfq8DSZUbhhvYpX2upqH8c0NAwYYdw58aI74nnKFc/s1600/(2)%2BBar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjte4xV864bDBT8K8P5reHK0SwWk4xYcAyLvYBJeqT3mOYNQlWoT6C76ojPbElgIuIMZh0vCjBgkBV6EWBSr5mUXgGFTDEydgmUEGyfq8DSZUbhhvYpX2upqH8c0NAwYYdw58aI74nnKFc/s1600/(2)%2BBar.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">What
really makes Maria’s Trattoria feel homely though are the staff, who are the
cutest buttons you’ll ever find. See, there’s one right there, happily waving a
piece of bread she’s buttering. Maria herself was also in da house, wearing a
flowery apron and cooking up a storm. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwTbfaIQ0Ov0xkrQkxhS7_tEiQcJn7x1RWiAw6TqGtH4dCzuVaOrPzq5zQ7D32dUVew8_g2g_2APIZYPDi57aBJQlF_sWOy2Jl8Sc-UGxTmZ_uxC_uy7nY4rU41H5sOBxRZVaqikZMfaw/s1600/(4)%2BTortellini.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwTbfaIQ0Ov0xkrQkxhS7_tEiQcJn7x1RWiAw6TqGtH4dCzuVaOrPzq5zQ7D32dUVew8_g2g_2APIZYPDi57aBJQlF_sWOy2Jl8Sc-UGxTmZ_uxC_uy7nY4rU41H5sOBxRZVaqikZMfaw/s1600/(4)%2BTortellini.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tortellini alla Romana ($16.9, main)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Chris
ignored my warnings of the portion sizes, and ordered a <b><u>Tortellini alla Romana</u></b> ($16.9, main), ‘just to see how big
it was’. The plate it was served on was definitely closer to a platter in size,
and it was piled high with plump pockets of pasta, stuffed with nuggets of
veal. It was generously topped with mushrooms and bacon, and finished with a
delectably tangy sauce of tomato and cream. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSH_GXuOKrQrFUM17kRT09nR-QbRaP-56fGRFkBKTM2mk9XG16t-v9ltG6QIrhRiR3PdumGkoqD9-z2QazlQaK6J3qLEOsLO5lTXc868ehiJpai7RKlZW2zyTnLO5NPOKxGG6CKT-X1I/s1600/(7)%2BSpaghetti.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSH_GXuOKrQrFUM17kRT09nR-QbRaP-56fGRFkBKTM2mk9XG16t-v9ltG6QIrhRiR3PdumGkoqD9-z2QazlQaK6J3qLEOsLO5lTXc868ehiJpai7RKlZW2zyTnLO5NPOKxGG6CKT-X1I/s1600/(7)%2BSpaghetti.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spaghetti Pescatore ($16.9, entree)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Meanwhile,
my <b><u>Spaghetti Pescatore</u></b>
($16.9, entree) was more generous in size than the mains you’ll find at most
restaurants. The classic Napoli sauce was mild but hearty in flavour, and
though the spaghetti was just a touch past al dente, it was nowhere near
problematic. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmXDOnKkfjPGLJreTTYNKOz8MwbnO4grQtfoQWi3y3JrK-S5dQmmK53lfE4P3ZJ4O0eayquhU7Y2Wd8CCan5iT7y6FVUviep2vUNkMSHzMSTSw5JtIBRyCE2BEf5hD9kuRFjYjdxRQFvQ/s1600/(8)%2BSpaghetti.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmXDOnKkfjPGLJreTTYNKOz8MwbnO4grQtfoQWi3y3JrK-S5dQmmK53lfE4P3ZJ4O0eayquhU7Y2Wd8CCan5iT7y6FVUviep2vUNkMSHzMSTSw5JtIBRyCE2BEf5hD9kuRFjYjdxRQFvQ/s1600/(8)%2BSpaghetti.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spaghetti Pescatore ($16.9, entree)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">What
impressed me the most however was the seafood. It was generously doled up,
consisting of everything from scallops to calamari to clams. The freshness
could not be faulted either, though it is unsurprising, given that they source
all their produce from Queen Victoria Market across the road. Finished with a
healthy Italian-sized glug of olive oil, this is a plate of pasta that’s just
as good in front of the TV as it is with a glass of wine. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjmzQ-I_hsC7w00j8ArB-rgprGeDWhwVCeydRxuEitAcPnp83CikGylQ0U-IDiKmJmYghQP3GhlMLWhVH0tyMoP8bxS7fuqmdr0ZVhISSB-19o69HL-a8z1-9hywz_luS2rOLQ1tP-Yp4/s1600/(9)%2BBread.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjmzQ-I_hsC7w00j8ArB-rgprGeDWhwVCeydRxuEitAcPnp83CikGylQ0U-IDiKmJmYghQP3GhlMLWhVH0tyMoP8bxS7fuqmdr0ZVhISSB-19o69HL-a8z1-9hywz_luS2rOLQ1tP-Yp4/s1600/(9)%2BBread.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Though
we definitely, <i>definitely</i> didn’t need
it, we were still given a basket of slightly-stale-but-perfectly-sufficient bread.
And simply because it was there, I ended up eating two slices, soaked in the
yummy tortellini sauce. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPW8WvUnM1nbhBPI04QnSN11SpMmFfkYwr74lkuRo0sTBa3FDDFQ4NQtJK5b0IGSzRYHnAX_dnM01Sciy-kAUF_esVIPe5a63Pzg9CBZ2OpusdBjKLW4WarTApgc48qSnw2TB_v5mlt8/s1600/(10)%2BWall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPW8WvUnM1nbhBPI04QnSN11SpMmFfkYwr74lkuRo0sTBa3FDDFQ4NQtJK5b0IGSzRYHnAX_dnM01Sciy-kAUF_esVIPe5a63Pzg9CBZ2OpusdBjKLW4WarTApgc48qSnw2TB_v5mlt8/s1600/(10)%2BWall.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">If
we’re talking about it purely from a taste perspective, there is nothing groundbreaking
about Maria’s Trattoria. What (I believe) keeps everyone coming back is the
genuine sense of warmth and hospitality you get the moment you step in the door.
Of course, it doesn’t hurt that the food is tasty, the portions huge, and the
prices reasonable. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Rating: 14/20 – mama maria!</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This rating reflects my personal
experience at the time of visit. </span></i></div>
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/761214/restaurant/North-Melbourne/Marias-Trattoria-Melbourne"><img alt="Maria's Trattoria on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/761214/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>
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<br />minghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02173537262392098472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043923915333387273.post-65177957601909409422015-03-16T09:00:00.000+11:002015-03-16T09:00:03.133+11:00Xeôm<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="street-address"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">194 Smith St</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="locality"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Collingwood, VIC</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span class="hidden-xs"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3066</span></span><br />
<a href="http://www.xeom.com.au/"><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">http://www.xeom.com.au/</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">As a pharmacist (and someone with
common sense), I totally understand the need for the Food Safety Standards, but
I can’t help but feel a little resentful that as a result, the closest we get
to street food is the burger truck. As a result, I spend most of my time
scurrying between, and trying to find new restaurants that serve street-styled
food because hey, it’s cheaper than flying overseas. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzWLj_ZJF5gXHSuJjTus7sKcgIvkYphDHospmTWLV9wZipGeWJINhBXp_ZBCX20AT4DzEJZZwkqrTATXn3pAzmsmbTj38dFriUb4Jk5u9E7ihw6fPiybVA1l1czx8iXj9RRZA2g9BnEI/s1600/(2)%2BCounter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzWLj_ZJF5gXHSuJjTus7sKcgIvkYphDHospmTWLV9wZipGeWJINhBXp_ZBCX20AT4DzEJZZwkqrTATXn3pAzmsmbTj38dFriUb4Jk5u9E7ihw6fPiybVA1l1czx8iXj9RRZA2g9BnEI/s1600/(2)%2BCounter.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">A while back, on my way to <u><a href="http://sweetandsourfork.blogspot.com.au/2015/01/peko-peko.html">Peko Peko</a></u>,
I spied with my little eyes <b><u>Xe</u></b></span><b><u><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">ô</span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">m</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> – a shiny new Vietnamese street-food
restaurant in the heart of hipster country. Before too long, I was back on a
warm afternoon to try their selection of rolls, salads, and noodles. It
seemed like a lot of people had the same
idea as me, and the hip new restaurant filled up before too long. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAq6tvbiFzGlC-zJjvEDu5ppzwuQ0xo22E2e8R4U3Jo7KIDwkjxxCLm-VTJE90Q1xRLmXZhtWdwFgMHBLnYtyUsQhvgr3k8eQdrPx_-HUnAs8Xd0zEUwybVduHrJTNS0RU3yktRUq2Ulk/s1600/(4)%2BTable.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAq6tvbiFzGlC-zJjvEDu5ppzwuQ0xo22E2e8R4U3Jo7KIDwkjxxCLm-VTJE90Q1xRLmXZhtWdwFgMHBLnYtyUsQhvgr3k8eQdrPx_-HUnAs8Xd0zEUwybVduHrJTNS0RU3yktRUq2Ulk/s1600/(4)%2BTable.JPG" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I was a little disappointed to
discover, upon closer inspection, that the menu was more along the lines of Vietnamese
staples marketed as street food. After all, rice paper rolls are still rice
paper rolls, even if you rebrand them as ‘sexy rolls’, mark up the price, and
serve them in a chilled-out restaurant decked with shelves of Vietnamese canned
foods. Still, that’s not necessarily a bad thing, and I was still eager to see
what Xe</span><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">ô</span><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">m had to
offer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfrqZInYMuq7avXiPxf8XcSbz4KhWV3tEAnFUhHMQhjbU1GvdCvI6w2j8F2fFcQMIDEF3zoc-BPs4OE-exH-XHhnoERJc2Vaphgkd-E4IeKNvHvGW8MqH17-nNpPIxtXi7ZW7My_Qd8tI/s1600/(6)%2BNoodles.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfrqZInYMuq7avXiPxf8XcSbz4KhWV3tEAnFUhHMQhjbU1GvdCvI6w2j8F2fFcQMIDEF3zoc-BPs4OE-exH-XHhnoERJc2Vaphgkd-E4IeKNvHvGW8MqH17-nNpPIxtXi7ZW7My_Qd8tI/s1600/(6)%2BNoodles.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 10.6666669845581px; line-height: 21.3333358764648px; text-align: start;">Grilled Chicken and Spring Rolls Vermicelli Noodle Salad</span><span style="font-size: 10.6666669845581px; line-height: 21.3333358764648px; text-align: start;"> ($13)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Our first dish was the <b><u>Grilled Chicken and Spring Rolls
Vermicelli Noodle Salad</u></b> ($13), aka b</span><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">ú</span><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">n. The presentation certainly won
it some points right off the bat – the salad was scrubbed squeaky clean and
divvied out into little portions, and the large chicken chop had tantalisingly
charred edges. </span></div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwX3HjOk_wwoTdXLJFps3tBuQgei7FYH1wxJXWxybMcw1TLZuTCMIGtNPbkYJNz_6DgLNUSucHgPfCFY277TVZZfkLc1XmM5xTFCwT8Vnja3seHAGUxFGcM-pFkhF8ztZz74VILP7IVc/s1600/(9)%2BNoodles.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwX3HjOk_wwoTdXLJFps3tBuQgei7FYH1wxJXWxybMcw1TLZuTCMIGtNPbkYJNz_6DgLNUSucHgPfCFY277TVZZfkLc1XmM5xTFCwT8Vnja3seHAGUxFGcM-pFkhF8ztZz74VILP7IVc/s1600/(9)%2BNoodles.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 10.6666669845581px; line-height: 21.3333358764648px; text-align: start;">Grilled Chicken and Spring Rolls Vermicelli Noodle Salad</span><span style="font-size: 10.6666669845581px; line-height: 21.3333358764648px; text-align: start;"> ($13)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">When mixed through with fish sauce,
this was your classic Vietnamese vermicelli salad, albeit with more care taken
with the ingredients. The chicken was stand-out – hot and juicy with a hint of
lemongrass, but the spring rolls were disappointing in that they weren’t the
crunchy rice-paper kind, but the frozen cocktail kind. The overall flavour was
a bit less punchy than you’d expect for Vietnamese food, and unfortunately the
only herb was a small pinch of wilted mint. Thankfully, the overall impression
of the salad was of delicacy, rather than blandness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWVWT5HzuuuTBwt-15mFktjK8cjbNc-Oqq8VvLX21y7ugl4t-kFsZkAfw44M2CP6280lOp3wJJVq41WXjm7PGWYqNx_2eKSlG-CaxRz8iDuTCyN83XWlN5K0lE0DSTcVjmi8VNtKN7RQ/s1600/(10)%2BPancake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWVWT5HzuuuTBwt-15mFktjK8cjbNc-Oqq8VvLX21y7ugl4t-kFsZkAfw44M2CP6280lOp3wJJVq41WXjm7PGWYqNx_2eKSlG-CaxRz8iDuTCyN83XWlN5K0lE0DSTcVjmi8VNtKN7RQ/s1600/(10)%2BPancake.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 10.6666669845581px; line-height: 21.3333358764648px; text-align: start;">Combination Pork and Prawn Crispy Vietnamese Pancake</span><span style="font-size: 10.6666669845581px; line-height: 21.3333358764648px; text-align: start;"> ($14.8) </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJxrR06CdrQi-N7e50mVGaul3mZPxpFKKT0LGCYxgGRrGij9rz-rRVkDZJF_LDwSjA3r2hMnET9Vc-j2AIVAb4UeeLjMZQqOvKsWfD8dsZAL3PccrhO17shK2pYyYTBy4VcifVJbmQkmo/s1600/(11)%2BPancake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJxrR06CdrQi-N7e50mVGaul3mZPxpFKKT0LGCYxgGRrGij9rz-rRVkDZJF_LDwSjA3r2hMnET9Vc-j2AIVAb4UeeLjMZQqOvKsWfD8dsZAL3PccrhO17shK2pYyYTBy4VcifVJbmQkmo/s1600/(11)%2BPancake.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 10.6666669845581px; line-height: 21.3333358764648px; text-align: start;">Combination Pork and Prawn Crispy Vietnamese Pancake</span><span style="font-size: 10.6666669845581px; line-height: 21.3333358764648px; text-align: start;"> ($14.8) </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The b</span><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">ánh xèo – or as it’s called here, the <b><u>Combination Pork and Prawn Crispy Vietnamese
Pancake</u></b> ($14.8) – is Vietnam’s answer to crepes. Except instead of sugar
and butter, the crispy rice-based pancake is seasoned with turmeric, and
stuffed with protein and bean shoots. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnXT_2J8miv_SgvOkYqlKhoq068OOeUwqHZ9393GzwgWBFdzf3yhqA3q9GbFiJqwOg375QTc2qb0N-IfihTJ6bmwtgrJtmaub1jtix6aD1f37dBaPBAWGuTvl-g1wAuENwPRiQV0e0VwI/s1600/(12)%2BTearing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnXT_2J8miv_SgvOkYqlKhoq068OOeUwqHZ9393GzwgWBFdzf3yhqA3q9GbFiJqwOg375QTc2qb0N-IfihTJ6bmwtgrJtmaub1jtix6aD1f37dBaPBAWGuTvl-g1wAuENwPRiQV0e0VwI/s1600/(12)%2BTearing.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 10.6666669845581px; line-height: 21.3333358764648px; text-align: start;">Combination Pork and Prawn Crispy Vietnamese Pancake</span><span style="font-size: 10.6666669845581px; line-height: 21.3333358764648px; text-align: start;"> ($14.8) </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7N8WYDJZ7OyQldu2Orf14YDDlisAPPQ62igM-OOK8028Bt-yqTXPcNCVtF9MdD02ea7U0U8UQvB2db5N9sc_BFZHev0jpKjVEhTvV5M5PvbMO5-COZtOTSHjHdnFPIs_SA7bqgMrFgiY/s1600/(13)%2BDipping.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7N8WYDJZ7OyQldu2Orf14YDDlisAPPQ62igM-OOK8028Bt-yqTXPcNCVtF9MdD02ea7U0U8UQvB2db5N9sc_BFZHev0jpKjVEhTvV5M5PvbMO5-COZtOTSHjHdnFPIs_SA7bqgMrFgiY/s1600/(13)%2BDipping.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 10.6666669845581px; line-height: 21.3333358764648px; text-align: start;">Combination Pork and Prawn Crispy Vietnamese Pancake</span><span style="font-size: 10.6666669845581px; line-height: 21.3333358764648px; text-align: start;"> ($14.8) </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This is one of those dishes that’s as tasty as
it is fun. Sure you could eat it with a knife and fork but the best way to go
about it it is with your hands. Rip up a piece of the pancake (make sure to get
the meat and veggies as well), wrap it in a lettuce leaf, add as much or as
little of the herbs as you would like, and dip it into the fish sauce. Though
not mind-blowing in any aspect, this is a dish that’s just plain enjoyable to
eat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIRngNfVK4Hvs33DFJNcmKe3AmVLVeghqiOYLb3yye8RO40trLh4Bxs1cMDgDEEf1CbfYQsBqtyUnH1zWM4baeu_pUtewQqNS6sAYnfgaobd-Nebt8KtDf40LWr07yWj4MOlLkbwKTvUk/s1600/(5)%2BToilet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIRngNfVK4Hvs33DFJNcmKe3AmVLVeghqiOYLb3yye8RO40trLh4Bxs1cMDgDEEf1CbfYQsBqtyUnH1zWM4baeu_pUtewQqNS6sAYnfgaobd-Nebt8KtDf40LWr07yWj4MOlLkbwKTvUk/s1600/(5)%2BToilet.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Though I don’t do this very often, I had to
double back and get my camera so I could take a snap of this awesome sink
set-up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I’ll be honest – the food at Xeôm is more or
less the same as what you’d get at a halfway decent Vietnamese restaurant,
except the prices are higher, the portions are smaller, and the tables are
cleaner. All that said though, I was surprised to find that I actually quite
liked my meal at Xeôm, because sometimes it’s nice to eat traditional
Vietnamese food without worrying about why the tables are so sticky. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Rating:
12.5/20 – worth a try.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This rating
reflects my personal experience at the time of visit. </span></i></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1885912/restaurant/Melbourne/Xeom-Collingwood"><img alt="Xeom on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1885912/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>
<br />
<br />minghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02173537262392098472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043923915333387273.post-66136149949073812542015-03-12T09:00:00.000+11:002015-03-12T09:00:01.097+11:00Laurie Dee's<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.2pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Shop Re 03 Urban Diner Epping Plaza<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 9.2pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Epping, VIC </span><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">3076<span style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<a href="http://www.lauriedees.com.au/">http://www.lauriedees.com.au/</a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">From
what I’ve heard, being a pharmacist in America is a super lucrative job. I
would be earning 6-figures right out of the gate, and given that I’m currently
working for peanuts, that’s some pretty good incentive to pack up and move
overseas. However, whilst I’m seriously considering going to England down the
track, I would never, ever move to America for the following reasons: one, I’ll
have to learn to drive on the right (aka wrong) side of the road; two, I’ll
have to re-do my pharmacy degree on my own dime; and three: there will be places
like <b><u>Laurie Dee’s</u></b> beckoning on
every street corner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpEaL2uHCN-tG0yvHbiv4LuR_A7qjxBDCQM6pYgVZZwA0HIjOJf8qUTd0FbX2cBtIfzRsW5ufVgCflSSFZsHxNQyJrtaF_SlLO7H2VAj0nq0OcxiudNTLl1atJPPCri6FdrnqB68ytCCo/s1600/(1)%2BExterior.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpEaL2uHCN-tG0yvHbiv4LuR_A7qjxBDCQM6pYgVZZwA0HIjOJf8qUTd0FbX2cBtIfzRsW5ufVgCflSSFZsHxNQyJrtaF_SlLO7H2VAj0nq0OcxiudNTLl1atJPPCri6FdrnqB68ytCCo/s1600/(1)%2BExterior.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Melbourne
has seriously upped its burger game in the last couple of years, and I’m
honestly not sure if that’s a good thing, as I’m now spending approximately 82%
of my time attempting to resist the lure of hot beef and melted cheese. But
considering that I couldn’t remember my last burger, I felt that a trip out to
Epping with Daniel was justified to try out what was dubbed by <u><a href="http://theburgeradventure.com/2013/12/laurie-dees/">The Burger Adventure</a></u> as Melbourne’s best-kept secret.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjirzg9yhUQJPlR7czv9JwIVRB-V-w-uUZA1G61TZ6pmtWbgnM1TK9wXpXdA_eme6eTAIRz-aJWdubipMIf7W0e9eWCWQmxnKC128wnTvaTd8TmCDSpDBVwNtzph-LIevJ15UZl81Z6_zI/s1600/(2)%2BInterior.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjirzg9yhUQJPlR7czv9JwIVRB-V-w-uUZA1G61TZ6pmtWbgnM1TK9wXpXdA_eme6eTAIRz-aJWdubipMIf7W0e9eWCWQmxnKC128wnTvaTd8TmCDSpDBVwNtzph-LIevJ15UZl81Z6_zI/s1600/(2)%2BInterior.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">If
Laurie Dee’s had opened closer to the city, business would be booming by now.
Instead, it does a quiet but steady trade for what I’m guessing are a mix of locals
and burger enthusiasts. It’s a cross between a diner and a fast food restaurant
– you order at the counter, and pick your food up when your number is called. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-A2k3ZL0i5yEp3u0FDT2vlOVAIq0U3jf7goAgeb7FyKXPj3qzJRD3HCUFIlI39MPnGBot04nD5tjcmGJzMBKg-exKAVR4P4cseTuvtoIF4dOEEVob69JsbB7TluHHAbY_g9SozhPuZWo/s1600/(6)%2BBurger.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-A2k3ZL0i5yEp3u0FDT2vlOVAIq0U3jf7goAgeb7FyKXPj3qzJRD3HCUFIlI39MPnGBot04nD5tjcmGJzMBKg-exKAVR4P4cseTuvtoIF4dOEEVob69JsbB7TluHHAbY_g9SozhPuZWo/s1600/(6)%2BBurger.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Laurie Dee Double ($10.95)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Having
come out this far, trying the signature burger was a no-brainer. I settled for <b><u>The Laurie Dee Single</u></b> ($8.45), whilst
Daniel indulged in <b><u>The Laurie Dee
Double</u></b> ($10.95). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Mgc4ygi-SO8lmvOjTipJwAQcE9RSWDPgXuW6su0BRYS18P0vZZJwPUa0-P22Cp7OE_OlJmVZhfDOG_jV8m98gEWNHSr5rhO2RWuqhr14oQJHcfrd6MlukhK6elo0Vjkw40isI-9WJoE/s1600/(5)%2BBurger.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Mgc4ygi-SO8lmvOjTipJwAQcE9RSWDPgXuW6su0BRYS18P0vZZJwPUa0-P22Cp7OE_OlJmVZhfDOG_jV8m98gEWNHSr5rhO2RWuqhr14oQJHcfrd6MlukhK6elo0Vjkw40isI-9WJoE/s1600/(5)%2BBurger.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Laurie Dee Single ($8.45)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">I couldn’t
vouch for the double (though Daniel really enjoyed it), but I thought that my
Laurie Dee Single was pretty great. The American cheese melted lovingly into
the crumbly, smash-styled patty and its crispy edges, and the generous amount
of the Special ‘D’ Sauce meant that each mouthful was creamy and delicious.
There was just enough salad and pickle relish to keep the burger fresh, and I
really enjoyed it, but I couldn’t help but crave a little for the fatty, beefy
goodness that was the double. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3YCbOo9tCrrwFLrJnIbshbjT7qGl4MTX1gcCV9zGNCAOsS0r_YSsmSC71zFl1-RuEYhkK4cqvCAM0iMPPW9rZVKzSozU3T2BMJIOv0UTnwVhArZVYZNSy745lPDJ43oM0hjyovoALeyA/s1600/(11)%2BChips.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3YCbOo9tCrrwFLrJnIbshbjT7qGl4MTX1gcCV9zGNCAOsS0r_YSsmSC71zFl1-RuEYhkK4cqvCAM0iMPPW9rZVKzSozU3T2BMJIOv0UTnwVhArZVYZNSy745lPDJ43oM0hjyovoALeyA/s1600/(11)%2BChips.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chilli Cheese Fries ($8.95)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Luckily,
I had let Daniel talk me into getting the <b><u>Chilli
Cheese Fries</u></b> ($8.95), and whilst these didn’t look mind-blowing, they
were actually pretty close. The sticky mix of mild beef chilli and cheese sauce
was delicious is a sinful, fast-food sort of way, whilst the diced onion made
me feel a little better about myself. One thing definitely worth mentioning
though was the special seasoning on the fries; I couldn’t tell what it was
beyond a subtle herbs and spices mix, but consider me hooked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE8kiN6TWFMMPn9g4cQ2poLklkVcVLYxABZymmrVgWwRk_8aWRa0cg4hhC0VvFrF7ndBCEJy2CyvmP_rzghjzh1QXTIYLohaDE2ojJhVkbCFKiPeHJwB389x2IETmU_ipfhFL99jxtCMU/s1600/(12)%2BDessert.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE8kiN6TWFMMPn9g4cQ2poLklkVcVLYxABZymmrVgWwRk_8aWRa0cg4hhC0VvFrF7ndBCEJy2CyvmP_rzghjzh1QXTIYLohaDE2ojJhVkbCFKiPeHJwB389x2IETmU_ipfhFL99jxtCMU/s1600/(12)%2BDessert.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Banana Pecan Pie Sundae ($6.95, single)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Even if
I had been full, I wouldn’t have been able to resist the <b><u>Banana Pecan Pie Sundae</u></b> ($6.95, single), made with not ice
cream, but frozen custard. I have to say, frozen custard is a fantastic idea –
it is undeniably rich and creamy like ice cream, whilst retaining the silky
smooth mouth-feel of soft-serve. Layered with crumbly short bread, warm caramel
fudge, crunchy pecans, and freshly sliced banana, this was as decadent as it
sounds. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">After
that very satisfying meal, Daniel and I agreed that whilst we wouldn’t drive
across town like we did for the burgers at Laurie Dee’s, we absolutely would
drive a good 20 minutes, and if we lived in the area we would be there every
week. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">Rating: 14/20 – so hungry right now.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-AU;">This rating reflects my personal experience at
the time of visit. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1659298/restaurant/Melbourne/Laurie-Dees-Hamburgers-Frozen-Custard-Epping"><img alt="Laurie Dee's Hamburgers & Frozen Custard on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1659298/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>
<br />
<br />minghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02173537262392098472noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043923915333387273.post-57639818017783595992015-03-09T12:23:00.000+11:002015-03-09T12:23:36.313+11:00Shifty Chèvre<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="street-address"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">375 Brunswick St</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="locality"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Fitzroy, VIC</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span class="hidden-xs"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3065<span style="background: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<a href="http://www.shiftychevre.com/"><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">http://www.shiftychevre.com/</span></a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Chris and I are pretty
non-believing when it comes to Valentine’s Day, but in a very pacifist sort of
way, with none of that IT’S A COMMERCIALISED HOLIDAY anger. However, we do take
the opportunity to do something a little special together, maybe exchange cards
or small tokens. Just like we do on many other days of the year, because that’s
what real love is about, right?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHX8_0LKlZ3qkJ-a8s4QBC_7QJq23CLf04sfJbmWLB_QFyAmCv8h26FCNgXUEGFXeGww9kfonBYQaMb-L_VX9fhLRpDOBZuvbhxJqCg8aBZqnv98Hno7-xbjwYuGSPQSliTTJo5y8CR0/s1600/(1)%2BExterior.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHX8_0LKlZ3qkJ-a8s4QBC_7QJq23CLf04sfJbmWLB_QFyAmCv8h26FCNgXUEGFXeGww9kfonBYQaMb-L_VX9fhLRpDOBZuvbhxJqCg8aBZqnv98Hno7-xbjwYuGSPQSliTTJo5y8CR0/s1600/(1)%2BExterior.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFOOAV4ZyD7Yu2HhB-VbTZms6ilC3LEVg1yukXji9rIhrj3v8S-QuvabmvNMT61p4gK7Oq4tb5OdrnIC4cloVDR0jLSVt4cVigyVJ33bVbGUW3kgp1MH-mVVOrKVsou4rr9Cbjrctsjk/s1600/(2)%2BCompilation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitFOOAV4ZyD7Yu2HhB-VbTZms6ilC3LEVg1yukXji9rIhrj3v8S-QuvabmvNMT61p4gK7Oq4tb5OdrnIC4cloVDR0jLSVt4cVigyVJ33bVbGUW3kgp1MH-mVVOrKVsou4rr9Cbjrctsjk/s1600/(2)%2BCompilation.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Cheese is one of my favourite
indulgences, but I find it hard to branch out from the supermarket fridge
section, given how you can’t just casually waltz into a high-end restaurant and
order nothing but a cheeseboard. That’s why I couldn’t believe my luck when <b><u>Shifty Ch</u></b></span><b><u><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">è</span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">vre</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">, a dedicated cheese (and soon to
be wine) bar and cafe opened up in the heart of Fitzroy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXX9LbSey8ya-tk7UHUqwyuVOBDo7RhPdDsgJf1AQ9qmzCMa_N6NJRFkNqx3bKVzH5tgqgTA6kI1lzXg8NWHlkVuV0MC-P9YBf3msLAHOVPyMnRI1n_5QP6HZOsKIHje4PHjKwFfryRjY/s1600/(3)%2BShelves.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXX9LbSey8ya-tk7UHUqwyuVOBDo7RhPdDsgJf1AQ9qmzCMa_N6NJRFkNqx3bKVzH5tgqgTA6kI1lzXg8NWHlkVuV0MC-P9YBf3msLAHOVPyMnRI1n_5QP6HZOsKIHje4PHjKwFfryRjY/s1600/(3)%2BShelves.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I love the way the name of the
restaurant rolls around in my mouth, and every time I say it, it comes out in
my poshest (and worst) French accent – I just couldn’t help it. Kudos to
whoever fitted out Shifty Ch</span><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">è</span><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">vre, because
it is such a perfect mix of provincial, whimsy, and comfort. It was a lovely
summer’s day outside, and with the sunshine spilling in through the front
windows, it felt like I had wandered down to the village grocer for a bite to
eat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivXrfEYA7-4wpsnuxcG0mT735wmt5rKSrH6qXYATicBumOoWILlk1N5ZhWCrNZRvLgAQy95e_mwiBWeDUZ39T0B-UTX45sUak8nCltVB3evhBs4nHNlSXmnFpXSiGBBPClbKCULr-WW6Q/s1600/(4)%2BEiffel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivXrfEYA7-4wpsnuxcG0mT735wmt5rKSrH6qXYATicBumOoWILlk1N5ZhWCrNZRvLgAQy95e_mwiBWeDUZ39T0B-UTX45sUak8nCltVB3evhBs4nHNlSXmnFpXSiGBBPClbKCULr-WW6Q/s1600/(4)%2BEiffel.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAECrqHEEfjoKLVXQ6V-_hmDIAazbn9Goz3LPfri9FOoTs-fkwjGIzXaTXnmv_bXY_kJDYmRgY7bTjPfYdgGEubMumQ4pXs3RGd8JekvCw7-9-Ejm0wxZE3z7YawyoAZOO5L75q8jnpE8/s1600/(5)%2BShelf.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAECrqHEEfjoKLVXQ6V-_hmDIAazbn9Goz3LPfri9FOoTs-fkwjGIzXaTXnmv_bXY_kJDYmRgY7bTjPfYdgGEubMumQ4pXs3RGd8JekvCw7-9-Ejm0wxZE3z7YawyoAZOO5L75q8jnpE8/s1600/(5)%2BShelf.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The rustic wooden shelves were filled
with a gamut of cheese-related goods, from home-made preserves to cheese knives
in various sizes. We even spotted canned duck confit and thimble-sized jars of
sliced truffle, labelled entirely in French. Ooh la la! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSsW_e6A6ZrCJOz-dvzan8C0lItW1tunSgU9VI1iPDnkpJ9H4HMEXoyeAS_xXaABwCQZsAWoWvr1md9ul8_VMgE8Fhz_nZLB9BSC4D3mEFN9ppsiDqY3mOAZZEVcJnu_rZnIffEgeLsQ/s1600/(16)%2BCoffee.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNSsW_e6A6ZrCJOz-dvzan8C0lItW1tunSgU9VI1iPDnkpJ9H4HMEXoyeAS_xXaABwCQZsAWoWvr1md9ul8_VMgE8Fhz_nZLB9BSC4D3mEFN9ppsiDqY3mOAZZEVcJnu_rZnIffEgeLsQ/s1600/(16)%2BCoffee.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skinny Flat White ($3.5)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">People should be forbidden from
asking if I want a coffee on days when I decided to go without, because next
thing I knew, I was sipping on a <b><u>Skinny
Flat White</u></b> ($3.5). I couldn’t berate myself all that much in the end
though, because I thoroughly enjoyed this smooth, mellow, and chocolate brew. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDLxyMClTFi6WUGFlY8gOifm3_ziGs6Ehybzn2GD51s0V_7yJSL2dF90lPtyjBo1fF6DgAyDBhSXd5ImE7Tr-3f__RklssAliBVPESz4MASg_kER5I9vh16eKYT9aMznI5z_hFKNBeTHc/s1600/(17)%2BBaguette.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDLxyMClTFi6WUGFlY8gOifm3_ziGs6Ehybzn2GD51s0V_7yJSL2dF90lPtyjBo1fF6DgAyDBhSXd5ImE7Tr-3f__RklssAliBVPESz4MASg_kER5I9vh16eKYT9aMznI5z_hFKNBeTHc/s1600/(17)%2BBaguette.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 10.6666669845581px; line-height: 21.3333358764648px; text-align: start;">Open Baguette with Grana Padano and Ham, Roast Vegetable, and Pesto</span><span style="font-size: 10.6666669845581px; line-height: 21.3333358764648px; text-align: start;"> ($11.5)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">In true gentlemanly fashion, Chris
delegates ordering completely to me on our dates, and in true
nice-foodie-girlfriend fashion, I ordered something I knew would float his goat
– the <b><u>Open Baguette with Grana Padano
and Ham, Roast Vegetable, and Pesto</u></b> ($11.5). This was an absolutely
class act. On the bed of sweet roasted summer vegetables was not your usual
ham, but smooth, fatty slices of prosciutto with a rich, porky aroma. It was
topped off with sharp gratings of cheese, and small dollops of coarsely ground
pesto that burst with colour and flavour. The baguette itself was also –
naturally – spot-on, with a soft and yeasty centre and just a little bit of
crunch at the edges.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgIR56zIH0l5LtMQEGUQA0ArczhpbAkEJQyMprJvJ8Llt53tmG5ZBO_I9FyHjRuLuiabMZHbAgCKoKDMo_UBEW7qXiwaP8bWrQCGZRwKOOB0U5i9PAL5fReOxYD0CuQvdm05akX67uwRc/s1600/(21)%2BSalad.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgIR56zIH0l5LtMQEGUQA0ArczhpbAkEJQyMprJvJ8Llt53tmG5ZBO_I9FyHjRuLuiabMZHbAgCKoKDMo_UBEW7qXiwaP8bWrQCGZRwKOOB0U5i9PAL5fReOxYD0CuQvdm05akX67uwRc/s1600/(21)%2BSalad.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">The Taswegian Salad ($11.5)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu8GRm4wxcupba7_3Au0nKZZLTAHVuI6LbhUfKqAhJhKtrXOgTQqLnrabMqspLHnf6T2aN0yqAtXX6RBHukNTU1Lze3jtafs0YkX-BfzZoA3JGU9eF9YJz2rCk2ds03LzhO-_IvsaKaxY/s1600/(22)%2BSalad.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu8GRm4wxcupba7_3Au0nKZZLTAHVuI6LbhUfKqAhJhKtrXOgTQqLnrabMqspLHnf6T2aN0yqAtXX6RBHukNTU1Lze3jtafs0YkX-BfzZoA3JGU9eF9YJz2rCk2ds03LzhO-_IvsaKaxY/s1600/(22)%2BSalad.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Taswegian Salad ($11.5)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">It was a fairly warm day and <b><u>The Taswegian Salad</u></b> ($11.5) was
exactly what I had in mind. Once again, this dish was summery, vibrant, and
filled with goodness. The medley of vegetables was crisp and fresh, with the
finely diced carrot and red onion adding a refreshing crunch. There was more of
that lusciously silky ham, and the diced Tasmanian Emmental was waxy and mild.
Tossed in a light Dijon mustard dressing, this was the ultimate feel-good
lunch. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirrMc3sJP7s58nHykeONhRIrSwAObFAH-f3zmzsiOPaEUz17K8TdASvNnbx7KrHvP75D3wYDhBnQonlTKLV_gN7uLlI4cVwlgc9jP8laniwbdiHF8nw224bmb3A87RhQjtqU74HHwxpXM/s1600/(9)%2BCheese.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirrMc3sJP7s58nHykeONhRIrSwAObFAH-f3zmzsiOPaEUz17K8TdASvNnbx7KrHvP75D3wYDhBnQonlTKLV_gN7uLlI4cVwlgc9jP8laniwbdiHF8nw224bmb3A87RhQjtqU74HHwxpXM/s1600/(9)%2BCheese.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">With so much cheese brazenly on
display, we couldn’t resist topping our meal off with a platter. We weren’t
sure we could eat one of the $20 cheese platters by this point, but our
waitress kindly offered to slice up some cheese and serve it up with some
quince paste for us. Unfortunately we did have to pay for the crackers but the
quince paste was free!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQNaWIPxh6Bas-mldkfjBsum6m7m5rX0CL9oMJuPCCIICDhNSMhhBQ4DJYRqknrosi-CL78PDHoVhcxPzgkb5S_RQ6ZqQw3GKJVFn0syxiS5sUwWsRzdLkSArDC24evJeUjLoeBWEoDA/s1600/(10)%2BCheese.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQNaWIPxh6Bas-mldkfjBsum6m7m5rX0CL9oMJuPCCIICDhNSMhhBQ4DJYRqknrosi-CL78PDHoVhcxPzgkb5S_RQ6ZqQw3GKJVFn0syxiS5sUwWsRzdLkSArDC24evJeUjLoeBWEoDA/s1600/(10)%2BCheese.JPG" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjz94XEu8fC05UyMYY4H3aVgKsB6eNlXISCGx8OCnVzkXz53H3YmDD3LWDLoSU53iMQnJIANf2RhjLc8hD9gDm0QIfk8cwPtlmTGtvslj9aD4JSGiwe0mPf3t42cZx6xca_as-sB6BarQ/s1600/(11)%2BCheese.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjz94XEu8fC05UyMYY4H3aVgKsB6eNlXISCGx8OCnVzkXz53H3YmDD3LWDLoSU53iMQnJIANf2RhjLc8hD9gDm0QIfk8cwPtlmTGtvslj9aD4JSGiwe0mPf3t42cZx6xca_as-sB6BarQ/s1600/(11)%2BCheese.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">It was an ordeal, trying to decide
which cheeses we wanted to try. The proviso is that we have to buy a minimum of
100g because anything smaller is too cumbersome to cut up, so we had to make
sure that we really liked whichever cheese we chose. Luckily the staff were
more than happy to shave off samples for us to taste-test, and we eventually
settled on the <b><u>Brie Marriote</u></b>
($5.2/100g) for me, and the <b><u>Tasmanian
St Claire Emmental</u></b> ($4.2/100g) for Chris. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_sIrul5pBx6ZgS64T8JSHc7aSlMHpcygk9WIlytgi43NGg2OXdfkJCbl6HzvXzrrdZVEYV7tkITFwDeO1YMQbPtLavM15QPlbM7w98sQwZS7c_eYDqD0uQsfjNhai0SHlhDQqVatws50/s1600/(24)%2BPlatter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_sIrul5pBx6ZgS64T8JSHc7aSlMHpcygk9WIlytgi43NGg2OXdfkJCbl6HzvXzrrdZVEYV7tkITFwDeO1YMQbPtLavM15QPlbM7w98sQwZS7c_eYDqD0uQsfjNhai0SHlhDQqVatws50/s1600/(24)%2BPlatter.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 10.6666669845581px; line-height: 21.3333358764648px; text-align: start;"> </span><span style="font-size: 10.6666669845581px; line-height: 21.3333358764648px; text-align: start;">Brie Marriote</span><span style="font-size: 10.6666669845581px; line-height: 21.3333358764648px; text-align: start;"> ($5.2/100g)/</span><span style="font-size: 10.6666669845581px; line-height: 21.3333358764648px; text-align: start;">Tasmanian St Claire Emmental</span><span style="font-size: 10.6666669845581px; line-height: 21.3333358764648px; text-align: start;"> ($4.2/100g) </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I had a good deal of the Emmental
in my salad, but when had on its own, I could really appreciate its fruity and
mildly nutty aroma, and its wonderfully soft and slightly chewy texture. It’s
pretty much a jack of all trades when it comes to cheese. As nice as the
Emmental was though, I couldn’t stop eating the mild, creamy wedge of Brie. It
was absolutely out of this world when combined with a smidge of quince paste,
making for a dessert that rivals the best of cheesecakes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I’m going to keep this simple: I
love Shifty Ch</span><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">è</span><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">vre and I
can’t wait to come back.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Rating: 15/20 – sneaky stilton. alternatively: sweet dreams are made of
cheese, who am i to diss a brie?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">This rating reflects my personal experience at the time of visit. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1928712/restaurant/Melbourne/Shifty-Chevre-Fitzroy"><img alt="Shifty Chevre on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1928712/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikqoy5HiCv3Mz_NMyF5lzFSsEFSKUH8LiUNllC5HQQvOwWg60orB2yY82LeIS3QyI7KCuHG_ur6XYHWVFo2puImLzYI1hIzDjfBy1A88emDGQdTPhDo4Iy1eG1XdCq1NOEtme02GR0jiE/s1600/(27)%2BCards.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikqoy5HiCv3Mz_NMyF5lzFSsEFSKUH8LiUNllC5HQQvOwWg60orB2yY82LeIS3QyI7KCuHG_ur6XYHWVFo2puImLzYI1hIzDjfBy1A88emDGQdTPhDo4Iy1eG1XdCq1NOEtme02GR0jiE/s1600/(27)%2BCards.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">On our way back to the tram, we
stumbled across a craft market, and these adorable greeting cards were Chris
(he’s a programmer) and I in a nutshell. Never have I found anything that
expresses my sentiments so succinctly and accurately. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwAcOyONmngqCYHYHZO38zqKKu4g9HbSVOiDzoBpu9qW1kGk5KejEcUV9O5AI_WeJlr2fooOTdV-A42HNai2_GFQfrnkwnMIdbBp68jjiyIi-TmuCi0KnMyxPCfH4zk82Ia66QhokCURw/s1600/(25)%2BGraffiti.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwAcOyONmngqCYHYHZO38zqKKu4g9HbSVOiDzoBpu9qW1kGk5KejEcUV9O5AI_WeJlr2fooOTdV-A42HNai2_GFQfrnkwnMIdbBp68jjiyIi-TmuCi0KnMyxPCfH4zk82Ia66QhokCURw/s1600/(25)%2BGraffiti.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">And being in Fitzroy, I just couldn’t
resist taking a photo of the amazing (and in this case, perfectly timed) graffiti. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />minghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02173537262392098472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043923915333387273.post-54852509822840539262015-03-05T09:00:00.000+11:002015-03-05T09:00:03.957+11:00Penang Laksa House<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="street-address"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">482 Springvale Rd</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="locality"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Forest Hill, VIC</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <span style="box-sizing: border-box;"></span></span><span class="hidden-xs"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3131</span></span></span><br />
<a href="http://www.penanglaksahouse.com.au/">http://www.penanglaksahouse.com.au/</a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Penang Laksa House</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> and I got off on the wrong foot. Why? Because it sits
on the grave of one of my favourite places for yum cha and Cantonese dinners – <u><a href="http://sweetandsourfork.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/treasure-restaurant.html">The Treasure</a></u>. Still, it’s there, so I may as well make the most of it and give
it a go. The feedback may be lukewarm but stranger things have happened.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjd8gWaiupruG7wPF71_sBPCCkchrDps-gT-kCrnwIqzOoyroAddRLTVb1qGoOEYwLxEaGxzHFveY1zDJQpX88Cv4UFmUdqusJ3N9cDKfSt04ziG1rpIqt1Uqh7PkRb0pWxPcPYnf-3ZI/s1600/(1)%2BExterior.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjd8gWaiupruG7wPF71_sBPCCkchrDps-gT-kCrnwIqzOoyroAddRLTVb1qGoOEYwLxEaGxzHFveY1zDJQpX88Cv4UFmUdqusJ3N9cDKfSt04ziG1rpIqt1Uqh7PkRb0pWxPcPYnf-3ZI/s1600/(1)%2BExterior.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8VYqOE1RXcFm88-ZTu2WS73_5AX4TS2CMLHGJ1oGyJ6ADQ9JDpcCGIYKV-0v7IZIBuoF_nw_5eRVgmMROXt4fiIjZpOluBFMX6Z-2_NxCPhXTWTAc3EC5Ayz1HGyimvnaGJBuvlXOFR0/s1600/(2)%2BInterior.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8VYqOE1RXcFm88-ZTu2WS73_5AX4TS2CMLHGJ1oGyJ6ADQ9JDpcCGIYKV-0v7IZIBuoF_nw_5eRVgmMROXt4fiIjZpOluBFMX6Z-2_NxCPhXTWTAc3EC5Ayz1HGyimvnaGJBuvlXOFR0/s1600/(2)%2BInterior.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Though the outside is more or less
the same, I could barely recognise the interior. The menu however is a bit too
familiar for comfort. Despite there being classic Malaysian hawker dishes
available, there is also a disconcerting amount of Cantonese dishes, and worse
still, westernised Asian. It doesn’t come cheap either; at $26 for a prawn
omelette, it’s overkill even in this economy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQcSbymHyVWeAuKFmq7S04KECCEGe1IhGRDiDLDbBivdR_134fNx0DPwPGtr3magf1rjhh7kUB5xYm7gwl1DAY-4T5h8yFnU4Oed4NTnpTra6Nse3K1piqHcPz3gKx48WYMcZolMwHA4/s1600/(4)%2BNoodle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQcSbymHyVWeAuKFmq7S04KECCEGe1IhGRDiDLDbBivdR_134fNx0DPwPGtr3magf1rjhh7kUB5xYm7gwl1DAY-4T5h8yFnU4Oed4NTnpTra6Nse3K1piqHcPz3gKx48WYMcZolMwHA4/s1600/(4)%2BNoodle.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Penang Har Mee ($11.8)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Though I don’t have it often, <b><u>Penang Har Mee</u></b> ($11.8) is one of
my favourite things to eat. Spicy and aromatic, I often liken it to bun bo hue.
Though it was a bit pricey, the bowl of noodles served up by Penang Laksa House
was satisfyingly large, and certainly looked the business.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHmTC3CfDCqNh9Y-98OM0KgehlchnHX00FrhIQHmC1LiFT7sG18Wpc4HdeoQPg2izuQBhpugEhYSRhtv9qhjL91Zemh6E6bmr90Qq28IjagUtV2PIfPJoxlwA3YY-KGLvMobv33fIqig/s1600/(5)%2BNoodle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHmTC3CfDCqNh9Y-98OM0KgehlchnHX00FrhIQHmC1LiFT7sG18Wpc4HdeoQPg2izuQBhpugEhYSRhtv9qhjL91Zemh6E6bmr90Qq28IjagUtV2PIfPJoxlwA3YY-KGLvMobv33fIqig/s1600/(5)%2BNoodle.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Penang Har Mee ($11.8)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">And thus, it was twice the shame
when it fell short of expectations. Whilst all the right ingredients were there
in generous amounts, I couldn’t believe something so fiery-looking could be so
bland and generic. The soup had none of the aromatic briny tang of a good bowl
of prawn noodles. It wasn’t bad eatin’, but it was a disappointment for sure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN-ePqa4rPu-n6879kHt4ZOiFaFfSyI6FTOIu-6EH6Z6cmMsqX1iHg_50ToIDwGC0BFUoWzO60dgwCiowWjJywCfwgaIWOwFbbxKE-iXRpHCvCI9e0yCvq04UXRxTwnXLZ-MRCnwKf64w/s1600/(6)%2BRice.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN-ePqa4rPu-n6879kHt4ZOiFaFfSyI6FTOIu-6EH6Z6cmMsqX1iHg_50ToIDwGC0BFUoWzO60dgwCiowWjJywCfwgaIWOwFbbxKE-iXRpHCvCI9e0yCvq04UXRxTwnXLZ-MRCnwKf64w/s1600/(6)%2BRice.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crispy Roast Pork Rice ($13.5)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Though I had wanted to try another
traditional hawker dish, there wasn’t very much in the way of non-noodles,
so we settled for a plate of <b><u>Crispy
Roast Pork Rice</u></b> ($13.5).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PHTiMJjTkf-4BOxNb-1eYdn5WG5nLU64v04f83cllUxRe8lonR88yBA_rvxMR5t39NjjuJs3wv6Pmyzhc-05Jb_1ZyBFBRBBxVn2qf53PrxluH8OcxMWILthjhFQhyphenhyphen3EzYgfz7YOOqM/s1600/(7)%2BPork.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PHTiMJjTkf-4BOxNb-1eYdn5WG5nLU64v04f83cllUxRe8lonR88yBA_rvxMR5t39NjjuJs3wv6Pmyzhc-05Jb_1ZyBFBRBBxVn2qf53PrxluH8OcxMWILthjhFQhyphenhyphen3EzYgfz7YOOqM/s1600/(7)%2BPork.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Crispy Roast Pork Rice ($13.5)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: 8pt; line-height: 200%;">Faring a bit better than the
noodles, this pork was decently tender (but occasionally burnt) and the skin reasonably
crunchy (but occasionally chewy). The accompanying rice, soaked in gingery pork
broth, was a definite plus. At $13.5 however, it’s hard to find reasons to come
back for this when any restaurant in Box Hill does better pork for much less
moolah.</span><br />
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Needless to say, I was extremely
disappointed with Penang Laksa House. Not only was the food borderline bad, the
service wasn’t helped by the waitress who took away Chris’ chopsticks, which we
found awfully presumptuous. Despite harbouring a grudge, I was desperate to
like Penang Laksa House even partially as much as I loved The Treasure, but unfortunately
it was not to be. Not when the most interesting part of our meal was when the
power went out smack-bang in the middle of it due to one of Melbourne’s
signature summer storms. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Rating: 11/20 – yeah no.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<i style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">This rating reflects my personal experience at the time of visit. </span></i><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1857271/restaurant/Melbourne/Forest-Hill-Vermont/Penang-Laksa-House-Forest-Hill"><img alt="Penang Laksa House on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1857271/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>
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<br />minghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02173537262392098472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043923915333387273.post-46701031558238197632015-03-02T09:00:00.000+11:002015-03-02T09:00:02.017+11:00Huff Bagelry<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="street-address"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">112 Koornang Rd</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="locality"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Carnegie, VIC</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <span style="box-sizing: border-box;"></span></span><span class="hidden-xs"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3163</span></span></span><br />
<a href="http://huffbagelry.blogspot.com.au/">http://huffbagelry.blogspot.com.au/</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm2GfMQdqtIlTSz4g9mOUQ1qy1AZWoECjIJ9sSFGzwNwfH-XcO8G1saKkYTP_7SXNXg-JynhPTVWNYCbKB8ppCU-Cb8eovX1SIsZJFOqp9r4uMw-4rMKhtkZ5kaSMT0rKrZ3gE1vH3U7I/s1600/(1)%2BExterior.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm2GfMQdqtIlTSz4g9mOUQ1qy1AZWoECjIJ9sSFGzwNwfH-XcO8G1saKkYTP_7SXNXg-JynhPTVWNYCbKB8ppCU-Cb8eovX1SIsZJFOqp9r4uMw-4rMKhtkZ5kaSMT0rKrZ3gE1vH3U7I/s1600/(1)%2BExterior.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span class="hidden-xs"><span style="background: white; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt;">No one likes exams, but for me, there was a silver lining. In my uni
years, I would take my exams at Caulfield Racecourse, and I would use the
excuse of needing extra sustenance to visit the myriad of restaurants in the
nearby suburbs of Caulfield and Carnegie. I managed to check out a good few
restaurants this way, but before I could try <b><u>Huff Bagelry</u></b>, I had completed 4 years worth of exams, and
had neither reason nor time to go out to Carnegie on a weekday. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfVEILRIE7aH-yjf9PeLdB1psaWsBbX7eTcD-AHKnEun7HQcT6Ly-cfmN_EJienViHiyjskp2QJkcl96qWDBShJkwtfxopbCmWUKFVpu00KHC8vnKhbPaall-WcBV4vXlmtyBDm3SmLM/s1600/(2)%2BInterior.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfVEILRIE7aH-yjf9PeLdB1psaWsBbX7eTcD-AHKnEun7HQcT6Ly-cfmN_EJienViHiyjskp2QJkcl96qWDBShJkwtfxopbCmWUKFVpu00KHC8vnKhbPaall-WcBV4vXlmtyBDm3SmLM/s1600/(2)%2BInterior.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZXXKcxhpO13c8Txgb-WRwnLSNloX3tIeK_Eu1SdUsOUZmqfFAQmX4CF7eTDqvhfteaz_Yz7d9ama8QRoYaabftayWNOfIDOc2YA51pTvDZI2md6q5uNn5_DO4JzCQGsLrQhbJjYQcyvU/s1600/(3)%2BCompilation_Bagel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZXXKcxhpO13c8Txgb-WRwnLSNloX3tIeK_Eu1SdUsOUZmqfFAQmX4CF7eTDqvhfteaz_Yz7d9ama8QRoYaabftayWNOfIDOc2YA51pTvDZI2md6q5uNn5_DO4JzCQGsLrQhbJjYQcyvU/s1600/(3)%2BCompilation_Bagel.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="hidden-xs"><span style="background: white; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt;">These days however, I’m practically rolling around in spare time (please
hire me), so I took a sunny afternoon to meet up with Ethan for bagels, coffee,
and a good gossip. Having heard of the massive 20 minute waits for take-away
bagels at peak hour, we opted to visit around 1:30 instead, and whilst it was
still busy, we had no trouble finding a seat.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGl25XJYtxjKNzd-wFEzTOOMT5_5yce_SUi7O7twPA2l-RXbLfLQJURsczviE9vSIHJX8EBMBP2k-f-LaCVKMMvLeBh4IAj05LavRc92Wo4qTrvbdOcZPf1DzeHVKGDs5u8ifnpaF2VI/s1600/(4)%2BCoffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGl25XJYtxjKNzd-wFEzTOOMT5_5yce_SUi7O7twPA2l-RXbLfLQJURsczviE9vSIHJX8EBMBP2k-f-LaCVKMMvLeBh4IAj05LavRc92Wo4qTrvbdOcZPf1DzeHVKGDs5u8ifnpaF2VI/s1600/(4)%2BCoffee.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Latte ($4.5, large)/Flat White ($3.5, small)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span class="hidden-xs"><span style="background: white; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt;">I often scoff at the American culture of endless cups of weak black
coffee, preferring infinitely more the pocket rocket brew of Melbourne in
thimble-sized cups. I will admit however that there’s something undeniably
comforting about hugging a large, warm beverage, and Huff Bagelry delivered. Ethan’s
<b><u>Latte</u></b> ($4.5, large) came in a
tall ceramic mug, and my <b><u>Flat White</u></b>
($3.5, small) was at least the size of a hot chocolate. Though the flavour profile was uninteresting,
the coffee itself was tasty and well-made. For the first time ever, I wanted to
order a second coffee simply to prolong the soothing experience. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZXcS1Xsah4SxGBGDFZXWN27C7OOcp2F7L8JWENgCJfPWsSP-I3JI1H1ZKr3sxIHWBm7_CKCFJyTHctddwGL3dCocW10mTz_4uBhhk1Mwb3HDLNSHW_0ZPt8dz90RLePcs0hnawSGjyQ/s1600/(7)%2BSchnitzel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZXcS1Xsah4SxGBGDFZXWN27C7OOcp2F7L8JWENgCJfPWsSP-I3JI1H1ZKr3sxIHWBm7_CKCFJyTHctddwGL3dCocW10mTz_4uBhhk1Mwb3HDLNSHW_0ZPt8dz90RLePcs0hnawSGjyQ/s1600/(7)%2BSchnitzel.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 10.6666669845581px; line-height: 21.3333358764648px; text-align: start;">Chicken Schnitzel</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 10.6666669845581px; line-height: 21.3333358764648px; text-align: start;"> on </span><span style="font-size: 10.6666669845581px; line-height: 21.3333358764648px; text-align: start;">Onion and Poppy Bagel ($9.5)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span class="hidden-xs"><span style="background: white; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt;">We ordered 2 bagels to go halfsies on, and God bless Ethan for always
ordering the thing I want, but feel too guilty about to get. Ethan chose to get
the <b><u>Chicken Schnitzel</u></b> ($9.5)
on an <b><u>Onion and Poppy Bagel</u></b>,
and it came out in a rainbow of colours, pretty as a picture. The schnitzel was
thick and meaty, moistened by generous dollops of chunky tomoto relish and a
melting slice of cheese. The ubiquitous salad consisted of a fresh handful of arugula,
and the onion-studded bagel added a layer of caramelisation to each bite.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ89dUARIHkcXvpVnvQO3DvUExYbga8aZ44UfYb9HcRyYdZ8mR1QzbzMBDCWU_GHdvty-SmFEddF9xRFSWKqAWKu7IMoe1_hsCsZ9uDysGHU29pIn7WNrKJXQB-Q0VLC07bEPlvm2Cffo/s1600/(9)%2BSummer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ89dUARIHkcXvpVnvQO3DvUExYbga8aZ44UfYb9HcRyYdZ8mR1QzbzMBDCWU_GHdvty-SmFEddF9xRFSWKqAWKu7IMoe1_hsCsZ9uDysGHU29pIn7WNrKJXQB-Q0VLC07bEPlvm2Cffo/s1600/(9)%2BSummer.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 10.6666669845581px; line-height: 21.3333358764648px; text-align: start;">Summer Brekky Bagel</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 10.6666669845581px; line-height: 21.3333358764648px; text-align: start;"> on </span><span style="font-size: 10.6666669845581px; line-height: 21.3333358764648px; text-align: start;">Wholemeal Bagel with Seeds ($8.5)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span class="hidden-xs"><span style="background: white; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt;">On the lighter end of the spectrum was my <b><u>Summer Brekky Bagel</u></b> ($8.5) on a <b><u>Wholemeal Bagel with Seeds</u></b>. Here is where the bagel really
shined; lightly toasted so that whilst the outside is crunchy, the middle remained
soft and yeasty. It was a simple and fresh meal, the bagel sandwiching layers
of ham, avocado, and oozy hollandaise sauce. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span class="hidden-xs"><span style="background: white; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt;">It took half a dozen different bagels, but I finally get what the big
deal is. There really isn’t much not to like about Huff Bagelry, with their
simple but deliciously fresh variety of bagels and fillings, huge coffees, cosy
ambience, and more than reasonable prices. I enjoyed every bite of bagel, and
every sip of coffee. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span class="hidden-xs"><b><span style="background: white; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt;">Rating: 13.5/20 – blows the house
down.</span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span class="hidden-xs"><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 7.0pt;">This rating reflects my personal
experience at the time of visit. </span></i></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1461419/restaurant/Melbourne/Huff-Bagelry-Carnegie"><img alt="Huff Bagelry on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1461419/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>
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<br />minghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02173537262392098472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1043923915333387273.post-58127930473316356662015-02-26T09:00:00.000+11:002015-02-26T09:00:03.119+11:00The Kettle Black<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="street-address"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">50 Albert Rd</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="locality"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">South Melbourne, VIC</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></span><span class="hidden-xs"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3205</span></span><br />
<a href="http://thekettleblack.com.au/"><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">http://thekettleblack.com.au/</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Melbourne is growing up. Though
grungy is definitely still very much in, the trend seems to be slowly but
surely shifting towards minimalist stylishness. As much as I’m a fan of the
homely and the rustic, I have to say it is nice not to run the risk of feeling
like I’m sitting in <u><a href="http://sweetandsourfork.blogspot.com.au/2012/01/st-ali.html">someone’s garage</a></u> for brunch. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Whilst I’ve been brunch-less for
the last year, the Eggs Benedict scene has been moving forward without me. One
of the most recent developments is <b><u>The
Kettle Black</u></b>, spanning across one end of a modern apartment block through
to a quaint Victorian home. The result is surprisingly harmonious, making for a
uniquely chic and polished spot that have people flocking to in droves. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPyCAhyphenhyphenmarzQaVWv8BDnXyDmZO1o_Jdabxw4INqr04GE7U5960a0woiFc7W0jFKWvroIJZUD6qtT7DEZwd0uCh6zm20b9g6bfFLhD8zkTDJ7BEwgUhTPr0QxFqGqnd7NhrB2lLm58W6E/s1600/(5)%2BInterior.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPyCAhyphenhyphenmarzQaVWv8BDnXyDmZO1o_Jdabxw4INqr04GE7U5960a0woiFc7W0jFKWvroIJZUD6qtT7DEZwd0uCh6zm20b9g6bfFLhD8zkTDJ7BEwgUhTPr0QxFqGqnd7NhrB2lLm58W6E/s1600/(5)%2BInterior.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Drenched in sunlight and decorated
with clusters of plants, The Kettle Black brought to mind <u>Top Paddock</u>,
which only makes sense given that they are part of a string of cafes opened by
the same group of blokes. Follow the lineage back further, and you’ll come
across <u><a href="http://sweetandsourfork.blogspot.com.au/2013/11/two-birds-one-stone.html">Two Birds One Stone</a></u>, and eventually <u><a href="http://sweetandsourfork.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/three-bags-full.html">Three Bags Full</a></u>,
though it underwent a change of ownership a few years back. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-KnDMWwGpyaCUMmaRcs-zuQg-bBUEIU1IcbpVKReLKsB5D1tk81BzKn3eefmd4SiQIuKwEUVciT9UafQN40eiaAe04yBnAYwGUkynSqJVl63LQ0XGoX5OOymTroXf_dap8n1NfR8BH0/s1600/(7)%2BDonuts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-KnDMWwGpyaCUMmaRcs-zuQg-bBUEIU1IcbpVKReLKsB5D1tk81BzKn3eefmd4SiQIuKwEUVciT9UafQN40eiaAe04yBnAYwGUkynSqJVl63LQ0XGoX5OOymTroXf_dap8n1NfR8BH0/s1600/(7)%2BDonuts.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Whilst it’s the youngest, The
Kettle Black is the most refined sibling of them all. There is nothing
predictable about the brunch menu (though the famous Top Paddock Hotcakes makes
an appearance), and each item read like a short, tantalising poem. Despite the sophistication
however, brunch here is anything but stuffy, and diners are left in peace with
their coffee and paper to soak up the sun. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNKiMczNSRWiJx3aylQo2arCJoxT0_a-j8_zwt5zfE2KmpGRgS_4eCwHr4OrbnJHwjfZ23v-Gm0THc5C7L5DxCiZB4FJVOAtSGs1F2EcK4twP5qgzB1NBV32DjgqRXY2D4Vqt06wwTKU/s1600/(10)%2BCoffee.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNKiMczNSRWiJx3aylQo2arCJoxT0_a-j8_zwt5zfE2KmpGRgS_4eCwHr4OrbnJHwjfZ23v-Gm0THc5C7L5DxCiZB4FJVOAtSGs1F2EcK4twP5qgzB1NBV32DjgqRXY2D4Vqt06wwTKU/s1600/(10)%2BCoffee.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flat White ($4)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Having finally convinced K to get
into coffee, we had a <b><u>Flat White</u></b>
($4) each, and enjoyed teasing out the various aromas in the brew, guided by the
page of tasting notes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguP53HQRZUygKL1SAFROlOCaqKzEmVKAg1ijewDoKDCOpWs-bmEUdKYGor_0oJFiG48_rJK2SNfWrYXL0BAJIgwrLtIQoKc0rOyfOlL6GcOK8pe2aX_FbFInu3ZiuzvEEKXAjLgOkktic/s1600/(11)%2BCoffee-Half.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguP53HQRZUygKL1SAFROlOCaqKzEmVKAg1ijewDoKDCOpWs-bmEUdKYGor_0oJFiG48_rJK2SNfWrYXL0BAJIgwrLtIQoKc0rOyfOlL6GcOK8pe2aX_FbFInu3ZiuzvEEKXAjLgOkktic/s1600/(11)%2BCoffee-Half.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Flat White ($4)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">My cup of coffee was pleasingly
strong, with overarching tones of toffee and cocoa. Once the coffee cooled a
little, I could just pick out the more delicate notes of floral and stone
fruit. I could definitely get used to having tasting notes with my coffee. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8A2aSxHJ2AZsmJPzbCeowsSQdEF8AYjSIs7TEOCItFis0-YyV8kwg0rTRns7_ePPbyXF_DG-mDbsFUBwwZooh0JMMa8PQnh_asPAlNmReS0fTtonBbZLeD7PSyjIFuOva8k_T2TMDaiY/s1600/(12)%2BEggs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8A2aSxHJ2AZsmJPzbCeowsSQdEF8AYjSIs7TEOCItFis0-YyV8kwg0rTRns7_ePPbyXF_DG-mDbsFUBwwZooh0JMMa8PQnh_asPAlNmReS0fTtonBbZLeD7PSyjIFuOva8k_T2TMDaiY/s1600/(12)%2BEggs.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Benedict Styled Eggs with Free Range Pork Shoulder and Aerated Hollandaise ($17) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I had a game plan – K and I will
each pick 3 dishes we want to try, and then pray that 2 of them overlap. That
failed miserably as we had no mutual dishes on the first try, but we did agree
that the <b><u>Benedict Styled Eggs with
Free Range Pork Shoulder and Aerated Hollandaise</u></b> ($17) sounded like the
bee’s knees. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji6MckawvhRnmDTjLa3aINSgyV5F1Zb5jPdJVh7upopQzDQjdvgbteEgeapWGNPwcG6txUApl9NWL31T0McCOd2Mqp_mmZP6o5ddAHhM6Q_YWB_M0j-PJznoXSldyPJZ2RwG8PP1jQfQ4/s1600/(13)%2BEggs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji6MckawvhRnmDTjLa3aINSgyV5F1Zb5jPdJVh7upopQzDQjdvgbteEgeapWGNPwcG6txUApl9NWL31T0McCOd2Mqp_mmZP6o5ddAHhM6Q_YWB_M0j-PJznoXSldyPJZ2RwG8PP1jQfQ4/s1600/(13)%2BEggs.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Benedict Styled Eggs with Free Range Pork Shoulder and Aerated Hollandaise ($17) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">It certainly was an elegant
variation of the traditional breakfast, the moist pulled pork flavoured warmly
with cumin and spices. The poached eggs were perfect, and the tangy hollandaise
was indeed extra light and fluffy as promised. My only complaint was that the
toast succumbed to the common pitfall of being WAY too tough, and whilst I can
forgive that in light of the gooey eggs and tender pork, it does not an
enjoyable experience make.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQRrE5NYA1hunlB4bjE5_UMB0rqVjJaH66t8TlizKmaNOBvRbxzw9g6H1kmCpL6toKeS4spXddniNVur9GCCuiPP0NMr6Bsc95IeeXaB5Td0TeMahlQOmjMdKpRAVf12LAaYV0OhppZQ/s1600/(14)%2BHotcakes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQRrE5NYA1hunlB4bjE5_UMB0rqVjJaH66t8TlizKmaNOBvRbxzw9g6H1kmCpL6toKeS4spXddniNVur9GCCuiPP0NMr6Bsc95IeeXaB5Td0TeMahlQOmjMdKpRAVf12LAaYV0OhppZQ/s1600/(14)%2BHotcakes.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hotcakes with House-Made Ricotta, Blueberries, Pure Maple, Double Cream and Seeds ($18)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">It wasn’t too hard to convince K
that he would like to try the <b><u>Hotcakes
with House-Made Ricotta, Blueberries, Pure Maple, Double Cream and Seeds</u></b>
($18), especially after showing him a picture of it online. And it turned out
to be even more beautiful than I had anticipated; the thick pancake sat at the
bottom of a shallow bowl, garnished with a lush array of summer berries and flowers.
The sprinkling of lavender sugar on the cream was as pretty as fairy dust. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf7eBI2PQ6POQGqyDm0gtTuJdvpHD3YycUUNFfkkBaDZKaX93TKVoLAGs4_Vd1qab45VCrpWsgR54PakrKNdX5EDuCCcv_fSLP2f95jFAemvHy3vFZM28zARTCO5jzrDLP-VfMvDWKPcY/s1600/(18)%2BHotcakes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf7eBI2PQ6POQGqyDm0gtTuJdvpHD3YycUUNFfkkBaDZKaX93TKVoLAGs4_Vd1qab45VCrpWsgR54PakrKNdX5EDuCCcv_fSLP2f95jFAemvHy3vFZM28zARTCO5jzrDLP-VfMvDWKPcY/s1600/(18)%2BHotcakes.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Hotcakes with House-Made Ricotta, Blueberries, Pure Maple, Double Cream and Seeds ($18)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The hotcakes themselves were warm
and fluffy, soaked in a deluge of sticky maple syrup and topped with a smear of
thick, cool cream. The rich sweetness contrasted marvellously with the tart and
juicy berries, and texture came in the form of scattered nuts. Each bite was a
work of art, and I couldn’t keep the smile off my face as I ate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">It’s really not very hard to like
The Kettle Black, given its beautiful food in a beautiful surrounding at a
reasonable price, and the excellent coffee topping it off. However I think Top
Paddock will still stay as my favourite brunch place for the time being; when I
think of brunch, I think of simple and indulgent meals, and whilst there’s
nothing wrong with the more high-brow version at The Kettle Black, I guess I’m
still a little old-fashioned at heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Rating: 14.5/20 – pot to kettle.</span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">This rating reflects my personal experience at the time of visit. </span></i><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1870936/restaurant/Melbourne/The-Kettle-Black-South-Melbourne"><img alt="The Kettle Black on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1870936/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>
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