Kao Thai

347 Sydney Rd 

Brunswick, VIC 3056

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. 

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 Kao Thai 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. 

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.  

Thai Milk Tea ($3.5)

I’m a big lover of Thai Milk Tea ($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. 

Pad Keemao with Beef ($13.9) 

Our plate of Pad Keemao with Beef ($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. 

Red Chicken Curry ($14.9)

Similarly hearty and delicious was the Red Chicken Curry ($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. 

Red Chicken Curry ($14.9)

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 Jasmine Rice ($2.5), no matter how generously we scooped the sauce on, and I was left dolefully eyeing the remainder.

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.

Rating: 13.5/20 – easy blogging.

This rating reflects my personal experience at the time of visit. 

Los Hermanos Mexican Taqueria

339 Victoria St 

Brunswick, VIC 3056
http://www.los-hermanos.com.au/

There’s nothing like a restaurant that makes a Monday feel like a Friday. It could be the crepe paper banners and candles burning in alcoves, or it could be the beer garden and music that makes you want to shake your hips (Mexican remix of Oasis, anybody?). No matter how you look at it, Los Hermanos Mexican Taqueria is a place for a party. 

Though I’m sure the range of bottles – some of them rather dubious-looking – get a few motors going, my attention is reserved exclusively for the small menu scrawled onto the blackboard covering an entire wall of the restaurant. Despite being a bar, there are also tacos aplenty for all involved – a sure sign that the food is as good as the drink. Spoiler: they were out of the ‘el flan’, and yes, I was disappointed.

Totopos ($5)

I always find Totopos ($5) hard to resist despite knowing that I probably shouldn’t, but ever since discovering ‘real’ tortilla chips, my chip-and-dip experience has never the same. These were unfortunately just ok. Though thickly cut and mostly crispy, I found some parts of the chips to be greasy and stale. And whilst the jalapeno salsa and chipotle mayo made for an interesting change, I would much rather a fresh bowl of tomato salsa.

De Carne ($5ea)/De Barbacoa ($6ea)

We ordered a fair bit of food, and they all came out in a rush at this point, leading to a mad scramble of photo-taking and taco-eating before the tortillas split from juices in the meat. Unfortunately I couldn’t quite make it in time to De Barbacoa ($6ea), a taco piled high with tender shredded lamb. Still, it was delicious despite the tortilla giving way, and we greatly enjoyed the hearty combination of grilled meat and salad.

De Carne ($5ea) on the other hand was a lovely contrast to the lamb taco’s richness. Twice cooked in chipotle salsa and topped generously with jalapeno sauce, this was a lighter but zestier option that really got the tastebuds going with its bright flavours. 

De Pescado ($6ea)/Mushroom Taco ($5ea)

My all-time favourite taco would have to be the fish taco at Fonda Mexican, and I always make a point of ordering it whenever I see it on a menu. To date, I’ve yet to find one that I like just as much, and unfortunately De Pescado ($6ea) wasn’t an exception. Still, that’s not to say the large fillet of battered fish on shredded purple cabbage and drizzled with chipotle mayo was no good. Though the fish was softer than I would like, the overall flavour is a familiar and fun one, the fish a perfect vehicle for the crunch of the slaw and the spice of the sauce.

Mushroom Taco ($5ea)/De Pescado ($6ea)

I love meat and I hate sour cream, so it was a wonder of wonders when I found the Mushroom Taco ($5ea) – the Spanish name was covered by a bottle of tequila – to be my favourite by far. The mushrooms, already thick and juicy, were tipped over the edge by crumbly goat’s cheese that’s ever so faintly caramelised by the heat. Even the sour cream played a part, providing each mouthful with a tangy coolness.

Gorditas ($6, 2pcs)

Gorditas ($6, 2pcs)

Having never seen Gorditas ($6, 2pcs) before, I had to have them. These crisp little pockets made from corn flour were filled with a gooey, creamy mix of refried beans and two cheeses (ricotta and mozzarella). On their own they weren’t remarkable, but it was a match made in heaven when paired with the sour, spicy, and very slightly nutty slaw.

I love Los Hermanos not only for the food, but for the wonderfully festive vibe as well. Every element of our experience conspired to make dinner feel like a holiday, with the cheap street-styled food being the ultimate clincher. Though, can you believe that Ethan lived nearby for the last year but has never told me about this place? He swears he has, but I’m onto him – he just wants to keep this gem all to himself.

Rating: 15/20 – you don’t make friends with salad!

This rating reflects my personal experience at the time of visit. 

Thaila Thai

82 Lygon St 

Brunswick East, VIC 3057

I had a long day at work looking after patients and studying ridiculous amounts of pharmacy law, and all I wanted was 5 o’clock to roll around and to go and get some simple, hearty food with my other half.  Despite it being a cold and rainy Melbourne day, I was keen for a comforting plate of stir-fry alongside a bowl of rice, so Chris and I trammed out to Thaila Thai to check it out.

From the front, Thaila Thai looks like no more than a take-away shop, with half a dozen chefs frantically flipping woks, though one did have time to flash a toothy grin at us. The downstairs portion of the restaurant is – there’s no nice way to put this – kind of gross. The dim fluorescent lighting cast a sickly glow over ancient furniture, and the only people there are the ones waiting for take away. Everyone else knows that upstairs is a much cosier place to be dining, and won’t leave you smelling like wok for a week afterwards. 

Chicken with Basil Leaves and Chilli ($14.5)

As I had expected, our stir-fry of Chicken with Basil Leaves and Chilli ($14.5) was far from authentic, more Chinese in style with only a hint of spice. On the other hand though, it was bursting with flavour from the wok, and the portion was unbelievably enormous, chock-full of a variety of fresh crunchy vegetables, and smoky chicken.

Beef Yellow Curry ($14.5)

Our Beef Yellow Curry ($14.5), served over an order of Rice ($2pp), was thick, rich, and the spices hit all the right notes. But it was way too sweet; in fact, even Chris would’ve preferred it to be less saccharine. All that said though, it was surprisingly moreish, and I found myself going back for seconds and thirds. Coconut milk can be very persuasive.

Thaila Thai follows a simple formula of protein plus stir-fry sauce/curry, with a smattering of the usual suspects like spring rolls and pad thai. The food here isn’t all that amazing; I would probably never think of it again unless I was after a cheap, simple Asian meal. It does taste good though, and sometimes, that’s all you need.

Rating: 12.5/20 – what a girl needs.

This rating reflects my personal experience at the time of visit. 

Hellenic Republic

434 Lygon St 
Brunswick East, VIC 3057

http://www.hellenicrepublic.com.au/

I love George Calombaris, aka Georgie. Not only is he the most adorable TV chef personality (BOOM BOOM SHAKE THE ROOM), he’s also some sort of chef genie, winning Young Chef of the Year at age 24. Now at the ripe old age of 34, he is the owner/co-owner of 6 esteemed restaurants around Melbourne, as well as one in Mykonos. That pretty much sums up why I was so excited to eat at Hellenic Republic, one of Georgie’s earlier restaurants, serving traditional Greek fare with a modern twist. 

I had just blasted through all three of my exams, received my dream pharmacy intern position for 2014, and was 3 weeks away from a holiday in Japan. It was a good day, and the plan was to order way too much food and celebrate in style. 

We had made a booking for 6pm but we arrived half an hour early. We attempted to loiter outside for a bit, but being on the more rustic end of town, along with the amazing smells emanating from the building, made waiting more than 10 minutes impossible. So instead, we chose to sit inside in our wicker chairs, watching the meat turn on a spit, inhaling the thick wafts of delicious scents. 

Olives Local and Hellenic ($5.5)/Pita ($4.5)/Taramosalata (small, $6)

We began with the classic trio of starters – Olives Local and Hellenic ($5.5), Pita ($4.5), and Taramosalata (small, $6). The olives were well marinated and heavily flavoured, but they didn’t hold a candle to the pita bread. The pita was pillowy around the edges, getting crispier as you moved towards the center, all infused with a charred, woody fragrance. 

Taramosalata (small, $6)

Best of all though, was the Taramosalata, aka cod roe dip. It was sheer decadence, the smooth creamy texture holding a subtle but intense briny flavour. I was in heaven, dragging the top-notch pita bread through the dip and wondering how anything could be so seductive. It all made sense when I was found out that the dip was made almost entirely of cod roe, with only a smidgen of breadcrumbs, olive oil, and garlic blended in.

Tyri Saganaki ($14.5)

Of course we had to sample Hellenic Republic’s signature dish – the Tyri Saganaki ($14.5).  The wedge of cheese was grilled until it was crisp outside and chewy in the middle, and its rich saltiness tempered by the soft figs sweetened with honey and balsamic. It’s hardly a groundbreaking combination, but it is sheer decadence and an explosion of classic flavours.

Small Spit Combo ($16.2)/Tzatziki (small, $5)

You haven’t really eaten at a Greek restaurant until you’ve had their grilled meats, and because we couldn’t decide between lamb and chicken, the waiter helpfully suggested the Small Spit Combo ($16.2), which had some of both. To be honest, I liked this but I didn’t love this. Whilst it had the requisite deliciously smoky flavours, I’ve had much more tender and flavoursome experiences elsewhere. It did go well with the sweet and refreshing plate of Tzatziki (small, $5) though. 

Kipriaki Salata Dimitriakon (small, $7.2)

On the suggestion of our waiter, we ordered a Kipriaki Salata Dimitriakon (small, $7.2) to go with all our protein. Despite the complex sounding name, it’s actually just the classic Cypriot salad consisting of grains, pulses, nuts and yoghurt. Naturally this made for a rather hefty salad, but it wasn’t weighed down thanks to copious amounts of coriander tossed through with a tangy dressing, and the sweet pop of pomegranate. I especially liked the slivers of toasted almonds.   

Htapodi (small, $10.8)

Because I could never neglect the seafood, I ordered a small serve of Htapodi (small, $10.8), which was Western Australian octopus, pickled with ouzo and spices. This was a much needed break from the more substantial dishes, the cool sour flavours and the addictive chewiness making for a great palate cleanser. 

Kalamari (small, $10.8)

I can never look past Kalamari (small, $10.8) when it’s on the menu, but this one was a bit of a hit and miss. It was exquisitely tender with just a hint of chewiness, but I couldn’t taste anything else above the overwhelming, bitter smokiness.  

The stone says 'Passion'!

Hellenic Republic isn’t the pretentious dining experience you’d expect from a celebrity chef. It’s honest Greek food that’s been giving a good polish, and DAMN do those Greeks know how to eat. It would’ve been nice if everything had been as amazing as the cod roe dip but, that would be asking for the impossible. 

Oh and whilst we’re here, some amazing end-of-exams cupcakes I had from Cupcake Central

Rating: 15/20 – shiny greek food

This rating reflects my personal experience at the time of visit. And the amount of battery left in my gameboy advance.

Green Refectory

115 Sydney Rd
Brunswick, VIC 3056

You never realise what you have until it’s gone. My sister is a bubbly and chatty kid with lots of crazy ideas, and as much as I love her, in true sibling fashion, I find her annoying more often than not. But all of a sudden she flies off to China with dad for a couple of weeks, and I miss her more than I can say.

Before my sister left however, I made sure to take her out to eat lots of food she can’t really get in China. Of course some good burgers were on the menu, but I also wanted to take her up the northern end of town to get some brunch, and a bit of Middle Eastern nosh too. Green Refectory seemed like a good place to make that first stop. I don’t really understand why I haven’t visited, considering that it’s extremely cheap and closer to my uni than the city is, but here we are.

Appearances are usually pretty deceiving when it comes to Melbourne. And in the case of Green Refectory, what looked like another hole in the wall turned out to be a vintage-styled mess hall spread out over 3 rooms and a long, narrow back garden. And the variety of food they serve is mind-boggling. Aside from the breakfast and lunch menu scrawled on blackboards, the cabinets were piled high with pastries, vibrant salads, sandwiches, and even sushi rolls.

After ordering for the two of us – and getting change back from a twenty! – we headed to the back room and sat down with our cute little canvas print that seems to have taken the place of table numbers. There was a bit of a wait, given our simple orders, but probably expected given how busy the cafe was. At any rate it gave my sister plenty of time to sit around awkwardly as I scuttled around, taking photos.

Breakfast Stack ($10)

My sister is a fast learner; she is already researching what she wants to order at a restaurant in advance like a true foodie. The Breakfast Stack ($10) is something of a signature dish at Greens (as it is affectionately referred to by locals), and on the day we visited, we saw all sorts of people enthusiastically digging into it. Surrounded by a puddle of tomato relish, this stack has got it all – potato patty, roasted tomato, spinach, eggs, bacon, and haloumi. I’ll say upfront that this dish is more of a quantity than a quality thing; the potato patty was mash rather than crispy, the bacon was soft, the egg was hard, and the vegetables rather flavourless. But at the same time, I adored the buttery, cheesy potatoes, the bacon was plentiful, the haloumi had the perfect salty squeak, and the vegetables became much more interesting after a swish in the rich tomato relish. I wasn’t impressed by this dish, not by a long shot, but I enjoyed it quite a bit as something that I would love to cook at home, but can probably never be bothered to.

Small Salad ($7.95)

After tackling a 588 gram burger just the day before, I needed to eat something that would make me feel good about myself. So the bewildering variety of salads that Greens offered was a dream come true. I had myself a Small Salad ($7.95; $6.95 take away), which allowed me to choose 3 different ones to sample from the cabinet.

Brown Rice and Cranberry Salad

The first salad I chose was a concoction of Brown Rice and Cranberries. I loved the way the grains rattled around in the mouth, each bite contrasting between chewy grains of rice and crunchy diced celery. I really enjoyed the slight creaminess of the dressing punctuated with the sweetness of cranberries.

Chicken Salad

This Chicken Salad was a great example of something simple done right. The generous chunks of chicken were well-flavoured by a peppery marinade, and the accompanying vegetables were fresh and crispy, occasionally interspersed with the silky oiliness of mushrooms and capsicum. I don’t have too much to say about this one but I would eat this every day if I could work out what was in that marinade.

Roast Vegetable Salad

It was a shame that the trio of salads were let down by the Roast Vegetable. There was a good variety of vegetables and it wasn’t bad or anything, but it wasn’t much more than a plate of too-sour moosh, potato chunks aside. I’d skip this and get one of the other dozen of salads on offer.

There were desserts stacked by the door (probably as bait – I see what you’re doing!), but we just couldn’t fit anything else in, especially considering we were having a second brunch very soon.

Despite everything, my feelings for Green Refectory are actually a little bit mixed. I enjoyed the food and adored the prices, as well as their lovely set-up and the sheer variety of food on offer. But the overall experience left a little to be desired. As nice as the vintage setup was, it just didn’t feel very relaxed – more like a food hall and less like a place where I wouldn’t even notice the time slip away. The service left a bit to be desired as well; the staff struck me as a bit too-cool-to-serve-you-properly. I had to wait for the girl at the counter to stop chatting to her friends before being able to ask her to explain to me, grudgingly, what the salads they had. But if you’re just after a quick, hearty and cheap meal, then you’ve come to the right place.

Rating: 13/20 – greener pastures.

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A1 Bakery

645 Sydney Rd
Brunswick, VIC 3056

When you’re up this end of town, a trip to A1 Bakery and the huge op-shop, Savers, is a must. I’ve been to this Middle Eastern bakery before and I loved everything I tried, but because we just had brunch, my sister and I had to pick wisely.

Cheese Pie ($3.5)

Going to a Lebanese bakery and not trying the Cheese Pie ($3.5) is like going to yum cha and not having prawn dumplings, and A1’s version is seriously impressive. The bread is light, sweet and leaves a dusting of flour on your lips, and the cheese in the middle is melted just enough to retain its salty squeakiness.

Baklava ($1ea)

And of course, a piece each of the Baklava ($1) that had brought a tear to my eye the first time I had it. It’s not as flaky as I remembered, but it’s still indulgently buttery, nutty and syrupy, good enough to make my sister’s eyes grow wide at her first bite.

And our trip to Savers after? We picked up 6 books and the Harry Potter board game for only $19.95 – SCORE!