El Sabor

500 Victoria Street 

North Melbourne, VIC 3051
http://www.elsabor.com.au/

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 El Sabor, a-hankerin’ for a good Mexican meal. 

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. 

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. 

Pozole

To start off, our stomachs were warmed with a bowl of traditional Pozole – 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.

Pozole

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. 

Tres Salsas con Totopos ($10)

We were served some Tres Salsas con Totopos ($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.

Calamari Fritos ($15)

The plate of Calamari Fritos ($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?

Tamales de Pollo ($18, 3pcs)

The Tamales de Pollo ($18, 3pcs) on the other hand were anything but boring, despite its demure appearance.

Tamales de Pollo ($18, 3pcs)

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. 

Alitas ($10, half dozen)

I love a good chicken wing, and its extra nice when they’re rubbed with spices and scorched with grill marks, like these Alitas ($10, half dozen) were. Each piece was succulent and smoky, and cut through with a cool drizzle of sharp jalapeno mayo.

Pescado Taco/Res Taco ($12, 2pcs)

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 Pescado Taco ($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.

Meanwhile, the Res Taco ($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. 

Churros ($15, 5pcs)

Aside from dessert tequilas and cocktails, the menu contained three sweet options: crème caramel, corn cake, and Churros ($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.

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.

Rating: 14.5/20 – hospital fiesta.

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

Sweet and Sour Fork dined as a guest of El Sabor.

Maria's Trattoria

124 Peel St 

Melbourne, VIC 3051
http://www.mariastrattoria.com/

As much as I hate paying for food that I can make myself, sometimes I want home-styled cooking and 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 Maria’s Trattoria however, are. 

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. 

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. 

Tortellini alla Romana ($16.9, main)

Chris ignored my warnings of the portion sizes, and ordered a Tortellini alla Romana ($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. 

Spaghetti Pescatore ($16.9, entree)

Meanwhile, my Spaghetti Pescatore ($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. 

Spaghetti Pescatore ($16.9, entree)

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. 

Though we definitely, definitely 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. 

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.

Rating: 14/20 – mama maria!

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

Table by S

156 Peel Street 

North Melbourne, VIC 3051
http://www.tablebys.com/

Table by S and I are star-crossed lovers. Though I’ve fallen for it from the moment Sam told me about it back in April, each and every time I have wanted to visit so far has fallen on a Monday. Guess which day of the week Table by S takes a break? The chemistry however, is undeniable, and I finally found myself with a hankerin’ for some Korean-Italian fusion tapas on a Friday.

Table by S sits just a little bit further up from the strip of Korean restaurants opposite Victoria market, and came as something of a surprise. Instead of being a warm, dark den characteristic of the Korean restaurants in the locale, Table by S was bright and intimate, manned by a bubbly crew. And how adorable are the Christmas decorations?

Banchan

Our meal started traditionally enough with a trio of Banchan. The obligatory kimchi was less tangy, but with a stronger taste of red chilli. The cubes of marinated potato were unremarkable, but the pickled onions were crisp, sharp, and lovely. 

Kimchi Aranchini ($15.9, 4pcs)

Then the surprises started coming. The first was the Kimchi Aranchini ($15.9, 4pcs). Lightly fried and coated in creamy dollops of blue cheese sauce, they were bona fide Italian until the first bite. Instead of ragu, the exterior crumbled into mouthfuls of tangy kimchi fried rice! The combination of creamy cheese and pickled vegetables was downright addictive.

Premium Rice Cake Gratin ($12.9)

The rice cake aspect of the Premium Rice Cake Gratin ($12.9) was hardly groundbreaking, but when they’re baked in a spicy sauce with a crust of melted cheese and bacon bits, the whole dish took on a wonderfully indulgent and European twist. 

Simmered Premium Pork Belly ($15.9)

Though listed as a tapa, the Simmered Premium Pork Belly ($15.9) was big enough as a main for one, at least. This dish was a lot more traditional, and was essentially a kimchi pork belly stew, served deconstructed. 

Simmered Premium Pork Belly ($15.9)

Two large, decadent steaks of tender pork belly swam in a light, gingery broth. I found that the soup needed the kimchi to perk it up, but once I slid the vegetables into the pot, every bite was comforting goodness.

Table by S is unlike any Korean restaurant I’ve ever been to; indeed, its unique style of Korean fusion is in a category all of its own. Add that to the lovely atmosphere and attentive service, and you have a restaurant that’s bound to impress.

Rating: 14/20 – who is S?

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

Miss Katie's Crab Shack

238 Victoria Street 

North Melbourne, VIC 3051

http://www.misskatiescrabshack.com/

I love food as much as the next person; maybe even a touch more, but I like to think that I’m not a food snob. After all, there is no reason a good baked potato (topped with cheese and scallions and crispy bacon bits and more cheese for good measure) can’t be as enjoyable as a fancy dinner for two. To be honest, I would much rather dig heartily into my meal than spend my time working out just which fork I am supposed to use. 

Miss Katie’s Crab Shack is the ultimate in no-fuss eating. Housed in what’s very much a dive bar, the entire place is set out for crab-wrangling. Newspaper lined the tables, ready to be bundled up with used crustaceans. The nautical-themed bar was rustic to say the least, but it would feel a bit wrong to be slurping from crab claws in a tablecloths and napkins sort of place. 

Katie's Fried Chicken ($17)

I’ve developed a bit of a fried chicken habit recently, which I am mulishly blaming on the pressures of work and study. Hence no convincing was required to get me to order Katie’s Fried Chicken ($17), which came as 6 generous pieces of battered wing and thigh in a take-away box. 

Katie's Fried Chicken ($17)

I’ve read a few mixed reviews on the chicken, and I am firmly in the camp of the adoring fans. Though slightly sweeter than most, the spiced batter benefited from the addition of cinnamon, which brought out the more delicate flavours of the chicken. On the side was a dish of ranch sauce, light and cool against the hot, juicy drumsticks. 

Katie's Low Country Boil ($25)

Katie’s Low Country Boil ($25) came to the table with a bib, a mallet, and a devastating aroma. Put the bib on. No seriously, put it on – you’re going to need it. 

Katie's Low Country Boil ($25)

Boiled in the all-American seasoning of Old Bay, the mixture of herbs and spices seeped into every crevice of the crab. Though meat is fairly scarce in a blue swimmer crab, we picked out the succulent chunks from the claws and legs and, together with corn on the cob and chunks of smoky kransky, had ourselves a decadent meal. When we finished with the crab, we wiped up the aromatic mixture of crab, garlic butter, and old bay seasoning with a tenderly sweet hunk of House Baked Corn Bread ($3) 

And here’s a picture of Chris with the mallet. Mind you, he’s only the model; I was the one grabbing the crab with both hands and snapping it in half. 

Though we’ve definitely had bigger meals, our dinner left us feeling entirely satisfied from the richness. As the waitress said, there is nothing healthy on the Southern American-inspired menu – one of the specials was deep fried macaroni and cheese for goodness’ sake! And whilst the food at Miss Katie’s is without a doubt great, I think the real enjoyment comes from throwing decorum to the wind and just digging in.

Rating: 15/20 – lost decorum.

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

Little Africa

358 Victoria St 

North Melbourne, VIC 3051

http://www.littleafrica.com.au/

You’re in for a good time. There is no way a meal that starts with the waiter asking if we would like any cutlery could go wrong. And it’s even better when he carries over a plate big enough for me to sit on, covered with food. I admit that I don’t know much about African food, but after a co-worker brought in a traditional African meal that smelt hypnotic, I wanted to find out more. And whilst Footscray seems to be the place to go for African cuisine, there’s a location much closer to home – Little Africa, right by Queen Vic Markets.  

Stepping out of the weather with rain squelching in our shoes, Little Africa was a haven of dusky lights and the mellow aroma of spices, and I loved it on sight. The restaurant is tiny, hardly bigger than my living room, and it has the feel of an entirely family-run business; and probably is, as a matter of fact. 

Combination of the Day ($25pp)

Little Africa is a bit like Moroccan Soup Bar in that, despite having a full-sized menu, everyone inevitably gravitates to the banquet option. We chose the Combination of the Day ($25pp) in favour of the vegetarian alternative, and soon we were presented with a monstrous platter of chicken, fish, lamb, and an assortment of vegetables, lounging on a futon of steamed flatbread. 

Combination of the Day ($25pp)

This is the kind of food that begs for company and good conversation. The flavours on the plate ranged from the mellowed spices of the creamy lentils, to succulent chunks of chicken, braised in oil with chillies and herbs. Each dish packed so much flavour, yet was comforting in its own right, especially when scooped up with pieces of the sharp, yeasty bread, its sponginess perfect for soaking up thick sauces.  

Dining at Little Africa was a one-of-a-kind experience for me. It’s incredibly rare to come across a meal that tastes of long hours in the kitchen, made with the love of cooking for family. The food may have been delicious, but it’s the warmth and sincerity that will bring me back.

Rating: 14/20 – little africa, big heart.

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

Hallah

268 Victoria St 
North Melbourne, VIC 3051

http://www.hallah.com.au/

Nothing tastes as good as a meal well earned. Not that I toil for my grain or anything, but now that I’ve started full time work, it feels fantastic to end the day with  dinner date. Shame the restaurant I had in mind was closed for the Christmas-New Year’s period, but like any food blogger, I had a backup plan. Just down the road was Hallah, one of the few Korean restaurants in the CBD I’ve yet to visit.

Smaller than Wooga, but definitely not as small as Donwoori, Hallah is your standard mid-range Korean restaurant, the diners split between grilling meat on a charcoal BBQ, and ordering dishes off the menu to share.

Banchan

Whilst waiting for our food, we were served the two banchan staples – pieces of kimchi that were sour and spicy, just the way I like it, and a plate of blanched sprouts.

Popcorn Chicken ($11)

I’ve heard ravings of the KFC – that’s Korean, not the colonel! – at Hallah, but it’s not like we were going to eat a whole chicken between the two of us. Instead we ordered the Popcorn Chicken ($11), a plate of addictive fried chicken nubbins with a salt and pepper coating. The pieces of chicken were delectably tender, and were a delicious appetiser dunked in mustard mayo.

Kimchi Pancake ($13)

Despite not liking kimchi at all, Chris has found an unlikely fondness of Kimchi Pancake ($13). Unfortunately this one didn’t gel with me. Whilst the pancake was golden crisp, it left a greasy film in the mouth from the get-go, and the pieces of kimchi studded in the pastry didn’t have half the punch of what was served on the side. I ate a couple pieces and left the rest to Chris, who liked it well enough.

Beef Potato Noodles ($13)

I enjoyed the Beef Potato Noodles ($13) a whole lot more, the bouncy noodles tossed with crisp veggies and tender, sweet pieces of beef. The whole dish with its myriad of colours tasted fresh and healthy, and most importantly, not overly saccharine.

The best thing I can probably say about Hallah is that I didn’t not like it, but don’t let me put you off. It’s not too different from its Korean neighbours, and the food, though not overly special, was enjoyable at the very least.  It just doesn’t leave me any particular reason to want to go back.

Rating: 12/20 – hallah at me!

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