The Best of 2013

Can you guys believe it’s the end of the year already ? With 2013 coming to a close, I want to say a big thank you to all of my loyal blog readers – it's been so fun to share little bits of my day with all of you.

So here it is, a handful of the meals or dishes I had in 2013 that I found the most memorable. I really do hate playing the favourites game. But without further ado, here they are, in no particular order...

Wagyu Beef Burger @ Coin Laundry

One of the things I love about Melbourne is that we are absolutely spoilt for choice when it comes to good coffees, breakfasts & brunches. Tucked away in Armadale, Coin Laundry is one of these. From the soft bun, juicy pattie to the crispy bacon, the Wagyu Beef burger was a champion of a burger. Especially when the burger comes with fries like that.

Brunch @ NSHRY

Coupled with beautiful weather, this beachouse restaurant was an excellent location for good food, good coffee and good lookers. With impeccable presentation, it was easy to see that food is prepared with love. What more could you ask for?

Smashed Avocado Bagel @ Manchester Press

This year, I found myself falling head over heels with smashed avocados, and Manchester Press' was the one that captured my heart. A earthy concoction avocado, feta, chilli and mint made it a standout dish. Coffees here were also big thumbs up.

Braised Pork Belly Gua Bao @ Wonderbao

I honestly think I could live off these. Each bite tasted like a unicorn jumping over a double rainbow. Their Silken Tofu Gua Baos were clear winners too. Quick, delicious and easy on the wallet.

Spicy Pork Burrito @ Koba K-BBQ

In November, Koba K-BBQ swept me off my with their Korexican fusion foods - taking Korean BBQ to the next level. This is a place I would love to frequent a little more!

  House Suckling Pig Burger @ Operator25

This burger was remarkable - everything from its Balinese flavours, size to texture. The sweet potato fries and crackling topped it off for me. If Operator25 has a signature dish, this burger is it, and it’s not very hard to see why. Well done to Operator25 for such an amazing burger fueled by attention to detail.  

Chopped Beef Burrito @ Fonda Mexican

Healthy and hearty.  The burrito was jammed with chopped beef, smokey black beans, crisp salad of cabbage and bursting with quinoa. The whole lot then ladled in salsa roja and chipotle aioli.  Sounds mouth watering, doesn't it ?

Korean BBQ @ Mrs Kim's Grill

 Situated among  other outstanding restaurants on Koornang Road is new kid on the block, Mrs Kim's Grill. The menu is short and sweet, and they stick to what they do best - high quality meats coupled with modern side dishes. Not to mention that service was absolutely amazing here.

The Bonegilla @ Jimmy Grants

Hands down, Jimmy Grants was the best souvlaki I had all year. One of the many things to look forward to in 2014 is the launch of their Ormond branch in May !

Muum Maam @ Gelato Gelato Messina

You may or may not know - I don’t have much of a sweet tooth, but I really could not get enough of the Muum Maam. Gelato Messina, I blame you for pulling me closer to the dark side.

And that's it ! 2013 has been the most amazing year - food and non-food related, and I cannot even begin to imagine what adventures 2014 will bring. 

Happy New Year everyone ! :)