Middle Fish

Hip-hip-hooray ! Happy 3rd birthday Middle Fish ! And boy does Middle Fish know how to throw a party. Along with the Thai birthday brunch we indulged in, we also took part in a cooking demonstration where owner, Pla shared her secrets of Thai home cooking and the launch of Middle Fish's brand new shop featuring the eclectic works of international designer Khun Hem. 

The best way to describe Middle Fish ? If Thailand and Melbourne had a baby, Middle Fish would be the product - a fusion of industrial and modern art, large steel bench tops and exposed brick walls. Food wise, it's as authentic as it gets. Though I didn't manage to get my hands on each and every dish, here is a visual highlight of some of Pla's amazing Southern Thai dishes.

Kang Tai Pla

Chocolate and Almond Tea

Sa La Pao

Tiger Prawn Spring Roll

Mushroom Spring Roll

Mini Fish Cake Burgers

Salmon Salad

Thai Desserts

No doubt about, Middle Fish promises to bring the joys of Thailand cultures, customers and cuisines to Melbourne. In fact, I enjoyed my visit so much, I'm heading back tomorrow. Race you there ?

confessions of a little piggy was invited to dine as a guest of Zilla & Brooks and Middle Fish

Middle Fish

122-128 Berkeley Street 

Carlton VIC 3053

http://middlefish.com.au 

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Green Park

So long St Ali North and hello Green Park! 

St ALi North in Carlton has re-emerged as Green Park, an all day eatery and bar with a Spanish accent. Revamped by Eades & Bergman, the space is intimate and warm with its dark forest green and timber fit out. Let’s not forget Sad Sax Sundays, with live music and all that jazz from 5-7pm every Sunday. 

As it was the official launch of Green Park, we were presented with a number of dishes to sample, all executed beautifully using the best quality seasonal produce. From Spanish terrines, fiery ceviche to homely fall-off-the-bone beef ribs, each dish was pleasing to both the palate and the eye.

 

Green Park Tonic

Pork and Rabbit Terrine with Cornichons

Local Asparagus with Aioli

Kingfish Ceviche, Avocado, Coriander, Chipotle and Jalapeño

Carrots, Labne, Mint and Cardamom

Local Snapper, Stewed Zucchini, Garlic and Thyme

Broccolini, Lemon and Smoked Almonds

Braised Murray Grey Beef Ribs, Onions and Shallots

Fried Chats and Garlic Butter

Fried Rabbit

Cakes and Fancies by Park St Pastries

The highlight dish from the night was the snapper - the meat light, sweet and moist. It harmonized perfectly with the rustic stewed zucchini with its humble sweet flavour and tender texture. Dotted with smoked almonds and a zing of lemon juice, the broccolini was also a charmer. Simple and honest food at its best I say. Supplied by Park St Pastries, the cakes and fancies left the majority of the sweet-toothed speechless. Big thumbs up to the Frozen Chocolate and Hazelnut Aero Bar and Salted Caramel Profiteroles ! 

With the likes of Scotch Eggs with black pudding and thick cut rosemary glazed bacon on brioche, Baked Eggs with lamb merguez drizzled with labne, harissa sauce and coriander and Cornbread adorned with avocado, scrambled eggs, tomato and chipotle relish making appearances on their day menu - you could say I’m green with envy. Another visit is definitely in order.

confessions of a little piggy was invited to dine as a guest of Tomatom and Green Park 

Green Park 

815 Nicholson Street  

Carlton North, VIC 3054

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Providence

Located in Carlton, Providence is a town village kitchen inspired cafe which focuses on embracing and sharing the beautiful produce that Victoria’s local farmers have to offer. Providence is the latest addition to Eleena and Michael’s family (Hero Subs, Reading Room Cafe and The Grain Store) and together with Head Chef Cate Hardman’s ‘gate-to-plate’ philosophy, you can just imagine how thrilled I was to attend the breakfast launch.

Blood Orange Breakfast Spritzer

Skinny Flat White

Upon our arrival, we were instantly greeted with an assortment of drinks - Breakfast Smoothies, Blood Orange Breakfast Spritzers and coffee roasted by Code Black Coffee. Oh yes, yes please.

Smoked Trout

The first dish of the day set the bar high, and was definitely my top pick for the day. Patties of fluffy, creamy bubble and squeak potatoes intertwined with rich, hot smoked trout. Topped with drool-worthy runny eggs and herbs, each bite was gratifying. You know you’re in for a treat when each and every element dances in your mouth.

Breakfast Salad

Oh avocado, how I love thee. But to grill the avocado ? Genius ! Paired with sticky ham hock, lovely leaves, sweet peas and goats curd, this was no ordinary salad, this was salad at a whole new level.

Egg and Bacon Pie

A spin on an old favourite, these pies boasted an incredibly buttery rich, flaky crust encasing a hardboiled egg and adorned with crispy bacon bits, chunky tomato chutney and peppery rocket. Though I found these pies a little too rich for my palette, they were well-received all round.

Pumpkin and Lentil Fritters

This last savoury dish particularly highlighted the quality of the ingredients with its aromatic spiced pumpkin and lentil fritters, chilli tomato pickle, fragrant coconut yoghurt and salad leaves. Though the fritters were not the same light, fluffy mouthfuls I had imagined, they were packed with flavour and dense with nutrients. 

 

 Breakfast Berry Clafoutis

We ended with these cute little samples of Breakfast Berry Clafoutis - a baked pancake studded with fresh berries, crunchy almond flakes and rhubarb ice cream. It was evident that these were too good to resist as they were demolished in a flash.

Though not every dish had me at the edge of my seat to the extent that the Smoked Trout did (that's pretty hard to top though), I had an amazing time at Providence. What really gave each dish extra points is that all produce are locally sourced and their focus on seasonality. Those who are fortunate enough to work or live in Carlton now have a great new spot for superb coffee and good food. Lucky you.

confessions of a little piggy was invited to dine as a guest of Providence

Providence

497 Rathdowne Street  

Carlton, VIC 3053

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D.O.C. Pizza & Mozzarella Bar

My friend and I were only in for a quick bite, but from the moment we set foot into D.O.C. Pizza & Mozzarella Bar, we instantly felt the electrifying energy - from the vibrant buzz of the open-kitchen, the exuberant Italian culture to the smell of fresh pizza wafting through the air. We could not wait for dig in.

Pizza Speck

The pizza was soft, foldable and satisfyingly chewy, whilst the flavours of paper thin smoked prosciutto, woody wild mushrooms, fontina cheese and thyme were all individually spot on. However, when combined, we found it far too salty - just one slice had me downing glasses of water. 

So overall, what did I think of D.O.C. Pizza & Mozzarella Bar ? The pizza was good - I can say that. They keep it simple here - offering a great range of wholesome pizzas topped with quality imported ingredients. Service was effiicient - loud and outrageous in the genuine style that is Italian hospitality. If only I hadn't left so extremely parched from all that accumulated sodium.

D.O.C. Pizza & Mozzarella Bar

295 Drummond Street

Carlton, VIC

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Seven Seeds

I always look forward to catch ups with T. A moment is never dull - she exudes passion and energy in everything she does. Her strength and get-up-and-go attitude constantly inspires and motivates me to keep challenging and bettering myself. Not only does she teach me about things about myself, but as a foodie herself - we always have so much fun going crazy over food. 

And today, even with pulled pork sundaes temptations on mind, we were dead set on Seven Seeds. And so it was unanimous that Seven Seeds was our brunching destination.

Slow-cooked Pork Belly with Smokey Braised Lentils & Black Cabbage

The hefty portion of slow-cooked pork belly was sweet and ever so succulent. And who could forget the salty crunchy crackling that melted away instantly as I sunk my teeth in. The earthy and smokey edge of the braised lentils and black cabbage paired well with the pork, cutting through the richness perfectly. For brunch, I did find this meal a little too heavy a little too sickly, but pork belly. Enough said.

On a Sunday afternoon, the wait wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. For only 10 minutes did we stand around absorbing the buzzing atmosphere of the cafe hosting a cheerful crowd. Ordering was no fuss, and high quality food and drinks came out promptly - there was only one flaw I came across.  If only Seven Seeds was closer to home.

Seven Seeds

114 Berkeley Street 
Carlton

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