Blue Chillies

If you find yourself looking for one area of Melbourne to best show off our city's eccentricity  characters and taste for the alternative, Brunswick Street is your one stop shop. Known for it's cultured dining district, bars and live music venues, you'll also find Blue Chillies quaintly snuggled in. 

Best known for their signature takes on classic Malaysian flavours with a Melbourne flair, Blue Chillies have served locals and visitors alike for the past 15 years. And on Sunday, we celebrated their 16th birthday - Happy sweet 16th birthday Blue Chillies !

In celebration of such a milestone, a few lucky bloggers were invited to attend a fun-filled dinner experience. Drawing from Blue Chillies' vast experience of hawker-style cooking on the Streets of KL and Penang, and exciting fusion of fresh local ingredients with authentic spices, we were treated to a specially designed menu of their signature dishes and cocktails.

Whitebait and Sweet Potato Fritters

Black Pepper Soft Shell Crab

We started with the Whitebait and Sweet Potato Fitters which were oh so light and oh so crispy, allowing the natural sweetness of the sweet potato to shine through. Coupled with a chilli lime dipping sauce, these were seriously addictive. We also indulged in their Soft Shell Crab dressed in a ground peppercorn sauce. Unfortunately, the soft shell crab lacked a crispy exterior, with it's moist, delicate flesh taking over. Nevertheless, delicious. 

Rockling

Next up was the Rockling, and in my eyes, the star of the show. Gloriously crunchy rockling fillets dusted with potato flour and wok hei'ed with fragrant curry leaves, chilli, spaced and fluffy buttered egg floss. It rocked

my world.

Yee Sang Salad

Traditionally eaten during Chinese New Year, the Yee Sang salad is a popular festive dish symbolising good luck, prosperity, health and all things auspicious. Always a dish I look forward to eating every year. At Blue Chillies, it consisted of fresh salmon with a variety of crunchy vegetables and roasted peanuts in a apricot plum sauce. Super saucy.

Duck Rendeng

King Prawns

Pork Ribs

Thrice Cooked Duck

For the mains, we tried the Duck Rendeng slow cooked with roasted coconut and Malaysian spices, fresh ginger-root garlic and chillies, the crispy King Prawns twisted in rice noodles on a bed of tomato puree with pineapple and coconut milk, their Pork Ribs caramelised in chilli jam and their Thrice Cooked Duck served with a blend of wild ginger flower, lemongrass, chilli and lime juice. The flavours, the textures, the presentations - all ticked.Somehow, by the end of the night, we still had room for the dessert, and boy was it a treat. A modern take on the glutinous black sticky rice pudding, layered with rich coconut cream, palm sugar and toasted coconut flakes.With food full of flavour and flair and service to boot, Blue Chillies is exactly where you need to be to beat the winter blues.

Black Sticky Rice Pudding

Somehow, by the end of the night, we still had room for the dessert, and boy was it a treat. A modern take on the glutinous Black Sticky Rice pudding, layered with rich coconut cream, palm sugar and toasted coconut flakes.

With heartwarming food full of flavour and flair and service to boot, Blue Chillies is exactly where you need to be to beat the winter blues.

confessions of a little piggy was invited to dine as a guest of Blue Chillies

Blue Chillies
182 Brunswick Street
Fitzroy, VIC
http://bluechillies.com.au 

 

Read More

Rustica Sourdough

If you're a fan of sourdough at all, I am confident you have come across Rustica Sourdough's artisan breads. Baked using traditional sourdough techniques and using only Australian produce and ingredients, it's not hard to see why Rustica Sourdough's breads are a popular choice among cafes all across Melbourne. 

But little did I know that they had a café of their own. Oh, the shame. You can imagine how eager was to be invited to taste their award-winning, mouth-watering menu. Eek !

Skinny Flat White

Sautéed Greens

I was instantly drawn to Rustica's dish of Sautéed Greens - a sweet medley of broccolini, beans, snow peas and grilled haloumi (squeak squeak) on a bed of luscious smashed avo and pesto. Of course, all layered on a crusty slice of their famous sourdough. Topped with an oozy poached egg, this wholesome and nutritious dish was flawless.

House Cured Salmon

Equally as keen, my brunch buddy went for the House Cured Salmon on rye accompanied with a rich and tangy lemon & chive crème fraîche and microherb salad. A poached egg was requested because, well really, who doesn't love a good poached egg. Extra protein, extra smiles !

Lime & Basil Cronut

After finishing our dishes, our eyes could not help but wonder to the pastry cabinet. The most delectable looking danishes, tarts, cookies, croissants, donuts… you would only understand if you were there. After much drooling and contemplating we settled for the Lime & Basil Cronut - layers and layers of buttery pastry injected with a fragrant lime and basil filling. Personally I found the cronut a little too crispy for my liking, with just a bite causing the whole pastry to fall apart. Regardless, still a scrummy treat !

With no hesitation would I recommend Rustica Sourdough - food is fresh and full of flavour coupled with friendly and attentive service. I mean come on, what is not to like?

confessions of a little piggy was invited to dine as a guest of ID Collective and Rustica Sourdough

Rustica Sourdough
402 Brunswick Street  

Fitzroy, VIC 3065
http://www.rusticasourdough.com.au/ 

Read More

Stagger Lee's

Stagger Lee was a pimp from St. Louis, Missouri. He notoriously shot Billy Lyons, a cell mate in the 1900s for pinching his red Stetson hat and since then over 400 musicians and artists have retold the story of Stagger Lee; the ultimate bad-ass.

My favourite interpretation would have to be from the people behind Proud Mary in the form of their latest cafe, Stagger Lee’s.

You will, as you would expect find your staples of toasts, mueslis, and eggs your way. But look a little further and feast your eyes on the likes of Coco Pop and Salted Caramel French Toast or Golden Buttermilk Fried Chicken, cauliflower rice, kimchi and jalapeño lime mayo. Seriously bad-ass comfort food at its best. 

Roasted Lamb

The Roasted Lamb had my name all over it. A bed of velvety smooth hummus paired with the most succulent pieces of lamb oh so beautifully charred with the perfect ratio of meat and fatty goodness. The toasted nuts and rich tangy pomegranate molasses added depth and complexity, whilst the tissue thin slices of radish, winter herbs and pomegranate seeds added bursts of freshness the dish. Really, how could I say no?  

Stack & Billy Burger

A lover of burgers, my friend naturally opted for the Stack and Billy Burger. Featuring a Black Angus shin pattie, juicy bacon, radioactive yellow mustard, catsup, creamy aioli, tangy pickles and cheddar melt served with bacon croquettes and fresh greens, my friend absolutely inhaled this with  a grin plastered to his face.

Food is mouth-watering coupled with service friendly and geared up to please. Oh, and the gorgeous tiffany blue crockery... what’s not to like ? Stagger Lee’s has unquestionably won me over and I am already considering what to order on my next visit.

Stagger Lee’s
276 Brunswick Street
Fitzroy, VIC 3065
http://staggerlees.com.au/
 

Read More

Breakfast Thieves

Quaintly located in what used to be an old chocolate factory, Breakfast Thieves offers brunch-seekers tantalising flavours of modern Australian cuisine with an alluring Asian edge.

The menu ? Usual suspects include croissants and toast from La Madre Bakery, whilst breakfast features the likes of Spanish morcilla served with crisp rosemary & parmesan polenta bars on pepperonata, heirloom tomatoes, pickles, basil oil and poached eggs. If your mouth still isn’t watering (are you even human ?), the Polenta-crusted soft shell crab slathered with fiery chilli crab sauce accompanied with lemon grass salted thrice-cooked chips is sure to do the job.

Skinny Flat White

The Legend

Breakfast Thieves’ Baked Eggs were really something and dare I say, one of the best baked eggs I’ve had. Spanish chorizo, mushrooms, green peas, corn and feta – this dish was out to impress. Not a drop was wasted as I mopped up every nook and cranny with their crunchy herbed garlic toast. It was legen… wait for it… dary !

 
Thieves on the Run

 My fellow brunch buddy opted for the Thieves on the Run – a ciabatta roll heaped with John Harbour bacon, golden folds of English cheddar omelette with wild rocket and homemade relish.

My P B & J

And of course we had to order the P B & J. I mean, how could we not ? We both had the biggest food envy as neighbouring brunch-goers tucked into their P B & J. Brioche French toast, peanut butter soil, sweetened beetroot, candied bacon, raspberry jelly and lemon curd – this crafty dish had taken the humble peanut butter and jelly and took it to a whole new level. It was a piece of art, irresistibly beautiful to admire and eat.

If you are looking to be impressed over and over again, I’d highly recommend Breakfast Thieves. Go on, venture off to the backstreets of Fitzroy and follow the crowds to Breakfast Thieves. You won’t regret it. Just be warned, they might just steal your heart.


Breakfast Thieves

420 Gore Street

Fitzroy, VIC 3065
http://www.breakfastthieves.com.au/

Read More

Industry Beans

You would have had to been hiding under a rock if this is the first time you have heard of Industry Beans.

Positioned in the heart of Fitzroy, Industry Beans is a coffee roastery, restaurant and brew bar. The scene is casual, edgy but with a fine dining influence in that raw warehouse vibe we all love. 

Skinny Flat White

 

Wild Mushrooms

Before I had even tucked in, I was won over. Not only was it my dish, but each and every dish that passed by had me mesmerised. The creativity, the plating, the colours, every single thing - the presentation was just impeccable.

My striking black plate hosted a forest of mushrooms - layers and layers of it. thick, juicy, earthy mushrooms sat atop crunchy polenta chips, dusted with a fine porcini powder and oozing with heavenly truffle foam. A perfectly poached egg too, for extra ooze. Each and every mouthful had me on cloud 9.

 

Avocado Smash

If it is simplicity you’re after, Industry Bean’s Smashed Avocado will do the trick. But of course, they haven’t just let it as that, we’re talking next level avocado smash here - thick crusty sourdough topped with creamy avo intermingling with a generous dose of chevre, poached egg, charred lemon and green tea sea salt. Though chevre is not something I would usually gravitate towards, this I didn't mind.

Complaints ? Yes, just one. I could only wish that Industry Beans was closer to home. To wake up on a lazy Sunday morning and stroll on over for my weekend brunch rituals. Sigh, girl can dream.

Industry Beans. Brunch reimagined.

Industry Beans
3/62 Rose Street
Fitzroy, VIC 3065
http://industrybeans.com/ 

Read More

The Rickshaw

New to the neigbourhood, The Rickshaw on Gertrude Street is all about reflecting the cultural history of Asia. Inspired by the foods spanning from India across to Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia, The Rickshaw takes these street food favourites and puts a modern Australian twist to it.

Chicken 65

While we were waiting for a table, we were seated at the bar where we enjoyed a couple of drinks and nibbled on Chicken 65. Coated in a fusion of spices and enhanced with fried curry leaves, these bite sized chicken pieces were absolutely delicious. What would have taken it to the next level though, would be if the chicken had a crispier exterior.

Pani Puri / Pui’s 3 Fungi Rolls / Duck Salad

From the small bites, we had Rickshaw's delicate thin-shelled Pani Puri served with a aromatic spicy water. There was also Pui's 3 Fungi Rolls - steamed cabbage rolls filled with a trio of enoki, oyster and shitake mushrooms in a garlic konbu sauce. We also shared the Duck Salad,  a generous amount of shredded duck leg tossed in a salad of cucumber, green papaya, lychee, red chilli with papaya dressing.

For the entrees, I did feel that the dishes lacked the punch that you would expect. The flavours seemed like it had the potential to be explosive, however I found it to be much more on the muted side. 

Black Cod

Fortunately, the mains really got the ball rolling. And oh my, how the Black Cod was an instant hit . It  had everyone asking for more. Marinated in Saikyo miso for 24 hours, the black cod fillet was cooked exceptionally well - retaining it's texture, tenderness and shape. Served with grilled asparagus and baby carrots and som tum, it was an unusual combination, but hey, I'm not complaining.

Achari Rack of Lamb

The Achari Rack of Lamb was the other dish which was well received by all - lamb braised and then slow cooked in a fragrant mustard oil. The  lamb melted in our mouths whilst the spices surprised our palate with fenugreek, fennel, cumin seeds and cloves.

Drunken Noodles 

We also enjoyed the smokey stirfry of Drunken Noodles - flat rice noodles tangled among juicy chicken breast, green peppercorns, wild ginger and Yamazaki whiskey.

Lemongrass Crème Brûlée / Thai Tea Panna Cotta with Honey Syrup / Coconut Sago Pudding

Ending with something sweet, we sampled the unique flavours of the Lemongrass Crème Brûlée, the silky smooth Thai Tea Panna Cotta and the refreshing Coconut Sago Pudding. 

Extremely busy, the night did start off a little shaky with traffic jams here and there. However, as the night went on, the pace picked up and everything took order. With the exception of a couple of the entrees, the food here is delicious and crafted with great attention to detail.  If you're after something to tickle your tastebuds, The Rickshaw may just be what you've been looking for.

confessions of a little piggy was invited to dine as a guest of The Rickshaw

The Rickshaw

199 Gertrude Street

Fitzroy, VIC

Read More

Hinoki Japanese Pantry

Hinoki Japanese Pantry is pretty much all I can think about these days. And let me tell you why, Hinoki is far from your average sushi bar. Not only do they serve up amazing sushi, it's also a Japanese grocery store too - making life just easy peasy Japanese-y.

Nosé Maki Mix

Suffering from FOMO (fear of missing out), I chose the nosé maki mix which allowed me to have a little bit of everything. 

Each maki roll was packed with the most perfect grains of rice - plump and vinegary, hugging fine shreds of carrot and cucumber, and then adorned with the freshest ingredients. In order, there was salmon with ailoi and tobiko; tuna with spicy mayo; and king fish with yuzu kosho and yuzu tobikko. 

Let's not forget about the seared salmon with a nutty sesame dressing; and the nasu dengaku !

I particularly enjoyed the nasu dengaku - grilled eggplant glazed with a sweetened miso. The Salmon Aioli was also memorable, with the salmon so lovely and tender, creamy aioli and bursts of tobikko.

No doubt about it, Hinoki has left a deep impression on me, and I find myself day after day dreaming of their sushi. I do think I may have it figured out though - the secret to their sushi must be the ridiculously fresh produce, great variety and of course, all wrapped with love. I cannot wait to go back.

Hinoki Japanese Pantry

279 Smith Street 

Fitzroy, VIC 

Read More