New Shanghai - Night Noodle Market Preview

Get ready Melburnians, New Shanghai is making their debut at the highly anticipated debut at this year’s Night Noodle Market !

Across 17 summer nights, the banks of the Yarra will liven up with colours, sounds and aromas of an authentic Asian hawker market merged with the buzz, excitement and vibes of an outdoor festival.

New Shanghai will be representing the flavours of Shanghai, bringing their ancient recipes created, perfected and passed down generations to generations of the Chen family to your bellies. Think truffle infused Xiao Long Bao, Crispy Salted and Spiced Duck Steamed Buns, juicy traditional Xiao Long Bao, mouth-watering Sheng Jian Bao, plump Vegetarian Dumplings and golden Spring Onion Pancakes. I can’t wait !

 

confessions of a little piggy was invited to dine as a guest of ID Collective and New Shanghai

What: New Shanghai @ Night Noodle Markets
Where: Birrarung Marr (near Federation Square), Melbourne
Cost: Free entry; dishes from $5-$15
When: Friday 14th to Sunday 30th November (From 5pm daily)

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The Kettle Black

Yes, I made it, I finally made it. To The Kettle Black that is, the latest venture from the masterminds behind Top Paddock and Two Birds One Stone. Located in leafy South Melbourne, The Kettle Black is like a dream come true, absolutely gorgeous with its Scandinavian palette of crisp clean lines, impeccable craftsmanship and understated elegance. Oh, swoon !

The menu here is everything but ordinary, and pushes the boundaries with its strong Australian Asian influences to bring you the best of the best. After an avocado smash ? How about seasonal avocado with citrus, toast and local kelp salt. Or perhaps a polenta porridge with burnt maple, textures of strawberry and basil to Robbins Island wagyu skirt steak in a striking black bun - The Kettle Black promises to bring it to the next level.

King Island Crayfish Ash Roll

A million oohs and ahhs later, I went for the King Island Crayfish Ash Roll. The feathery light bun was full of succulent chunks of crayfish – sweey, silky and springy. The dish was brought together with a squirt of tangy yuzu mayonnaise and crisp magenta-streaked leaves. Overall, the flavours were light, clean and refreshing.

House-made Coconut Yoghurt 

On the other end of the table was the House-made Coconut Yoghurt spotted with gluten-free grains, seeds and nuts and a selection of fresh and dehydrated fruits including tissue-thin slices of Toorak Station prickly pear and poached rhubarb. A sprinkling of citrus powders and scattering of edible flowers, this work of art on a plate was utterly mesmerising. Sadly, I was unable to say the same for the taste as I found the overall fragrances too strong. That might just be me though as it seemed to be well received by everyone else.

The Kettle Black in a word ? Beautiful. The space, the coffee and the food - all beautiful. And you know what they say, you are what you eat. Hehehe.


The Kettle Black
50 Albert Road

South Melbourne, VIC

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Percy's Aeroplane

Percy’s Aeroplane ? What first comes to mind is  comforts of home – simple food and friendly service in a relaxed atmosphere. Waking up to the smell of freshly ground coffee, warm contagious smiles and great company. Oh, the simple pleasures in life.

Percy's Thyme

The dish begins with a generous smear of creamy goats cheese curd followed by a slice of toasted multigrain dolloped with smash avocado. There were also thyme infused mushrooms – rich, luscious and full on flavour, a poached egg and a drizzle of balsamic reduction. Though there was nothing to fault about this dish specifically, I have to admit nothing particularly jumped out for me either. Oh, and what happen to the dukkah ?

In the end, I don't know. Was it Percy or was it me ? 

It was me. Simply put, Melbourne has spoilt me and with so many choices out there, I crave for something with more edge, flair or whatnot. But that’s just what I think. Me, the brunch brat.

Percy’s Aeroplane
96 Denmark Street
Kew, VIC 3101

 

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