30 January, 2014

Auction Rooms

It was an insanely hot day, but the inside of Auction Rooms was cool and breezy - both the people and the room. The industrial-chic interior of this converted warehouse was absolutely gorgeous and I found myself absolutely captivated with it's rustic ambience and open space.  Here at Auction Rooms, they're quite serious about their coffee (and the rest of Melbourne I suppose) - roasting and serving up Small Batch Roasting...

27 January, 2014

Hot Star Large Fried Chicken & Gong Cha

Hailing from Taiwan's famous Shilin Market (士林夜市), Hot Star Large Fried Chicken (豪大大鸡排) has landed in Melbourne, and with a bang. Hot Star can be easily found on Swanston Street and Elizabeth Street, but if you are having problems finding it, just spot the long queues or let the wafting aroma guide you there.  Established in 1992 by Mr Wang, Hot Star's famous Extra Large Chicken has been satisfying the people of Taiwan with its addicting...

23 January, 2014

Frozen by A Thousand Blessings

There are a lot of things to like about Frozen. Both the frozen yogurt shop Frozen by A Thousand Blessings, and the Disney movie Frozen. Yes, I may just be slightly obsessed. Let it go. At first glance, the movie Frozen seems to be just another Disney princess film. However, look a little deeper and you realise just how different it actually is - stepping away from the clichés of love at first sight and damsels in distress. And how can I...

20 January, 2014

The Beer & Burger Bar

Residing on the boozier end of Swan St in Richmond, The Beer and Burger Bar is a go to drinking hole for many. As the name would suggest, they do burgers too. Duh. Slow Cooked Lamb Burger The pleasantly soft seeded bun held thin slices of slow cooked lamb, smokey bacon strips, fresh tomato, and leafy greens, all topped with a luscious mint jelly and smidgen of harissa. I must say, I was a little saddened as I had expected a...

17 January, 2014

Maedaya

Furnished with black walls, wooden features and thick ropes stretching across the ceiling, Maedaya brings a modern spin to izakaya style dining. Known for their touch screen menu ordering system and affordably priced bite-sized dishes - this has got to be one of my favourite ways of eating as you can taste more dishes in one sitting.  Edamame  We start the night with Edamame, popping out the little suckers straight...

14 January, 2014

Touchwood

Despite the name, there really is no need to touch wood at Touchwood.  One of the many things I love about Melbourne, are the cafes that seem to be popping left right and centre almost every other week. Touchwood is one of those that recently opened up late in 2013 and has been on my radar ever since. Brainchild from the guys behind Coin Laundry, Station Street Trading Co., Pillar of Salt and Tall Timber, I wasn't surprised...

06 January, 2014

Galleon

All aboard since the 80's, Galleon is an original neighbourhood institution - from the boat tables, the mural on the bar to the classics on the menu. A rather busy afternoon, A and I joined the waiting list and absorbed the old school vibe whilst checking out what people were tucking into. House Baked Banana and Date  Two chunky slices of banana and date bread came with a generous dollop of vanilla bean ricotta. The bread was moist,...

03 January, 2014

That Greek Tavern

It had been a long day, and my brothers (aka cavemen) were famished. And so it only made sense to get them to the Greek, to That Greek Tavern. Lima Bean Salad Promptly after ordering, we enjoyed a complimentary Lima Bean Salad. Though it may look like any other salad, this tangy salad was bursting with Mediterranean flavours and only made us hungrier with each bite. Saganaki A warm golden wedge of gooey, salty kefalograviera...