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 that we were greeted by a small queue. But that's okay, I secretly like lines. 

Seating up to 110 eager brunch goers, Touchwood was full to the brim. The place was buzzing, with wait staff in soft grey aprons fluttering here, there and everywhere. I particularly found the modern and bright space aesthetically pleasing with clean white walls and timber tables, highlighted by the natural light streaming through the large front store windows.

Skinny Flat White

Of course, I went for my usual cuppa - a smooth blend from Five Senses which went down a treat. 

Tequila and Citrus Cured Salmon

Having been eyeing this dish for a while, my eyes glistened as the vibrant dish was placed in front of me. Going around the plate, there was tequila and citrus cured salmon, beetroot relish, smashed peas, sourdough toast, poached eggs, lemon crème fraiche and a handful sautéed endive. I particularly enjoyed the serving of ruby red roasted beetroot relish which added a welcomed burst of tartness.

Tall Timber Breakfast Board

For the indecisive E, this brekky board was perfect, offering a little bit of everything to satisfy both her sweet and savoury tooth. To start off with, there was a single poached egg with beetroot relish on toast. For sweets, there was a bowl of natural house made natural muesli tossed among dried fruit, mixed nuts, seeds, cinnamon poached apple and dolloped with honeyed yoghurt. Washed down with a glass of freshly squeezed OJ, E was all smiles.

Wagyu Beef Burger

A chose the Wagyu Beef Burger, positive that you can never go wrong with a good hearty burger. She was not disappointed - a thick wagyu patty oozing with cheddar cheese, thick slices of juicy tomato, crisp lettuce leaves with ketchup and mustard between a light brioche bun certainly did the trick. Her burger was completed with chunky kipfler chips which were a dream dipped in paprika aioli. 

Considering the size of the place, the service was prompt and friendly, though we did wait slightly more than comfortable for our coffee and orders to be taken. But all is forgiven when the food and drinks made it to our table. Touchwood - we are lucky to have you.

Touchwood
480 Bridge Road
Richmond, VIC

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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, dense and naturally sweet -  which paired well with a schmear of light vanilla bean ricotta. 

Galleon Burger with Fried Egg

I seem to be craving burgers a lot these days, and I thought this one would satisfy my hankering. But, as the burger was placed in front of me, my heart sank.

The patty was much too small for the bun - hidden among a jungle of trimmings, it looked as if though it was wearing a ridiculously oversized turkish bun as a hat. It was however, done with a nice crust of char and worked well with the crispy strip of bacon. But, despite what some people say, size does matter.

Super Sailor

A felt like eggs and was immediately drawn to the Super Sailor - smoked salmon, spinach and a poached egg on 
100% rye bread with a dob of chive mascarpone. A enjoyed the flavours, though mentioned that the salmon was on the mushier side and her rye bread was a little over-toasted.

We didn’t dislike the food at Galleon, but it was nothing to shout about either. I guess it just didn't quite float our boat.

Galleon

9 Carlisle Street

St Kilda, VIC

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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 goat cheese laced with lemon juice. This was all kinds of delicious.

Mixed Meat Platter for 2

To satisfy the boys, we ordered the Mixed Meat Platter for 2, to share between the four of us. A platter of charcoal grilled lamb and chicken, keftethes and lamb cutlets. The lamb was noticeably inconsistent - a combination of succulent slices that we demolished, as well as dry pieces that were left untouched. On the contrary, the chicken was absolutely mouth watering - juicy, flavoursome and nicely caramelised on the outside. The keftlethes and lamb cutlets also disappeared off the dish in no time.

Fries

We also ordered a bowl of fries to nibble on. Nothing special - a standard bowl of fries with a side of tomato sauce.

Moussaka

Certainly, comfort food to the next level, this dish was extremely filling. Layer upon layer were slices of eggplant, bolognese and potatoes, topped with a velvety béchamel sauce and backed to a golden finish. Unfortunately, I found this dish to be quite bland, with the bolgenese lacking in herbs and spices, and thus being overpowered by the overly rich béchamel sauce.

Pastitsio

With bucatani in replacement of lasgana sheets, Pastitsio is to Greek cuisine what Lasagna is to Italian cooking. Similar to the Mousaka, the Pastitsio were solid layers of lamb mince, herbs, feta cheese, topped with their homemade béchamel sauce. In the same way, we found that this dish was also lacking the much needed flavour from the lamb, resulting in a dish which felt quite one dimensional.

Though there were a few hit and misses with the food, service here is attentive, speedy, and indistinguishable to that old school slightly scary - where service is loud yet friendly. Regrettably, in my books, That Greek Tavern just didn't cut it to be The Greek Tavern though.


That Greek Tavern

1438 Malvern Rd

Glen Iris, VIC

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