Nobu Restaurant, Crown Casino, Southbank

"You can tell how much fun a city is going to be if Nobu has a restaurant in it.” -Madonna

Grilled Black cod with miso
Yellowtail sashimi with jalapeno
Tempura baby tiger prawn with creamy ponzu
Sake bottles on the wall
Dessert tasting menu
Japanese trifle, raspberry and vanilla bean ice cream.


Nobu Restaurant
Crown Casino
8 Whiteman Street
Southbank
Phone: 9292 7879
web:http://www.noburestaurants.com/melbourne/experience/introduction/

Madonna could not say it better. Melbourne being a food paradise and a fun cityis deserving of Nobu. One of the earlier arrival of Star Chefs' restaurant, it is a chain which can be also be found in other hip cities of the world as well. Nobu is the chef that started a restaurant of Japanese and Peruvian fusion in New York and strongly endorsed by non other than Mr R. De Niro himself. He loves the food so much he decided to take the brand everywhere. I remembered it was a big deal when it first open in Melbourne and people crowd around Crown to catch a glimpse of the Big Daddy himself.

Its exterior is simple, you cannot see much going on due to its exclusivity. Once inside, you will pass by a row of neon light sake and wine bottles on the eye level which then lead you to an openness of dining rooms of perfect Japanese and western balance of natural wood stylings, coupled by beautiful hanging abstract fishing basket chandeliers under special lighting, creating a textured and exquisite ambience. The use of slate and wooden flooring gives it a natural feel of a comfortable Japanese rural habitat as well. The bathroom is as dark too with beautiful origami flowers arrangement near the washing basin. Every detail is well thought of. In the daytime, lunchers will get to sit by the windows with natural light shining through its surround glass windows.

We had lunch over there a couple of times. Expensive but sure worth the experience and the taste. With a big group, we get to eat different type of food or one can order a set menu, starting at $45 for lunch. The menu changes but its signature dishes remains the same.

The signature dish includes Yellowtail sashimi with jalapeno,$19(now they only have it as starters), wagyu beef strips with bonito flakes(there's a different version now), Tempura baby tiger prawn with creamy ponzu,$17, Ochuco chicken- 2 pieces kebab style, $11, and Grilled Black Cod with miso, $43.50.

I have to say all the dishes listed above is beautifully cut and presented. The taste was fresh and very different. The mix of Peruvian twist in some of them really bring the food taste to a different level. The yellowtail sashimi taste sweet and with jalapenos on them which seem inconceivable made it was divine- who would have thought they are such good combination? The Ochuco chicken kebab is also relatively different from the other kebabs I've eaten, it is East Asian with the use of corriander, rather beautiful and spicy.

This is definitely one of the most exquisite tasteful Japanese I've ever had. Its hard to go to another Japanese and have the same expectations afterwards.

The desserts were all so exciting, we decided to order the tasting plate of 4 different desserts they had. The dessert menu changes a lot. My favourite is actually the Japanese trifle, raspberry and vanilla bean ice cream. They have a different trifle now on the menu at the moment which sounds beautiful too.

UPSIDE
1) Clean and design orientated interior with a flash of Japanese decor
2) Beautiful presentation of food and good portions.
3) Very professional and knowledgeable waiting staffs to explain to you the exotic menu clearer.

DOWNSIDE
1) Bookings in advance is essential to get a place
2) You cannot meet De Niro. He comes to check in only once a year.


Rate:
Price- high
Food- 5/5
Service- 4.5/5
Ambiance- Exclusive and Dressy
Accessibility- easy. Walking distance from Flinders Station.

*Suitable for small to big group

Upcoming Food Festivals in March, Melbourne

Melbourne is passionate about her food. Very much so that there are always small or big scale food festival all year round. Their variety and numbers have significantly grow with the discovery of different exotic food culture of new migrants of Australia.This is what makes me excited living in this city. There is never a dull moment in my historiography of consumption.

This March, a new festival arrives and this one excites me to the bones!


SBS Food Journey Festival
The Royal Exhibition Building
Carlton Gardens
4 - 6 March 2011
http://www.foodjourney.com.au/

Opening Hours:
Friday
10:00am - 8:00pm
Saturday/Sunday
10:00am - 5:00pm

'Food is intricately linked to who we are. In a multicultural melting pot which is Australia, food represents where we have come from and how Australia has developed as a nation today.

SBS has a commitment to telling the story behind the food. This food festival will bring to life and showcase the expertise and knowledge of the SBS food talent whilst highlighting how Australia's food is some of the world's best.'
- An extract from their website.




And also the mother of all food fest here, the annual and exciting programs of:


Melbourne Food and Wine Festival.
http://www.melbournefoodandwine.com.au
4-14 March 2011
Happening at venues allover Melbourne.

Each year, the Festival unveils a world-class program of more than 250 events over two weeks – a true expression of Melbourne’s infamous love of food and wine that captures the attention of food-lovers in their hundreds of thousands.

Entering its 19th year, the Festival’s prestigious reputation attracts the world’s biggest culinary and wine personalities to its door to participate in a program that also showcases Victoria’s own celebrated chefs, restaurateurs, winemakers, sommeliers, producers and artisans.

Melbourne Food and Wine Festival is when Victoria’s love of food and wine comes alive, join in.
- An extract from their website.

Lastly, every summer, The Queen Victoria Market in the corner of Elizabeth and Victoria street hold the infamous SUZUKI NIGHT MARKET'. This means that every Wednesday evening, bands , and food stalls operated till late to quench the thirst and hunger of food lovers. This local market is very fun too. There are also craft and goodies stalls for you to browse and buy.



Every Wednesday until 2nd March
5.30pm to 10.00pm
Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne.
Pedestrian entry from corner Queen & Therry Streets & Peel Street
FREE ENTRY
Parking: The rate is a flat fee of $6.00 from 5.00pm to 10.30pm.
*** Yes, you can find HALAL food here. :)






I HEART FOOD. :)

Buckley's Chance, Sorrento

Buckley's gorgeous Wildberry Pancakes with vanilla ice cream


Carrot cake


Cheese cake


Maheyrin digging into Buckley's Chance's famous pancake in Sorrento

Buckley's Chance
174 Ocean Beach Road
Sorrento Victoria 3943
Australia
Phone: 03 5984 2888
web: http://www.buckleyschance.net.au/

Buckley's Chance is basically a cafe that was named after one of the early English settlers/convict that came to Australia. He was left for good in the Bush, where people thought he wouldn't survived. Instead he began to adapt the Bush way of living hence, had a chance to carry on living for a long time. His crime? He was caught with a bolt of stolen cloth.

I am a very frequent customer at Buckley's as it is a friendly place. The main reason we started going there ever so often was because it is closed by the holiday home I worked at in Tootgarook(Mornington Peninsula) and very accessible for the disabled who are physically challenged and are in special wheelchairs. Each time we were there, they would especially open for us a special huge door at the back for easier access for the clients.

We had, time and again just had coffee and lunch but last weekend, after seeing so many people coming in for pancakes, we just had to order them. It is after all, what made them famous. We got the WILDBERRY pancake,$16 -mixed berries, vanilla ice-cream to share between 2 people. It looks so gorgeous that you just want to jump right into it. Vanilla ice cream was smooth, berries were abundant, the 2 thick stack of pancake were nice and fluffy. The berry sauce I thought needed more sugar and was not thick enough! :)

The clients also ordered their cheesecake and carrot cake.I forgot to check how much they cost but I guess its about $6-12 each for the cake, which are displayed at the counter. They are quite petite in sizes but taste very good.

They also serve good Chai and also sell some homemade goodies from the shop. Like Raspberry Jam, Chutney, Chai in Cannisters. Price for them starts at $7.50. More details on their website.

UPSIDE
1) Clean and nice interior- beach stylings.
2) Good sized servings
3) Friendly service and able to cope with different dietary needs.eg, gluten free, nut free
4) family, kids and disabled-friendly environment

DOWNSIDE
1) Location is at the end of Sorrento's famous Shopping strip, most people might not even get that far to realised its there on the corner.
2) Two dining areas, they normally closed the nice area if the cafe is empty
3) Parking can be quite difficult during weekends and holiday season.


Rate:
Price- medium
Food- 4/5
Service- 4.5/5
Ambiance- Beachy, fresh and modern, best for desserts,coffee and brunch.

*Suitable for 1-20 people at one time with joint tables if necessary.

Bistro at The Portsea Hotel

A lovely place where you pay for the ambiance and good service.

View of the Bay from the Old Dame'


Fisherman’s Catch-With Natural Oysters, Fresh Crab, S.A. Prawns, Moreton Bay Bugs & a selection of crumbed Fish, Scallops, Prawns & Calamari,
served with Chips & Dipping Sauces


Vegetable Lasagne oven baked with Roasted Roma Tomatoes and Grana Parmesan


Crispy Fried Flake Served with Chips, Salad and Tartare Sauce


Roasted Semi Boned Seasoned Duckling, Spicy Chats and Fresh
Asparagus with Palm Sugar, Ginger and Coriander Caramel

Bistro at The Portsea Hotel
3746 Point Nepean Road
Portsea, Victoria 3944
Phone: (03) 5984 2213
Web: http://www.portseahotel.com.au/home

Best thing about working for HOLIDAYS at Rec-line is the privilege of sightseeing and eating at interesting and wonderful places. The weekend just, we headed down to Mornington Peninsula, South of Melbourne for Chill and Relax time. The Friday we reached Tootgarook, I decided to drop by the infamous Old Dame 'The Portsea Hotel' to check out if we are able to have our dinner that night. That is when I found out that it is so popular, you have to book at least 3 days in advance. Friday and Saturdays are normally booked out for weddings and receptions, so we had only the Sunday for Lunch. Having to be back in Melbourne by 4pm. I didn't say no. :)

It was a cold day but we were put in the veranda with the sea view of bobbing boats on the horizon. Good thing is that in Australia, people like to eat outside so they actually have Bistro Blinds- Ginormous Plastic sheets to cover the veranda without feeling the chill with the gas heaters on. Mind you, we are in the middle of summer but for somewhat reasons, it felt like a winter's day. Then again, we are in Melbourne- the city of 4 seasons in one day.

The Bistro is very pretty with Old style Interior but contemporary furnishings. It was packful of people loitering lazily, finishing their brunch and atmosphere is calm and friendly. Food was on the higher end in prices even when its only a bistro and there is no table waiting service. Hence we had to pick ourselves up to queue at the register and pay first before getting our meals.

There were 10 of us for lunch. We shared 2 serves of Wedges,$13.50 and 2 serves of Garlic and Herb bread,$7 which were moderately priced for starters. Servings can be shared by 3 people as it was quite huge. Both of them came after 10 minutes of ordering which was fantastic. This is probably the first time I get served almost immediately and they tasted good- not too salty or too hot to put in your mouth. Wedges were perfect!

3 people shared The Fisherman’s Catch, $115 min.2 people and could be shared by 3 seafood Obsessed people or 5 not so obsessed seafood lovers. It was fresh and huge but not sweet enough. Probably they boiled them too long and the sweetness disappeared?

At first glance you did not even think it was Vegetable Lasagna, $21.50. I do not really know what it tasted like but the presentation was pretty and the clients ate all of it.

2 clients had the Sunday Summer special menu of Fish and Chips, 28.50 which can't go wrong unless you have it at some dodgy corner shop with bad recycled oil and unprofessional staff.*grin*

And finally, I had the Roasted Duckling,$33.50. The thigh part was a little too dry for me but the breast was beautifully cooked and tender and FATLESS!!! I cannot really taste any of the ginger or the coriander- Perhaps, as an Asian I used these herbs so obsessively that I need heaps of it to taste it. The asparagus though was sensational and the chats(tiny potatoes) were beautiful. Overall I enjoyed my meal, even though interrupted with continuous assisting of the clients and moving the bus to a different carparks as most of the parking are of 1 hour only.

When we finished our meal, it was 1.30pm, the sun was out so we went outside and took pictures around the lovely compound. It was summer once again!


UPSIDE
1) Beautiful atmosphere and views (Fantastic for getaways/surprises)
2) Good sized servings
3) Clean and spacious
4) Reasonable priced Kid's menu

DOWNSIDE
1) Bad parking, have to come earlier to get parking and mostly 1 hour parking.
2) Quite expensive for Bistro
3) No table waiting
4) Drinks to be ordered separately

Rate:
Price- medium to high
Food- 3.5/5
Service- 4/5
Ambiance- Romantic, Historical and a great place to hang out to have a relaxing time grazing your food.

*Suitable for 1-300 people, Open for functions and events, but book early.
*Good for family/children

Silk Road Uighur Cuisine***

Sometimes, in the most unlikely places, you will find the best place to eat. The exterior and road does not seem conducive, but the food is so full of homely goodness.

Uyghur Bread with tender lamb chops

Spicy chicken and potatoes, Stir Fried Handmade noodles in the background

Vegetable Steamed Buns, Lamb Skewers

Sam and Deb enjoying the skewers

Fresh homeamade Uyghur Yoghurt


Silk Road Uighur Cuisine
97 Atherton Road
Oakleigh, 3166
Tel: 9569 5754
Open only for Dinner- 5:00pm-9:00pm


Recently there is a growth spurt in Uyghur cuisine or food from the Xinjiang province in Australia. I guess one can say their migration is due to the political situation in their homeland and coming to Australia gives them the right to continue living without prejudice.

I remember the first place I went to, was in Sydney. The interior looks like a set in ARABIAN NIGHTS with exotic looking people. The food was a fusion of Afghan, Arab, Chinese and Central Asian. Their basic ingredients are spices like red pepper flakes, salt, cumin seeds and pepper and the fat of the meat for flavoring(due to their climate, this is the best way to keep warm, hence the extensive lamb use in their food). Best thing about Uyghur food is the distinct flavours and their handmade noodles. Nobody can make noodles as amazing as them, seriously.

When we are at Silk Road Uighur, we normally order 'Spicy Chicken and Potatoes' main with handmade noodles. A small one is $18 and $35 for large, but do not be fooled, this Small portion is actually made for 3 people. Its so huge, its incredulous.We also enjoy their kebabs which starts at $2 a skew- Lamb or Chicken wingette, cheaper and spicier than the Afghan counterpart.

With a big group, I suggest you try different things on the menu. We also like their Lamb and Onions home made pastry($10), Fried Dumplings with Lamb and pumpkin ($10), Uyghur Bread with tender lamb chops- this one is amazing!!!($13), dumpling in Soup- very different($15) and do end your banquet it with a beautiful Uyghur yogurt, $2, which tastes like Lassi but cheaper than Lassi.

If you wish, you can also pre-order Roasted leg of Lamb to eat with a big group, just ensure that you book 24hrs in advance! They do takeaway and Functions too.

I've been to a few Uyghur/Xinjiang eateries and I feel this is one of the best as its very oldskool, homely- you get to talk to the proprietor and see her little son running around the restaurant. Earlier tonight, we even got to see the cute grandma that looks like as if she jumped out of one of the traditional paintings they have on their walls!


UPSIDE
1) Cheap and honest good homely food
2) Its location is very accessible
3) Its a BIG GROUP happy dinner type of place

DOWNSIDE
1) Open only for dinner
2) If you are into interior, this place might look to shabby for you, but do remember sometimes, the best food comes from the shabbiest place!

Rate:
Price- low to medium
Food- 4/5
Service- 4/5
Ambiance- old 60's wooden deco with Uyghur traditional elements.
Accessibility- 4/5, Opposite Oakleigh Centrelink.
**Train- Oakleigh Station
**Suitable for 1-10 people
*** HALAL

Babka Bakery Cafe

Yummy Blintz-folded pancake/crepe filled with raisins, apple, cottage cheese and cream with drizzling honey and a slice of lemon on the side, warm from the pan

The nicely presented Chai and homemade marmalade and jam

Interior with the busy bakery in the background and cute waitresses!

Exterior with the cute Babushkas on the wall which I simply adore


Babka Bakery Cafe
358 Brunswick Street
Fitzroy VIC 3065
Tel: 9416 0091
Open Mon 9am-5:30pm; Tue-Sun 9am-7pm

The first ship of Eastern European migrants came to Australia after the 2nd World war as refugees. Since then, many more came and hence we have many little alcoves serving their food.

When I first saw Babka, I kept thinking of Babushka as the exterior was painted with them. I love babushka dolls! I discovered it in early 2007 when I went for a walk on Brunswick Street. Ever since then, I visit Babka once a year. Babka- If you wiki, it might refer to 3 different type of food- a savoury Belorusian dish made from potato or a sweet yeast cake or genus of fishes of family Gobiidae.

Babka is great to enjoy during Breakfast or Brunch. Best thing about the place is that you can voyeur while you eat as Brunswick/Fitzroy is know as the heart of hippy/alternative culture- always filled with interesting patrons. Its not such a big place hence,if you are not there early(9am), you will have to wait in line- a long line of Babka fans. (Melbournians do not really wake up that early for b'fast on weekends... we start quite close to 10am in general.)

The bakery sells all sorts of bread. European Continental types which includes Vienna, Rye, Sourdough and there is even Spelt! These are of course harder and fuller bread when compared the Vietnamese Fluffy white bread and huge. Breads start at about $4-5.

I love eating their Blintz at Babka. Its an Eastern European folded pancake/crepe filled with raisins, apple, cottage cheese and cream with drizzling honey and a slice of lemon on the side, fresh from the pan. I also enjoy drinking Chai anywhere in Melbourne. Their chai is very strong, you can choose to have either spiced or vanilla that comes in a little teapot.

Chris normally enjoys his variety of their freshly baked bread together with their homemade jam and marmalade with a continental unsalted butter. He loves his bread and butter!

In Babka, you really enjoy how they serve you as they really take time to make your food and presentation pretty.

UPSIDE
1) Very beautifully presented and delicious Eastern European Food(good for first timers)
2) Its location is very accessible

DOWNSIDE
1) Long wait on weekend morning/brunch
2) Very small exterior. little leg/elbow moving room. Table and chairs are quite crammed to each other.

Rate:
Price- medium to high
Food- 4/5
Service- 4/5
Ambiance- quirky and traditional
Accessibility- 4/5
**Trams on Brunswick street from the city.Very good Bicycle lanes and ample parking in the surrounding if early.
**Suitable for 1-4 people

Balkh Takeaway, Afghan Charcoal Kebab & Bakery***

Afghan Wood Oven handmade fresh bread!


Rice( Pilav style) with Chicken garnished with cameralised carrot and raisins


Kebab set - 4 pieces of Kebab, Salad and Bread


Balkh Takeaway, Afghan Charcoal Kebab & Bakery
256/258 Thomas Street
Dandenong VIC 3175
Tel: 9794 5558
Open 7 days -11am- 9pm


In the recent years, we see the rise of the Afghan community in the Australian scene- many escaped as refugees due to oppression and war at home. One of the most highly populated suburbs in Melbourne with the vibrant community is Dandenong. 'Afghan Bazaar' is a strip on Thomas street dedicated to them.

Balkh Takeaway is one of the many takeaways you will find there. Its spreads include beautiful freshly handmade oven baked Afghani Breads, Pilav styled Rice, Charcoal Chicken and Lamb and Chicken Kebabs/Souvlaki. The kebabs are chunky and $3 a skewer, Rice Pilavs $5 and the most expensive are the Kebab set that includes 4 kebabs, Bread and Salad at $14.

Whenever I get the chance, I would also take home freshly baked bread after the meal. In my humble opinion Afghan Bread is much better than The Turkish ones. Afghans are long ovals with holes and have a more spongy/rubbery texture. It's double the size of the Turkish bread and cost only $1.50!

We normally order the kebab set and also the rice and chicken. Its really really really good and healthy due to cooking style. The service staff are friendly and they do speak English So don't worry too much about communication or going into a culturally different environment.

IF you are wondering how does it taste? Well, Afghani food is very much similar to Persian, Turkish and a little of Indian, taste wise, but not so overtly intense. Safe for those who are normally scared to venture into foreign territory!:P

Also, don't forget to order the traditional 'chai'- black tea infused with beautiful spices to wrap up your meal!

Rate:
Price- low- medium
Food- 4/5
Service- 4/5
Ambiance- no frills but very clean
Accessibility- 4/5
CASH ONLY, although there is ATM machines and banks on the main road.

***HALAL
**Suitable for small to large size groups
**Train stop- Dandenong station - heaps of buses pass by as well.


*TRIVIA
It may seem unreal to know that the first Afghans came to Melbourne was in 1860. They were extremely skillful cameleers that helped in transporting goods/ materials to build railroads and go on inland expeditions. It is a fact that after their arrival with camels, Australia is now the biggest breeding ground for wild camels in the world, more than the Middle East!

Simon's Peiking Duck Restaurant

15 pieces of DUCKS, 15 pieces of pancakes, 15 pieces of spring onions, 15 pieces of cucumbers and a bowl of beautiful PLUM SAUCE!


So the pancake is like a clock's face. Placed everything at 3oclock and then fold in the 12, 6, 9 after one another to make a pocket and eat!


The slicing technique. Clean and fast!


Debs and Simon. (check out his ROLEX) :)


Simon's Peiking Duck restaurant
197b Middleborough Rd
Boxhill South Vic 3128
Phone: 03 9898 5944
http://www.simonpeikingduck.com/news.html

Ducklovers, this is one of the ultimate Peking Duck Experience in Melbourne. Simon, the owner is a Timorese who learnt the Art of peking Duck at Dragon Seat restaurant and later migrated to Old Kingdom in Collingwood. This is where he built a culinary reputation of his DUCK and given the nickname DUCK NAZI. He later left the restaurant as they were compromising his DUCK quality. This my friends, is a true passionate artist who love his Art.

I, a DUCK obsessed-fan since young became even more passionate since I moved to Melbourne. Here, again we can find many Peking Duck places in Melbourne. But this one is quite exceptional. Again its a little more pricey than your average resto but what this guy provides is HIGH QUALITY, entertainment and nice roasted duck at its best.( the duck prep takes 2 days!!!!!)

When Deb, Charmaine and me went over on a Monday night and the joint was packed and this is a good sign- it means its popular! One would have to order the duck at least 2 days in advance. We called in on Friday and were told they only do 2 seating for dinner. Its either at 630pm or 8pm but lucky us, we managed to get in at 730pm.

There are 2 duck menu options. A duck is good for 2-3 people. Price is about $55 for the 3 course option which is soup, duck and stir fried beansprouts. Then there's the choose your own noodle option replacing the beansprouts- cost $63.


So, why the DUCK NAZI?

1. He flips the pancake skin onto your plate from a corner and you have to catch it!
2. He then tells you the appropriate way of wrapping your duck using the face of the clock!
3. You can only have 15 pieces of pancake and duck. No more and no less.
4. If you asked for more.... well, i think nobody dares to do so! LOL

Upside
1) Cleaner looking than most Chinese Restaurant
2) Possibililty of being served by Simon himself, which we had and it was entertaining as hell. Its worth the $$$ seriously.
3) Timorese food on the MENU!
4) I am unsure if this is a up or downside BUT they serve Soup last! Apparently its good for your digestive system this way!

Downside
1) Cash only policy. So make sure you bring lotsa cash!NO ATM in sight except for a block down where there is a gas station. I was too lazy to walk there after eating, seriously!
2) The normal bad service by Chinese waiting staff at any Chinese restaurant in the world! hehehahah
3) More accessible by your own private transportation.
4) You get only 1 regular plate of noodles for the meal.( No you cannot ask for more!)
5) Limited parking

Overall, Its a great place and have a good mix of clientale. I would definitely be back in a couple of months!

Ratings
Food 4.5/5
Ambiance 3.5/5
Price 3/5
Accessibility 2/5
*Suitable for small to super big groups

Freshly baked Vietnamese Breads and Rolls

Front Window. Cute old men having coffee and bread!

Sandwich Rolls


Bread Counter. Check out the Yummy Cheese rolls at 70cents and Vienna at $2 in teh background!


Freshly baked Kaiser, French and Knot Rolls

MELBOURNE
Huntingdale Hot Bread Kitchen*
284A Huntingdale Road
Huntingdale, Vic 3166

A friend once told me that the French go to Vietnam to learn to bake their bread right. I was astonished by this but apparently after eating them for a couple of years, I totally get it.

In Melbourne, we are very lucky to have a huge multicultural population. When the Vietnamese refugees migrated over here in the mid 70s, we didn't know they would contribute so much to our table.

There are many Vietnamese bakeries scattered around Melbourne. Almost every suburb will have at least one. The ones that I have been patronising lately is the one in HUNGTINGDALE. Normally you will know its a Vietnamese bakery from how it looks. Normally very oldskool and a sign that says HOT BREAD:Croissants will be one of them listed on the glass, most definitely, as they make damn yummy one.

Best thing about them breads is the fact that they are always light, fluffy and extremely cheap. The ones I normally buy includes Croissants, French stick or Baguette, Kaiser rolls, French rolls, Dinner rolls, Knott rolls. Rolls started at 40cents, cheese sticks at 70 cents and croissants $2 each. A bargain in Melbourne. Normal bread starts at $1!

The difference with these bread when compared to the Western counterpart is the fact:

UPSIDE

1) They use a different sorta flour. Chris who is sensitive to Gluten and Wheat normally survived well with them.
2) Softer and fluffier, as most continental bread are usually hard.
3) Cheap and great to eat as it is, or with spreads for any meal of the day

DOWNSIDE

1) If you are late, there's none left
2) If you want something organic, gluten free or wholemeal, not many will have that wholesome varieties.

Something for lunch?

Vietnamese bakeries are also famous for their ROLLS- normally less than $5. Its basically a sandwich station like SUBWAY kind of style using special traditional Vietnamese sauces, meat and salads. I have friends who eat them religiously and no one ever complained but will end up with a big smile. Meat used normally are Chicken, Pork, Prawn or luncheon meat Viet style.


Rate:

Bread and Rolls- 4/5! :)

* If you live on an Asian strip or closed by to a Vietnamese populated Suburb, there will be one just around the corner. Be adventurous and venture around, you will be surprise what you can find just minutes away.

Shinssi Hwaro Korean BBQ Restaurant

Meat on the grill with the charcoal area embedded underneath the table.


The cold noodle with Boiled egg and Beef, vegies and soaked in apple or some fruit vinegar.Very sweet and perfect to cool you down on hot Summer days.

Shinssi Hwaro Korean BBQ Restaurant
(03)9670 2466

SHOP H 535 LITTLE LONSDALE STREET,
Melbourne, 3000
www.koreanbarbeque.com.au

Last Saturday, Jess invited us to celebrate her Birthday dinner at a 'ALL YOU CAN EAT' Korean BBQ restaurant in the city called Shinssi Hwaro Korean BBQ Restaurant. So far, I've been to more than 5 places and this one tops it in flavour. A little bit pricey than your average BBQ place but at $35.50 per person, it has its perks.

Upside:
1) Its charcoal BBQ, hence the flavour of the meat is different than the normal gas grill than you can find in most places. During our 2 hours dinner, our metal grill was swapped about 5 times and the charcoal changed twice. Meat includes Chicken, Beef and Pork.

Best meat to try- Marinated BEEF

2)You each get a main together under the price. There are 8 options to choose from, we had spicy beef soup, Cold noodles and Fish soup with rice.

3) We had about 6 choices of side dishes. It varies daily.


Downside:

1)No free corn tea

2)BBQ included 1 seafood choice only- OCTOPUS

3)No ventilation fan to suck up all that smoke


Rate:
Price- medium to high
Food- 3.5/5
Service- 4/5
Ambiance- 4/5
Accessibility- 4/5

*Suitable for small to medium size group 2-8 people.
*Train stop- Flagstaff station