kate and zoe ... and the kid

North-east Victoria

2010-12-10T16:42:00.003+11:00

NORTHEAST Victoria is a great place to get good food. I discovered two great places to eat on a recent trip there, the first in the town of Milawa.Brown Brothers is a winery which has a restaurant as well, the Brown Brothers Epicurean Centre. The restaurant makes it a real food and wine destination. After we sat down, I was served the best apple juice I've ever had. It was from the nearby town of

Pure South

2010-08-23T16:19:00.002+10:00

Riverside, Southgate. Ph: 9699 4600* * * * *I HADN’T been to Pure South for a long time so I thought it was time for a return trip. My dad had gone there about a week before and said it was a lot better since last time.When we arrived we were given some fresh bread with butter. The fresh bread was very nice but the butter was very strong. For the entrées we didn’t share so I ordered Seafood

Bella Vedere

2010-06-07T13:06:00.005+10:00

Badger's Brook Estate, 874 Maroondah Hwy, Coldstream. Ph: 5962 6161.* * * * *Last month I ate my first degustation meal at Bella Vedere Cucina near Coldstream. We arrived there on time at 7.20pm and we smelt garlic as we walked in, a great sign because I love garlic. On the table were heads of garlic and some fresh bread.For a starter we were given garlic croquettes. They tasted great. The garlic

Baldovino

2010-03-15T14:55:00.002+11:00

826 High St, Thornbury. Ph: 9416 8373* * * * *I’ve made an amazing discovery. It’s great, it’s not too expensive and it’s not too complicated. When I walked into the restaurant it reminded me straight away of some of the restaurants I went to in Italy, everything from the friendly service to the Italian mum in the kitchen.We ordered Ravioli al Borolo (Duck Ravioli in a red wine sauce) for the

Jim's Greek Tavern

2010-02-12T15:17:00.003+11:00

32 Johnston St, Collingwood. Ph: 9419 3827* * * * *I’ve never been to a restaurant with no menu so I was very interested to see what Jim’s Greek Tavern would be like.Since it’s very hard not to love Greek food, it wasn’t that worrying to me that there was no menu.Soon after we arrived at Jim’s Greek Tavern we were given saganaki, grilled octopus and bread with dips.I tried the bread first and it

Giuseppe Arnaldo and Sons

2009-11-13T13:04:00.003+11:00

Crown Complex, Southbank.Ph: 9694 7400WITH many Italian restaurants, there is so much good food on the menu, it's all so hard to choose.Do you have the seafood risotto or the spaghetti bolognaise?A great example of this is Giuseppe Arnaldo and Sons at Crown Casino.So we went there for lunch one Saturday and when we got there we were welcomed by our friendly waiter and were given the menu. We

Kouzina (modern Greek and mezze bar)

2009-08-25T18:14:00.007+10:00

OK, OK. We've conceded defeat. kate and zoe are officially passing the food blogging baton to our fantastic mate, James. This food-loving 11-year-old from Northcote has showed both of us up over the past few months blogging on MoVida, Bistro Guillaume and restaurant-of-the-moment (though not in his opinion...) Coda.We just love his stuff so - though we may pop our heads back in from time to time

MoVida Bar de Tapas

2009-08-03T14:49:00.003+10:00

Another blog by our 11-year-old reviewer, James. This time he's gone all Spanish at MoVida.* * * * * After having some great Spanish meals on our family holiday in Europe late last year, we thought we should try a Spanish eatery that's right on our doorstep. It's called MoVida and it's in Hosier Lane in the city.It was a Saturday lunchtime and it was very busy, so we were lucky to get in without

Coda Bar and Restaurant

2009-07-28T17:28:00.005+10:00

Another blog by James. Another ripper review. And yes, the cheeky bugger is still only 11 years old!* * * * *Coda Bar and Restaurant141 Flinders Lane, Melbourne. Ph: 9650 3155For my dad's birthday we went to Coda in Flinders Lane (its entry is off Oliver Lane). Zoe, the lady who helps run this website, reckons it's considered by some to be the hottest new restaurant in Melbourne.When we arrived,

Annie Smithers' Bistrot

2009-07-06T14:16:00.007+10:00

Ok, this is now unofficially James' blog. This time our 11-year-old buddy has headed up the Calder to Kyneton and gone all French at Annie Smithers. Lucky bugger.* * * * *Annie Smithers’ Bistrot72 Piper St, Kyneton. Ph: 5422 2039"Pretentious no. Great food yes.Annie Smithers’ Bistrot is a restaurant in Kyneton, only about one hour north of Melbourne. It claims to be French cuisine but I thought

Bistro Guillaume

2009-04-27T13:35:00.007+10:00

Our favourite junior blogger mate James has reviewed another gem, this time Bistro Guillaume at Crown. Lots has happened since James' last post, he's turned 11 and discovered a new love for snails. Seriously, this guy should be on Masterchef - we reckon he'd know more than some of the contestants...Enjoy.* * * * *Bistro Guillaume8 Whiteman St, SouthbankPh: 9693 3888"To celebrate my 11th birthday

A Day of Food in Philadelphia

2009-04-03T14:09:00.008+11:00

Hi all,Perhaps we should rename this site to 'kate and zoe and the kid' because once again, our junior blogger mate James has come through with the goods. This time is a review of two Philadelphia restaurants he visited on a recent holiday to the UK and the US.Enjoy,kate and zoe* * * * *I ate a lot of rubbish during my holiday to America, so it was hard to believe that it could suddenly get

Rick Stein's Seafood Restaurant

2009-01-22T14:33:00.007+11:00

Hi guys,As you may have noticed, kate and zoe have both been a bit lazy of late. Thankfully, our junior blogger mate James has been anything but. In fact, this food-loving 10-year-old has been dining at Rick Stein's establishment in the UK. Read on with envy...* * * * *Mum and Dad like watching Rick Stein's cooking programs on television, so we went to his restaurant when we travelled to

South Melbourne Market

2008-12-04T17:55:00.007+11:00

322-326 Coventry Street, South MelbournePh: (03) 9209 6295Wed 8am–4pmFri 8am-6pmSat/Sun 8am-4pmThe South Melbourne market has become an iconic Melbourne landmark, having been around since 1867. Arguably it’s most recognisable trademark is South Melbourne Dim Sims, which has been operating at the market since 1949. Unfortunately the legendary identity who started the stall, Ken Cheng, passed away

Bedouin Kitchen

2008-10-30T14:16:00.006+11:00

103 Grey St, St KildaPh: 9534 0888.Open: Tue to Thu, 6pm to 10pm; Fri to Sun, 6pm-11pmUnfortunately I tend to neglect St Kilda in my ongoing food quests, which is silly as there are a smorgasbord of quality, diverse eateries available within a close proximity.So on a recent Saturday night I decided to give some well-deserved attention back to St K. and head to The Bedouin Kitchen, a Middle

Tutto Bene

2008-10-21T18:26:00.005+11:00

Mid-level SouthgateSouthbank 3006Ph: (03) 9898 3334THERE'S been plenty of talk about the risotto at Tutto Bene. And for good reason. The Southgate Italian restaurant boasts a Risotteria, presided over by master risotto chef Simon Humble.New on the risotteria menu this week was Risotto Funghi Misti ($20), or mixed wild mushroom, parmigiano and aromatic herbs and Salsiccia di cervo con lenticchie

Trinitas Thai

2008-10-13T20:40:00.001+11:00

955 Burke Rd, CamberwellPh: 9813 1565Open: lunch Thu to Fri; dinner Tue to SunTrinitas Thai will change the way you think about Thai food. It will raise your eyebrows, broaden your horizons and delight your tastebuds.It will also make you want to book a trip to Bangkok. Of course, traveling halfway around the world is an extreme reaction and, on second thoughts, unnecessary when Trinitas is just

Cumulus Inc.

2008-10-06T15:40:00.012+11:00

45 Flinders LanePh: (03) 9650 1445 (no bookings)Open: weekdays 7am - 11pm and Saturday 9am-11pmGetting caught up in the Cumulus hype, that’s easy. Getting a table, now that’s another matter entirely.Since Andrew McConnell opened his latest venture in Flinders Lane only a few months ago, crowds have been flocking. For breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night snacks, Cumulus Inc is pressing the

Thy Thy 1

2008-09-30T10:07:00.002+10:00

142 Victoria St, RichmondPh: 9429 1104Open: lunch and dinner, dailyTrying to pick the best place for a feed of Vietnamese in Richmond’s Victoria St is like trying to find that illusive needle in the haystack. Every Melbournian worth their salt has an opinion and it’s not often that two people in the same dining party agree.For me (after much research I might add) the cream of the Vic St crop are

Melbourne Cricket Club Members' Dining Room

2008-09-22T17:32:00.016+10:00

Level 2, Gate 2, near the cnr of Jolimont Tce and Jolimont StMelbourne Cricket GroundDress code applies.Ph: (03) 9284 2300For big match days, members can register to join the ballot on the Monday two weeks before the match. Details http://www.mcg.org.au/IT'S Grand Final week and time to turn our attention to the footy. Eating at the footy is not usually a memorable affair unless you've had an

The Abyssinian

2008-09-14T20:52:00.000+10:00

Hi guys,Another guest blog from our mate, Janice.Enjoy...* * * * *277 Racecourse Rd, FlemingtonPh: 9376 8754Open: Mon-Sat, 5.30pm – 10pmON a night where the temperature gauge was plummeting down through the single digit figures, I saw it only fitting to trek off across town for some belly warming, Ethiopian soul-food.With an assortment of African treasures positioned on every surface of the

Svago

2008-09-07T17:12:00.005+10:00

285-287 High St, KewPh: 9855 0505. Open: Mon to Sat from 6pmHeard of Svago? Probably not, but that doesn’t mean this Italian gem isn’t worth hearing about. It just means word hasn’t got out…yet. Svago opened just a little too late to be included in this year’s recently released Age Good Food Guide but once this restaurant starts getting

Tangelo Fine Foods

2008-09-01T18:24:00.013+10:00

531 Malvern Rd Toorak VIC 3142 (Hawksburn Village)Ph: (03) 9826 1297115 Church StBrighton VIC 3186Ph: (03) 9592 1411LAST night I ate half a log. And I'm not talking about one of those honey nougat log chocolate bars. It was a chicken log which is another name for a giant chicken and leek pie about 40cm long x 15cm wide from Tangelo in Toorak. Being pregnant was my excuse for such gluttony. Well,

Milawa Gourmet Region

2008-08-26T13:40:00.027+10:00

Our guest blogger Janice tripped up the highway to the North East to sample the delights of Milawa.* * *Restaurant Merlot Milawa-Bobinawarrah Rd, MilawaPh: 03 5720 5777Open: Buffet breakfast every day, Dinner Thurs – Sun from 6pm, Lunch Fri – SunBrown Brothers Epicurean Centre239 Milawa-Bobinawarrah Road, MilawaPh: 03 5720 5540Open: 12 – 3.30pm daily THERE'S saying that everything tastes better

Cliffy’s Emporium

2008-08-18T20:11:00.006+10:00

28-30 Raglan St, Daylesford.Ph: 5348 3279Open: Sun to Fri, 9am-4pm; Sat 9am-10pm IMAGINE the most stereotypical country café you can. If you’re on the same wavelength as me, it has local produce to buy, mismatched antique furniture, bright cushions, an open fire, great coffee, flawless service and perhaps even the quirky touch of menus

Robert Burns Hotel

2008-08-12T13:05:00.000+10:00

Hi guys,It's time for another review from our junior blogging buddy, 10-year-old James. This time he hit Collingwood's renowned Spanish eatery, the Robbie Burns Hotel. And he's got the garlic breath to prove it!Enjoy.* * * * *376 Smith St, CollingwoodPh: (03) 9417 2233.Open: lunch and dinner, Mon to Sat"A great place to go for lunch on a Saturday is the Robbie Burns Hotel in Smith St, Collingwood

Sushi Sushi

2008-08-04T21:12:00.005+10:00

Victoria Gardens, 620 Victoria St, RichmondPh: (03) 9428 1120FAST food franchises are not usually the subject of a blog. But this particular outlet of this particular franchise is worth attention.Sushi Sushi at Richmond’s Victoria Gardens has got something special going for it: the freshest sushi rolls and sashimi at a budget price.For $2.20, soft, fresh and delicious sushi rolls come in the

Kalgoorlie Hotel

2008-07-28T16:20:00.001+10:00

319 Hannan St, KalgoorliePh: (08) 9021 3046DURING a recent trip to Kalgoorlie I had an amazing dining experience that had little to do with the food and everything to do with the sunset. As I sat on the balcony of the Kalgoorlie Hotel and watched the sky turn from bright blue to yellow to orange and then finally to bright red, I realised

New York Tomato

2008-07-22T19:37:00.004+10:00

Hi guys. It's time for another guest blogger - this time our mate Janice. Janice is a Hawthorn local and is also lucky enough to be dating her own personal chef. Janice knows what she's talking about when it comes to food so expect to see her name pop up on kate and zoe from time to time.Enjoy.* * * * *2-6 New St, RichmondPh: 9429 0505Open: weekdays from 8am – 3pm, Sat-Sun from 9am – 2.45pmJUST

Tweed Heads and Coolangatta Surf Club

2008-07-14T18:20:00.001+10:00

Cnr Marine Parade and Hill St Coolangatta QLD 4225Ph: (07) 5536 1506Open: Lunch and dinner every day and breakfasts on Sunday’s.WHEN one pays a visit to Goldie, one must dine at a Surf Club.Our first attempt at the Broadbeach Surf Club failed as we missed dinner, which finished at 8.30pm. Oops. Gold Coast retirees like their dinner early.A second attempt was successful with lunch at the Tweeds

Mr Tulk

2008-07-07T09:20:00.000+10:00

328 Swanston St, MelbournePh: 8660 5700Open: Mon-Thurs, 7am-5pm; Fri, 7am-9pm; Sat, 9am-4pmShhhh. I’ve found a great place for a city lunch but I’m not sure if I can tell you about it. I mean, of course I can tell you about it but I just need to do it quietly. Because the joint in question - Mr Tulk - is in the ever-so-studious State Library of Victoria.Admittedly,

Koi

2008-06-29T21:45:00.005+10:00

Wave BuildingCnr Albert and Surf Parade, BroadbeachPh: (07) 5570 3060Open: 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner FINDING a top meal on the Gold Coast is like hunting for a needle in a haystack. Navigating the hundreds of restaurants and cafes touting to tourists is not easy and who wants to risk a bad meal when so many good ones can be had on holiday?With no idea, we stumbled across Koi

Abla's Lebanese Restaurant

2008-06-23T14:20:00.000+10:00

109 Elgin Street, CarltonPh: 9347 0006Open: Thurs-Fri, noon-3pm; Mon-Sat, 6-11pmI HAD a moment at Alba’s.It was about two thirds through the meal, I’d already eaten more than enough Lebanese delights and yet was still managing to salivate about what was to come.Then the bowl tabbouleh arrived. Now, I’ve eaten some authentic tabbouleh in my time but this stuff was up

A food court vs Cecconi's Cantina

2008-06-16T09:50:00.003+10:00

Cecconi's CantinaBasement, 61 Flinders Lane, MelbournePh: 9663 0222Open: Mon-Fri, lunch and dinner; Sat, dinner only from 6pmIF you're a blog regular, you'll already be familiar with our junior blogger friend, 10-year-old James from Northcote who wrote a guest review for us last month on Rockpool. Yep, that's right. Rockpool. James' only birthday wish was to dine on some of Neil Perry's top notch

Giuseppe, Arnaldo and Sons (GAS)

2008-06-09T18:21:00.010+10:00

Crown Casino8 Whiteman St, SouthbankPh: (03) 9694 7400Open: daily, noon until midnightIt's had a lot of rave reviews so when I was invited to lunch at GAS by a friend, I admit I was excited. The restaurant's "no booking" policy saw us do a midday lunch. I got there 10 minutes early just in case. Missing out was not an option. On a Wednesday there was nothing to worry about with plenty of seats on

Precinct Hotel

2008-06-01T20:20:00.004+10:00

60 Swan St, RichmondPh: 9429 1633Open: seven days, noon until lateLET’S be honest. Anything to open on the site of the former Depot hotel in Richmond, would be a fair improvement on the Depot (or, as a former flatmate of mine used to call it, the Des-pot).But in a stroke of luck for Richmond locals, the Precinct hotel is more than a fair

Journal

2008-05-26T21:50:00.011+10:00

Shop 1, 253 Flinders Lane, MelbournePh: 9650-4399Open: Mon-Fri, 7am-late; Sat, 7am-6pmJournal has been around since 2004 and it's still as great as the day it opened.Located next to the city library, in the Centre for Adult Education campus in Flinders Lane, Journal fits the part with its private club style interior, large communal tables and shelves full of national geographic magazines, antique

Rockpool #2

2008-05-19T16:30:00.019+10:00

Crown Complex, SouthbankPh: (03) 8648 1900Open: Lunch 12pm-3pm Sunday-Friday, dinner 6pm-11pm dailyThis week we're putting a different slant on our review, thanks to a budding foodie friend of ours James, 10, from Northcote.Even though James is still at primary school, his taste buds have clearly been fast-tracked because this guy would rather dine on lobster risotto than Maccas. Don't worry,

Nobu

2008-05-12T16:43:00.004+10:00

Ground Floor, Crown Casino8 Whiteman St, SouthbankPh: 9696 6566Dinner: Mon-Thurs 6-10.30pm, Fri-Sat 6-11pm, Sun 6pm-9.45pmLunch: noon -3pmNOBU equals celebrity. Boris Becker's love child was conceived in the broom closet of the London Nobu. Robert De Niro is a part owner. Posh and Becks have donned matching outfits to dine there.It's a favourite of Kate Moss, Madonna and Gwyneth. Bill and Hilary

Ladro

2008-05-05T11:50:00.001+10:00

224 Gertrude St, FitzroyPh: (03) 9415 7575Open: Wednesday-Sunday, 6-11pmWHEN it opened, it was called an overnight sensation. When the hype grew and customers queued at the door to get a table, it was dubbed Melbourne’s best pizza joint. And when celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain popped into Melbourne, he also popped in for some pizza.Since Ladro flipped its first

Porgie & Mr Jones

2008-04-28T12:45:00.002+10:00

291 Auburn Rd, HawthornPh: 9882 2955Open: every day, 8am-4.30pm-ishSTOP press: the search for Melbourne’s best café is over.At least in my world the search is over and, in an extreme stroke of luck, the café in question is within a hop, step and jump of my pad.Porgie and Mr Jones is discretely tucked away in Hawthorn’s Auburn Rd shopping strip and has captured

Picnic

2008-04-16T19:35:00.002+10:00

Shop 2 60 Toorak RdSouth Yarra 3141(03) 9866 7988KID friendly is the best way to describe Picnic on Toorak Rd in South Yarra. Kids everywhere, fussed over by staff, sipping baby chinos and being adored by parents and friends.Yes, to meet the mum with a toddler, Picnic is the place. They supply cute little wooden chairs that sit over a regular chair so you can strap the munchkin in and safely tuck

Lulo Restaurante - Bar de Vino

2008-03-20T10:20:00.001+11:00

798 Glenferrie Road, HawthornPh: (03) 9818 8321Open: Monday to Friday, midday to 3.30pm and 4.30pm to late. Saturdays 5.30pm to late. Sundays closed. HAWTHORN’S Glenferrie Rd has always had a diverse multicultural restaurant scene. For Chinese, Panda is nothing less than an institution, as is Santorini for those with a hankering for Greek (although I’ve had a much better gyros at Richmond’s Agapi

Alimentari

2008-03-01T15:39:00.008+11:00

251 Brunswick StreetFitzroy VIC 3065(03) 9416 2001PLEASE meet me at Alimentari, please, please, please. Because I cannot find anything more original, consistent and delicious than their Italian lamb meatball wrap. A scrumptious delight made with love and toasted with care, so the cheese melts into the flavoursome lamb. Mmmmmm.The secret weapon is its spice. I'm told it contains a touch of

Taxi Dining Room

2008-02-14T20:45:00.021+11:00

Level 1, Transport Hotel, Federation SquarePh: 03 9654 8808DAMN tennis. If it wasn’t for Hewitt, Roddick, Federer and the like I’d have eaten at Rockpool on a recent Friday night. Or I would have enjoyed the summer view from a table at Donovans. Or I may have gotten close to DeNiro at Nobu. But no…in January the tennis is in town and with it, it seems every restaurant worth its salt is booked out

North

2008-01-15T08:10:00.000+11:00

717 Rathdowne StCarlton NorthPh: (03) 9348 1276IF you are waiting for a seat on a Monday morning at a local cafe, you know you're onto a good thing.That was the case with North in North Carlton's Rathdowne St last week.A stroll up and down for about 10 minutes was required until we jumped on a table out the front.It's all really cute. Rathdowne St is beautiful anyway and North is another quality

Rockpool Bar and Grill

2008-01-06T21:22:00.002+11:00

Crown Complex, Southbank Ph: (03) 8648 1900 EVERYONE raves about it. And now it's my turn. Rockpool is magnificent. From the hanging beef at the entrance to the various cattle breed printed paper menus which double as placemats, there is a serious commitment to beef. The interior boasts beautiful rich timber with a smartness and space befitting a restaurant super power.Despite the accolades and

Birdman Eating

2007-12-29T19:16:00.000+11:00

238 Gertrude Street, FitzroyPh: (03) 9416 4747Opening Hours: Tues-Sat 8am-10.30pm; Sun and Mon 8am-6pm DID you know men drop into the barber for a hair cut without an appointment? Simple as that. No waiting three months to get in with Pierre of South Yarra. Blokes walk in and plop down in a chair for a quick lop.This profound observation was made when sitting at Birdman Eating in Fitzroy's

Robert et Louise

2007-12-13T20:53:00.000+11:00

64, rue Vieille du Temple75003 Paris+01 42 78 5589 I’m going to start this review with some advice: if you’re a chef, wannabe chef, ravenous carnivore or a foodie of any description and you find yourself in Paris, make sure you dine at Robert et Louise.I first heard about this tiny restaurant in the Marais quarter during a chat with

Le Sud

2007-12-04T17:41:00.001+11:00

Le Sud11 Place Antonin-PoncetLyon, FrancePh: +33 04 72 77 80 00I’VE heard of the man, I’ve read of his restaurants and now I’ve tasted the food for myself. Legendary French chef Paul Bocuse is best known for his three Michelin-starred restaurant l'Auberge du Pont de Collonges, just out of Lyon in the south of France.But for those of us

French markets

2007-11-27T19:43:00.000+11:00

ONE of the things I loved during my time in France was the country’s old-school way of enjoying food. The entire time I was there I hardly came across any big supermarkets. What I did see lots of were plenty of neighborhood butchers, fishmongers, patisseries and, my personal favourite, fromageries (cheese shops).While all of those neighbourhood shops were brilliant, the real highlight was the

Le Bistro Latin

2007-11-18T16:39:00.000+11:00

18 rue de la Couronne,Aix-en-Provence, FrancePh: +33 (0) 4 4238 2288 I was de-virginised in Aix-en-Provence. No, I wasn’t whisked away by a sexy Frenchman on a Vespa but rather I had my first foie gras experience.I’d been lolling around the south of France for five days but until the very cute and oh-so-French Aix-en-Provence - one of the main towns in the renowned

The Botanical

2007-11-12T19:33:00.001+11:00

169 Domain RdSouth Yarra9820 7888Mon-Fri From 7amSat-Sun From 8amIT'S been found! A contender for Melbourne's best bircher. Surprisingly right under my nose at the good old Bot. Not only is the Domain Rd stalwart a top spot for an afternoon champagne or a fancy steak - it boasts the most incredible bircher ($8.50).A stunning crunchy combo of grated apple, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds and more

Restaurant Pojoda

2007-11-07T20:20:00.000+11:00

Don Cvjetka MarasovicaKut, Vis, CroatiaPh: +385 (0) 21 711 575 FOR me, the best thing about travel is the dining experiences that come with it. So before my recent jaunt to Croatia I did a bit of internet research to see what the Dalmatian coast had in store for my palate.Surprisingly, Google revealed not much. Regardless of how many “

Croatia

2007-10-22T20:13:00.000+10:00

As is the case with any tourist-orientated country, dining in Croatia can be hit and miss.Score a hit and you’ll find yourself in a family-run “konoba” with a plate of fresh fish or a wood-fired pizza with a topping of local Dalmatian ham (above). Score a miss however and you are more likely to be dipping into a risotto that is more like

Richmond Hill Cafe & Larder

2007-10-13T14:56:00.001+10:00

48-50 Bridge Rd, RichmondSun-Thurs 8.30am - 5.30pmFriday-Sat 8.30am - 6pmBreakfast served until 3pmLicensed(03) 9421 2808 ONE of the best things to happen to Richmond was the opening of Richmond Hill Cafe and Larder by legendary restaurateur and food writer Stephanie Alexander.That was more a decade ago and it cemented Richmond Hill as the special corner of the old suburb that it is.A stone's

Grocery Bar

2007-10-09T19:06:00.001+10:00

Tribeca Apartments,412-442 Victoria ParadeEast Melbourne03 9419 4659.Monday 7am - 5pmTuesday - Saturday 7am - 9.30pmSunday 8am - 5pmNEXT to the pub, the most important local is a decent brekky joint. East Melbourne's Grocery Bar is a true local. Tucked away in the quadrangle only locals can find this place, fortressed by the heritage facade of the former CUB brewery on Victoria Parade now Tribeca

Marks Restaurant

2007-10-02T21:17:00.001+10:00

124 Mountjoy Pde, LornePh: 5829 2787WHEN I’m choosing a restaurant I can be tempted by a number of things: its reputation, its location; its chef or even its background music selection.I choose to dine at Lorne’s Marks Restaurant for none of the above. The thing that got me over the line during a recent weekend away was a single option on the entrée menu.Seriously, who could resist “Meredith

The Curry Club

2007-09-30T18:38:00.001+10:00

The Curry Club394-396 Bridge Rd, RichmondPh: 9428 6455Open: Tues-Sun noon-2.30pm; daily 5-10.30pmWHEN it gets dark at 5pm, the mercury hovers just above zero and there’s flash flooding in the bush there are only a few things that will get me out of the house. A decent curry is one of those few.Richmond’s Curry Club does a decent curry. It also does decent selection of meat in the tandoor and it

The Commercial Bakery

2007-09-26T20:44:00.000+10:00

Rear 360Little Collins Street,MelbournePh: 03 9670 7214MY favourite city cafe has a new, flashy sibling. Flinders Lane superstar Journal has a rival in a roomier upstart the Commercial Bakery. The latest from Melbourne cafe guru Con Christopoulos is hidden off Little Collins St, near Elizabeth St.The bottom floor of a bluestone gem, a former truck rental business, houses this interesting bakery.

Replete Providore

2007-09-15T20:12:00.001+10:00

302 Barkers Rd, HawthornPh: (03) 9818 4448Open: Mon-Fri: 7.30am-4pm; Weekends: 8am-5pmDon't worry, you’re not seeing double. Replete Providore has already been written about but last time I was raving about the café’s breakfast. I’ve since been back in the middle of the day and trust me, the lunch menu is worth mentioning too.A recent sunny Saturday saw me order the Ploughman’s grazing platter (

Timbale

2007-08-27T10:05:00.000+10:00

167 Swan Street, RichmondPh: 9428 7300Open: Mon-Thurs: 7am-4pm-ish, Fri: 7.30am-midnight, Sat: 7.30am-4pm-ish, Sun: 8.30am-4pm-ishMY RELATIONSHIP with Timbale began a few years back. It was during the days of silly drinking when a particular hangover rendered me incapable of finding a recommended café for bacon and coffee. Timbale was the nearest kitchen to our Swan St car park so Timbale it

Gloria Jean's Coffees

2007-08-20T22:41:00.001+10:00

288 - 290 Flinders St, City (and 66 other locations in Victoria!)DAILY coffee is a heavenly ritual. I’m thankful to live in Australia’s coffee capital, Melbourne, home of genius baristas and coffee snobs.So it’s puzzling to see a brown and orange café chain pop up across the city as a purveyor of all things coffee. The daggily named Gloria Jean’s is everywhere. I’ve ignored it for however long it

The Point

2007-08-14T22:16:00.000+10:00

Aquatic Drive, Albert Park LakePh: (03) 9682 5566UNBELIEVABLE. That’s my instant summary of the revitalized Point restaurant on Albert Park Lake. There are two reasons. The first was the unexpected battle between a fox and a swan on the lake’s shore. We had box seats to watch the swan win… well survive. The fox dusted itself off and sauntered away looking for another victim.The second was the

Riverland

2007-08-09T10:20:00.002+10:00

Vaults 1-9, Federation Wharf (under Princes Bridge)Ph: 9662 1771Open: everyday, 7am-midnightIN summer there is no better place in Melbourne’s CBD for a drink than Riverland.Located at river level at Federation Square the open-air bar looks south across the Yarra to the rowing sheds and when the sun is shining the vibe is nothing short of pumping.In winter, Riverland is a little less appealing but

The Palace

2007-08-03T17:41:00.001+10:00

893 Burke Rd, CamberwellPh: 9813 3566Open: every day, 9am-3amA FOOD joint doesn’t have to be spectacular to stand out in Camberwell.The eastern suburb’s dry zone has meant that eateries are few and far between and the options are dominated by student-orientated fast food outlets rather than quality dining experiences.So I went to the Palace not for the food but for the company and my low

Kanpai

2007-07-31T23:26:00.000+10:00

569 Chapel St,South YarraPh: (03) 9826 4828Open: Noon-midnight LAST night I shared dinner with a friend who is taking a break from walking through Africa’s Sahara desert.In Melbourne until the war in Niger is resolved, she was craving sushi after a year long diet of maize and not much else.Happy to oblige, we met for a raw fish fest at Chapel Street’s Kanpai. From the outset this place is always

MoVida

2007-07-23T11:28:00.001+10:00

MoVida1 Hosier Lane, MelbournePh: 9663 3038Open: daily, noon until lateDEGUSTATION is the word of the year in Melbourne’s restaurant scene but unfortunately the dining experience doesn’t come cheap. A visit to Vue de Monde will cost you $250, at Richmond’s Fenix you’ll have to cough up $145 and the famed Jacques Reymond it’s $140. Add in wine matched to each course and you can only imagine how

Quan 88

2007-07-19T20:14:00.000+10:00

88 Victoria St, RichmondPh: (03) 9428 6850Open: Sun-Wed 11am-10pm, Thu-Sat 11am-11pm LIKE an old friend, Quan 88 is comforting, loyal and reliable. The only restaurant listed in my mobile phone, the Victorian street Vietnamese legend is a regular haunt. Not much has changed with Quan 88 in the decade I’ve been visiting for shared dishes with friends and family in a noisy, relaxed setting.Since I

Builders Arms

2007-07-12T10:21:00.000+10:00

211 Gertrude St, FitzroyPh: 9419 0818Open: Mon-Thurs 2pm until late; Fri-Sun noon until late. Kitchen is open every day from 6-10.30pm and on Fri-Sun, noon-3pmALL I can remember about my last visit to Fitzroy's Builders Arms is the grungy dance floor out the back with a DJ playing a damn fine selection of 80s tunes.When I returned this week the dance floor had been replaced with a funky dining

Carousel Café

2007-07-07T21:31:00.000+10:00

22 Aughtie DveAlbert Park Lake(03) 8646 6008Open: 8am – 4pm dailyTHE Carousel café is a top spot to perv at celebrity weddings going on next door in the posh Carousel restaurant. I know because I did it recently.Aussie swimmer Grant Hackett was getting hitched to pop starlet Candice Alley amid a media circus at Carousel. As a member of that circus I got comfortable in the adjoining café to watch

Almost French

2007-06-30T11:45:00.000+10:00

138 Swan St, RichmondPh: 9429 2080Open: Mon-Sat, 7am-5pmI GO past Almost French on my tram twice a day and without fail I inwardly drool at the crusty bread and sugary donuts on display in the window. The classic French-style bakery seems out of place in grungy Swan St. But at the same time, every time I go past it seems so right.Finally I found myself in Swan St on a Saturday afternoon with some

Sweet Source

2007-06-20T09:33:00.001+10:00

288 Rathdowne St, Carlton North(03) 9348 2998Open: Wed-Fri: 8.30am-5.30pm, Sat-Sun: 9am-5.30pm (closed Mon-Tues)CUPCAKES are all the rage in Melbourne at the moment but you’ll be hard pressed to find any sweeter than those at Sweet Source.Chef Zoi Condos’ chocolate and vanilla creations are the first thing you notice as you enter the cosy Rathdowne St café. And, if you go with your instinct, they

The Pavilion Cafe

2007-06-19T11:04:00.001+10:00

Fitzroy GardensClarendon St end, East Melbourne(03) 9417 2544Open: 7.30am - 5pm, every dayI NEVER knew I was a garden lover until I discovered East Melbourne's magnificent Fitzroy Gardens. Established in 1848, this city oasis boasts soaring trees, manicured lawns and pristine garden beds.Hence the view from the Fitzroy Garden's Pavilion Cafe is nothing short of magical and therein lies its

Replete Providore

2007-05-15T18:41:00.001+10:00

302 Barkers Rd, Hawthorn(03) 9818 4448Open: Mon-Fri: 7.30am-4pm; Weekends: 8am-5pmLET me state from the outset, I’ve got a soft spot for Replete Providore.During my university days I earnt my crust firstly as the cafe’s dishwasher, then at front of house and finally in the kitchen. Sure, that was when the Hawthorn eatery was owned by Chris and Anna Wilding and known as Wildings but my partiality

Cafe Segovia

2007-05-15T18:06:00.000+10:00

Block Place, Melbourne(03) 9650 2373Open: Mon-Sat 7am - late, Sunday 9-5.IN its heyday it was the place to be. Well we thought it was anyway. For uni students with plenty of free time to lunch, Cafe Segovia in Block Place was classy, cultured... and affordable.Things have changed since the '90s. A suggestion from a friend to meet in the Block Arcade was a welcome opportunity to revisit an old

Café Vue

2006-12-03T14:48:00.001+11:00

Normanby Chambers430 Little Collins St, Melbourne(03) 9691 3888Open: Mon-Fri, 7am-4pmUNLESS you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard of Vue de Monde. But unless you’ve got a spare $250 to spend on tucker you probably haven’t sat down to enjoy Shannon Bennett’s spectacular 13-course gastronomes menu.Not to worry. In what seems to be a trend in Melbourne, Bennett has opened up a

Grossi Florentino Cellar Bar

2006-11-20T17:08:00.001+11:00

80 Bourke St, Melbourne(03) 9662 1811Open: Mon-Sat, 7.30am-midnightWouldn't we all like to dine at Florentino's for a Friday lunch? The food is first-rate, the vibe is as Italian as you can get in downtown Melbourne AND (let's be honest) it's just so damn cool to walk back into the office and drop the line, "I've just been at Florentino's" in the same roll-off-the-tongue way some say, "Would you

Reviews by Suburb

2006-10-01T23:59:00.067+10:00

Albert ParkThe Carousel CafeThe PointCamberwellThe PalaceTrinitas ThaiCarlton Abla's Lebanese RestaurantCarlton NorthNorthSweet SourceCity Cafe SegoviaCafe VueCecconi's CantinaCodaCommercial BakeryCumulus Inc (breakfast)Gloria JeansGrossi FlorentinoJournalMoVidaMoVida (by James)Mr TulkRiverlandTaxi Dining RoomColdstreamBelle VedereCollingwood Jim's Greek TavernRobbie Burns HotelCroatia

Reviews by Score

2006-01-10T19:15:00.047+11:00

10/10Alimentari (the meatball wrap)Cumulus Inc (breakfast)JournalPorgie & Mr JonesRobert et LouiseTaxi Dining RoomTrinitas Thai9/10Brown Brothers Epicurean Centre (9.5/10)Cafe VueCliffy's EmporiumGiuseppe, Arnaldo and Sons (9.5/10)Giuseppe, Arnaldo and Sons - by James, the kid (9/10)LadroLe Bistro LatinLe SudMarks RestaurantMoVidaReplete Providore (breakfast)Rockpool Bar and Grill (9.5/10)South

By the kid

2006-01-10T15:19:00.014+11:00

As fans of this blog will know, somewhere along the way kate and zoe stumbled into James, a 11-year-old from Northcote who knows his stuff when it comes to food.Forget Maccas. For our mate James it's a Rockpool steak, osso bucco at Cecconi's or - believe it or not - lobster at Rick Stein's famous Cornwall restaurant.So yes, the kid has definitely shown kate and zoe up, which is why we've