Restaurant Review: Plus 5

Location: 37 South Wharf Road, South Wharf
Phone: 03 9682 0091
Link: http://plus5bar.com.au/
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean, Wine Bar
Overall Impression: 7.5/10

Located within the refurbished 19th century heritage listed dock and wool store on the Yarra waterfront, Plus 5 Bar is newest addition to Melbourne's thriving bar scene.

Run free and carry on @ Frolic

Frolic's new Fitzroy store

Frolic Frozen Yoghurt has just opened a new store on Brunswick Street just in time for the warm weather.

Mr Earl Tea

Introducing Mr Earl… a self-professed tea addict who’ll go as far to say that tea’s not just a drink, it’s a religion. 

Mr Earl is a tea subscription which provides a service where Aussie tea lovers can sample, expand their knowledge of and conveniently purchase premium tea from Australia and New Zealand’s finest tea brands.

Product Review: Jalna Sweet and Creamy

Jalna has just launched a new ‘Sweet and Creamy’ range of yoghurt which is based on Jalna’s Natural Greek Yoghurt recipe. 

Pidapipó - Authentic Italian, artisanal gelato arrives on Faraday Street

Location: 222 Faraday Street Carlton, Melbourne

Phone: 0422 004 750

Link: http://pidapipo.com/

Cuisine: Gelato, Ice Cream

Overall Impression: 8.5/10

Local artist Esther Stewart, design agency Fabio Ongarato, interior designer Tamsin Johnson and English illustrator Emily Forgot have come together under gelato maker Lisa Valmorbida’s lead, to open her first test lab and store.

New Summer Cocktail Tasting @ duNORD

Gastrology bloggers were recently invited to a lively tasting of the 'Swedish Flavours of Summer' at Melbourne’s Nordic Bar, duNORD.

Harry's Ice Cream Factory Tour

Award-winning Australian ice cream maker Harry’s Ice Cream opened its factory doors for an exclusive experience where guests got up-close and personal with the artisan ice cream makers and were also given the opportunity to create their very own bespoke ice cream flavour to take home.

29th Apartment Relaunches

29th Apartment has received a good old-fashioned cut and polish. She’s shiny and new and just dying to take you by the hand and lead you astray - And you won’t be able to resist.

Box of Scrolls - spreading love one box at a time

While Box of Scrolls is famous for delivering fresh, aromatic, cinnamon scrolls, it's not the only thing they do well. Box of Scrolls' product line also includes “Variety Scrolls” which feature delicious flavours such as Salted Caramel and Nutella & Banana - both of which we recently devoured.

Review: Rice Workshop

Location: 238 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne
Phone: 03 9650 6663
Link: http://riceworkshop.com.au/
Cuisine: Japanese
Overall Impression: 8.5/10

Japanese Chef, Tomohiro Suzuki has partnered with David Loh the creative spark behind Food Republik, ShopHouse Kitchen, Dessert Story and Taiwan Café, to bring Melbourne locals fast, healthy and fresh Japanese eating – the Rice Workshop.

St ALi’s interactive Masterclass

Gastrology bloggers were recently invited to attend an interactive masterclass at St Ali where guests worked for their meal.

A Porky Christmas: Murray Valley Pork Rindless Scotch

After the success of cooking up Murray Valley Pork’s Cranberry & Almond Loin Roast, we decided to be a little more adventurous. 

This time, we used Murray Valley Pork’s Rindless Scotch (also known as collar butt) which is rindless and boneless. 

Upcoming Events: QV Dream Tent [Monday, 2 December 2013 to Thursday, 19 December 2013]

QV Square will be a hive of activity with daily workshops and freebies running outside of the Fri-Sun Christmas market days. Swing by any day to chill out in the Dream Tent, listen to live music, or get some free Christmas nail art. Or if you’re up for a challenge, roll up your sleeves and learn to create your own gingerbread house or Christmas wreath!

Mr Collins opens in Collins Square

Located on the ground floor of 727 Collins Street, Mr Collins is a welcome addition to the Collins Square food mix.

The Age Forever Curious Campaign - Lunch with Karen Martini @ Mr Wolf + Competition

Gastrology bloggers were invited to attend a surprise foodie experience last weekend with celebrity chef Karen Martini and The Age.

Gelato Messina is now in Melbourne!

Melbournians with a sweet tooth and gelato connoisseurs rejoice! The rumours are true - Gelato Messina has landed in Melbourne.

 Image courtesy of Libby Margo

Christmas @ LuxBite

Gastrology bloggers attended LuxBite's Christmas party receently where guests indulged in LuxBite's fancy fusion treats that were as beautiful as they were delectable.

A round up of this month's hottest foodie news

NIGHT NOODLE MARKETS

The Night Noodle Markets, positioned alongside the Yarra River in the stunning Alexandra Gardens, concludes tomorrow.

Good Food Month (and beyond) @ New Gold Mountain

Location: Level 1, 21 Liverpool Street, Melbourne
Phone: 03 9650 8859
Link: http://www.newgoldmountain.org/
Cuisine: Pub/Bar Food
Overall Impression: 8/10

In classic Melbourne style, New Gold Mountain is hidden down a laneway and bustling behind a concealed door. Beyond this seemingly innocuous and normal looking exterior lies a slice of Old-world Shanghai, a glamorous yet debaucherous space reminiscent of an opium bar from a time long forgotten.

Eureka Skydeck Experience

Located beside the Yarra River in Southbank, Eureka Skydeck is one of Melbourne’s most popular tourist destinations. Being the highest viewing platform in the Southern Hemisphere the views are awe-inspiring.

Restaurant Review: Teppankai

Location: 34 Bray Street, South Yarra
Phone: 03 9827 8822
Link:  http://www.teppankai.net/
Cuisine: Japanese, Teppanyaki , Tapas
Overall Impression: 6.5/10

Located in South Yarra, Teppankai is a lovely restaurant which features contemporary Japanese cuisine.

RAB Bar & Restaurant @ The Grand Hotel

RAB Lounge Restaurant & Bar is located within The Grand Hotel, a four and a half-star, heritage-listed apartment hotel. One of the most impressive buildings in Melbourne city, the building is beautifully restored to retain the style of the 1880’s, making the dining experience quite special.

Cafe Review: Vintam's Bakery Café

Location: Shop 109, 111 Merchant Street, Docklands

Phone: 03 9670 0116

Cuisine: Asian, Bakery, Vietnamese

Overall Impression: 7/10

Vintam churns out cheap and cheerful Vietnamese delights such as banh mi and pho.

Grill'd has a new Fairfield location

Location: 126 Station Street, Fairfield

Phone: 9481 2566

Link :http://www.grilld.com.au/

Cuisine: Healthy burgers, salads

Overall Impression: 7/10 

A new Grill’d Healthy Burgers restaurant has opened on Station Street.

Cafe Review: Magic on Ferrars

Location: 286 Ferrars St South Melbourne

Phone: 0414 991 556   

Link: Facebook

Cuisine: Organic, Breakfast/Brunch, Coffee
Overall Impression: 8/10

A new cafe darling of South Melbourne, Magic on Ferrars is all about exceptional service, coffee and food.

'Laurent Perrier' 6 Course Sharing Menu @ Spoonbill Restaurant and Bar

Location: 637 Chapel Street, South Yarra
Phone: 03 9040 1333
Link: http://www.artserieshotels.com.au/olsen/spoonbill
Cuisine: Modern Australian, Tapas
Overall Impression: 8/10

Regarded as Australia’s greatest living painter, Dr John Olsen funded his early art career in Europe as a chef in Majorca, Spain. At Spoonbill Restaurant & Bar, guests of The Olsen hotel and South Yarra locals are given the unique opportunity to experience Olsen’s love affair with food recreated with stunning produce from around Australia.

Nationally Commended Chef @ HQ's on William

Located on the ground floor of the Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens Melbourne, HQ’s Restaurant and Bar impresses guests with their seasonal menu.

A Porky Christmas: Murray Valley Pork Cranberry & Almond Loin Roast

It is really easy to master the art of the tender roast with Murray Valley Pork's Cranberry & Almond Loin Roast.

Huxtaburger has a new Prahran location

Huxtaburger celebrated the grand opening of its Prahran location on the 13th of November. 

Melbourne's first ramen burger @ Shizuku

SHIZUKU opened quietly a few months ago. Named after the traditional word for droplets, this Japanese restaurant pays homage to the day-long process of preparing ramen from scratch, where every drop counts. 

Crust's new Upper Crust Pizzas

Crust Pizza has unveiled their newest additions to the Upper Crust Pizza menu which turns your favourite sandwiches into pizzas. 

This range is inspired by current Australian food trends and draws inspiration from South American cuisine.

Good Food Month @ Southgate [1 Nov - 30 Nov]

Gastrology was invited to discover 2 of Southgate's restaurants for Good Food Month. As part of the experience, we “road tested” Miyako and Pure South’s signature dishes and uncovered the unique personalities of these two riverside eateries. 

Product Review: CARTE NOIRE (& some great coffee-making tips)

France's number one coffee brand, CARTE NOIRE, has just launched in Australia. 

High Tea @ LuxBite

LuxBite in South Yarra has taken the tradition of High Tea and decorated it with a sprinkling of pop culture. In true LuxBite style, Tea for 2 is all about giving you a unique LuxBite experience filled with bright coloured, bold and exotic flavours.

Event Review: 1806 turns 6

Gastrology bloggers recently attended 1806's 6th birthday event where we celebrated the 6 years since those iconic flashing red lights were turned on for the very first time. 

Restaurant Review: He Says She Says

Location: 1101 Toorak Road, Camberwell
Phone: 03 9077 7866
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Link: http://www.hesaysshesays.com.au/
Overall Impression: 8/10

He Says She Says offers patrons a perfect destination to catch up with family and friends for a meal, impress a client over a business lunch or simply sneak in an after work glass of wine. 

A Taste of the Taste Kitchens @ Bomba Tapas Bar + blog giveaway!

Melbourne’s premier restaurant festival Taste of Melbourne arrives for 2013, once again gracing Pelican Lawn at Albert Park, November 14 – 17. The food and wine celebration sees Melbourne’s favourite restaurants return, as well as new movers and shakers on the dining scene including Bomba Tapas Bar.

ASC's New Spring Menu

Location: 2 Acland Street, St Kilda
Phone: (03) 9536 1175
Link: www.aclandstcantina.com.au
Cuisine: Mexican
Overall Impression: 9/10

The chefs at Acland St Cantina bring a polish and precision to Mexican cuisine that is rare in Melbourne - every dish we have ordered from our numerous visits has been perfectly seasoned and consistently excellent. The new spring menu is no different. 

Restaurant Review: BangPop

Location: 35 South Wharf Promenade,  South Wharf
Phone: 03 9245 9800
Link: www.bangpop.com.au/
Cuisine: Thai
Overall Impression: 7/10

In a market where casual dining is in vogue, BangPop assimilates perfectly.

Restaurant Review: Akachochin

Location: 33 Dukes Walk, South Wharf
Phone: 03 9245 9900
Link: http://www.akachochin.com.au/
Cuisine: Japanese, Sushi
Overall Impression: 7.5/10

An elegant and modern Tokyo-style bar, Akachochin serves authentic Japanese cuisine presented in a modern way.

Upcoming Event: Davidʼs Beyond the Bund World Dinner

David is giving his loyal customers more reason to smile in November with his World Dinner Feast as part of the Good Food Month. This dinner will take Melbournians on a food adventure exploring regions further afield from Shanghai, called ʻBeyond the Bundʼ.

Waking up to a Yousli Breakfast

Gastrology bloggers joined the Yousli team at their headquarters where we got up close and personal with a brand new brekky that embraces deliciousness and health – the perfect ingredients for a great start to the day.

A round up of this month's hottest foodie news + blog giveaway!

BLOG GIVEAWAY: DAVID JONES GOOD FOOD MONTH SEMINARS

Gastrology has teamed up with David Jones to give away 2 x Good Food Month Seminar sessions (valued at $50) to one of our lucky readers. The winner will be able to choose which session(s) they are interested in.

David Jones is delighted to be celebrating Good Food Month with a first ever range of intimate food seminars, cooking classes, tastings and demonstrations with a range of leading chefs and providors at the Bourke Street Mall Foodhall.

Cafe Review: Brunetti

Location: Carlton, CBD, Camberwell 

Link: http://www.brunetti.com.au/

Cuisine: Coffee, Bakery, Desserts/Ice Cream

Overall Impression: 7/10

A Melbourne gem, Brunetti Cakes began trading at their Faraday street location back in 1985. It's cafés consistently delivers a delicious selection of European style sweets and desserts. 

Cafe Review: Operator25

Location: 25 Wills Street, Melbourne
Phone: 03 9670 3278
Link: http://www.operator25.com.au/
Cuisine: Modern Australian, Breakfast/Brunch, Coffee
Overall Impression: 8/10

Located on Wills Street (just off La Trobe Street), Operator25 is a recent addition to the plethora of cafes that have sprung up around Melbourne.

Famish’d #2 @ St James Building

Melbourne’s popular gourmet salad, soups and spuds bar, Famish’d, has recently opened a second café in the reinvigorated St James building, overlooking AMP Square on the corner of Bourke and Williams Street. The offering is delicious and simple – healthy, fresh salads and salad dressings made from seasonal produce, offered from a set menu or by individual design at the salad bar.

Third Wave Cafe opens a second cafe in Prahran

Third Wave Cafe has just opened the doors to its new Prahran location. Bigger sister to the existing Third Wave Cafe in Port Melbourne, it pioneers a culture focused on good coffee and food from around the world including Russian dishes and various options with an American BBQ twist.

Express Lunches @ Asian Beer Cafe & Father's Office​

$9.50 Bento Lunch Box @ Asian Beer Cafe

The Asian Beer Café at Melbourne Central needs no introduction. Well known for its Asian inspired interior, central location, bustling ambience and amazing views out to Swanston Street, the Asian Beer Café is a great place for a bite to eat or a drink with friends.

Restaurant Review: Sartago Restaurant Bar & Grill

Location: 460 Church Street, Richmond
Phone: 03 9427 9063
Link: http://www.sartago.com.au/
Cuisine: Mediterranean, European, Tapas
Overall Impression: 8/10

Tuscan Chef Riccardo Messora serves up the authentic flavours of the Mediterranean at his restaurant, Sartago Tapas Wine Bar in Melbourne’s Southeast suburb of Richmond. 

Upcoming Event: Gelato World Tour [25 to 27 October]

It’s time to get excited - Melbourne will be the next artisanal gelato capital!

Taxi Dining Room's November Sundays Series

Boasting some of the best views, food, wine and service that Melbourne has to offer, Taxi Dining Room has established itself as a prime destination for sophisticated dining.

Generation Moustache Marches Into Town for 2013

Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on guys around the globe every November, in a united movement to support men's health. Committing their top lip for 30 hairy days, Mo Bros effectively become walking talking billboards and through their Mo growing efforts, raise vital funds and awareness for prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health.

Cafe Review: NBHD Neanderthal

Location: 153 Commercial Road, South Yarra
Phone: 03 9826 4880
Link: facebook
Cuisine: Breakfast/Brunch, Coffee, Modern Australian
Overall Impression: 8/10

Having opened a mere 9 months ago, NBHD Neanderthal is fast becoming one of South Yarra’s favourite coffee haunts. The café is a collaboration between two brothers, Nicholas and Dax Byrne and reflects their belief that good food + good friends = good times. Having experienced a wonderful Sunday brunch at NBHD Neanderthal, we think they've got the equation spot on.