Restaurant Review: Noodle Kingdom

Swanston Street Noodle Kingdom 
Location: 264 Swanston Street, Melbourne
Phone: 03 9650 1818
Cuisine: Chinese, Noodle Shop, Vegetarian
Overall Impression: 6/10 

Russell Street Noodle Kingdom
Location: 175 Russell Street, Melbourne
Phone: 03 9654 2828
Cuisine: Chinese, Noodle Shop, Vegetarian
Overall Impression: 4/10

I’ve had unpleasant experiences at the Russell Street Noodle Kingdom. Simply put, the staff were miserable, the food was below average and I remember waiting unreasonably long for my food to arrive. As a result, I was particularly sceptical when my friends told me that the Swanston Street Noodle Kingdom is one of their favourite lunch time spots. 

Cafe Review: Giddiup

Location: 269 Coventry Street, South Melbourne
Phone: 03 9682 8820
Link: http://giddiupcafe.com/
Cuisine: Coffee, Breakfast/Brunch
Overall Impression: 6/10

Giddiup is an excellent little cafe that manages its tiny space very well. With an ambience of a modern art gallery, the space is comfortable and relaxed. The coffee is lovely and the staff members are friendly.

Recipes: Australia Day-inspired High Tea

J and I were recently at Highpoint’s fresh food market to get ingredients for an Aussie High Tea with friends. Instead of the traditional three tiers, silver cutlery and delicate china, our version of an Aussie High Tea was made up of lamb (which we bought from Highpoint’s Melbourne Fresh Meats), chocolate scones, carrot cake and most importantly, we replaced tea with beer.

Restaurant Review: Darac Bar and Grill

Location: 51 A'Beckett Street, Melbourne
Phone: 03 9662 2441
Cuisine: Korean, Japanese
Overall Impression: 6.5/10 

Hidden along A’Beckett Street in what appears to be an old warehouse, lies Darac - a trendy little eatery serving Modern Korean cuisine.

Restaurant Review: Sails on the bay

Location: 15 Elwood Foreshore, Elwood
Phone: 03 9525 6933
Link: http://www.sailsonthebay.com.au/ 
Cuisine: Seafood, Modern Australian
Overall Impression: 8/10

Sails on the bay is quite the function venue. Mere minutes from Melbourne CBD, the venue is situated upon beautiful Elwood beach and Foreshore Reserve. 

Restaurant Review: Sezanas Coffee Shop

Locations: 247 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne and 428 Toorak Road, Toorak
Phone: 03 9699 5775
Cuisine: Coffee, Breakfast/Brunch, Desserts, Burgers
Overall Impression: 6/10

Sezana’s has the best Mini Dutch pancakes (poffertjes) in town. Served piping hot with vanilla ice cream and drizzled generously with Maple syrup, these little morsels of heaven were to die for.

Restaurant Review: Shanghai Master Dumpling

Location: 173 King Street, Melbourne
Phone: 03 9077 0919
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Overall Impression: 6/10

Even though Shanghai Master Dumpling is more "amateur" than "master", it is still a dumpling eatery that is worth a visit.

Eat the Australian Coat of Arms for Australia Day!

R and I tasted the most Australian of all burgers today at Grill’d...

To celebrate Australia Day, Grill’d has created the world’s first ‘Coat of Arms’ burger (that we know of) allowing hungry Australians to eat their national emblem.

Cafe Review: Silo by Joost

Location: 123 Hardware St Melbourne
Phone: 03 9600 0588
Link: http://byjoost.com/silo/
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Overall Impression: 8.5/10

Tucked away on Hardware Street, directly opposite The Hardware Societe, Silo by Joost is quickly becoming one of J and I’s favourite Melbourne cafes. 

Silo by Joost is a project by eco-friendly entrepreneur Joost Bakker. Whilst very cosy, Silo by Joost makes excellent use of the available space and does not waste an inch. Plant branches dangle from the ceiling and there is a clear focus on the use of wooden furnishings.