Southgate MSFW Opening Night + Blue Train tasting

Location: Southgate Landing, Southgate Plaza, Southbank
Phone: 03 9696 0440
Cuisine: Pizza, Coffee, Burgers
Link: http://www.bluetrain.com.au/

Southgate celebrated the opening of Melbourne Spring Fashion Week last night out the front of the new Bluetrain on Southgate’s upper level. 

Markov's makeover

Location: 350 Drummond Street, Carlton
Phone: 03 9347 7113
Link: http://www.markov.com.au/
Cuisine: Gastropub, Pub/Bar

Markov Beer & Dining had recently undergone an "extreme makeover". Now it’s Markov: a craft beer and dining venue in a designer warehouse space.

Cafe Review: Monarch Cakes

Location: 103 Acland Street, St Kilda

Phone: 03 9534 2972  

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

Cuisine: Bakery, Coffee, Desserts/Ice Cream 

Overall Impression: 7.5/10

Monarch Cakes have been doing what they do for over 75 years and the proof is, quite literally, in the pudding. Staying true to their Polish roots, many recipes have originated from their shop in Poland. Every cake is made fresh using raw ingredients in their most natural form.

What's new @ ASC

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

Boasting some of the best Mexican food in Melbourne, Acland St Cantina has in recent times established itself as a prime destination for accessible yet sophisticated dining and entertaining. From a relaxed breakfast in the diner to dinner and drinks in the sleek tequila bar and funky restaurant, ASC is extremely versatile.

One of the reasons we love ASC is the constant stream of new dishes that regularly make their way onto the menu. The new ASC menu is vibrant, fresh and innovative with a strong focus on seasonality and locally sourced produce. Here is a collection of a few of our favourite dishes from their new menu which have kept us coming back for more. 

From bean to cup @ Coffee MIO

Location: 811 High Street, Thornbury
Phone: 03 9484 0776
Link: www.coffeemio.com.au/

Frank Berra, Co-Managing Director of Coffee MIO

Over forty years ago, long before the days of cult coffee culture, Coffee MIO founders Mario Berra and his brother Frank had the simple idea of creating the perfect cup of Italian Espresso coffee. Gastrology bloggers were privileged to be invited by Coffee MIO to trace the delicious journey of the Coffee MIO coffee bean.

Our top picks for Father's Day

Father's Day is nearly upon us. Take dad out for a great meal, and remember, beer and meat are like flowers for dad.

Restaurant Review: Sichuan House Seafood

Location: 395 Victoria Street, Abbotsford
Phone: 03 9913 6235
Link: Facebook page
Cuisine: Chinese, Asian
Overall Impression: 8/10

Sichuan House serves up specialties from the far reaches of Western China, where the freezing climate encourages the copious use of chilli and peppers from the prickly ash tree.

Media Release: A slice of New York in Fitzroy

Location: 324 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
Phone: 03 9419 9596
Link: http://www.shawcrosspizza.com.au/
Cuisine: Coffee, Pizza, Salad

Shawcross Pizza is the latest offering from the Phat Brats crew and Iza Dawkins. An independent New York-style pizza joint serving 12 inch pizzas and King Kong-sized slices, cooked in massive custom-made 22 inch pans, Shawcross is an American-style pizza joint with an old school vibe.

‘The Venetian Connection’ - Royal Saxon Celebrates The Spring Graze

Royal Saxon heralds the arrival of Spring with ‘The Venetian Connection’; a three course seasonal dinner inspired by the Italian region of Veneto. As part of the ‘Put Victoria on Your Table’ Spring Graze campaign, new Head Chef Simone Righetto has patriotically divulged a menu embracing the flavours from his hometown, showcasing the very best Victorian Spring produce. 

Venetian cuisine is often said to be one of the finest cuisines in Italy because it features a unique blend of ingredients and influences from all around the world.

Restaurant Review: Roll'd

Location: various
Link: http://www.rolld.com.au/
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Overall Impression: 7/10

Roll’d is introducing Melbourne to Vietnamese-style fresh eating. The menu has an emphasis on creating fresh, healthy and delicious options and features popular items such as their Roll’d Soldiers, The B, Mr Bun Mee and  Uncle Pho.

A round up of this month's hottest foodie news

The Lunch Room

The Lunch Room launched on 30 July 2013 at 727 Collins Street and brings to Melbourne a brand new food destination. Designed by collaboration between blackmilk interior design and Walker Corporation, The Lunch Room looks like a restaurant, but serves honest to goodness sandwiches, freshly rolled sushi, salsas and more. 

Date with Helados Jauja (ice cream appreciation masterclass)

Location: 254 Lygon Street, Carlton
Phone: 03 9041 2927
Link: http://www.heladosjauja.com.au/
Cuisine: Desserts/Ice Cream, Latin American, Breakfast/Brunch
Overall Impression: 8.5/10

Helados ‘Jauja' (pronounced “hkow-hka”) is winning Melbourne over one scoop at a time by serving delicious, authentic and unique artisan ice creams and sorbets - all meticulously handmade using real ingredients. That means no artificial flavouring, colouring, or gelatine.

Blog Giveaway: Hairy Lemon Energy Packs

Need something to help you recover? Recover with HAIRY LEMON! 

Gastrology has teamed up with Hairy Lemon to give away 2 x Hairy Lemon Energy Packs to two of our lucky readers. These awesome packs are valued at $50 each and include Hairy Lemon along with some other 'recovery essentials' (sunnies, headphones, lip balm, water). 

Upcoming Event: Oyster Frenzy #8 @ Albert Park Hotel

Missed out on Oyster Frenzy #7? Here is your second chance... Oyster Frenzy #8 is here!

Launch of HERE WE GROW Pop Up Cinema @ OST Bar Diner

The HERE WE GROW Pop Up Cinema launched on Bridge Rd on Friday the 2nd of August at OST Bar Diner.

Artini Series 1 Launch @ Circa

Gastrology bloggers attended the launch of Circa’s Artini series last night. The event was a treat for all the senses.

Restaurant Review: Pok Pok

Location: 803 Bourke Street, Docklands
Phone: 03 9620 4580
Link: http://www.pokpok.com.au/
Cuisine: Thai, Breakfast
Overall Impression: 6.5/10

Pok Pok is part of the plethora of Mod Thai restaurants to hit Melbourne in recent times. In its short existence, it has firmly entrenched itself in the stable of busy restaurants in the area.