crazy food combinations

Saturday night and headed into Richmond to catch a concert left us time to enjoy a nice dinner out. Not eating in Richmond often left us on the scout for something that would take our fancy and of course fill our stomachs that were rumbling. I needed something fresh and tasty, that wasn't going to be too heavy but overall satisfying and there is one cuisine that does this exact thing, Japanese. There is nothing I like more than fresh Japanese cuisine, and Maedaya has certainly delivered every element of what I would expect from true Japanese. It's not just about the sushi and sashimi of which most westerners recognise Japanese to be, there is so much more behind it. With not taking reservations under 5 people we had to try our luck and walk in, with a short waiting list on the go it was only less than 10 minutes to wait for a table to come available, which isn't too bad however there is of course possibilities that it could be longer. A menu of what could end up being a lar...

Black Rock is just not filled with history down on Half moon bay with the HMVS (Her Majesty's Victorian Ship) Cerberus, which came to rest after years of service in the Victorian Naval Forces, Commonwealth Navel Forces and the Royal Australian Navy. It is home to a magnificent restaurant "Cerberus Beach House'. This outstanding secluded restaurant over looks the cove of Half Moon bay that sweeps around to the views of the city, and of course perfect views of the HMVS Cerberus wreck. It is so tranquil both day and night and is truly a haven for those who venture here. Just finishing their celebrations of there 2nd birthday we are welcomed with open arms and shown to our candle light table. Acoustic seductive tunes played by Josh Roydhouse makes a perfect setting for those for a romantic dinner, or just to enjoy a relaxing night out with friends or family. Breath taking as the view may be, the food is even more so. Each dish is show cased with great technique with every elem...

So it's been said that Hardware Societe it the primo of cafes at the moment, so of course I had to see for myself. An early finish at work lead me into the city to stroll down Hardware lane to venture into this more than popular cafe. Fresh yellow and white interior is more than uplifting and the canary yellow coffee machine and tea cups hanging on the back wall makes for a casual and perky atmosphere. I love the low hanging industrial lights that have been detailed with floral and the case of random produce for sale. Small tables placed along the wall with a large round communal table and seating at the bar invites for new friendships. The menu shouts restaurant value but at cafe prices, with a lunch selection of pork belly, ox tail, lamb shanks and more. Truly a winter inspired menu all of which are hearty and desired during these cold months. I as always am tempted with Pork belly of which was finished with a prawn and rocket salad with a baked apple which bought a spin onto the...

I am noticing that more and more products are becoming part of Fair Trade of which I am a high supporter in.  My most recent supporter I was interested in finding was Cadbury chocolate. But as my Husband says it was bound for them to become a supporter as there products already support Halal so why not support Fair Trade..... fair comment really. If you've seen Fair Trade marks around and just walk past it consider the difference you could have been making. Most people know coffee being the main source of Fair trade produce but their is so much more out their that you may be unaware of. If you are not sure on what Fair trade is it's a program started in the late 1940's where United States started selling needle work from Puerto Rico and started the first formal Fair Trade store in 1958. It is to bring better prices, much needed better working conditions, local sustainability and best of all fair terms for the farmers and workers in the developing world. Fair trade looks at ...

A bustling Sunday and in need of some good food we were lead to the newest addition to Mentone "the Corner Store". This modern designed cafe with touch of Scottish feel with its tartan carpets and wall panels was unique in itself and had a great feel. A brick laid bar, wooden planks on the roof and a roped blocked dining area made it feel that it should have been filled with coloured balls to make it a play pen. Although fairly loud inside you can choose to sit under the enormous heaters outside for another option or perhaps one use at the bar on the other side. Not too sure what made it so loud as we would have thought the wood planked roof would have soaked up most of the noise but it felt like it was bouncing it back, or maybe it was because of all the ladies out for a good time who choose to speak over each other. The menu was tempting with some prices a little questionable but had a good selection of breakfast and lunch dishes as well as dinner. With their own spin on so...

It wasn't without debate today whether to venture into a suggested dumpling restaurant in Glenhuntly when all the city dumpling places were booked out or didn't feel like eating at 10pm, but it proved to be better than we anticipated. It has been a long time since we had ventured into such a low budget interiored Chinese restaurant and did seem a little out of place, but the menu spoke dumplings and that's what I wanted. Hand painted walls bought some atmosphere but unfortunately not much more, with no music and a madiocre service made us left with not to much else to embrace with the scene of which we were taking in. An extensive menu allows you to select from dumplings, yum cha, large meals or noodles and vegetables so choices are not limited, but as you already know I was after dumplings. The first that caught my eye were the chilli oil dumplings, these heat smacking dumplings were cooked delicately and soaked up beautiful chilli heat from the oil. Defiantly one to clear...

It's amazing how subliminal messages can cause you to think and react and make you want something although you don't really need it. Well I walked past a Gelati van and although not subliminal I wanted ice cream, but not just any ice cream..... Davey Mac's ice cream. I found it a perfect match when I entered and Powderfinger's My Happiness was on in the back ground as this truly is My Happiness. Black rock has always needed an ice creamery as my husband and I have said after living here for 5-6 years and am glad to see that us locals have scored a good one. The Artisan ice creamery makes all delectable flavours on the premises and although it may be a little chilli at the moment you should go down and indulge in these delicious creamy tasteful ice creams. For summer Davey Mac's is open every day til about 10pm, and winter trading makes them close earlier and closed Mondays, but their is still a every chance for you to get down and to indulge in there delights. You d...

A quaint little place nestles in between Cheltenham and Beaumaris, and only true locals know where I'm talking about, but it is time to put the word out their to everyone. The Parlor Milk bar and Kitchen is a gem  hidden beside the local golf course and schools, a little up from a strip of local shops and has provides the best of the best coffee, service and food. I've been going here for a short while now, after I noticed it on a bus trip to Southland shopping centre and I'm glad I found it. It's clean cheque and country style interior with rich wooden tables, large industrial down lights (that were here before they become the in thing on the Block), fire place and gifts displays around the cafe makes it for humble dining. The staff are always friendly, not once have we experienced bad service from this team. It's so relaxing to see a team working together, having fun and enjoying what they do. Each of them are happy to talk to the customers and serve and then behi...