crazy food combinations

Sun Wah Restaurant is located in a strange place, easily missed by traffic passing by on Beach rd Mordialoc. Often stopping at the Round about on the corner I have looked out the window and thought, I wonder what that restaurant is like. Prawn stuffed duck w/ mandarin sauce The exterior is plain and simple with it's neon signs just like a lot of Chinese restaurants, and it does not venture to far away from the standard design on the interior. But it is still well presented and the service is welcoming, which makes it a beginning of a pleasurable evening. It's extensive menu exceeds your expectations both far and beyond to the usual which is always exciting. Starting with Ginger pear scollops on crispy pork belly and served with golden pearl sago and chilli jam is something well away from the usual dumplings and spring rolls, but don't be disheartened they have plenty of dumplings and spring rolls too. Being adventurous we also dive into the entree platter of the chefs selec...

A busy Friday night on Lygon street with no booking leaves us wondering if there is any chance on getting 3 people into a restaurant at 7:00pm at night. The peak time for any restaurant really, and being in the industry myself made it more shameful that I didn't make a booking anywhere. A quick wonder down Lygon street and a look at some Italian restaurants made us realise that we weren't in the mood for Pizza or Pasta (funny and strange seeing as we were on Lygon street after all). apple & lychee sangria Realising this we came across Amigos, with its bright red chairs out the front and warm interior we choose to go for the Mexican cuisine, none of us had had Mexican for ages so it was a unanimous vote. Luckily at this point the Restaurant was full outside and 1/2 inside at the time of passing so we were greatful they could accommodate us, it wasn't too soon after the Restaurant was full to the brim. Now I know what you are thinking, Amigos is just another Taco Bill or ...

There is nothing better to catch up with friends for a bit of brunch in the Saturday's sun in the court yard of Porgie and Mr jones to celebrate Paul's birthday. Banana Bread Never being here before but had entered my wish list and was truly up to expctations. This unique cafe is housed to individual rooms for both small and large gatherings, a grassed dining area and pebbled court yard. A quirky layout and welcoming staff truly made the start of our day perfect. Greatful that on this occasion we did not need to wait for a table, as on weekends it has been said that the line is down the street due to it's amazing breakfasts we settled and ordered the first round of coffee. What a coffee! smooth bodied blend and served at perfect temperature, it has landed on the top 5 best coffee places on my list. The consistency of there coffee is to be acknowledged as when ordering a second (even branching out to the large size) the coffee was perfect and well balanced.The kitchen is  De...

Has Melbourne finally reached the point of too many choices? Thousands of restaurants, repeatative cusines and nothing new. Multiple restaurant search sites such as the famous urban spoon allows us to search for restaurants and reduce it down to the location where we want, but how do you single the one from the other? Is it the menu, the look of the restaurants or perhaps the blogger who has recommended it? It becomes a nail biting decision, especially when their is a group of you going out together. You have to think of each individual research the menu, look at the gallery on the web page (if they have one) and then finally go with your gut instinct and book it. I like to live on the adventurous side of life and book somewhere I've never been before, to try something new. Sometimes it is a risk and a complete FAIL, but more 8 times out of 10 we find ourselves a winning restaurant, cafe or bar. So what is it that I look for to find delicious restaurants to drag Paul along side or ...

The 29th of February comes only but once every four years and so does our Wedding Anniversary. This year was our first Anniversary and everything was going to count to make this Anniversary the best it could be. Healesville Harvest Although the Victorian weather was up to it's usual antics, we nestled ourselves in the Yarra Velley to dine on some amazing food and of course it's renowned wines. A stop in at Healesville Harvest for our first taste of what's on offer in the area. Run by the Healesville Hotel we had a choice of the cafe, bar or the bistro. Going for something more substantial than what the cafe had on offer of bruchetta's and salads although looking tantalisingly fresh, but not so substantial as a full sit down meal from the bistro we met in the middle for the bar menu. Choosing a tasty gremolata crumbed squid on a fennel and rocket accompanied by a bur blanc, and Paul going for what was said to be a pretty tasty yeringberg lamb burger  with caramelised oni...

Decorated cupcakes Recently I have undergone a short cooking course in Cupcake decorating and Macaroon making. A wonderful gift from my sister at Christmas. Perfect in all means. A rainy Saturday in Melbourne proves to be the perfect day to set foot in a kitchen and take part in a 6 hour short course at Carrick Institute to learn how to decorate cupcakes, and how to ultimately make macaroon's. Setting foot into a class of 20 with my sister and Mum in toe, we choose our bench and don our Aprons ready for what lies ahead. An introduction into what the course entails and we are ready to get cooking. Sorry did I say cooking?  To my disappointment, there will be no real cooking in this course, but more demonstrations on how to create. But no worry it will sure to be interesting to listen to different techniques in baking or decorating.   Chocolate Decorated Cupcakes A demonstration of how to make our chocolate ganache and lemon curd for the fillings of our macaroons, giving a more ...

I was recently invited by my sister to join her on the adventures to find the BEST ice-creameries in Melbourne, who would say no to that? Well perhaps someone who doesn't enjoy the frozen cream or ice based product because it's too cold or they get freeze head-aches....... but not I. Gelatissimo Guns blazing, list in hand we set out on our expedition for a day of ice- cream eating. First stop Gelatissimo, located on busy Lygon street, this small gelati shop is jam packed with amazing flavours of ice-cream or sorbets. When arriving the store was bare, but something must have enticed everyone to come in within moments of arriving...... maybe it was us??? A packed container of 3 scoops of Biscottini, toffee malt and creme brule I figure why not just over indulge myself and get a scoop of Hot Nutella to complete the experience. This ice-creamery had a fantastic variety and each one sure to be as delicious as each other, I do remember going there in 2011 and trying vegemite flavours...