crazy food combinations

Recently my travels on a date night introduced me to a warm and chique restaurant/ bar. Mr & Mrs Howell is bustling with diners on a Friday night and were lucky to be apart of their full house. A warm greeting by staff is always a perfect way to start, but whats more perfect is the cocktails that were ordered and made for a busy day at work come to a smoothing and relaxing end. The menu is Modern Australian inspired and encompasses our diverse culture of Melbourne to deliver a beautiful and inspiring menu. A selection of amazing dishes were ordered, and each made for the perfect grazing evening. First to begin was the Almond crusted goats cheese, drizzled with candies orange and honey.  The bar was set high for the remaining dishes as we gorged ourselves with this creamy and slightly sweet cheese on crisp baguette.  Accompany some of this creamy heavenly cheese with some micro herbs and enhance and change the flavours,...

Above the dwellings of Swanston street nests a Lounge where Gloria's Kitchen sets up serving an American inspired menu. A perfect choice to match the bar beverage selection whilst you lounge around with friends and co-workers for Lunch, dinner, late or in between. Basically any time of day. Start the Lounging with some Mac 'n' Cheese balls, looking like circular aranchini's but not. These crumbed golden balls are all about the mac and the cheese with bacon pieces and served with a spiced aioli. Any American food hunter wouldn't want to pass these up. Sliders are the way to go but watch out, they are all above normal slider size and can become very overwhelming, rich and filling. All sliders served with a side of fries means you don't need to get that side of wedges or fries you usually do in most places. But I'd suggest maybe choose a salad to cut through the grease and the richness. The Pulled pork Pig slider is as a duo with both over flowing with tender j...

Seven years I have been a citizen of the picturesque Black Rock, but it is time to pack my things and bid the farewell. It is surprising how there are things that you will miss, thing that you remember and things that you know will be better. Black Rock is where I became officially a wife and started me married life, where I raised 2 beautiful cats (one of which I lost) and where I started blogging, nestled in the back room listening to tunes and thinking about my food adventures. There are places I have made my local rituals and wish I was not leaving them behind, but it's not good bye forever I am sure. It will become my meeting ground, being the 1/2 way point between family and friends on the Peninsula and me returning from my new home grounds in Brunswick. The places that I will always have in my heart, are those I hope all the locals will continue to support, and for others get to visit and enjoy the exact superb service and food that I did while living in the area. Breakfast ...

A tiny place sits quaintly on the corner of Hawthorn road and Glen Eira Road, with character and style. Donning the old school jaffles, burgers, spiders and milk shakes Tuck Shop Take Away is making us remember the back in the day moments and having fun with it. Not over the top themed in the manner of speaking but if you take a moment to look at the detail Tuck Shop has put into such a small space it embraces the ambience that they are needing. A hop scotch on the way through the front door and a menu board written as though you were back learning Capitals and scrawl. Hide away school bells and globes brings you back to the over crowded primary school rooms. Finishing touches of old lockers and a water fountain instead of a water station makes for a casual and fun eatery. Jaffles with the creamed corn or baked beans are always good to get you going but throw in a pulled pork option and you have won me over. There is nothing better than to receive a golden crisp breville pressed jaffle...

A while ago I visited a place who drew me in with their photos and words on social media, and now that I have been their in person all I can do is think about it. A sucker for Brunch's, 8 Days knew how to win me over. The menu wakes you up (or maybe that's the coffee you've got in your hand) as you attempt to choose between: * French toast with poached pears and candied pistachios * Omlette with piquillo peppers, sweet paprika potatoes and a jamon rocket salad * Avocado & Persian fetta on sourdough finished with chilli, basil and minted broad bean dressing All of these I wanted, actually to be honest their is absolutely nothing on this menu I wouldn't have. Everything read perfectly tantalising your taste buds and successfully confusing you first thing in the morning. Sometimes decision making can be so hard. Let's start with choice number one for us. Smoked salmon and leek croquettes, served with grilled asparagus, poached egg and a lime coriander hollandaise. ...

Large arch windows captivating the sunlight through the stain glass brings a tranquil feel to this very fresh morning. As the sunlight shines across the rich wooden tables and flooring I semi feel that I have escaped somewhere in the country. The Mailing Room located in Canterbury has recently been voted the 2013 boutique roster, and rightfully so. Its exquisite blends tantalise any coffee lovers taste buds with a combination of special roasts and presses. Not only that but they have a rather scrumptious menu too. My first choice of blend this morning is the Guatemala entre volcanes. This perfectly rounded blend contains a sparkling acidity with a touch of honey essence. A rich caramelised raspberry and cocoa leaves for a medium bodied coffee. Enjoyed as espresso (milk can be added if so desired) this was a lovely beginning and a perfect way to waken the mind. Enjoyed whilst gorging myself in some scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, fresh avocado and beetroot relish, cause why wouldn...

Someone said that "Chilli is not so much of a food as it is a state of mind. It's addictions to it are formed early in our lived and the Victims never recover". Chilli, spice, heat and some fire perhaps comes in different shapes and sizes and I have to say the mind of the individual will find one spice or chilli hotter than their friends. A scale that each of us hold to our own minds inception which will allow us to begin but also will determine the stopping point. An acceptance of a kind invitation has lead me with some fine chilli eating companions to Sichuan House Seafood, located in Richmond. Sister restaurant to that of Sichuan House, Melbourne. Owner Peter Lin Hu, a true lover of not only food but takes great pride in what his restaurants deliver. It was with great warmth we were welcomed into his restaurant as if it was like his home, combined with large gatherings of family it was as though we had been adopted. Peter explains to us that Sichuan cuisine has been th...