tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87069276606485097202024-03-13T18:43:40.191-07:00Go To Bread, Not bed! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01673499093012787467noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706927660648509720.post-92123200960395163782014-08-28T00:23:00.003-07:002014-08-28T00:24:18.509-07:00Diary of a Cafe Waitress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today's lunch: half a beef patty and a really tasty salad made of all the fruit and vegetables the chef could find in the cupboard - cucumber, spinach leaves, carrot, green apple, and strawberries, with a really nice orange juice and honey dressing. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01673499093012787467noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706927660648509720.post-86975076773376516652014-08-27T01:34:00.001-07:002014-08-27T05:14:35.768-07:00Review: Seven Seeds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Brother Baba Budan strapped seven seeds of fertile coffee to his waist as he travelled from Yemen to Indian in the 17th century, breaking the rules of the tightly regulated system of the time (which aimed to keep coffee cultivation confined to the Arabic world). Now, when I have an 8:30 class in the city and didn’t get home until 4am that morning, I quietly thank Brother Budan (or I make a mental note to – I’m in too bad of a mood to thank anyone or think of anyone outside of myself and how badly my head is pounding).<br />
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Since starting university, I have become slightly addicted to coffee, spend a lot of my time wandering around the northern suburbs looking for new cafes, and would like to ride a bike. It’s surprising then, that it has taken me so long to visit this coffee hub in Carlton (which, to coffee lovers, could be considered the centre of the universe). D put his trust in me to take him somewhere nice for lunch on his day-off from working 6 days a week, so I decided to take him to where <i>I</i> personally wanted to go in the hope that he'd like it (or at least the knowledge that he'd be polite enough to pretend he did - which he was).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPw1hsnISQuKRsoBRBBOSiZPmPyYJtvJ4sKMiZCY5EasToixkSOp2lsuThN5O_LdJWA9rTnAJbOomsfLdI9rurC_I8zpFu_8Rc9I_2suNcnL8geVDA0uFmoi6HiH4WIjLFtB0SWtUkUPI/s1600/IMG_1114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPw1hsnISQuKRsoBRBBOSiZPmPyYJtvJ4sKMiZCY5EasToixkSOp2lsuThN5O_LdJWA9rTnAJbOomsfLdI9rurC_I8zpFu_8Rc9I_2suNcnL8geVDA0uFmoi6HiH4WIjLFtB0SWtUkUPI/s1600/IMG_1114.jpg" height="640" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was a pretty poor effort by me, ordering a chai latte at one of the most celebrated coffee roasting houses in Melbourne, but regardless I was pretty happy with this coffee.</td></tr>
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Seven Seeds has become a bit of a household name to those that visit cafes often, as you generally see a bag of their beans, on display on a shelf somewhere near the coffee machine. Seven Seeds humbly calls themselves a “micro roaster”, but this place is like a temple of coffee. Located in a food-barren stretch of land outside of the CBD (I think it lies just on Carlton’s border), behind unassuming grey bricks lies a roomy café, state-of-the-art roasting facility, retail counter, and a room dedicated to regular coffee training programs.<br />
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On their website they explain, “like all fruit, coffee is seasonal”, so the coffee offerings are constantly rotating, and the beans are treated with love, care, and respect, ensuring you get the most flavours from your beans. As it’s also a roastery, Seven Seeds boasts that it’s one of the few roasteries in Melbourne to cup what they roast on a daily basis. These guys are serious coffee lovers.
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaMWOoBYR2gJJYM5o9N6AWHL_MIGb-WE7CuBFZXau-wFbfDHV6V1C4pDrBN8blO4_FCqDJ7bE3uT1TjjJce3BIxHWrBlWDMCmxz2uMlaP4Eaml2HDpM2UiFb1Py4yI0EHIWmsEZEZqmbs/s1600/IMG_1122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaMWOoBYR2gJJYM5o9N6AWHL_MIGb-WE7CuBFZXau-wFbfDHV6V1C4pDrBN8blO4_FCqDJ7bE3uT1TjjJce3BIxHWrBlWDMCmxz2uMlaP4Eaml2HDpM2UiFb1Py4yI0EHIWmsEZEZqmbs/s1600/IMG_1122.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">D didn't see this meal on the menu until I pointed it out to him and then he swore at me for pointing it out to him, because it meant that he had to get it (despite the fact that he's trying to diet). This was the Elvis French Toast stuffed with banana caramel, whipped peanut butter, and shards of candied bacon. D, with such a big sweet tooth, loved this one. </td></tr>
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Seven Seeds don’t neglect the food side. Even though the menu is quite short, it’s definitely not simple, with complex flavours hailing from all over the world (and it changes seasonally). And with fewer options comes more time for chef’s to refine and perfect what they serve. So our dishes (and the other dishes I spied around the room) were all beautifully presented – a feast for the eyes as much as the stomach.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxNi8zjodtl5S69rDJuAtxQ-ofwo5IIm8TBCO0_l1w5z8dCxOdjQ8eby7Y8cPxju9PPFboAxgOt3xB_x2qqrmPK3VObLd3N32imLqAORz88Sz3h3LJxRVCtlHJRoNsa_TwCX4PvWaubqc/s1600/IMG_1124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxNi8zjodtl5S69rDJuAtxQ-ofwo5IIm8TBCO0_l1w5z8dCxOdjQ8eby7Y8cPxju9PPFboAxgOt3xB_x2qqrmPK3VObLd3N32imLqAORz88Sz3h3LJxRVCtlHJRoNsa_TwCX4PvWaubqc/s1600/IMG_1124.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I felt slightly boring ordering this after D got his deluxe sweet dish, but it was definitely just as multi-layered and delicious. Freekah and chickpea salad with za'atar, roast eggplant, chargrilled peppers, and goats cheese. Every ingredient was fresh and bursting with flavour - some of the best roasted vegetables I've ever had. </td></tr>
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You know that the fit out of this place (being a converted warehouse) is going to be cool. It’s spacious, with exposed brick walls, shiny concrete floors, visible roof frames, wooden benches, and industrial wooden doors. The huge amount of space made it the perfect place to hide out and stay cool on a surprisingly warm spring day – D was pretty happy about that, as he’s told me a number of times before, he’s not keen on the heat. There is also a whole corner dedicated to bikes, so diners can store their fixies safely and not have to worry.<br />
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That’s the sort of vibe they have here. University students and office workers mingling quite happily next to each other, enjoying a VERY good cup of coffee and some tasty food. But hey, that seems to just be Melbourne these days. The staff are relaxed as well without making you feel like you're going to be forgotten at any moment, and even though it was outside of the lunch rush, there was still a constant flow of people pouring in for something to drink or eat.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwkmNxlrx6SS_EGS_F6Cdyii-px1s4olO8Y6bLDrQUY32XyWLvPFZuHnrh59x1RhHbd7NxVFyFG1HRLn1jZqfYGdZAV6VjReNswOui9v19Xur2AvJaFf0eoYH05Yvq3KXwrytqR7bgB4/s1600/IMG_1113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwkmNxlrx6SS_EGS_F6Cdyii-px1s4olO8Y6bLDrQUY32XyWLvPFZuHnrh59x1RhHbd7NxVFyFG1HRLn1jZqfYGdZAV6VjReNswOui9v19Xur2AvJaFf0eoYH05Yvq3KXwrytqR7bgB4/s1600/IMG_1113.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a simple menu but definitely very groovy and exciting</td></tr>
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I'm pretty glad I've finally checked out this place, and I'm even gladder that it's so close to both university and my house and therefore easier to get to. The fact that it's open until 5pm is an even better gift as it means I can pop in to do some after university study.<br />
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<b>Seven Seeds</b><br />
<a href="https://www.google.com.au/maps/place/106-114+Berkeley+St,+Carlton+VIC+3053/@-37.802872,144.959121,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x6ad65d329277dcbd:0x4dd7558ea7bc0343">114 Berkeley Street, Carlton</a><br />
9347 8664<br />
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<b>Hours:</b><br />
Mon - Sat: 7am to 5pm<br />
Sun: 8am to 5pm<br />
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<b>Website:</b><br />
<a href="http://sevenseeds.com.au/">http://sevenseeds.com.au/</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1453620/restaurant/Melbourne/North-Melbourne/Seven-Seeds-Carlton"><img alt="Seven Seeds on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1453620/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01673499093012787467noreply@blogger.com0106-114 Berkeley Street, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia-37.802872 144.95912099999998-63.112171000000004 103.65052699999998 -12.493573000000001 -173.73228500000005tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706927660648509720.post-26364545679142056852014-08-26T02:30:00.005-07:002014-08-27T03:37:34.550-07:00Review: Barry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Naming a café after a first name feels a bit like naming a dog a human name, like Robert. However, there’s something endearing and likeable about the name Barry. It reminds me of a friendly man who lived next-door to you when you were a child, who tells you a lot of stories that are a bit too vivid for a child to hear, and who you don’t realise was a bit strange until you’re much older. Oddly enough, the name of one of Northcote’s most popular eateries isn’t dedicated to a colourful childhood character. Instead, it comes from the adjacent street that it sits on – Barry.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVXl9_TVTPE6f5jStbzQs8Jm0zHcTOjwNncGcZMdsy2t9IbtOjCRbQ-bXUiioGMHXOMOtAYXY3LIT_lofD8WIj-wEFQG4HM10oLxm5767b0Gbhf25WwneY4pEKb1KFV8pFj4VoF8Iqk0/s1600/IMG_1109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVXl9_TVTPE6f5jStbzQs8Jm0zHcTOjwNncGcZMdsy2t9IbtOjCRbQ-bXUiioGMHXOMOtAYXY3LIT_lofD8WIj-wEFQG4HM10oLxm5767b0Gbhf25WwneY4pEKb1KFV8pFj4VoF8Iqk0/s1600/IMG_1109.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How could I look past this menu item? Peppers, eggplant, zucchini, and chilli braise, poached eggs, tomato and cucumber salsa, labne, and house made chickpea flat bread. And I was not disappointed. Killer spices, nice and saucy, and the house made flat bread (I've never had chickpea bread before) was the texture of a pikelet and very tasty. This was a staff favourite as well with both of the two waiters that served us making excited noises in reference to it.</td></tr>
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It seems everyone has either been or plans to go visit Barry, stationed on the top end of High Street. And why wouldn’t you? Barry is related to Pillar of Salt and Touchwood in Richmond, and by now, these guys know what people want to see on their plates. Today was SUCH an incredible day. I was so keen to spend the entire day out soaking up the sun’s rays. I’m looking forward to summer and being able to spending all my days sitting outside with a cup of coffee and some delicious food.
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8uorii-lgnu0h-kjjus7AsylF5NTPSbLR2ykRXSC6BlIADoJtXi36-Dvj6Qg4Wjw8qUvDdtc4i8IPNN6OUXvFyqQ4s2_lWl8X4Pk5IdshIVWm30VYOkf2me4jvDwgBITsiDrTBjeN7ZE/s1600/IMG_1106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8uorii-lgnu0h-kjjus7AsylF5NTPSbLR2ykRXSC6BlIADoJtXi36-Dvj6Qg4Wjw8qUvDdtc4i8IPNN6OUXvFyqQ4s2_lWl8X4Pk5IdshIVWm30VYOkf2me4jvDwgBITsiDrTBjeN7ZE/s1600/IMG_1106.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mum tossed up between this and a tart on the specials board and she was very happy with her choice: Lemon and coconut poached chicken, zucchini, cucumber, bitter leaves, toasted pine nuts, tea soaked currants, and honey yoghurt. She said this tasted very healthy (which can sometimes be a polite insult) but in this case it wasn't - she loved the inclusion of the currents, which gave it a burst of sweetness. </td></tr>
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To start off what I’d like to imagine is my “summer of brunching”, I wanted to visit Barry, having heard a lot about it’s interesting menu and good quality ingredients. Health food here is celebrated, rather than dreaded. And even better to know, it’s not all kale and activated nuts. Barry is also able to hold it’s own with its own versions of sugary and fatty wonders. Even more exciting, there is no cliché smashed avocado (crushed avocado but it comes with grapes so that’s a bit exciting) in sight, and instead, there’s a dish that combines crunchy peanut butter, heirloom tomatoes, and salt and pepper peanuts on toast (“trust us” they say on the menu).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXLyCn3mT7ungjNJgehzw8i9Pt5I_jA4aY6IXrAIN5fiU0k65HYE9bEA64Xe7VvA1EN-6xxC-QvgJzQAWqn_viW8wYXTSsjS_D7iDPaY7Np-pBlYyMEFkICUpnWzk3thbzjsPxz7R4mKo/s1600/IMG_1101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXLyCn3mT7ungjNJgehzw8i9Pt5I_jA4aY6IXrAIN5fiU0k65HYE9bEA64Xe7VvA1EN-6xxC-QvgJzQAWqn_viW8wYXTSsjS_D7iDPaY7Np-pBlYyMEFkICUpnWzk3thbzjsPxz7R4mKo/s1600/IMG_1101.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My skinny cappuccino was deliciously creamy and not too chocolately </td></tr>
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The coffee here is the tried and tested (and loved) 5 Seeds house blend made on 50% Brazil, 20% Peru, and 30% Ethiopian, brewed on a very fancy Synesso machine. There are also Single Origin, Aeropress, and Pour Overs available as well. You can also get an impressive hot chocolate and for 50 cents extra a spoonful of peanut butter (they love peanut butter here so it’s my kind of place). They also have a couple of impressive juices available that will make you feel so healthy and some alcoholic options that will make you feel a little bit naughty.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3jfsLmH90YXSPJovlgwegkDj3rpct-SkAlOquJ8Xu3EtbTpSGlbCe-5ncSRIbbCAAe7l5aFk1llR5Ci5cQe-O_ODLNnjsPGzPnX4abyde__WuCuNyLibXhrJL1PY6Gj1VL2TR2v_Olw8/s1600/IMG_1100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3jfsLmH90YXSPJovlgwegkDj3rpct-SkAlOquJ8Xu3EtbTpSGlbCe-5ncSRIbbCAAe7l5aFk1llR5Ci5cQe-O_ODLNnjsPGzPnX4abyde__WuCuNyLibXhrJL1PY6Gj1VL2TR2v_Olw8/s1600/IMG_1100.JPG" height="484" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out some of these fantastic menu options - I want to go back and try them all.</td></tr>
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Beyond it’s “streets-ahead” menu, Barry oozes confidence the moment you step inside, with it’s smart fit-out. Modern and clean interiors, tall ceilings, sleek wood, distressed white bricks, and contrasting bold chairs, and big windows that brings in a lot of bright light. There’s a mix of communal tables, tables for 2, 3, or 4, and outside seating available, but despite this abundance, you’ll probably have a bit of trouble getting a seat. The big hall is always noisy and bustling, and this explains its homely and relaxed atmosphere. The staff don’t have a slight feeling of hipster pretentious-ness and the service was quick despite the packed room.<br />
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Just like your slightly strange next-door neighbour, visiting Barry will be an unforgettable experience that will probably change your perspective of certain things - in this case you'll now be looking for interesting and delicious menu items at whatever cafe you visit next.<br />
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<b>Barry</b><br />
<a href="https://www.google.com.au/maps/place/85+High+St,+Northcote+VIC+3070/@-37.7802024,144.9965976,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x6ad64371a5e8a77d:0x7fcd977c03bfc47d">85 High Street, Northcote</a><br />
9481 7623<br />
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<b>Hours:</b><br />
Mon - Fri: 7:30am to 4pm<br />
Sat - Sun: 8am to 4:30pm<br />
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<b>Website:</b><br />
<a href="http://barrycoffeeandfood.com/">http://barrycoffeeandfood.com/</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1784367/restaurant/Melbourne/Barry-Northcote"><img alt="Barry on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1784367/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01673499093012787467noreply@blogger.com085 High Street, Northcote VIC 3070, Australia-37.7802024 144.99659759999997-63.089506400000005 103.68800359999997 -12.4708984 -173.69480840000006tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706927660648509720.post-67825462552646443412014-08-24T18:36:00.001-07:002014-08-24T18:36:16.805-07:00Review: Grossi Florentino Cellar Bar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm-q3K0fxzNvGy4Rhu-FhtbFygys9gvHUox7zOGLT779AGmhHC8pzElxmpmOgevfPyICVkUVeEjOuG9RCqdD1RNOjAtxLrbx__Y_SL7NRbgdPTAzrF2objV97n2xClsxa6159lpBzxrlE/s1600/IMG_1079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm-q3K0fxzNvGy4Rhu-FhtbFygys9gvHUox7zOGLT779AGmhHC8pzElxmpmOgevfPyICVkUVeEjOuG9RCqdD1RNOjAtxLrbx__Y_SL7NRbgdPTAzrF2objV97n2xClsxa6159lpBzxrlE/s1600/IMG_1079.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>I’m one of the lucky ones. I grew up with a Nonna and a Nonno, so I know what good pasta is. I love good pasta. What doesn’t make for good pasta are huge portions that are designed to leave you feeling heavy and upset, as you emerge from your carbohydrate-induced blackout with stained clothes and breathing heavily. What does make for good authentic pasta are good quality ingredients, manageable servings (unless Nonna is feeding you, then this rule can be disregarded), and the secret ingredient: love for both you, and (maybe even more importantly) food.<br />
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Who would know about good pasta better than the godfather of modern Italian food in Melboure, Guy Grossi. Italian to a core, Grossi has enjoyed huge success with an insane number of restaurants and countless awards and accolades for his dedication to Italian food. He was even awarded the prestigious L’insegna Del Ristorante Italiano in 1996 by the Italian president for his service to the Italian cuisine abroad. This guy isn’t messing around.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7GnZg4Zy2OVh1uJgF6592hqAqhYEGFHBVxcNaUJglSZZujKg3Q2MBLhPtGFT56uy-bp4fwKr3ceQscGYCbwedr7a_PtGt6fEHLoB1GlzzLPR1i62OHKcWQ1dxDgDynf4QJabGVas9w4/s1600/IMG_1076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7GnZg4Zy2OVh1uJgF6592hqAqhYEGFHBVxcNaUJglSZZujKg3Q2MBLhPtGFT56uy-bp4fwKr3ceQscGYCbwedr7a_PtGt6fEHLoB1GlzzLPR1i62OHKcWQ1dxDgDynf4QJabGVas9w4/s1600/IMG_1076.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This sums up the Italian sense of humour and attitude towards food pretty well, with animals almost being considered loved members of the family (this drawing is just really cool as well)</td></tr>
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For our first lunch in a while dad insisted he take me to try the best Spaghetti Bolognese in Melbourne – Grossi Florentino Cellar Bar. (Funny story: apparently dad was talking to someone at work about taking his daughter for spaghetti and she also named The Cellar Bar as her favourite restaurant for Bolognese!)<br />
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The history of the Cellar Bar is quite beautiful – a wine shop in the 1900s, the Cellar Bar was the first drink pit stop of Guy Grossi’s father, Pietro, after he stepped off the boat from Italy in 1960. The Cellar Bar is the no frills Italian bistro of its upmarket neighbours housed at the top end of Bourke Street (Florentino Grill next door, Grossi upstairs and the most recent Ombra Salumi on the other side). People like to say Cellar Bar is the sister, but when I walked in I imagined Cellar Bar as the wise Nonno, who prefers sitting on a wine crate outside in the Italian sun with a strong espresso and bowl of pasta.
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here it is! The famous Spaghetti Bolognese! Let me tell you. This was damn good Bolognese, almost as good as my Nonna's. The pasta was perfect and al dente, the sauce was rich and meaty, and the parmesan serving was generous. Absolutely perfect serving side as well, I was left satisfied and happy. </td></tr>
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The focus of Cellar Bar is providing hearty, homely Italian creations at reasonable prices. No whistles. No bells. Just good quality ingredients (the pasta is made on site) and flavours that have been refined to perfection over the years. This is the kind of eating dad likes – food that isn’t about the art or showmanship about it but instead accompanies the conversation you’re having with good company. The menu is one page offering up pasta and meat, filled with dishes that I recognise and loved from my childhood – gnocchi, lasagne and veal cotolette. At the bar you can find the dessert case or you can ask the waiter what’s on offer today. Dad highly recommends you try the tiramisu (but I can’t eat that since the passing of my Nonna) and the hot chocolate (traditionally made) is a great accompaniment.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad had been here a couple of times before and had tried this dish which he really loved - gnocchi with gorgonzola sauce. It wasn't on the menu when we went but he asked if they could make it for him and they said absolutely no worries. Talk about great hospitality. I had a taste and it was unbelievable - gorgonzola is great any day of the week. </td></tr>
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Cellar Bar is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and you could sit and watch the different people that flock to be served at each hour of the day – an energetic and quick breakfast rush and lively lunch hour, which slowly transforms into lazy late afternoon espressos, and the day ends with romantic dates at nightfall. The bistro doesn’t discriminate, attracting cabbies, business people, gangsters, and government, all enjoying a little escape to Italian paradise during their break hour.<br />
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The authentic feel can also be put down to the way it’s set up, especially with how the tables are crammed haphazardly together. The charming interior is best suited to one-on-one, intimate dining, so this should be first on your list of places to meet up with an old friend and have a coffee and gab, much like how you would in a piazza in Italy. The dark wood, granite circular tables, and leather-upholstered bar stools are reminiscent of growing up in my Nonna and Nonno’s house.
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIDuHsX23AxHLniMYoO6cCNZ6nQtleuQKvETCZ1wtz3KCoRCLppwkXDYHDbS4eh7GvpfmTEfrKNLhv74HwF5uQONXL9SNcPIGS7fHF__n0fXeRjnTBl1do6-E1McDzW66e3IGlsj8GcJs/s1600/IMG_1078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIDuHsX23AxHLniMYoO6cCNZ6nQtleuQKvETCZ1wtz3KCoRCLppwkXDYHDbS4eh7GvpfmTEfrKNLhv74HwF5uQONXL9SNcPIGS7fHF__n0fXeRjnTBl1do6-E1McDzW66e3IGlsj8GcJs/s1600/IMG_1078.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Each meal is accompanied by a fresh, warm serving of bread and oil to dip. Dad snapped this up, calling it some of the best bread he's ever had (yeah okay, we're obviously incredibly taken by this place and maybe a bit bias but hey, the food is good and it reminds dad of home)</td></tr>
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The waiters here are friendly (and very Italian, with authentic accents, dropping gratzi a couple of times) and attentive, informing you of the delicious sounding daily specials. Time definitely stands still in here and you never feel like you’re in a rush – maybe because the atmosphere is so relaxed and lively, you lose yourself in it for a little while, just embrace it.<br />
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Although the Cellar Bar does pasta unbelievably well, but that’s not what it’s all about. It’s the history, the fame, but more importantly, it’s the atmosphere that makes this place thrive. So get on down and (in the words of Nonna’s everywhere) mangia!
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<b>Grossi Florentino Cellar Bar</b><br />
<a href="https://www.google.com.au/maps/place/80+Bourke+St,+Melbourne+VIC+3000/@-37.81172,144.970879,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x6ad642c8bfe26a13:0x7608c4651cf6e49e">80 Bourke Street, Melbourne </a><br />
9662 1811<br />
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<b>Hours:</b><br />
Mon to Sat: 7:30am to Late<br />
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<b>Website:</b><br />
<a href="http://www.grossiflorentino.com/cellar-bar-homepage">http://www.grossiflorentino.com/cellar-bar-homepage</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1551960/restaurant/CBD/Grossi-Florentino-Cellar-Bar-Melbourne"><img alt="Grossi Florentino Cellar Bar on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1551960/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01673499093012787467noreply@blogger.com080 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia-37.81172 144.97087899999997-63.12102 103.66228499999997 -12.50242 -173.72052700000006tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706927660648509720.post-29502043627990365572014-08-21T06:25:00.001-07:002014-08-21T06:25:08.222-07:00Diary of a Cafe Waitress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been a while because I've been eating the same things recently and I didn't want to bore you, but today I had something different!</div>
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Today's lunch: the three people on staff today are all on a bit of a health kick, so the chef decided to whip up a massive salad for all of us to share, made of spinach, tomato, mushroom, feta, and coriander, with two soft poached eggs on top. It was delicious, I felt healthier with every bite. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01673499093012787467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706927660648509720.post-80566054293028130222014-08-19T03:37:00.002-07:002014-08-23T04:49:57.506-07:00Review: Top PaddockI know I have mentioned (a fair few times) how much I love breakfast menus - especially all day ones. I'm not one for eating my own words, but I'd like to slightly modify what I previously said. I do love breakfast menu's, but I'm starting to crave seeing something different to the usual smashed avocado fare. (To be completely honest, if I see one more smashed avocado on a menu I think I might lose my mind - and smash something more than just the avocados).<br />
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Mum and I headed down to the southern end of Church Street for our brunch this morning, a part of Melbourne that is quickly becoming home to popular eateries - Kong BBQ and Baby Pizza both stationed down there. Top Paddock is no exception, a busy cafe residing next to somewhat of a paddock (a square of grass) and design office buildings.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the suppliers of the produce - the people who work hard to ensure that the food we get to eat is of good quality. </td></tr>
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The menu at Top Paddock is the answer to my prayers. Head chef, Jesse McTavish, has crafted a menu that is filled with unique options - mum and I spent a fair amount of time carefully considering what would be best to order (I even asked for a recommendation from the waiter I was that conflicted). It's an all-day menu, which is a freedom that I think we have long deserved. Why can't I have a steak sandwich for breakfast? I don't often get up before midday anyway, so most days my lunch is my breakfast.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My breakfast today (based on the suggestion of the waiter): roasted kipfler potatoe and leek omelette with padron peppers and taleggio on toast with the extra of jamon serrano. I loved this idea of having a "deconstructed omelette", making for absolutely beautiful presentation. It was delicious too - I'm a sucker for strong cheese, I could've done with more pieces of that taleggio. </td></tr>
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The main focus at Top Paddock is on using the finest produce, sourced locally (it prides itself on the traceability of its ingredients), which is sustainable and environmentally conscious. The food is quite literally from the Top Paddock’s in Australia, and the produce suppliers are listed on the menu so you know where it’s coming from. The menu is seasonal as well, so you can be assured the produce is fresh).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgj5GkZDZYypd1TqgTaRIu1EbHyzVcAgGLYWoO1yVcXmmaZAoOZCEYvexjWpjgDFr_p6tqknjhyp_Ggunzqelpbps0xV2bbFOjTmdJflemfJdQJkzytIJ_KNl1htW9C3jQcAncsd2xEo/s1600/IMG_1053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgj5GkZDZYypd1TqgTaRIu1EbHyzVcAgGLYWoO1yVcXmmaZAoOZCEYvexjWpjgDFr_p6tqknjhyp_Ggunzqelpbps0xV2bbFOjTmdJflemfJdQJkzytIJ_KNl1htW9C3jQcAncsd2xEo/s1600/IMG_1053.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mum's breakfast: gin and lime cured Huon ocean trout fillet with pickled baby beetroots, potato galette, poached eggs, leaves, goats curd and toast. Mum was stoked with her choice today - I think all the ingredients on the plate were some of her favourites. She devoured this quicker than my dish. </td></tr>
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The most exceptional thing about Top Paddock though is it’s plating. You can really see the love that has gone into the preparation and presentation of their dishes. And this plating visually feeds and satisfies the eyes so even if you haven’t eaten a lot, you think you have because of the way it’s been delicately and precisely placed on your plate.
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My latte and mum's flat white (sorry about the fact that we had drunk a bit but we were both desperate for that caffeine hit) </td></tr>
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The coffee hails from Five Senses, providing a selection of house blend and single origin beans available every day. There are two separate coffee machines on site – one for takeaway orders and one for those who are eating in. Bit of a tip though: during the coffee rush hours your food may arrive before your coffee. Don’t worry though, the taste will be worth the wait – one of the main comments made in regards to the coffee here is that it’s “consistently good”.<br />
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The ambience of the place, despite the fact that it was packed to the rafters, was very chill – definitely a place you feel like you could return to again and again. This may be down to the décor. I reckon anywhere that is bathed in natural light via multiple skylights and large windows is bound to be more relaxed than places lit artificially, something to do with getting closer to nature.<br />
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This open expanse of a building has an interesting lay out, with split-levels, and plenty of seating hugging the windows. The layout has cleverly provided a huge expanse of seating available, whilst still providing a sense of cosiness. Natural greenery is dispersed throughout the entire building, even dangling from above, which pops against the black and white fixtures and tiles throughout the rooms.<br />
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There's a reason people come from near and far to try out the fare at Top Paddock. It's reminiscent of a local country cafe, with similar values and atmosphere, in the heart of Melbourne.<br />
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<b>Top Paddock</b><br />
<a href="https://www.google.com.au/maps/place/658+Church+St,+Richmond+VIC+3121/@-37.8324822,144.9967325,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x6ad6428ff6ce2d61:0x7f71260bf053a6a6">658 Church Street, Richmond</a><br />
9429 4332<br />
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<b>Hours:</b><br />
Mon - Fri: 7am to 4pm<br />
Sat - Sun: 8am to 4pm<br />
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<b>Website:</b><br />
<a href="http://toppaddockcafe.com/">http://toppaddockcafe.com/</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1727864/restaurant/Melbourne/Top-Paddock-Richmond"><img alt="Top Paddock on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1727864/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01673499093012787467noreply@blogger.com0658 Church Street, Richmond VIC 3121, Australia-37.8324822 144.9967325-37.8325312 144.9966535 -37.832433200000004 144.9968115tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706927660648509720.post-89883112066014213462014-08-12T05:12:00.000-07:002014-08-12T05:26:53.930-07:00Review: Admiral Cheng-HoSix centuries ago, a towering Muslim eunuch and visionary named Zheng He, commanded the Ming dynasty’s fleet of trading vessels on expeditions as far west as Africa – later Romanised as Admiral Cheng-Ho. The Admiral and his fleet are regarded as being among the wonders of the world.<br />
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Marwin Shaw, owner of Balaclava’s Monk Bodhi Dharma, himself may be regarded as a kind of visionary, who is unafraid of venturing out into “tough-to-crack” locations and finding treasures. He has defied odds once again, by turning a tired sandwich shop in the duller part of Abbotsford into a bustling café.
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Mum and I had driven part this place countless times (the first few times we didn't even realise it was a cafe, just assumed from its beat-up exterior that it was an abandoned shopfront), and decided it was time to finally venture inside. For the first time since we've gotten Jack the puppy, we were able to sit inside because we didn't bring Jack with us - a luxury I had taken for granted until now. Eating inside during winter, where it's warm, and I'm able to feel my fingers, is such a good feeling.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_nrVfR5CdVfos1aYdT5NWk6rUoOnMoVk5o7s5ae3vbyDMDLynWZIvZ3Z8R9IGOP00YSyPfOmws1bdYl667hty4rOnHCsLVfoKZEZyJ-cRuj65inozFkjZvrd1oUg8cPfE1eq41G-zyI/s1600/IMG_1027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_nrVfR5CdVfos1aYdT5NWk6rUoOnMoVk5o7s5ae3vbyDMDLynWZIvZ3Z8R9IGOP00YSyPfOmws1bdYl667hty4rOnHCsLVfoKZEZyJ-cRuj65inozFkjZvrd1oUg8cPfE1eq41G-zyI/s1600/IMG_1027.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out those single origin options! Some of the flavour combinations that included mum and I were: Brazil "Fazenda Rainha Da Paz" - medium thick body, honey, chocolate and caramel and Guatemala "La Maravilla" - well balanced and heavy bodied with notes of dark chocolate, plum, and roasted hazelnuts (would you have guessed we have a secret sweet tooth?)</td></tr>
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Coffee is Shaw, and Admiral Cheng-Ho’s, strong point. The impressive coffee counter operates six simultaneous grinders, all filled with different single-origin beans, all from unique parts of the world and all boasting unique flavour combinations. When mum and I went, the beans on offer were sourced from Ethiopia, El Salvador, Guatemala twice, Kenya, and Brazil. Sometimes, they even feature an ultra-premium bean that can go for around $20 a cup. So these guys really know what they’re doing when they make you a cup of coffee. They also serve up a range of fair-trade teas.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBg4CNFG6al5Qff6etQcIZBGULlvWsuANEleHbnxwT0I5l2ZqCzTOq8FHBN8S1U8IU59QJfaGroKIFJe92xmWeBGiSpGH-4d9cQVLCkyZ6LRVAKsiDsqQmrCgVSjbVr62IqPcYT6u97zA/s1600/IMG_1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBg4CNFG6al5Qff6etQcIZBGULlvWsuANEleHbnxwT0I5l2ZqCzTOq8FHBN8S1U8IU59QJfaGroKIFJe92xmWeBGiSpGH-4d9cQVLCkyZ6LRVAKsiDsqQmrCgVSjbVr62IqPcYT6u97zA/s1600/IMG_1024.jpg" height="516" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My menu option: Umami Mushrooms (GF/VG) - slow roasted king oyster, shitake, oyster, and swiss brown mushrooms on a house made pumpkin, spinach, and sun dried tomato polenta bread. Served with almond feta cheese, thyme, and red chilli oil (with a dairy feta optional). You guys know how much I like polenta, and you should know how much I love mushrooms, so you can probably guess I really dug this meal. (Admittedly it's not the prettiest thing to look at but appearance doesn't matter when you're stuffing it into your mouth at the rate that I was). </td></tr>
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The menu is strictly vegetarian and vegan, but don’t let that deter you – the menu has a wide variety of options (including three daily specials available as well) and uses ingredients that you’re comfortable with and you’ll recognise (especially if you’ve been to Monk Bodhi Dharma, which has some similar dishes). And more importantly, the food they dish up is tasty as. How ironic though that the week after I decide to eat meat again, we go to a vegetarian and vegan friendly cafe. Where was this place for the past six months?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoIjjfzX72rLMniF6mLpazlXJ1V6ENrAoQo3WDGIrvNK-lEe-IyU9-hQBlt4o4eo3T0R7LK3PT3Jp6N-9tQr_tK8pdI-tatNW9CucGptm0g4pHeZ5SZ849pqoxxTonc9PG-2kZOidmtqs/s1600/IMG_1022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoIjjfzX72rLMniF6mLpazlXJ1V6ENrAoQo3WDGIrvNK-lEe-IyU9-hQBlt4o4eo3T0R7LK3PT3Jp6N-9tQr_tK8pdI-tatNW9CucGptm0g4pHeZ5SZ849pqoxxTonc9PG-2kZOidmtqs/s1600/IMG_1022.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mum was in more of a lunchy mood and decided to pick a more lunch appropriate dish off the specials board: roasted pumpkin and quinoa salad with sweet potato, basil, tomato, and activated nuts. I tasted some of this dish and it was a crunchy delight and mum also enjoyed it. </td></tr>
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The interior fit-out and furnishings are handmade by Shaw himself from a mix of salvaged timbers and recycled materials – stools adorned with pennies that once belonged to his mother and caged light fittings. There are also features that are a nod to the cultural corners of Melbourne: coloured planks of timber resembling a beach house on the south wall, white minimalism on the east wall, and rustic exposed brick on the west wall. Mum and I sat in the very back corner of the café, and I got a great view of the inner sanctum of the kitchen as they made our lunch.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3OnfytdIApQqem10NBigkktrcFLmT-Tt9zyiTG560ep2FywTFHWRSyP2H8S-pM4RIk2UMNIekAmfwXODzJYdM-FMEHLVAcl4LVnwXrfj3QmlqbrIwVju_7AYvOhYKH0tlUF5ZGPaIlbg/s1600/IMG_1025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3OnfytdIApQqem10NBigkktrcFLmT-Tt9zyiTG560ep2FywTFHWRSyP2H8S-pM4RIk2UMNIekAmfwXODzJYdM-FMEHLVAcl4LVnwXrfj3QmlqbrIwVju_7AYvOhYKH0tlUF5ZGPaIlbg/s1600/IMG_1025.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't know if this is meant to be a portrait of Admiral Cheng-Ho, but if it is, I have to say he is one formidable looking dude. This is the kind of new wave take on old school art that can be found throughout the interior of Admiral Cheng-Ho. </td></tr>
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<b></b>There's no denying it: this place is "cool". It's cool in all the ways that cafes are trying to be cool now - experts in coffee, using premium, organic, and purely vegetarian ingredients, and a severely laid back attitude, but not one that's alienating whilst you're there. Go on, step out of your comfort zone, you might like it so much that you return home a vegetable loving, coffee drinking hippie. Peace.<br />
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<b>Admiral Cheng-Ho</b><br />
<a href="https://www.google.com.au/maps/place/325+Johnston+St,+Abbotsford+VIC+3067/@-37.800503,144.99742,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x6ad643047bbfea51:0xd0af5100564daec3">325 Johnston Street, Abbotsford</a><br />
9534 7250<br />
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<b>Hours:</b><br />
Mon - Fri: 6am to 4pm<br />
Sat - Sun: 8am to 5pm<br />
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<b>Website:</b><br />
<a href="http://www.admiralchengho.com.au/">http://www.admiralchengho.com.au/</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1803649/restaurant/Melbourne/Collingwood/Admiral-Cheng-Ho-Abbotsford"><img alt="Admiral Cheng-Ho on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1803649/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01673499093012787467noreply@blogger.com0325 Johnston Street, Abbotsford VIC 3067, Australia-37.800503 144.99742000000003-37.800503 144.99742000000003 -37.800503 144.99742000000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706927660648509720.post-44658827661946169142014-08-04T23:23:00.002-07:002014-08-04T23:24:46.783-07:00Review: Muharam CafeI’m eating meat again!!! (By the end I think I was being vegetarian just to see how long I could last without meat and I started getting sick. I’m thinking, just to have some structure to what I eat, of trying out a revised version of the Paleo Diet – get back to my roots and eat how our ancestors used to eat – because it’s impossible to exist in Melbourne as a young woman and not have some kind of diet to complain about). For my first taste of meat, mum and I decided to go to our favourite neighbourhood café.<br />
<b><br /></b>Near the corner of Burwood Road and Power Street, in that busy, little shopping strip, is a quaint café called Muharam Cafe. Apparently, it’s named after the owner, Maliq Deane’s, mother, which explains it’s homely feel.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN2O35dMlp0w7L1A0ovgNAjWKGpi-xvQPl1V1apPrDiwvCXwUZGh35adVCDz5_vj_3B7K98pvmjxaI4_voMGB3YMBkCwwDt9ScuInl4xaMh1fUQgwO3WiiQHupKRk8mp4-_VUuY1wDd1w/s1600/IMG_0987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN2O35dMlp0w7L1A0ovgNAjWKGpi-xvQPl1V1apPrDiwvCXwUZGh35adVCDz5_vj_3B7K98pvmjxaI4_voMGB3YMBkCwwDt9ScuInl4xaMh1fUQgwO3WiiQHupKRk8mp4-_VUuY1wDd1w/s1600/IMG_0987.JPG" height="492" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mum and I both went with DIY breakfasts today. I got toast with bacon and baked beans. God I realised how much I miss bacon and those baked beans were delicious. I would love to take a trip around Melbourne and try every cafe's baked beans because there are very few dishes I like more. </td></tr>
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Fresh, organic, wholesome, animal-friendly produce is all the rage nowadays (let’s hope it’s not a phase because it really does provide better quality food as well as happier animals) and Muharam is definitely leading the charge in what they call, “making a difference in the right direction” (pulled from their website).<br />
<b><br /></b>All their meat comes from Cannings Butcher across the road (which just happens to be my family butcher – Cannings also sells some of Muharam’s curries, are a must-try) and is free range. They have a hanging herb garden and their bread is sourced from Noisette. Their aim is to present delicious food that is simple, yet irresistible, with menus formed by correlating the seasons with their instinct. And they definitely succeed in their aim. The experience is made even better by Muharam’s keen eye for presentation. They make use of a lot of wooden boards, deep bowls, and are liberal with the coriander garnish.
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGSoiWqCkBkm5oqB3ONBJfhbn-UuLPs363cSmAG48IHokYDGdVApwHsZikciL0e1NtHYdRcYOe2gJCHJc0YfJb4knYfI7bozUPHS1wLssn_mES7jjGiL1DnYUv6CsCkiVIUKZma3JKXFg/s1600/IMG_0988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGSoiWqCkBkm5oqB3ONBJfhbn-UuLPs363cSmAG48IHokYDGdVApwHsZikciL0e1NtHYdRcYOe2gJCHJc0YfJb4knYfI7bozUPHS1wLssn_mES7jjGiL1DnYUv6CsCkiVIUKZma3JKXFg/s1600/IMG_0988.JPG" height="502" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mum built her breakfast with toast, roasted tomatoes and roasted mushrooms. She comes to Muharam often, even more than me, and she's always satisfied. Also, if you're ever here for lunch, you've gotta try the chicken sandwich - it's unparalleled. </td></tr>
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Muharam also considers itself a serious coffee destination. Their coffee is by “The Four Rascals” and “Rapscallion” is the preferred blend, just another hint of Muharam’s playful and fun attitude. “Rapscallion” is comprised of beans from eight different origins, predominately South American, with some robusta thrown in for extra kapow – filled with spicy, nutty undertones, and finishes with a hint of sweetness to create a complex blend with a cheeky punch.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiclTramUzvP2LWnJThjMLjR9jyIV_Y1fx56OUMBC0RALDgo4MNUXEsdnaoeGdZElEbvkWPTr_tYML7yjeQRhKzPVeTe2TXF8IHIwIpjuTdwaLco0MDlm2erMNNuEMvfuTUnzmzhQUEQYE/s1600/IMG_0990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiclTramUzvP2LWnJThjMLjR9jyIV_Y1fx56OUMBC0RALDgo4MNUXEsdnaoeGdZElEbvkWPTr_tYML7yjeQRhKzPVeTe2TXF8IHIwIpjuTdwaLco0MDlm2erMNNuEMvfuTUnzmzhQUEQYE/s1600/IMG_0990.jpg" height="640" width="528" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm sorry for taking a picture of my coffee half drunken, but I couldn't wait. This is one of the best tasting chai's I've ever had. Hot and strong - perfect for a chilly winter morning. Mum loved her flat white as well. She said it was strong and just what she needed as well. </td></tr>
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Muharam juxtaposes the old and the new, decorating exposed brick walls with hanging bicycle wheels and keeping a simple yellow and white colour palette. You can’t help but feeling happy when you’re inside – especially with how smiley and helpful the staff are. Out the back is a decked courtyard where customers can sit to soak in the sun.<br />
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There's a reason why this place is one of our family favourites. It comes down to the perfect combination: good quality food, great tasting coffee, friendly staff, and a nice environment - what else could you ask for?<br />
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<b>Muharam Cafe</b><br />
<a href="https://www.google.com.au/maps/place/97+Burwood+Rd,+Hawthorn+VIC+3122/@-37.8212914,145.0260205,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x6ad64249c0e97e3b:0xd6b8f6b669c19e47">97 Burwood Road, Hawthorn</a><br />
9818 7722<br />
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<b>Hours:</b><br />
Tues - Fri: 7:45am to 3:30pm<br />
Sat - Sun: 8:30am to 3:30pm<br />
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<b>Website:</b><br />
<a href="http://www.muharam.com.au/">http://www.muharam.com.au/</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1459693/restaurant/Melbourne/Muharam-Courtyard-Cafe-Hawthorn"><img alt="Muharam Courtyard Cafe on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1459693/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01673499093012787467noreply@blogger.com097 Burwood Road, Hawthorn VIC 3122, Australia-37.8212914 145.02602049999996-63.1306004 103.71742649999996 -12.5119824 -173.66538550000007tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706927660648509720.post-40162242372715680232014-07-27T03:04:00.000-07:002014-07-27T03:05:37.395-07:00Review: Aachi'sWhen I was around 12 years old, my mother and I got into a massive fight in the middle of an Indian supermarket. Halfway through the argument, I started sniffing and scratching my face, and complaining that I wasn't feeling very well. She (of course, because I was being a dick and would reduce to cheap tactics) thought I was complaining to win the fight, and refused to pay attention to me. She eventually turned around and, with a look of horror, caught sight of my face - it had blow up to twice the size. I was having an allergic reaction to all the smells and spices wafting around the shop. Thankfully, I have grown out of this allergy as I've gotten older. The fact that there was a chance that I could never eat in an Indian restaurant haunts me every day of my life.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnIT7-FVi_Vh2M3BNvlCPd677ieu8CemTnNKwyeZjxxMdGCFvaE_YCoc8_xYB8GY9UKZTubeBuWCPEX1Xn8A9akysnz9G8F1ep1HjXyfaAO5o6jM7FqXeUsCMd4VBM9oUTQ_L1B99CFs/s1600/IMG_0949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnIT7-FVi_Vh2M3BNvlCPd677ieu8CemTnNKwyeZjxxMdGCFvaE_YCoc8_xYB8GY9UKZTubeBuWCPEX1Xn8A9akysnz9G8F1ep1HjXyfaAO5o6jM7FqXeUsCMd4VBM9oUTQ_L1B99CFs/s1600/IMG_0949.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the beginning of the night, you get complementary perfectly cooked popadom's with a side of two sauces. None of us really know what the sauces are, but they're delicious. </td></tr>
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Being a university student, my main experiences with curry are the cheap, creamy plates you can buy in shopping centres like Melbourne Central, with a side of slightly stale rice. Because of this, I'm always keen when it comes to getting a chance of trying quality and expertly cooked Indians.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj54CWDmjV4V0oaEaI5BIFYBjLH11k4CLDYfX1IJCRV3CWoFJrsh2azHI2BdHZXWIicqhLuZd54VSpNn7BltxCjtbSYP1JgvPgb_28M4kuIt5nc4j6_mVtFw7qSUU_N3BSWlL-WrdmTh_s/s1600/IMG_0951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj54CWDmjV4V0oaEaI5BIFYBjLH11k4CLDYfX1IJCRV3CWoFJrsh2azHI2BdHZXWIicqhLuZd54VSpNn7BltxCjtbSYP1JgvPgb_28M4kuIt5nc4j6_mVtFw7qSUU_N3BSWlL-WrdmTh_s/s1600/IMG_0951.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mum and I got a serve of samosa's to share as an entree, filled with spiced potatoes, onions, lentils and peas. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq24QhTKJp_h8cKSWbYbDWjqpyxXx06KeLLsQaYtCvsWFzc8K8dfVngMPv0ZVR2-_3rBkoAXHjaUU4N4r4OmA-bv51_uQP6ipt-MABwFivoBiCl_r9WnaWetUkynnvWpTT6b2EYRgGaJM/s1600/IMG_0953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq24QhTKJp_h8cKSWbYbDWjqpyxXx06KeLLsQaYtCvsWFzc8K8dfVngMPv0ZVR2-_3rBkoAXHjaUU4N4r4OmA-bv51_uQP6ipt-MABwFivoBiCl_r9WnaWetUkynnvWpTT6b2EYRgGaJM/s1600/IMG_0953.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look how good that looks on the inside - tastes even better. </td></tr>
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For my mum's birthday dinner (SHOUTOUT: happy happy birthday!), she picked our favourite local Indian restaurant only a five minute drive from our house - Aachi's. We've been to Aachi's a number of times and now go in, with a welcomed greeting from the staff there (who recognise us now), and our order already ready in our mind. However, because it was mum's birthday, we decided to try some things off the menu that were out of the ordinary (as well as our favourites, we're not crazy), and we were not disappointed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBxlOa8aWTENbzJuaIrle9SWZZKtjEwtF5KJz_xR94V49yOHYnp8MU2nF2AZWtEzJ9q2pl4zrN1w01cGrRulNZifXh4DnSsHZIV2jMzaiw_WL63vfAE_WF_7qc-kaXnkZm2jGLTXzoTs8/s1600/IMG_0955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBxlOa8aWTENbzJuaIrle9SWZZKtjEwtF5KJz_xR94V49yOHYnp8MU2nF2AZWtEzJ9q2pl4zrN1w01cGrRulNZifXh4DnSsHZIV2jMzaiw_WL63vfAE_WF_7qc-kaXnkZm2jGLTXzoTs8/s1600/IMG_0955.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mum and I got a main serving of Fish Tikka. The word "tikka" is Persian, and translates to "piece" of meat. I loved this dish and the flavours of spices and probably would've been happy with that. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The menu is extensive, with a range of dishes available in every protein (chicken, lamb, beef, and seafood) as well as a heap of vegetarian choices. You'll find all the classic Indian dishes that we know and love: curry, masala, vindaloo, biryani, rice, 4 different kinds of naan bread (garlic, cheese, kheema - a minced meat -, and kashmiri - naan stuffed with sweet cashew, almond and cherry paste), and Indian deserts.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwU3ElWtM15HjFIHW33679j7ulDdQl1ufZDS4tnd1qIfjloCFYzlOuL561Ioi_r8uFZdOwOogsxyGG-gGRBCgENa-WYRzLO79dua8KruijpvwlDYyIo200kpGAbbuRG7Iaj9wayvm-YU/s1600/IMG_0957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwU3ElWtM15HjFIHW33679j7ulDdQl1ufZDS4tnd1qIfjloCFYzlOuL561Ioi_r8uFZdOwOogsxyGG-gGRBCgENa-WYRzLO79dua8KruijpvwlDYyIo200kpGAbbuRG7Iaj9wayvm-YU/s1600/IMG_0957.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad ordered himself the Goat Curry, which was a special available. We were told that the goat was killed fresh that morning, and that explained why dad loved it so much. He pronounced this curry as being "the best goat he'd ever eaten", and something he'd order every time he went if it was on the menu. </td></tr>
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The flavours in the food are vibrant and tantalising, and can be put down to fresh and healthy ingredients and authentic spices, rather than toning down flavours to fit "Australian standards". Although the servings appear small, they're enough to leave three (very hungry) people feeling content and satisfied.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDtRfNw03es8UQgThz6-fWDT4oQ81k5KAbDyGYTPjkFXtnFEJdTIuRjUaUCR8Z0w7xEwIREHmqUnxRIfVyl1i7-pI11jCczAuaqwRrSygZdmSXPRs4Momn2LkqP3IPfqnrdlFaVtIu1E/s1600/IMG_0958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDtRfNw03es8UQgThz6-fWDT4oQ81k5KAbDyGYTPjkFXtnFEJdTIuRjUaUCR8Z0w7xEwIREHmqUnxRIfVyl1i7-pI11jCczAuaqwRrSygZdmSXPRs4Momn2LkqP3IPfqnrdlFaVtIu1E/s1600/IMG_0958.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the Dal Makhani, which is one of the dishes we get every single time we eat Aachi's. We love it's rich and smooth flavours. The traditional preparation of this kind of dal is so lengthy that it can take 24 hours to prepare (but with modern technology the process only takes 2-3 hours. 2-3 hours we are thankful they give up to make this dish because it's bloody good). </td></tr>
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Mum, dad and I have a feeling that all (or at least some) of the staff working there are family, which contributes to its warm and inviting atmosphere. All the staff are polite and modest - when dad doted about his goat curry, the waitress gratefully thanked him and discussed preferences when eating goat (she prefers it off the bone).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgMARaT6dk171Vl4Nhnc-L5nEC0eOIyJgSP-27ajJMKFF1pU4QFCyMdnouM8401vrsH0XNTtIl1l9d_l5yF2su2CL8DoPc7IAax1Avqi6BbWqP4PbSpK4kzylqonN9xvnyG1hHkIPxdZQ/s1600/IMG_0956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgMARaT6dk171Vl4Nhnc-L5nEC0eOIyJgSP-27ajJMKFF1pU4QFCyMdnouM8401vrsH0XNTtIl1l9d_l5yF2su2CL8DoPc7IAax1Avqi6BbWqP4PbSpK4kzylqonN9xvnyG1hHkIPxdZQ/s1600/IMG_0956.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gotta have a bit of (garlic) naan bread when you're eating Indian. </td></tr>
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For both the entree's and the mains, we get given hot stone plates so that our meals stay hot when we're eating it, and all the dishes are served in those nifty copper bowls. The wait for our food isn't that long, and they even ask once we finished entrees if we were ready for mains or wanted to take a rest break (which of course we were, we aren't rookies).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhphsHspRzOjGb8Eu7Y_moBxLb4vJePAkBN1JNkPzUCfOXkT8U5Z6M4MuEZ-IhxK1KVz467Er5qfcjr83VVq10dRPKxl1cEFiXWR80huGZTGQxYE5kqyWydVb8aDy-9T3KZO5HXrh1KvH4/s1600/IMG_0960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhphsHspRzOjGb8Eu7Y_moBxLb4vJePAkBN1JNkPzUCfOXkT8U5Z6M4MuEZ-IhxK1KVz467Er5qfcjr83VVq10dRPKxl1cEFiXWR80huGZTGQxYE5kqyWydVb8aDy-9T3KZO5HXrh1KvH4/s1600/IMG_0960.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rice is also a must have accompaniment - mum jealously wondered how they get their rice so perfectly fluffy. </td></tr>
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The look of Aachi's is pretty understated, with no frills and no fuss. On the walls hang some Indian paintings and there are a few miniature statutes placed in certain parts of the restaurant. It doesn't buy into any exaggerated stereotypes, nor does it try to hide it's Indian culture, and this happy medium makes for a really relaxed environment to eat in.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qUHNXPEiaolPJAiDpA4q_BES09gW9GyAHzeT1eoPTL7sCyeSVRXTXlg6ovXe8u_mb08pNcucrT3QCrEKDFQ1PnMxzE1luLnLFqIGp8vRTBblTxgaws7uGrnMzmQGcKertIqec-6y0_k/s1600/IMG_0967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qUHNXPEiaolPJAiDpA4q_BES09gW9GyAHzeT1eoPTL7sCyeSVRXTXlg6ovXe8u_mb08pNcucrT3QCrEKDFQ1PnMxzE1luLnLFqIGp8vRTBblTxgaws7uGrnMzmQGcKertIqec-6y0_k/s1600/IMG_0967.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the groovy Indian paintings up on the walls. </td></tr>
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There's a reason Aachi's is one of my family's favourite Indian (and to be honest overall) eateries. The quality of the food and the flavours have never let us down (even when we get takeaway, which can sometimes kill good restaurants) keep us coming back again and again.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Aachi's</b><br />
<a href="https://www.google.com.au/maps/place/158+High+St,+Kew+VIC+3101/@-37.80745,145.029947,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x6ad643c87e6a51af:0x78329320ed2197a8">158 High Street, Kew</a><br />
9855 2258<br />
<br />
Hours:<br />
Mon: 5pm to 10pm<br />
Tues - Fri: 12pm to 2:30pm and 5pm to 10pm<br />
Sat: 5pm to 10pm<br />
Sun: 11:30am to 2:30pm (South Indian Buffet) and 5pm to 10pm<br />
<br />
Website:<br />
<a href="http://www.aachis.com.au/">http://www.aachis.com.au/</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1708203/restaurant/Melbourne/Aachis-Kew"><img alt="Aachi's on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1708203/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01673499093012787467noreply@blogger.com0158 High Street, Kew VIC 3101, Australia-37.80745 145.029947-63.1167595 103.721353 -12.498140500000002 -173.66145900000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706927660648509720.post-15746834670089234522014-07-14T23:43:00.003-07:002014-07-15T00:32:53.823-07:00Review: Killer Kebabs & SaucesKebabs are notoriously famous for being the perfect food to eat when drunk, hungover, or if you're nostalgically craving something a little bit greasy to warm you up. The third (and maybe also the second) was the reason why R, I, J and me decided to meet up and grab a kebab on this bitter winter Melbourne day.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-RbUZzNKwir8PbAeNiCokq5od-DzKyAd2jAXbyoXVptau3hA5QlYSTnuHD9A2ua4Rp9CI6GAsuUO1A0CySHGT_H0xiuB93xa8isBnar6DvxTzlJoainOVEEkpd3B4BZ9WH1U2VgbXdS4/s1600/IMG_0914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-RbUZzNKwir8PbAeNiCokq5od-DzKyAd2jAXbyoXVptau3hA5QlYSTnuHD9A2ua4Rp9CI6GAsuUO1A0CySHGT_H0xiuB93xa8isBnar6DvxTzlJoainOVEEkpd3B4BZ9WH1U2VgbXdS4/s1600/IMG_0914.jpg" height="640" width="604" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My falafel kebab with salad, tomato and garlic sauce. This was my first time eating here as a vegetarian. Originally I used to order the chicken kebab, but the falafel option might have become my new favourite. The falafel's were melt in my mouth delicious. </td></tr>
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The kebabs sold at Killer Kebabs & Sauces are "doner kebabs". Doner kebabs are the Turkish version of the dish. They're made of cooked meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie, normally lamb, but also a mixture of veal or beef, and sometimes chicken, sliced vertically into thin, crisp shavings. The meat may be served on a plate or in flatbread. It's a common fast food in Turkey, the Middle East, Europe, and Australia!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGIzjivGZzcuwiv61_a8sKTkgG1Bf8s1SmaGSZ6d75x5ajXGzqNcdSuchIYTfo-OlXGsrCJ8SU_JruW0_AOioIwIpojfTSWO6_ohQ-cOPjlLnYDcJ70OVVr22qa1o1mfvsxGAQXRWqDA/s1600/IMG_0915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGIzjivGZzcuwiv61_a8sKTkgG1Bf8s1SmaGSZ6d75x5ajXGzqNcdSuchIYTfo-OlXGsrCJ8SU_JruW0_AOioIwIpojfTSWO6_ohQ-cOPjlLnYDcJ70OVVr22qa1o1mfvsxGAQXRWqDA/s1600/IMG_0915.jpg" height="624" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">R and I ordered lamb and chicken mixed kebab with salad, garlic sauce and BBQ sauce. Neither of them have tried the meat by themselves but prefer the taste of them together. </td></tr>
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We Australian's have embraced the kebab with open arms. It seems that everyone has that one kebab shop that will always be known as selling the best kebabs they've ever tasted, regardless if they're actually the best or not.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvl_YZnMLdA5-3f-oS1ajTi9pJ8eYFivv3-X5ET55RyPni0pOXmpqTD9PVYxFoTRvReMj6o_YnveaRJ5KpDxx2_tr1hg-EJ3C4V0vwCvXaeB-cAY_DGQNRIAWl3b75bn6Iz0zSVkTDg4/s1600/IMG_0917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvl_YZnMLdA5-3f-oS1ajTi9pJ8eYFivv3-X5ET55RyPni0pOXmpqTD9PVYxFoTRvReMj6o_YnveaRJ5KpDxx2_tr1hg-EJ3C4V0vwCvXaeB-cAY_DGQNRIAWl3b75bn6Iz0zSVkTDg4/s1600/IMG_0917.jpg" height="640" width="586" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Generally the finished product when ordering a kebab. An empty bag (after eating all the meat or falafel that has fallen out of the bread) and some sauce all over your fingers, pants, and shirt. </td></tr>
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Killer Kebabs & Sauces, was only a 10-15 minute walk from R, I and my high school, so we would always knick down there in our spares or lunch break to buy a kebab, which is why it's our favourite. J on the other hand named a kebab place around the corner from his house as his favourite.<br />
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The kebabs we ordered were:<br />
<ul>
<li>My kebab was falafel with salad, tomato, and garlic sauce. </li>
<li>J ordered lamb with salad, no tomato, garlic sauce and BBQ sauce (he was only meant to get garlic sauce and was happy that the BBQ sauce was subtle). </li>
<li>R and I got mixed kebabs with lamb and chicken, salad, garlic and BBQ sauce. </li>
</ul>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl5-qi6SguGB7EQ_IgzvIBph87dVJdrYKqeGR1ytWDwODEYXwBNZuxu47bDY4KSueUhnkOUHGD6M4whpxB_aGS75mpaeUbV9dbVYfO9t-x-EXNWrPqcha3gKyJcBXPev8WKKpOndoSvME/s1600/IMG_0911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl5-qi6SguGB7EQ_IgzvIBph87dVJdrYKqeGR1ytWDwODEYXwBNZuxu47bDY4KSueUhnkOUHGD6M4whpxB_aGS75mpaeUbV9dbVYfO9t-x-EXNWrPqcha3gKyJcBXPev8WKKpOndoSvME/s1600/IMG_0911.jpg" height="640" width="496" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">6$ kebabs how could you refuse! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Killer Kebabs & Sauces isn't any different to many other kebab stores, but it's our regular local spot. Especially on Tuesdays and Thursdays because they sell kebabs for 6$, which is a deal that four uni students (especially R who doesn't work) can't ignore. They're also going to be selling hot chips as well as other classic fast food options next week, which is the perfect accompaniment for kebabs.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_EeRIZ-2GpHytVLBF8mtia5yhc48awu3S-Jb86PqjLjqxeymOFj6jIWrqF_54tMxKJ79i10J-d0KUU0s2rNAKWAVtDzgcD1-lX9SALXhZ8iGYOFaJBvhpfFDx2KS_MZ11OD1wnuOYSo/s1600/IMG_0912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_EeRIZ-2GpHytVLBF8mtia5yhc48awu3S-Jb86PqjLjqxeymOFj6jIWrqF_54tMxKJ79i10J-d0KUU0s2rNAKWAVtDzgcD1-lX9SALXhZ8iGYOFaJBvhpfFDx2KS_MZ11OD1wnuOYSo/s1600/IMG_0912.jpg" height="430" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This made me chuckle: "Kebabologist". The staff behind the counter are what you expect in a kebab store. Generally disgruntled, wanting to get your order and meal finished as quickly as possible. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Of course there's probably places where you can find more gourmet versions of the kebab. But if you want a real, street food version, with sloppy sauce and crispy meat or melt in your mouth falafel, this is the place I will always turn to.<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Killer Kebabs & Sauces</b><br />
<a href="https://www.google.com.au/maps/place/643+Burwood+Rd,+Hawthorn+East+VIC+3123/@-37.8236381,145.0455864,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x6ad6422b0e035ee1:0xc4226e2dd79a38e9">643 Burwood Road, Hawthorn</a><br />
9813 4344<br />
<br />
<b>Hours:</b><br />
Tues - Sat: 10am to 9pm<br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1489704/restaurant/Melbourne/Killer-Kebabs-Sauces-Hawthorn" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Killer Kebabs & Sauces on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1489704/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01673499093012787467noreply@blogger.com0643 Burwood Road, Hawthorn East VIC 3123, Australia-37.8236381 145.04558640000005-63.3456726 103.73699240000005 -12.301603599999996 -173.64581959999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706927660648509720.post-32801368240076231392014-07-10T04:00:00.000-07:002014-07-11T05:57:55.200-07:00Diary of a Cafe Waitress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-izhLES-opYgS1Tq8phQOIYMUiwrusuBdAScAS02kqHTZUNxyRMlUh7yQsWLkssIEIjZ94lbeNYEYjsCQNQ3_5jYlm0D9ruJ1A_d9sFGT4OjbsSaDJ4vGyPVPDyuM5qkTfJzkJ91oHA/s1600/IMG_0893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-izhLES-opYgS1Tq8phQOIYMUiwrusuBdAScAS02kqHTZUNxyRMlUh7yQsWLkssIEIjZ94lbeNYEYjsCQNQ3_5jYlm0D9ruJ1A_d9sFGT4OjbsSaDJ4vGyPVPDyuM5qkTfJzkJ91oHA/s1600/IMG_0893.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Today's lunch: I was feeling like something light today so I opted for three hard poached eggs on a piece of multigrain toast, garnished with a tangy fennel and zucchini salad. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01673499093012787467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706927660648509720.post-85316781024733636182014-07-05T22:59:00.001-07:002014-07-05T22:59:02.646-07:00Diary of a Cafe Waitress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxtF4mBeHJbVPA0GgPlvrQh6CaytqDb64perjU8yuJ5E2xn3Od6g8FQm59TjZQevhfBTecUVa7mO-kHk_aG_Hyb_bIOuYKBve9_hn880ZWqgxiXWfJRSC5SQiaPYHrrmub8CCulVUcehg/s1600/IMG_0876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxtF4mBeHJbVPA0GgPlvrQh6CaytqDb64perjU8yuJ5E2xn3Od6g8FQm59TjZQevhfBTecUVa7mO-kHk_aG_Hyb_bIOuYKBve9_hn880ZWqgxiXWfJRSC5SQiaPYHrrmub8CCulVUcehg/s1600/IMG_0876.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Today's lunch: multigrain toast, poached eggs, mushrooms, spinach, and a tangy salad (I'm really enjoying this salad. I think it's got a lemon and vinegar dressing). </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01673499093012787467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706927660648509720.post-56908607762040028692014-07-04T23:58:00.001-07:002014-07-04T23:58:14.435-07:00Diary of a Cafe Waitress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8GHUGfr7-h8s-s7GEIoF7LqbpJSwAqPSylrhYFmn9mV1ENE3QTEcHDX5QNlFOAkp89zpM1vPvbrbatnL0_7JtNyEFi_2MFZrIGZTXgC2L56NuabtJviwMXO1RCBFQgTwEh_p1hP0qW0/s1600/IMG_0875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-8GHUGfr7-h8s-s7GEIoF7LqbpJSwAqPSylrhYFmn9mV1ENE3QTEcHDX5QNlFOAkp89zpM1vPvbrbatnL0_7JtNyEFi_2MFZrIGZTXgC2L56NuabtJviwMXO1RCBFQgTwEh_p1hP0qW0/s1600/IMG_0875.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Today's meal: multigrain toast with two poached eggs, mushrooms, avocado and a tangy salad. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01673499093012787467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706927660648509720.post-68794876877164938922014-07-03T20:06:00.000-07:002014-08-22T00:57:22.099-07:00Review: The Farm CafeWARNING! If you're not a nature person or if you think your day would be ruined by squealing children and farm animals flying around your head or roaming freely by your feet than this isn't the place for you. But if you appreciate, or want to try, a rural outdoor dining experience 5km's from the CBD, than you've got to visit this cafe.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqaRsYQENtRf9V1Oahb2fMrJyEpT0-b7HjILIOuFAng3npIvZ7NCnISVp2Q10BWIbwL8i7Cj1ZZdFUscjmnnbC6J8ht3zDMyLEe7IqysKvhxVgt8oegv-wGZfXhznaS6l5PJ1yaLE19Bk/s1600/IMG_0866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqaRsYQENtRf9V1Oahb2fMrJyEpT0-b7HjILIOuFAng3npIvZ7NCnISVp2Q10BWIbwL8i7Cj1ZZdFUscjmnnbC6J8ht3zDMyLEe7IqysKvhxVgt8oegv-wGZfXhznaS6l5PJ1yaLE19Bk/s1600/IMG_0866.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My breakfast: I decided to go with a sweeter option for the first time in ages. "Autumn Pear", a poached pear with nut granola, vanilla yoghurt mousse, sticky pear butterscotch and brioche. Pears during winter always feels like a comfort, and this was definitely a delicious and comforting meal. </td></tr>
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Mum and I decided to walk down to The Farm Cafe for our weekly breakfast out. It's a deceiving distance - by car it would only take us two minutes but it's a pretty substantial walk. We definitely walked up an appetite. We wanted to go somewhere so we could bring Jack the puppy and sit outside. Little did we know that The Farm Cafe is only outside seating and is so dog friendly that they actually ask people to bring their dogs inside the walls.<br />
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The Farm Cafe initially started as a monthly coffee and pancake stall by two volunteers, Pip and Tom, with an enthusiastic vision. The farm offered a small kitchen and veggie garden and it's success has transformed it into a popular cafe.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9v8Fbwvmeo7mqEWw7c3h0hEaogBfRhzH9BpbXIhtwyeqsJxAwgwImHi-9dRbXvUHN-_506QnxB_4x_X2QJLptib7E_GiVpQhgCm6xDGKE0Xm0uScxvj3vzlnjJe5WWqrugO9oJ0ekIk/s1600/IMG_0868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9v8Fbwvmeo7mqEWw7c3h0hEaogBfRhzH9BpbXIhtwyeqsJxAwgwImHi-9dRbXvUHN-_506QnxB_4x_X2QJLptib7E_GiVpQhgCm6xDGKE0Xm0uScxvj3vzlnjJe5WWqrugO9oJ0ekIk/s1600/IMG_0868.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mum's breakfast: Look how interesting mum's choice was today!! She went with the "Goat's Toast" (and to be honest I was a little bit jealous of how delicious this looked), creamy goat's curd, house beetroot relish, avocado, a poached egg, and herbs on toast, with an added side of bacon). Mum raved about how much she loved beetroot, so this was the perfect dish for her. </td></tr>
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The Farm Cafe boasts a paddock-to-plate ethic when it comes to the food. The ingredients are organic and free-range, either homegrown from the Farm itself or sourced from local producers. The menu is filled with a varied range of wholesome yet innovative dishes, proving that even farm food can be interesting. The freshness of the ingredients was proven with every bite - full of flavour.<br />
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The coffee options are limited (which in a way is kind of refreshing, as this cafe doesn't pretend to be anything it's not. It's more about the produce and the experience, rather than providing unique and impressive coffees). But the coffee that was served was delicious, and served in an eclectic range of mugs, which was a nice touch.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisXl5HMCoVdcb-4DHN_enIcm1oy9zDrT-CQc3S4pcUiJyELPXWzs2nq1OldS7yAz9YNqjR4bVS4x-Sl3f_sAtDer1zxXMyE3lZaqLDg9QKmC_TaQZExdlBxfm7U0x5Hy1X7_qwqpxSVRc/s1600/IMG_0863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisXl5HMCoVdcb-4DHN_enIcm1oy9zDrT-CQc3S4pcUiJyELPXWzs2nq1OldS7yAz9YNqjR4bVS4x-Sl3f_sAtDer1zxXMyE3lZaqLDg9QKmC_TaQZExdlBxfm7U0x5Hy1X7_qwqpxSVRc/s1600/IMG_0863.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I loved how eclectic the collection of mugs available were. Mum's coffee mug was reminiscent of what you get when you get camping. Very farm-esque. Mum got a latte, which she loved, and I got a skinny chai latte, which was also delicious. </td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Located inside the Collingwood Children's Farm, there are two entrances to the cafe - one from the outside of the farm (which is free entry) and one from the inside, so you can eat at the end of the farm journey. You can't cross from one side of the cafe to the other. The cafe only has outside seating, which is a unique and nice aspect of your dining experience. The wind had a bite to it, but the sun was beautiful and kept mum and I warm so we weren't too fussed by this winter weather. During the summer this place would be glorious - and probably hard sought after.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsR4sI5Z5w_BMlyqGWDO504Ct_cCqGId3zGsdCge69x9Eoj7i82fayOeCGttSvrIZjh45uzO65ru_g1wibD7cNXmXhWQBxXgKj6ZfRukyjgL5CaOvaSrslzxtpb6hfTRTUBeQW0oR5WoA/s1600/IMG_0859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsR4sI5Z5w_BMlyqGWDO504Ct_cCqGId3zGsdCge69x9Eoj7i82fayOeCGttSvrIZjh45uzO65ru_g1wibD7cNXmXhWQBxXgKj6ZfRukyjgL5CaOvaSrslzxtpb6hfTRTUBeQW0oR5WoA/s1600/IMG_0859.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To find the cafe you have to follow a trail of signs, all which adorn this pair of cute looking birds, following crumbs. </td></tr>
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This farmyard feel is unlike anything else I've experienced at a cafe and would be very hard to replicate. It doesn't feel forced or manufactured. The atmosphere is relaxed and natural. The staff are all very friendly (and dog crazy, with each waiter coming and patting Jack at every chance they could).<br />
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This is definitely a place mum and I will be going back to visit. One because Jack can sit outside happily with us. Two because I also love being outside, so a cafe that only enables outside seating seems like the perfect place for me to eat. The atmosphere is communal and inviting and the food is delicious. You may have to plan your time to visit wisely though, because it can get busy fast.<br />
<h2>
The Farm Cafe Reloaded, Winter, 29th of July:</h2>
Dad has a week off work and I had a day off university so we decided to take the opportunity to get some lunch together as a family: mum, dad, Jack the puppy and I. We hedged our bets against the weather, hoping that it would stay clear, and took the risk to walk down to The Farm Cafe.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN9Jb-yJx-N8JREhb-LyU3zZGIKAqxqHerY1_MiEaPKEbtq6SG448TcD_GYHN7qrZ79f-GOUQndZyeMmoKVVQlYu9mD9tqO9a9XVBnTekbRL6Vczg6zhPN52jl4N-jdZ53B08YMkrC7MQ/s1600/IMG_0977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN9Jb-yJx-N8JREhb-LyU3zZGIKAqxqHerY1_MiEaPKEbtq6SG448TcD_GYHN7qrZ79f-GOUQndZyeMmoKVVQlYu9mD9tqO9a9XVBnTekbRL6Vczg6zhPN52jl4N-jdZ53B08YMkrC7MQ/s1600/IMG_0977.JPG" height="392" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad decided to order the Soup of the Day - cauliflower and almond soup with a side of buttered sourdough taste. It had been freshly cooked that morning and he said it was exactly what he needed. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzturhiZzFAPwAwzbCTrRpbvX14HlF6f7dApNJIw5_aUCxLZ6HqaMo1wTkxjrkEBrvknhPfB-t-ZjZjFs0yGxFAd46riKpwzIuKoa9Wow6-BeukT209Q_sfJ9kIctesfltZVgnISL0eME/s1600/IMG_0979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzturhiZzFAPwAwzbCTrRpbvX14HlF6f7dApNJIw5_aUCxLZ6HqaMo1wTkxjrkEBrvknhPfB-t-ZjZjFs0yGxFAd46riKpwzIuKoa9Wow6-BeukT209Q_sfJ9kIctesfltZVgnISL0eME/s1600/IMG_0979.JPG" height="444" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I ordered the Baked Beans - slow cooked fennel seed and tomato beans topped with creamy feta, green herb persillade, a poached egg, and buttered sourdough toast. I also got given what I'm pretty sure was chilli salt, either way it was delicious. I love baked beans and it was exactly what I needed on the wintery day. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu3pagVCENLbboo7laI-3NiPuKZ1hK18VvPX2F3O5o2TyNHSaRRWXuqxt-26-hcMxw_NuT_EmPa18zNvSlvVD4tGNv4TX5MxIwvv2I9SshnhcukzwSxrmltNAsWrVvBzSzzqPZCmNCtow/s1600/IMG_0982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu3pagVCENLbboo7laI-3NiPuKZ1hK18VvPX2F3O5o2TyNHSaRRWXuqxt-26-hcMxw_NuT_EmPa18zNvSlvVD4tGNv4TX5MxIwvv2I9SshnhcukzwSxrmltNAsWrVvBzSzzqPZCmNCtow/s1600/IMG_0982.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mum ordered the corned beef, sweet mustard pickles, and cheddar baguette. She loved this sandwich and raved about how much she loves pickles.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5JneyS35xh0yEMGslaVTfH9I0D4fveOod5gTO2Xw0fZvu8DsrKWNmBGmxzkdT3-LQbhb3e3abM7Kx4K7RamvOjA0fBNFtfs99a1acIjKEcCbDqlJk3NIhaXmd9IhDTd1OL-7c3z3fS2E/s1600/IMG_0978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5JneyS35xh0yEMGslaVTfH9I0D4fveOod5gTO2Xw0fZvu8DsrKWNmBGmxzkdT3-LQbhb3e3abM7Kx4K7RamvOjA0fBNFtfs99a1acIjKEcCbDqlJk3NIhaXmd9IhDTd1OL-7c3z3fS2E/s1600/IMG_0978.JPG" height="466" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We also got a side of fried potatoes because, how could you not? </td></tr>
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<b>The Farm Cafe</b><br />
<a href="https://www.google.com.au/maps/place/18+St+Heliers+Street/@-37.801637,145.005019,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x6ad643077cc3be07:0x53a72bb91a255178">18 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford, </a><a href="https://www.google.com.au/maps/place/18+St+Heliers+Street/@-37.801637,145.005019,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x6ad643077cc3be07:0x53a72bb91a255178">Collingwood Children's Farm</a><br />
9415 6581<br />
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<b>Hours:</b><br />
Mon - Sun: 9am to 4pm<br />
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<b>Website:</b><br />
<a href="http://www.farmcafe.com.au/">http://www.farmcafe.com.au/</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/760670/restaurant/Melbourne/Collingwood/Farm-Cafe-Abbotsford"><img alt="Farm Cafe on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/760670/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01673499093012787467noreply@blogger.com018 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford VIC 3067, Australia-37.801637 145.00501899999995-63.3236715 103.69642499999995 -12.2796025 -173.68638700000008tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706927660648509720.post-3916377686253849912014-07-03T04:19:00.003-07:002014-07-03T04:19:54.223-07:00Diary of a Cafe Waitress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVA7G0RbaW8dR2rUXzEs6kwA38Bp9ausLuZWhI2Q-5hsb01oAia-YrzsVvm726B3Uzn7hTI7iNaYTPcZ90mNJkxMEnTYg2bGZZbKr-zk7td7DTfhx9vw-jXtJzRZ3xKCINaNgIbmCHFgA/s1600/IMG_0848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVA7G0RbaW8dR2rUXzEs6kwA38Bp9ausLuZWhI2Q-5hsb01oAia-YrzsVvm726B3Uzn7hTI7iNaYTPcZ90mNJkxMEnTYg2bGZZbKr-zk7td7DTfhx9vw-jXtJzRZ3xKCINaNgIbmCHFgA/s1600/IMG_0848.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Today's lunch: two pieces of multigrain toast and a mushroom and gruyere cheese omelette. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01673499093012787467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706927660648509720.post-37465196353379531032014-06-28T22:49:00.001-07:002014-06-28T22:49:08.120-07:00Diary of a Cafe Waitress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUL9GUjrEe_W7HH21A0kyTNrSWxIoa4CMkmXTqXuwiTHQWnP3AHd5yprnXBK1sI9UCO-GD8-18s5CWEDWz9euTssrCkb1gH4OcK9crEBGRkHh9Sqv-6N0YwHSlnBn9UwVaY6Cp-0I3Mw/s1600/IMG_0827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUL9GUjrEe_W7HH21A0kyTNrSWxIoa4CMkmXTqXuwiTHQWnP3AHd5yprnXBK1sI9UCO-GD8-18s5CWEDWz9euTssrCkb1gH4OcK9crEBGRkHh9Sqv-6N0YwHSlnBn9UwVaY6Cp-0I3Mw/s1600/IMG_0827.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Today's lunch: scrambled eggs, roasted tomato and mushroom salsa, fishcakes, and a piece of sourdough toast - made up by one of my friends in the kitchen. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01673499093012787467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706927660648509720.post-38860571771118175482014-06-27T05:24:00.002-07:002014-07-30T00:54:52.416-07:00Review: Axil Coffee RoastersAxil Coffee Roasters sits on Burwood Road (next door to a favourite of mine, <a href="http://gotobread.blogspot.com.au/2014/04/review-hawthorn-common.html">The Hawthorn Common</a>) and is owned by two of the <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/news/epicure/melbournes-canny-king-of-coffee/2006/05/01/1146335641140.html">best baristas in Australia</a>, Dave Makin and Zoey Delaney. If you're a coffee novice or connoisseur, you are sure to enjoy a cuppa at Axil - they even won the Best Coffee award in The Age Cafe guide. The beans are roasted on site with special blends on offer every week.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiurDK7dGBEUxkKeTtCboKD_mq2I18Aqn5gCUG1bnuYHUV_j2GKsKEOgNIAtSJMdYrppx20PPbDMrTCbemM095LYq_pEvYEp7SILpHD18_fK6RkYu_D-AdrO5Mg5Kj-8fWvSiT64ckZpy8/s1600/IMG_0816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiurDK7dGBEUxkKeTtCboKD_mq2I18Aqn5gCUG1bnuYHUV_j2GKsKEOgNIAtSJMdYrppx20PPbDMrTCbemM095LYq_pEvYEp7SILpHD18_fK6RkYu_D-AdrO5Mg5Kj-8fWvSiT64ckZpy8/s1600/IMG_0816.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My breakfast (the perfect thing to cure my hangover at the time): baked eggs in a spicy roasted capsicum sauce with Meredith goats feta, dukkah, and pumpkin toast, perfect for dipping. I love baked eggs because I love dipping bread in sauce - that's the Italian in me I think. </td></tr>
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Mum and I have been meaning to visit Axil for a while, driving past hundreds of times, and noticing the understated but eye-catching black exterior and logo. It was a windy day, but with the new puppy, we had to buck up and sit outside. Even though we were the only ones outside and it was quite busy inside (which it seems to always be, we weren't forgotten by the staff. They were friendly (the waiter talked to us about our puppy and told me my order was a good choice) and the service was prompt.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQYW_zvV2SkTtwWRevNrJX2ZuEoIVHxDU_UL9Chxsi6UQXn6Ltrwy0tXJpacZ9mWgAPYl4BjJC__MvihL1BBDY8seq1-sU61cyIG-MbB__1kT-QwhPM1bj4MWqVqEF9C2hfvYTvtGIxc/s1600/IMG_0812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQYW_zvV2SkTtwWRevNrJX2ZuEoIVHxDU_UL9Chxsi6UQXn6Ltrwy0tXJpacZ9mWgAPYl4BjJC__MvihL1BBDY8seq1-sU61cyIG-MbB__1kT-QwhPM1bj4MWqVqEF9C2hfvYTvtGIxc/s1600/IMG_0812.JPG" height="406" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mum decided to build her own breakfast this morning, choosing two pieces of toast, with roasted tomatoes and Meredith goats feta. She said it was delicious. </td></tr>
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The Axil menu is inviting, with an all day breakfast menu (thank you whoever came up with that stroke of genius) and lunch menu starting at midday, both featuring the usual fare that Melbournians have grown to love (and it’s comfort food done well, which is why so many people keep coming back). Axil also has a focus on fresh and seasonal produce, an attitude that more and more cafes have.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqvkJSiPVj8m0zXZgwpMwRfTZWbzZGwaL-v_3hL_FHXITow0jf4XhGAfiOd0u1hX26_xZNyAOtxEOeJFrNLhhPjUu-VMWD-uUgdc4JCfFvFg3hFfW0U8VRdQWJf0sXlDJjHPzL_TLiTXw/s1600/IMG_0817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqvkJSiPVj8m0zXZgwpMwRfTZWbzZGwaL-v_3hL_FHXITow0jf4XhGAfiOd0u1hX26_xZNyAOtxEOeJFrNLhhPjUu-VMWD-uUgdc4JCfFvFg3hFfW0U8VRdQWJf0sXlDJjHPzL_TLiTXw/s1600/IMG_0817.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The different coffee offerings of the day, with descriptions of what they will taste like. </td></tr>
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I only got a peak inside, but the interior of Axil is reminiscent of a converted warehouse. The space is huge. There are exposed pipes, naked light bulbs hanging from the high ceiling, a wall of flowerpots to contrast and sooth the cold industrial look. The barista counter is fitting for a King and treated more like a throne. Axil is no ordinary brunch eatery, but an impressive operation.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaRrGxb2wiChOiEFJ0Skimiu1c5irTl0fmiY2yW7KJIuwHfhUcZvZZvpiNxd89ZRZL8MnLP0zZvfhDJLugKNItQ5pe9Xrr_2l3aCmb-n5yn-rZiAMpglvO2iCsULxqHyFJq7eSMiGhCFw/s1600/IMG_0811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaRrGxb2wiChOiEFJ0Skimiu1c5irTl0fmiY2yW7KJIuwHfhUcZvZZvpiNxd89ZRZL8MnLP0zZvfhDJLugKNItQ5pe9Xrr_2l3aCmb-n5yn-rZiAMpglvO2iCsULxqHyFJq7eSMiGhCFw/s1600/IMG_0811.JPG" height="400" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Axil offers barista classes for those who want to learn!</td></tr>
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If you're a coffee lover (or just want to taste what good coffee actually tastes like) than it would be remiss of you to put off visiting Axil any longer. With a nice atmosphere, you'll enjoy spending time at Axil.<br />
<br />
<b>Axil Coffee Roasters</b><br />
<a href="https://www.google.com.au/maps/place/322+Burwood+Rd/@-37.822758,145.034035,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x6ad642315fac217b:0x6233545fdccff75c">322 Burwood Road, Hawthorn</a><br />
9819 0091<br />
<br />
<b>Hours:</b><br />
Mon - Sun: 7am to 4pm<br />
<br />
<b>Website:</b><br />
<a href="http://www.axilcoffee.com.au/">http://www.axilcoffee.com.au/</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1594743/restaurant/Melbourne/Axil-Coffee-Roasters-Hawthorn"><img alt="Axil Coffee Roasters on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1594743/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01673499093012787467noreply@blogger.com0322 Burwood Road, Hawthorn VIC 3122, Australia-37.822758 145.03403500000002-63.132053 103.72544100000002 -12.513463000000002 -173.657371tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706927660648509720.post-18561652434599496312014-06-25T23:34:00.001-07:002014-06-25T23:34:07.918-07:00Diary of a Cafe Waitress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKlU27SEfFRt3rKIfuKCGfBiQ5FZNV5-eI3tzY_zIgw1S-t2AAU9W6SRT8lvSuvh1rgnre2OHpygQOjO-epplOp7isWTPxFo2FLQXCiE_jlhdQ30kSiZG5KmtNgsSkoY4H4hQlBvtlV4/s1600/IMG_0805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKlU27SEfFRt3rKIfuKCGfBiQ5FZNV5-eI3tzY_zIgw1S-t2AAU9W6SRT8lvSuvh1rgnre2OHpygQOjO-epplOp7isWTPxFo2FLQXCiE_jlhdQ30kSiZG5KmtNgsSkoY4H4hQlBvtlV4/s1600/IMG_0805.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Today's lunch: feta omelette with two pieces of multigrain toast! I also got an apple danish after my shift to take home (it was delish). </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01673499093012787467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706927660648509720.post-34424155989392577032014-06-21T05:01:00.002-07:002014-06-21T05:01:14.031-07:00Diary of a Cafe Waitress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhURwXsrjF6TRek_AjgwWRgPCJHCQWgL4DtByu-9cbds-qbiwEbAmUU474VvxJ4TUg9s4fU9ImkeXPyKaHvzNYvB3d1hndmQfngbU6BLZ67h_EDEIUIifvrfDDvsaN07OrkQqGTq6AZp2M/s1600/IMG_0785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhURwXsrjF6TRek_AjgwWRgPCJHCQWgL4DtByu-9cbds-qbiwEbAmUU474VvxJ4TUg9s4fU9ImkeXPyKaHvzNYvB3d1hndmQfngbU6BLZ67h_EDEIUIifvrfDDvsaN07OrkQqGTq6AZp2M/s1600/IMG_0785.JPG" height="552" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today's lunch: multigrain toast with scrambled eggs, mushrooms, and roasted tomatoes. Today the chef said, "she always gets scrambled eggs". (I can't help it, they're real nice). </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01673499093012787467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706927660648509720.post-87062168119254271102014-06-17T05:54:00.000-07:002014-07-30T00:55:02.068-07:00Review: Breakfast ThievesWith a new (and very excitable) puppy in our lives, mum and I are taking every opportunity to we can to tire him out so he sleeps well when we get home. Today we decided to bring him along to Fitzroy, to grab some lunch, and get him used to a part of town we visit often.<br />
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Located in the quieter backstreets of Fitzroy we found Breakfast Thieves, built into the remains of McRobertson’s old chocolate factory (mum said that her grandmother used to always have McRobertson confectionary around the house when she was growing up).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2HIlKk-mHUqqcetFdI4p8kie2p6Q8K6X3igbRpyKfAHL-_K5lQECpJLzVkAx7-QnwyfooWbJvYz57GQ42DK-VfIcsmFFGt5slc05oBidPZNhIh7Ouwn7pgK9kX_xyLkuqCJ_df_j9CW8/s1600/IMG_0772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2HIlKk-mHUqqcetFdI4p8kie2p6Q8K6X3igbRpyKfAHL-_K5lQECpJLzVkAx7-QnwyfooWbJvYz57GQ42DK-VfIcsmFFGt5slc05oBidPZNhIh7Ouwn7pgK9kX_xyLkuqCJ_df_j9CW8/s1600/IMG_0772.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I would dare say this was one of the best meals I've had this year: "Buddha's Feast" - crisp rosemary and parmesan polenta, served with homemade cream corn, asparagus, mushroom, grated pecorino and a poached egg (I asked for it without the egg). It was delicious and unlike anything else I've really ever had before (also I'm a sucker for polenta). </td></tr>
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One of the best things about this café is that it continuously plays with the theme of its name. The menu is filled with dishes named after thieves in history, fairy-tales and children’s storybooks. On the breakfast menu you can find a dish named after the “Leprechaun”, and for lunch you can taste the “Robin Hood”.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglEgs1XmYM51pjjbJY3HHptaSlKhDi-xi-kxZuT0Nf4p4uuM0TjR-bWWGYCatomOKRqsYrK1paqsGKzn2gbR8WoisLZuiBNfIAgqF-O9T01i62jNup0HG9_VaLfTsXvBq21pFYi4XRc3Q/s1600/IMG_0769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglEgs1XmYM51pjjbJY3HHptaSlKhDi-xi-kxZuT0Nf4p4uuM0TjR-bWWGYCatomOKRqsYrK1paqsGKzn2gbR8WoisLZuiBNfIAgqF-O9T01i62jNup0HG9_VaLfTsXvBq21pFYi4XRc3Q/s1600/IMG_0769.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mum got soft boiled eggs with soldiers because she wasn't that hungry. How impressive is that tower. It didn't even look like it was going to fall when the waitress was bringing it out. Soldiers are making another appearance on a menu - I don't know why it's a thing suddenly but I'm not complaining. </td></tr>
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Mum pointed out that all the dishes use really interesting and creative combinations (Breakfast Thieves describes their cuisine as Australian with a “tantalizing Asian edge” – can’t get much better than that), which all result in flavoursome and generous dishes. The coffee is from STREAT rosters, which should be more than reason enough to order one (other than the fact that it’s a delicious flavour). There are also homemade biscuits and other sweet and savoury items available at the front counter.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtxBBZ5k5lH8ZRGBNU9ZQTX66PyYos9wv4quaZgjBfiDeRb206HcV9Pc6mPPXwPpm2kh72IYkZfDL3AA8jLXn1zdXWCfK81WC8EwcaaKgv9sqgje7G7X03pdB0z3gqWyFXd0P6T3C4KA/s1600/IMG_0768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFtxBBZ5k5lH8ZRGBNU9ZQTX66PyYos9wv4quaZgjBfiDeRb206HcV9Pc6mPPXwPpm2kh72IYkZfDL3AA8jLXn1zdXWCfK81WC8EwcaaKgv9sqgje7G7X03pdB0z3gqWyFXd0P6T3C4KA/s1600/IMG_0768.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My skinny chai latte - I just like it when they bring it out with a teapot. </td></tr>
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We sat outside, because of the dog and it wasn’t as cold as the grey, Melbourne, winter skies would have led you to believe. The staff were friendly and offered to turn on the heaters for us but we didn’t need it (also I didn’t really want to get that thing where half your face is boiling and the other is freezing). I got a peak of the interior though. It's cozy, in a cool, industrial, warehouse kind of way, with low hanging light bulbs, neutral and natural tones, plants, and communal seating. It was pretty packed and busy when we were there, even though it was Tuesday lunchtime.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmgsgffsHzgvY7-LayBittkzOZZbsdixLogUa4zFLFs44srcCNL-wl2LHoFXn0JIEuN3Wwhekv9Q49XWMCXNMuMXrzlqLPv9kuIEIH54u3KgnWBaRjKMaOqHVV5xqWiH0bF4r9biNm0AE/s1600/IMG_0779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmgsgffsHzgvY7-LayBittkzOZZbsdixLogUa4zFLFs44srcCNL-wl2LHoFXn0JIEuN3Wwhekv9Q49XWMCXNMuMXrzlqLPv9kuIEIH54u3KgnWBaRjKMaOqHVV5xqWiH0bF4r9biNm0AE/s1600/IMG_0779.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The design and fonts used at this place were really nice. Also I'm not sure what the logo is but I really dig the tiny fox as their secondary logo. Who doesn't like foxes? </td></tr>
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The chef at Breakfast Thieves said, “We are all thieves when it comes to fine food”. And to be honest, the food here was good enough to steal it’s way into my heart and being one of my new favourite spots in Melbourne.<br />
<br />
<b>Breakfast Thieves</b><br />
<a href="https://www.google.com.au/maps/search/Shop+1,+420+Gore+Street,+Fitzroy/@-37.7967223,144.983421,17z/data=!3m1!4b1">Shop 1, 420 Gore Street, Fitzroy</a><br />
9416 4884<br />
<br />
<b>Hours:</b><br />
Tues - Fri: 7:30am to 4pm<br />
Sat - Sun: 8am to 4pm<br />
<br />
<b>Website:</b><br />
<a href="http://www.breakfastthieves.com.au/">http://www.breakfastthieves.com.au/</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1675465/restaurant/Melbourne/Breakfast-Thieves-Fitzroy"><img alt="Breakfast Thieves on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1675465/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01673499093012787467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706927660648509720.post-72852341398649874132014-06-17T00:01:00.001-07:002014-07-01T05:27:28.307-07:00Review: China Bar Signature (Burwood East)<div>
J is back from university on holiday break, so we decided to fulfil the dreams of our ten-year-old selves and visit the all-you-can-eat Asian food restaurant: China Bar Signature.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgan4itnZFWiT0tGSzngG7w0DVj2NKjEsUuYVrpYZG1x4Rb8jhievNdZlqfKQmptBxAqX0YnYU9rF-0CVNAs79UJ1jbh2gAw1e0M_k0-1_t_z6tA34-_fBBK_ECRvKz-t8JYqEIuq8grKc/s1600/IMG_0745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgan4itnZFWiT0tGSzngG7w0DVj2NKjEsUuYVrpYZG1x4Rb8jhievNdZlqfKQmptBxAqX0YnYU9rF-0CVNAs79UJ1jbh2gAw1e0M_k0-1_t_z6tA34-_fBBK_ECRvKz-t8JYqEIuq8grKc/s1600/IMG_0745.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking into China Bar gives me a feeling of fulfilled content-ness, much like how I imagine a religious person would feel walking into their place of worship. </td></tr>
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Between you and me, I think buffets are one of the greatest inventions in food history. Having the freedom to choose from such a wide variety and quantity of food usually makes up for the average quality. However, at China Bar Signature, the quality is a lot better than what you’d find at most buffets; we were able to taste the fresh ingredients.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicChlOXQoyhVcBB_Fqgs7Wy3hRTaJtv_DrJr6-ZK7QM_4Wm_NO88y8R4X5UVJsX8FwXZ4Kx39PNlxx3QMGRcUjf4Igjg0VaRPIfh8tl1ReX1wtVg-E5niwtBFi1TX8ZCm_Y7BDd_hOiWk/s1600/IMG_0758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicChlOXQoyhVcBB_Fqgs7Wy3hRTaJtv_DrJr6-ZK7QM_4Wm_NO88y8R4X5UVJsX8FwXZ4Kx39PNlxx3QMGRcUjf4Igjg0VaRPIfh8tl1ReX1wtVg-E5niwtBFi1TX8ZCm_Y7BDd_hOiWk/s1600/IMG_0758.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sushi bar (and salad bar at the front). To be honest, this was probably my favourite section. I could've pigged out here for the entire night and been happy. </td></tr>
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China Bar Signature offers the best of Asian cuisine, prepared by chefs from China, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Hong Kong. We were greeted with a range of sushi and sashimi, fresh seafood, yum cha dumplings, Peking duck, made to order stir-fries, traditional Asian soups, and a variety of Asian desserts. You can also get some hot chips if you want – J suggested that that might be to cater to the desires of the Asian customers.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqK7YuRcLP1rwImNdPSwbHCEdQENNXwvNZuKZ21pfO55sbp1yYz5dJtcbzGBRz6hsFzApzQ39CAfr1TnMT6fCPn6oAg9EKrzzDeCRRw5DdRIp5AcrdXqMw-tbJp9pD1nE82-Jg1RW5Nk8/s1600/IMG_0760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqK7YuRcLP1rwImNdPSwbHCEdQENNXwvNZuKZ21pfO55sbp1yYz5dJtcbzGBRz6hsFzApzQ39CAfr1TnMT6fCPn6oAg9EKrzzDeCRRw5DdRIp5AcrdXqMw-tbJp9pD1nE82-Jg1RW5Nk8/s1600/IMG_0760.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dumpling station - the big baskets contained steamed pork and custard buns, whilst the smaller ones contained one different variety of dumpling each (to avoid wastage). </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The dining hall had high ceilings, ceiling to floor windows and plush couches, and J and I were lucky enough to score a good position, with a short walking distance to the food. Because it was getting dark, decadent chandeliers lit up the hall, creating an atmosphere to match the night of indulgence ahead.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhro8Z05pz_ReNRmpuuR6r1HsojRu_q3UodB52mhSdJxFgu0IOy80r8wlCHihv-ce46FuQ49Yd16gd-SjvOqhJY6q2ZaMh8AKOAql-wJAm3-vti7Dq76FcRiYbHHFKRgCzyKON-skEWBBo/s1600/IMG_0761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhro8Z05pz_ReNRmpuuR6r1HsojRu_q3UodB52mhSdJxFgu0IOy80r8wlCHihv-ce46FuQ49Yd16gd-SjvOqhJY6q2ZaMh8AKOAql-wJAm3-vti7Dq76FcRiYbHHFKRgCzyKON-skEWBBo/s1600/IMG_0761.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The made-to-order stir fry station was to the left (J and I spent a long time just watching this guy perform his magic) and to the right was the meat section an the Peking duck and soup section. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
J and I arrived at 6pm on the dot and didn’t leave until around 10pm (we even got to chat to one of the super friendly waiters about why they were changing around the layout of the furniture - for service the next day) – that was probably because it was a Sunday though and we were allowed to take our time. On peak hour nights like Friday and Saturday, I hear they run a tight ship, trying to get customers in and out on a 1 and a half hour rotation.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJBSDqVDxpxOrzI0Czw4jBlLQym4PLlcM_gvjR3goVhjRlpw5dtBM6DYcRNlEKhPHzdtrYCC3D3O9gP482hJNxMa1zTgJ4YLkZZfjYaBTdI75Ne17fEJToBxtzWgBZHz6SCXdfTOJEyU/s1600/IMG_0762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJBSDqVDxpxOrzI0Czw4jBlLQym4PLlcM_gvjR3goVhjRlpw5dtBM6DYcRNlEKhPHzdtrYCC3D3O9gP482hJNxMa1zTgJ4YLkZZfjYaBTdI75Ne17fEJToBxtzWgBZHz6SCXdfTOJEyU/s1600/IMG_0762.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh seafood - this was at the end of the night, there was a lot more available at the beginning. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The sessions and pricing can be found on their website, as it differs to whatever location you go to. Lunch will be cheaper than dinner (at Burwood during the week it's 30$ for lunch and $59 for dinner, and on Friday and the weekend it's $30-35 for lunch and $63 for dinner). However if you dine for lunch you won't be able to try any of the seafood, sashimi, or Peking duck as that's only available during dinner.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVWHYBrB9oBS_AMSf2WzZwtgOPDbn5miRN8CBDOzj62mBLIcWESGTk8zDntRW4xM-3fZaW_znWV0nQWVIxWamXA-MwH0yhyJjKsgLN4o-W0GRVFSnsZ1pnSoAiEeDXmti9wVZyoBSV9Zk/s1600/IMG_0763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVWHYBrB9oBS_AMSf2WzZwtgOPDbn5miRN8CBDOzj62mBLIcWESGTk8zDntRW4xM-3fZaW_znWV0nQWVIxWamXA-MwH0yhyJjKsgLN4o-W0GRVFSnsZ1pnSoAiEeDXmti9wVZyoBSV9Zk/s1600/IMG_0763.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So many deserts and pieces of fruit, it was hard not to grab a little bit of everything. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Handy tips:<br />
<ul>
<li> Take your time. Take breaks. Digest your food. You don’t want to tap out too early. </li>
<li> Don’t eat too much sushi, rice or noodles, you don’t want to fill up on that and miss out on the good stuff </li>
<li>Don’t waste food, they don’t like it, and why would you want to anyway – it’s delicious </li>
<li>Leave room for desert!!</li>
</ul>
<div>
Here are photos of some of the stuff I ate (sorry for the low quality, it was dark and I only had my iPhone). Also sorry I can't remember everything I had so I'm going to caption as best I could.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSV2HeKuQRQxdeb40Ob0jsab2pIWgqt_hUz9pusamivftVovOHL7z8gI7TAZNWG-lwObG8gLyjwZpEpkWubkAPgZhqbbCHSSVPLVdXDweZwbEh7vEKS70sVS_QZTcTWSDBmqTblIFmB8/s1600/IMG_0749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSV2HeKuQRQxdeb40Ob0jsab2pIWgqt_hUz9pusamivftVovOHL7z8gI7TAZNWG-lwObG8gLyjwZpEpkWubkAPgZhqbbCHSSVPLVdXDweZwbEh7vEKS70sVS_QZTcTWSDBmqTblIFmB8/s1600/IMG_0749.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fried dim sum included prawn dumplings and parcels, fried fish, prawn pancake covered with bamboo, and fresh prawns with sweet and sour sauce and tartare sauce. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1GbaVfmjuqrSwWXjC3CJFzhqfjpbganUD-Bf0DC-W6kmHujxUAwKdFU6UmpEYFZ8SOZjbUEHxtUQfsRvkawHMBduKDfmO2Zel7OEhSp-xHCacWhoUlLd_kSPja0iYQZxbXQ49opU5BA0/s1600/IMG_0751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1GbaVfmjuqrSwWXjC3CJFzhqfjpbganUD-Bf0DC-W6kmHujxUAwKdFU6UmpEYFZ8SOZjbUEHxtUQfsRvkawHMBduKDfmO2Zel7OEhSp-xHCacWhoUlLd_kSPja0iYQZxbXQ49opU5BA0/s1600/IMG_0751.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fried rice with steamed mushrooms and broccoli, steamed eggplant, and this Indian chutney.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ATkGb5CeuimyDD1seHhTMEDka2ANlbX2G4PVbhRnKNzXbHj3WtfxiM5up7nnCib7Z3mgB9qTEu3CmtFgu1GfyRENiGtjCTbej9-XaUDL1CGjirqozLF2G7YSzIA3TOiK5bVAQ7cLrA8/s1600/IMG_0753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ATkGb5CeuimyDD1seHhTMEDka2ANlbX2G4PVbhRnKNzXbHj3WtfxiM5up7nnCib7Z3mgB9qTEu3CmtFgu1GfyRENiGtjCTbej9-XaUDL1CGjirqozLF2G7YSzIA3TOiK5bVAQ7cLrA8/s1600/IMG_0753.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sushi and dumplings!!! I had prawn and crab dumplings and the sushi going clockwise was unagi, grilled salmon, wasabi drizzled prawn, salmon and avocado, calamari and cucumber, and hamachi. You got to pour your own soy sauce and wasabi into one of those little bowls if you wanted it - it was delicious. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbL6mgDb0C1ZgV9-FS_IzSEEjkLbSralF7uUbXV9iG3LS3BRtvN4_nw89JvehR3z0iwxP0BPDI2HP8Xvgo5nDjgc7Kt5PJuXRzruOH8GkZFbEptehaiHdEISkF1lLzfrXlDpW0lWJx0RI/s1600/IMG_0755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbL6mgDb0C1ZgV9-FS_IzSEEjkLbSralF7uUbXV9iG3LS3BRtvN4_nw89JvehR3z0iwxP0BPDI2HP8Xvgo5nDjgc7Kt5PJuXRzruOH8GkZFbEptehaiHdEISkF1lLzfrXlDpW0lWJx0RI/s1600/IMG_0755.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Made-to-order stir-fry noodles, with mushrooms, carrot, prawns, and egg (I didn't ask for egg but they just added it, not that I minded).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitB8vpPW2vo2AHYpwSRPYFrtvHK-VftGr3L9AAxaMPJgrso1PstFs1lwEYdRlE0a7CS0770rsQiBaIAUqe5ZITQxd-JTDBOHxmj9tucROur42KQvjlHlTF6aguW2LmL0xprPJ4Yb3CzPA/s1600/IMG_0764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitB8vpPW2vo2AHYpwSRPYFrtvHK-VftGr3L9AAxaMPJgrso1PstFs1lwEYdRlE0a7CS0770rsQiBaIAUqe5ZITQxd-JTDBOHxmj9tucROur42KQvjlHlTF6aguW2LmL0xprPJ4Yb3CzPA/s1600/IMG_0764.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Desert: I didn't get that much because I was absolutely stuffed but I did get a chocolate wafer cake, creme brulee, some rockmelon (I also got a few grapes but I ate them before getting back to the table) and an egg tart because no night is complete without an egg tart. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>China Bar Signature (Burwood East)</b></div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.google.com.au/maps/place/380+Burwood+Hwy/@-37.855246,145.168121,17z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x6ad63f0fb455b1ff:0xdee99020641a3c30">380 Burwood Highway, Burwood East</a></div>
9887 8011<br />
<br />
<b>Hours:</b><br />
Mon - Fri: 11:30am to 3pm and 5:45pm to 10pm<br />
Sat: 11:30am to 3pm and<br />
SESSION 1: 5:45pm to 7:45pm<br />
SESSION 2: 8pm to 10pm<br />
Sun:<br />
SESSION 1: 11:30am to 1pm<br />
SESSION 2: 1:30pm to 3pm and<br />
5:45pm to 10pm<br />
<br />
<b>Website:</b><br />
<a href="http://www.chinabarsignature.com/">http://www.chinabarsignature.com/</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1522076/restaurant/Melbourne/China-Bar-Signature-Burwood-East"><img alt="China Bar Signature on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1522076/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01673499093012787467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706927660648509720.post-351589525148589352014-06-13T23:36:00.002-07:002014-06-13T23:36:39.842-07:00Diary of a Cafe Waitress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzv1poYBJwGAjiMaDUDAN5xEQyCWW-5eFNbYQBsiPm8KYazUiCN21zce4ukIfGHyPvpE3ljvjFy3WKUUMwPvzOwXJ5r2S1eBY4R5EV4MK-G6lYDZ7oLvlSCjCQBTvDklal9jJLZkwvXlk/s1600/IMG_0739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzv1poYBJwGAjiMaDUDAN5xEQyCWW-5eFNbYQBsiPm8KYazUiCN21zce4ukIfGHyPvpE3ljvjFy3WKUUMwPvzOwXJ5r2S1eBY4R5EV4MK-G6lYDZ7oLvlSCjCQBTvDklal9jJLZkwvXlk/s1600/IMG_0739.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today's lunch: multigrain toast, scrambled eggs, mushrooms, and feta (with a nice lettuce salad)</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01673499093012787467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706927660648509720.post-8167447601915123982014-06-13T01:32:00.000-07:002014-06-13T01:32:07.811-07:00Diary of a Cafe Waitress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-4P5oPC3DCxzTQcg9ZMsnh3sbPqsHdv_QIcSdiVRu6Gu496Y5crWlv6W6y8zmmQ2u0Svl2Ht-1Ue-67w3Vs70cMrL3XosE3L2Nw4bQTzTV7duceMfX3WD9Mxp7lIlvXKUPgykLn4nQ4/s1600/IMG_0730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT-4P5oPC3DCxzTQcg9ZMsnh3sbPqsHdv_QIcSdiVRu6Gu496Y5crWlv6W6y8zmmQ2u0Svl2Ht-1Ue-67w3Vs70cMrL3XosE3L2Nw4bQTzTV7duceMfX3WD9Mxp7lIlvXKUPgykLn4nQ4/s1600/IMG_0730.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today's lunch: one piece of multigrain bread (cut into a heart), lemon infused avocado, and a mushroom and feta omelette. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01673499093012787467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706927660648509720.post-67888899027146729912014-06-11T22:22:00.001-07:002014-07-30T00:55:21.181-07:00Review: Lil Boy BlueThe only downside of Melbourne’s sudden breakfast and lunch café boom is that menus are generally filled with the usual fare – smashed avocado, eggs benedict, thyme mushrooms. The menu at Lil Boy Blue offers something new and refreshing and they pull it off. The meals at Lil Boy Blue are deliberately focussed on creating combinations of food that taste the best. And the reason Lil Boy Blue might have nailed its courageous move to create interesting food is that the owner, Joshua Clarke, is also the chef. (The name is inspired by his two young kids).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPsh9h7mX_z-UuEMxMmqb-RhyphenhyphenNYNVWJGHe56yKzidR7ChMQTquXJlDDEHksdwBxaPxV9z8gMBw5F9XK30MViHBz3KAQrzzx1evQ2boqpPHAmGlstbpEaDdlYY4ihTO7mxiQiZASD_9kA/s1600/IMG_0723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaPsh9h7mX_z-UuEMxMmqb-RhyphenhyphenNYNVWJGHe56yKzidR7ChMQTquXJlDDEHksdwBxaPxV9z8gMBw5F9XK30MViHBz3KAQrzzx1evQ2boqpPHAmGlstbpEaDdlYY4ihTO7mxiQiZASD_9kA/s1600/IMG_0723.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had trouble deciding today but I was pretty happy with my choice: spiced pumpkin salad with baby beets, du puy lentils, crumbed goats feta, trail mix, tendrils, pickled onions and beetroot vinaigrette. The trail mix was such an interesting addition and added sweetness to my meal. My one issue with this new style of food is that it's so difficult to eat it all at once and mix flavours. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Breakfast is served until 12pm on weekdays and 2pm on weekends. Mum and I have eaten breakfast here once before and enjoyed it – I had the Brioche Bun filled with Autumn Mushrooms, Spinach in Garlic and Lemon and Truffle Pecorino and mum had the Poached and Crumbed eggs with Mushrooms, Soldiers, Salsa Verde, Pickled Capsicum and Goats Curd. So we decided to go back for lunch. The lunch menu (which starts at 12pm) includes nibbles, lil plates, and big plates. It’s also open for dinner! And there’s a dessert menu and sweets made in-house every morning, located in the front cabinet.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qlTDW9sHlv86ddpXkPlZ9XoGbvA2r1BDOlB9tTwEGuGku_plUY1HTt01_7egNYhhaHCYPGdGK2CnifmF2Wf6_T5zDMLgGPZwHruDeB05xvJlbl4V9oxvv2bjm0CBaxXezjvv4Ep_TP8/s1600/IMG_0722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3qlTDW9sHlv86ddpXkPlZ9XoGbvA2r1BDOlB9tTwEGuGku_plUY1HTt01_7egNYhhaHCYPGdGK2CnifmF2Wf6_T5zDMLgGPZwHruDeB05xvJlbl4V9oxvv2bjm0CBaxXezjvv4Ep_TP8/s1600/IMG_0722.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was mum's meal: crisp skin pork belly, chilli lime prawns with parsnip, green beans, currants and apple cider jus. Mum ate it all despite it being really rich - we were both ready for a snooze after our meals. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The exterior doesn’t give anything away about the food that’s made in the kitchen. Sandwiched between a dry cleaner and a musical shop, it’s just a glass window with some white and blue. Inside the place has a modern, simplistic feel, with 70-seats somehow hidden inside this café.<br />
<br />
The front room is the main dining area, with wooden tables, and an infamous textual rug hanging on the exposed brick wall. You can walk through to back room, where there are tall seats and tables, where you can get a glimpse into the kitchen and watch the magic happens. There is also an upstairs function area, available for bookings, and a private sunroom. Lil Boy Blue is vibrant but has a really relaxed vibe. All the staff are welcoming and accommodating. It’s definitely a café that will make any breakfast lover’s list of favourites.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-ZBk4kZkkdu2k4TqfBn7zcOqaEum0mtBHpNYHhOJzl43gcTZlDTKpGCyCNu1sDt-B5t64KskjSAOkgyIYMYaB4GOCbky1o3PuneeHtm4NhoAoEko4anf1FQKhUw2K7SwhSprnXTET1Q/s1600/IMG_0720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-ZBk4kZkkdu2k4TqfBn7zcOqaEum0mtBHpNYHhOJzl43gcTZlDTKpGCyCNu1sDt-B5t64KskjSAOkgyIYMYaB4GOCbky1o3PuneeHtm4NhoAoEko4anf1FQKhUw2K7SwhSprnXTET1Q/s1600/IMG_0720.jpg" height="640" width="608" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skinny chai latte - I've had one of there's before and it's really tasty. They add honey to it for sweetness. And the cups here are really cool - they look like they're takeaway cups but they're ceramic. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Word of warning: This is High Street, Kew. It’s notoriously congested and has tram-traffic 24/7. That means you’ll have to do some creative parking down a side street (or if you’re very lucky, you might get one on High Street but I wouldn’t bet on it).<br />
<br />
<b>Lil Boy Blue</b><br />
<a href="https://www.google.com.au/maps/place/309+High+St/@-37.804723,145.035835,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x6ad643c481721a5d:0x54d6fca1ef8e185c">309 High Street, Kew</a><br />
9853 5003<br />
<br />
<b>Hours:</b><br />
Tues: 7am to 4pm<br />
Wed - Sat: 7am to 11pm<br />
Sun: 7am to 4pm<br />
<br />
<b>Website</b><br />
<a href="http://www.lilboyblue.com.au/">http://www.lilboyblue.com.au/</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1678871/restaurant/Melbourne/Lil-Boy-Blue-Kew"><img alt="Lil Boy Blue on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1678871/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01673499093012787467noreply@blogger.com0309 High Street, Kew VIC 3101, Australia-37.804723 145.03583500000002-63.3267575 103.72724100000002 -12.282688500000003 -173.655571tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706927660648509720.post-73918447537453902312014-06-09T21:30:00.000-07:002014-07-30T00:55:28.726-07:00Review: Vyve Cafe and RestaurantBeing on uni break for exams, and soon holidays, my friends and I have a fair bit of time to kill. Today A, G and I had an hour to spare, so we decided to drive to Heidelberg and check out Vyve for lunch and a chat, on the suggestion of A.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1fHC9I1Wfc2wHILFOie-LlAUNukNg89ItwbU3kBuANvaS-3NhY27yD06J-o5ezOzn1C1E2pLlGG3vClLf5cZqp2kz0CwaRibJY6awxrl99XYZ-OjWAWjEceICduO_lKQ1Z9FeEktaj0/s1600/IMG_0714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1fHC9I1Wfc2wHILFOie-LlAUNukNg89ItwbU3kBuANvaS-3NhY27yD06J-o5ezOzn1C1E2pLlGG3vClLf5cZqp2kz0CwaRibJY6awxrl99XYZ-OjWAWjEceICduO_lKQ1Z9FeEktaj0/s1600/IMG_0714.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A ordered lamb off the bone with feta, rocket, homemade aioli, and lamb jus served in a wrap with a fresh Greek salad. Tapping into her family heritage, A was keen for this when she suggested going to Vyve in the first place, and was not disappointed. </td></tr>
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The food here was pretty impressive, all of us finding it difficult to choose what we wanted - did we want something from the breakfast menu (as none of us had eaten yet) or did we want something more lunchy. We all settled with a lunch option. The head chef, Bruno Lima, blends South American and Mediterranean flavours to create this interesting menu.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKHpt6-Gcqe2UWfWB-xeHgUFbfvtttG1vdIKEwwR-L_jROdlMINV18a7XwAzFaUPB9TlNfOl_rH2tQUB9iDSa7ORiDjveFtWFs27wvnOgZV0GpCS8iipc0sjj7gXZVVYCziuXJLSjZTYc/s1600/IMG_0711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKHpt6-Gcqe2UWfWB-xeHgUFbfvtttG1vdIKEwwR-L_jROdlMINV18a7XwAzFaUPB9TlNfOl_rH2tQUB9iDSa7ORiDjveFtWFs27wvnOgZV0GpCS8iipc0sjj7gXZVVYCziuXJLSjZTYc/s1600/IMG_0711.JPG" height="584" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">G ordered the Burgerndy Street (black angus beef, American cheddar, egg (asked for the egg to be removed), bacon, tomato, lettuce, caramelised onion, housemade pickles, tomato sauce, mustard, and housemade mayo, served on a brioche bun). Half of me reckons she did it just so she could say the pun, but she was pretty happy with this choice. </td></tr>
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The breakfast menu is served until 3:30 and is focussed on fresh and premium local produce. Their free-range eggs are from Kangaroo Island and the organic sourdough bread is one of Melbourne's favourites, Zeally Bay. The lunch menu has an extensive burger list, as well as gourmet hot dogs if you're feeling daring. The quality of the ingredients certainly showed in the taste.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4435tWMgW1kgupjiLvK74wrVNy67kE83ui8ZGYqnU-X0ZkRU_DDpm7Y9lhAqJI8D01rq8D5NQYo9j_gFW30OEP59Qzjw9MsQolrkXNj1MjT__m1QNL0LPdG0-jZg0ZkDpB9UxDeEszlM/s1600/IMG_0712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4435tWMgW1kgupjiLvK74wrVNy67kE83ui8ZGYqnU-X0ZkRU_DDpm7Y9lhAqJI8D01rq8D5NQYo9j_gFW30OEP59Qzjw9MsQolrkXNj1MjT__m1QNL0LPdG0-jZg0ZkDpB9UxDeEszlM/s1600/IMG_0712.JPG" height="496" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I ordered the veggie (mushroom and spinach rice patty, American cheddar, rocket, semi-dried tomatoes, and sweet chilli sauce on a brioche bun). That patty literally melted in my mouth when I took a bite, it was delicious. </td></tr>
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The coffee is also impressive, with beans from Atomica as well as a single origin bean available if you ask. There are also freshly squeezed juices, frappes, smoothies, milkshakes, and tea available. A had a moan when she realised she was craving a milkshake right after she ordered a Coke.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXiNZE7BT7gMWb3U4RCn2YYmWncuTnqfhSKpmlY-M5drhDCLwiuccFoQc9Q_kyyqzIBYcJ9VXDKoDeipHgMUr-HdIcfqSpZqCg5XIp3nGFJ8q7euYFGX9GwJd9d-GM9ahuG7m42ESZSI/s1600/IMG_0713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXiNZE7BT7gMWb3U4RCn2YYmWncuTnqfhSKpmlY-M5drhDCLwiuccFoQc9Q_kyyqzIBYcJ9VXDKoDeipHgMUr-HdIcfqSpZqCg5XIp3nGFJ8q7euYFGX9GwJd9d-GM9ahuG7m42ESZSI/s1600/IMG_0713.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The burgers didn't come with fries but you can't have burgers without fries so we ordered a bowl to share. They came with housemade aioli and tomato sauce for dipping. The waitress suggested we try a chip with the two sauces together and they tasted like a sweet chilli sauce - three sauces in one, brilliant! </td></tr>
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The vibe at Vyve is laid back, and you feel instantly comfortable when you're there - something that Melbourne cafe's are pretty good at mastering. The place was packed full of locals - friends just catching up over some coffee or something to eat. The staff were all really friendly and willing to help with whatever we needed. They also have a really cool, simplistic logo, which I dug.<br />
<br />
Even though it felt like a bit of a dine and dash because we hoofed down our meals in under fifteen minutes, all three of us were pretty impressed with the place (and were severely full afterwards). We agreed to go back and try it next time we were all free.<br />
<br />
<b>Vyve Cafe and Restaurant</b><br />
<a href="https://www.google.com.au/maps/place/184+Burgundy+St/@-37.755689,145.063904,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x6ad646890842e44b:0x864ad4ecae4a00bc">184 Burgendy Street, Heidelberg</a><br />
9458 2222<br />
<br />
<b>Hours:</b><br />
Mon - Sat: 7:30am to 4:30pm<br />
Sun: 8am to 4:30pm<br />
<br />
<b>Website:</b><br />
<a href="http://www.vyvecafe.com.au/">http://www.vyvecafe.com.au/</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1516715/restaurant/Melbourne/Vyve-Cafe-Restaurant-Heidelberg"><img alt="Vyve Cafe & Restaurant on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1516715/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01673499093012787467noreply@blogger.com0184 Burgundy Street, Heidelberg VIC 3084, Australia-37.755689 145.06390399999998-63.064999 103.75531049999998 -12.446378999999997 -173.6275025