Food adventures in Melbourne and wherever the tummy goes
Glen Waverly is reknown for their food and when a new restaurant pops up, everyone knows about it. K-Town Restaurant and Bar is located in the Montclair Avenue Building. Don’t be fooled though, when you step out of the elevator, it has a very modern decor, pumping music and friendly and attentive staff. We got there smack bang at lunch time and we were the first ones in which meant we got to pick our table. Once seated, we flicked through the menu and started our little feast.
Melbourne has gone hotpot crazy and we have found the hottest of the hotpot! Located in the previous Dracula building stands Panda Hot Pot. You will not miss this venue. Two stories high, a massive dragon facing the entrance with a centre stage, you can expect great things from here. It gets real busy so make sure you make a booking to nab a spot.
If you’ve been in Melbourne for a while you will know that plenty of venues have been popping up that serves hotpot. For those who don’t know what hotpot is, let me give you a brief overview. Basically you get a pot of broth in the middle and once it boils, you chuck in whatever you’d want to eat which could be various meats, fish balls, veggies and noodles. You cook them in your pot, cook it, dip it in whichever sauce you’d like and BAM Bob’s your uncle. Mr D was in charge of picking a hotpot place and we ended up at Da Long Yi Hotpot. Da Long Yi Hotpot is a huge venue, double story and located conveniently on Elizabeth Street.
Saxe has been on my go-to list and when one of the stooges’ birthday came up, I was in charge of scoping out a place we haven’t checked out. Which means, SAXE it is! At Saxe there’s an a la carte or a set menu and of course, we got the set menu since we are oh so indecisive. Now, you can have the 5 course for $105 or 7 courses for $145. The staff recommended that we start off the 5 course and see how we feel since she was very certain that we’ll be full (that’s a big assumption mate!).
Japanese cuisine is one of Mr D’s and my favourite food and when there’s a place close to home, we couldn’t say no. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to try the teppanyaki side this time but the a la carte side was quite cosy. The staff were efficient, quick yet very friendly.
Chez Olivier is a place which has been on my list and when I finally found an opportunity to go, I seized it and booked it without Mr D knowing (my bad!). Located in South Yarra on the busy road of Toorak road, there’s quite a lot of foot traffic and if you’re driving there’s free side parking if you can nab a spot.
A tradition has started for us where I would take mumsy and daddy bear out to try a different cuisine for their anniversary or even just a night out. They’ve never tried Spanish food so I decided to check out Anada in Fitzroy. We made a reservation online and we were seated at the table by the front door.
Vamos was definitely a hidden restaurant on Little Bourke Street and it’s not very obvious where it was. Inside what looks like an apartment building and up the elevators, you’ll get hit in the face with a cozy and spanish vibe when the elevator doors opened. They have live music which is always a plus AND it’s super romantic so boys and girlies, take note.
Located in Brighton sits a humble Italian bar called Cucina Bar for those who wants pre-drinkies before heading across the road to Cucina & Co for some food. Spacious with fantastic staff, it’s definitely a great place for after work drinkies.
If you love museums and steaks, the have I got a place for you. Natural History Bar & Grill, located on Collins Street serves heaps of dishes from the grill with an extensive and impressive bar. However, be ready for stuffed animals looking at you through the glass windows because yep, it’s like you’re at the Natural History Museum (well I’d assume so since I haven’t been yet but watching movies I’d say that’s pretty spot on!). Anywho, the atmosphere is very casual with very friendly staff so no need for any fancy pants here!