Since having moved out, Mr D and I have not had a local brunch date and explored the area. Since we had a Sunday to ourselves, we decided to have brunch (mostly because Mr D didn’t want to cook breakfast) and I started googling around to find – A. the closest brunch spot and B. highest rating. We (we really means I) finally decided on Manna Lane and I’m so glad we did because it was the cutest cafe around. Located close to Coles and right next to the station, it’s easily accessible and if there’s no space inside, there’s outdoor seating (although they don’t have a heater so remember to rug up).
Minamishima, Richmond
After coming back from Japan, I was missing Japanese food oh so much. In the anticipation of missing this fine cuisine, I had booked Minamishima for the week I come back with my two stooges. There wasn’t an online booking process, you just have to call the restaurant directly but they were lovely and accommodating. When we got there, we were greeted by the staff and shown to our table. Since there were 3 of us, we missed out sitting by the bar. Our menu was slightly different to those at the bar where some of our dishes were also from the kitchen.
Tipo 00, Melbourne
The stooges and I have been trying to go to Tipo 00 but we keep forgetting to book. So we finally decide to commit and made a booking 6 weeks in advance (yes, that was the next available time, I KNOW!). Dinner reservations finally rolled around and we were all so pumped to finally check out the infamous Tipo 00 and their awesome sauce pastas.
Tetsujin, Melbourne (Melbourne Central)
It was time to grab dinner with Miss Pandan and since she absolutely adores Japanese cuisine, we decided to check out the sushi train at Tetsujin at the Emporium.
Motorhome Majestic Launch, Ascot Vale
Motorhome majestic is the new American burger joint (Yep! Welcome to Melbourne guys) but with ribs and wings (oooh la la so fancy) and is the baby brother to Grand Trailer Park Taverna and Werribee’s Truck Stop Deluxe. I was invited by Motorhome Majestic and Zilla and Brooks Publicity and Production to their launch and all opinions expressed are my own.
Gurkhas, Brunswick
My workmate has been going on and on about Gurkhas and when Groupon had a deal, he made sure I got it. I got the banquet for 4 for $50 (usually for the simple feast, it was $24.50 per head) and made a booking for a Saturday night since we were in the partying mood.
Hellenic Republic, Brunswick
I was in charge of organising dinner for work and lucky me, I got to pick the place. After hours of running around, a work colleague suggested Hellenic Republic (it was closer to his house) and I realised that this place has been on my to go list since FOREVER! Why does this name ring a bell you say? That’s because it’s one of George Calombaris’ (yep, that guy from masterchef) restaurant. Luckily, I was able to make a reservation for 18 people on a Saturday night at one weeks notice. Anywho, there was a 2 hours time limit but that didn’t deter me at all.
Belleville, Melbourne
Mr D had some places bookmarked for my birthday food adventure and the first stop was lunch at Belleville (which I’ve heard good things about). Located in an alley in Chinatown, you can see the signage outside which was super duper bright.
Pho Minh Long, Mitcham
After a looooooong day of playing with Mr D’s nephews and niece, we dropped by a local Vietnamese eatery.
Shanghai Street Dumplings, Melbourne
Miss Tay Tay was having her 1989 tour tonight and Miss Asian Fusion and I decided to have a quick meal before we ‘shake it off ooooh’. Miss Asian Fusion took me to her little fav spot for dumplings – Shanghai Street Dumplings.