Food adventures in Melbourne and wherever the tummy goes
The famed Japanese ramen chain Ippudo has finally landed in Melbourne and known for its tonkotsu ramen, I couldn’t resist taking my fam bam to check it out. Luckily for us, we got there at 4PM on a Saturday and there were customers in front of us and we got in 10 minutes after waiting. The staff were really friendly and the interior is very warm and cosy.
Located at the end of the business end of Fitzroy sits a quiet eatery with a fantastical name – Curry Smuggler. Walking in, you can smell the indian spices and you’re greeted so warmly by the staff. The decor was nothing flash and what you’d find typically in most eateries. But we weren’t here for the decor were we? We were here for all those delish dishes containing all those yummy spices!
After being turned away at a restaurant which we booked for because they lost our reservation (insert sad face here), we wandered around and decided to check out Tokyo Japanese Restaurant for some Japanese Buffet for just $29.80. That was a BARGAIN! We rushed upstairs and entered a big open area with a bar on one side and the kitchen on the other. Now, basically there’s a buffet menu and you can just pick whatever you like and they bring it out to you quick flash.
We’ve been to White Mojo in Balwyn and know what kind of quality brunch they served up so Mr D was super duper excited to head to White Mojo Plus+ located in Glen Waverly for lunch with the girlies (yep! The girlies)! On a weekday for lunch, it wasn’t too busy (guess it gets super busy on the weekends though) so it was real easy to get a table. The grilled chicken was very generous sizing and it was super duper filling (score for those who’s always worried about not getting full!). It was super duper tasty and oh so delish!
Grilled Chicken Salad – $19.50
Grilled chicken thigh, pearl cous cous, roasted pumpkin & cauliflower, kale, feta, cumin yoghurt & pomegranate vinaigrette
It was Mr Burberry’s birthday and he wanted to try Phillipe since he’s been hearing great things about it so onward we went for some french cuisine. Phillipe is located on Collins Street tucked away and when you enter the restaurant, you’re greeted by friendly staff and the smell of rotissoired chicken (mmmmmMMMMmm!).
Yering Station is known for its view, winery and food so of course we had a girlies’ date there. We made a reservation 2 weeks in advance and there is ample of parking so you don’t have to worry about that. Our initial impression was WOW with the friendly front staff and how delish it smelt inside.
If many of you have been loving the South Melbourne area then you would know the story about The Motel where that nightclub had a fire 2 years ago. But two years later, a name and a venue renovation turned The Motel into The Albion. The Albion is now a lifestyle venue which can cater corporate functions and has a rooftop licence till 5 in the morning. Anywho, I was lucky enough to check out the venue before the official opening date and to check out their food (WOOHOO!).
We were in the Grampians for Ms Teeth’s birthday but we didn’t realise that we needed a booking to get into some of the restaurants. Luckily for us, there was another place 5 mins away called The Views so we dropped by for some dinner. Located in The Grampian motel, the staff were oh so friendly that we couldn’t help but smile as soon as we entered.
Monkey’s corner has opened a pop up store in conjunction with Koi dessert bar at Hwkr food centre and yes, they are owned by the Poernomo brothers. First up, the pork belly bao. The pork belly was juicy and the bao was quite soft and fluffy. Approved from the triplets.
Pork Belly Bao – $12
If you’re a Masterchef fan then you will definitely know the winner Diana Chan in the Masterchef 2017. She has just opened a pop up restaurant called Chanteen at Hwkr food centre inspired by Malaysia and Singapore. The pop up store will be around for 6 months and the masterchef winner herself cooks the food and will come around to say hey!