Food adventures in Melbourne and wherever the tummy goes
After a hard day at work, we needed to stop for lunch and when we passed a seafood place in Rosebud, we just had to stop by. Walking in we were greeted by friendly staff and had their attention the whole time. It wasn’t super busy on a Thursday but that just means we’ll get our food way quicker!
Vapiano, an Italian chain that’s all over Australia that serves up pasta and pizza has released a new winter menu which includes PUMPKIN SOUP! Who doesn’t love pumpkin soup! I digress, Vapiano is located in Flinders Lane and there are parking on the street but it’s not a lot and it is quite exy so be prepared to park a touch further and walk there. But don’t let that deter you because the staff and service here are top notch!
I had a date with Ms Curly Fries and unfortunately the restaurant we were planning on going to had a power outage *insert crying face* so of course, being the spontaneous people we were, we made our way Toorak road in search for a new date place. Reaching towards the end of the street, we eyed a quiet Italian restaurant, Fiorini’s Pizza & Italian and in we went. The staff were super duper friendly and were so patient as we looked over the menu to decide what we wanted to have.
Pizza, everyone loves a good ol’ wood fired pizza and what’s even better? When you get 2 hours of all you can eat pizza for only $20 pp. Remember that this is only on a Thursday and be sure to make a booking because it does get busy. Oh for those big drinkers, if you pay $35, not only will you get all you can eat pizzas but you can also get all you can drink beer as well (put your eating pants on yo!). Anywho, inside was bustling and full of laughter. The lovely staff showed us to our table outside and it wasn’t too cold since there’s heaters out there.
Zero Gradi, an ice cream parlour that’s well known for their chocolate (or was it nutella?) on tap located right next to 400 Gradi. So of course after having dinner in Brunswick, we marched our way to Zero Gradi for our ice cream hit. Located on Lygon street, there’s plenty of foot traffic and parking is quite hard but you can find some in the back streets for 2 hours. Walking in, there are a few seats but it’s first in first serve and it does get busy. Anywho, towards the end of the store lies all the ice cream and sorbets and my oh my they looked delish!
We were staying in Sandy Bay and asked the hotel where’s a good place for lunch and she suggested to head down to Maning Reef Cafe for some good fish and chippies and wood fire pizza so of course we rushed over. Located on Sandy Bay Road, there’s a great view of the bay and there’s quite a few seating indoor and out. The staff greeted you with such enthusiasm when you walk in that you can’t help but smile.
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.
The stooges were due for a catch up so we decided to visit Zonzo since well, we all love the yarra valley and we love our wines. We booked Zonzo a few weeks in advance and even then we were lucky to get a spot as it was super duper packed on the day. Also an FYI, you need to place a $50 non-refundable deposit to hold a reservation so be prepared for that. Anywho, the place is beautiful surrounded by a vineyard and just breathtaking scenery like everywhere else in the winery. When we arrived we were seated on a long communal table (yes, nearly all the tables were communal which was very community like which was nice) and started our ordering spree.
One of the ladies in my work team has been there for 10 years so we celebrated by going out for lunch with her choice of restaurant of course. We went to Positano where there were ample of parking and there weren’t a lot of customers inside but it was a 42degrees day on a friday lunch so that was understandable. The staff were super duper friendly and quite attentive and when we sat down, we put our ordering hat on and raced through our order.
When I hear Italian food I immediately think of pizzas, pastas, comfort food and basically awesome sauce food. So when I heard about 48h Pizza and Gnocchi Bar has opened in Elsternwick, I was oh so pumped to check them out. Located right next to the train station, it was easy to get to with loads of parking along the side streets. Walking into the eatery, you get a sensory overload and there is so many things going on whilst the lovely staff greets you, you just stumble along to your table.