I'd heard a lot about New Shanghai's dumplings, so when mum suggested dropping by for a quick lunch on Sunday I was secretly pleased. There was a bit of a queue, but because it was only just the beginning of lunchtime we didn't have to wait too long. Mum did the ordering and, given the restaurant's reputation, thought we'd focus more on the dumplings for our initial visit. The first dish to arrive was, not dumplings, but the deep-fried tofu coated with salted egg yolk ($16.8). Smooth bite-sized pieces...

A changing of the seasons often means a changing of the menu. Ciaran Butler, the executive chef at Rochford Wine's Isabella's restaurant, puts together a menu that utilises local Yarra Valley produce and I was invited to try the new Autumn menu. It turned out to be a beautiful time of year to visit the area, with all the vineyards and trees displaying their Autumn foliage. Tables in the spacious dining area looked out into the vast landscape of the surrounding area. Mains ranged from roasted chicken and suckling...

Nourished:385 is Melbourne’s first 100% gluten free and clean eating bar and eatery, and not having much experience with this sort of food, my interest was piqued. Apart from the healthy menu, created by executive chef Radhe Vaid, the wine menu is also full of either organic, biodynamic and/or preservative free tipples. Even the coffee is organic. Like many healthy cafes, Nourished:385 also offers freshly made juices and smoothies available eat-in or takeaway. The café has a spacious and home-like feel with clean and simple décor and a few...

We needed a nice dinner location to satisfy our hungry stomachs after a long day out. No one was in the mood for Asian food and with favourable past experiences and its central location, Gazi fit the bill. I was surprised that we were able to get a large table booking last minute and I was pleased to finally try out a restaurant I'd heard so much about. Upon walking into the main dining area past the bar, I was immediately taken in by the intricate terracotta pot ceiling fixture....

A day trip to Mornington Peninsula over the Easter weekend meant winery visits and hot springs. Unfortunately the weather was terrible so we ended up only visiting one winery: T'Gallant in Main Ridge. I hadn't eaten breakfast, so I needed fill my stomach with something before wine tasting and T'Gallant's Spuntino Bar provided a convenient source of sustenance. [caption id="attachment_7715" align="aligncenter" width="529"] Frivolities - Beetroot Dip, Italian Cheese, Olives, Toasted Ciabatta $14[/caption] Not having too much of an appetite yet I had the Frivolities, which included fresh seasonal dip, cheese, olives...

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