15 Oct

Looking for a last-minute place for dinner, we discovered Taketori, which is inconspiciously located in a quiet section of King Street. Its modest exterior with black tinted doors and windows opened up into a reasonably large space. It was decorated quite nicely inside, full of dark timbers and somewhat quirky decorations including a colourful origami crane mobile, and although it was perceived to be a more formal restaurant when we first entered, it still felt like casual diners would feel at home. [caption id="attachment_10398" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Una Q -...

21:24 / Food / Japanese / Melbourne CBD / Restaurants / Taketori
07 Oct

Tucked away on the second floor of the Southgate complex, Miyako Japanese Cuisine & Teppanyaki offers authentic Japanese cuisine from new head chef Yosuke Furukawa, recently of Izakaya Den. The restaurant features two teppanyaki grills, and a sushi and sashimi bar serving up market fresh fish. A range of seating options is available, from the regular tables, to the small balcony area (which can even be heated) with wonderful views of the CBD along the Yarra, and private tatami room complete with sunken tables. We opened with a small appetiser...

20:56 / Food / Japanese / Miyako Japanese Cuisine & Teppanyaki / Restaurants / Southbank
06 Oct

Another year, another round of birthdays. This year for their combined birthday celebration my parents decided to go to Luxembourg Bistro & Bar, the reincarnation of Golden Fields which saw it change from an Asian-inspired menu to a French one. Being a bar, there's a mixture of smaller plates perfect for enjoying with drinks, as well a larger dishes that are well suited for either solo dining or sharing. Since it was their occasion, mum had the main say in the menu and she opted for the Chef's...

20:51 / Food / French / Luxembourg / Restaurants / St Kilda
04 Oct

Fukuryu Ramen, translating to "Lucky Dragon", is the first Australian restaurant from restaurant group Hakata Ikkousha. Popular in its home country of Indonesia, Ikkousha also has stores in Japan and other Eastern and South East Asian countries. [caption id="attachment_10302" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Tebasaki Chicken Wings ($4 lunch special)[/caption] After a short hike up some stairs we came to the front counter, where we collected an electronic tracker after placing our order. Water and hot tea is available for self-service, and giving a choice of cold, room temperature and carbonated water was...

13:58 / Food / Fukuryu Ramen / Japanese / Melbourne CBD / Restaurants
01 Oct

I was recently invited to celebrate Cloudy Bay's 30th anniversary and the launch of their new 2015 vintage Sauvignon Blanc. Cloudy Bay Vineyards is situted in the famed Marlborough wine region of New Zealand, and their Sauvignon Blanc is one they take particular pride in. On arrival, we were greeted with some of Cloudy Bay's Pelorus, a crisp and citrusy sparkling white. Jim White, Cloudy Bay's viticulturist, then introduced the new Sauvignon Blanc and explained how various stations had been set up around the room to educate and enhance our...

16:31 / Food / Modern Australian / Restaurants / South Yarra / The Botanical
error: