31 Jul

Kumo Izakaya & Sake Bar was just named best Japanese Restaurant in the Victorian metro region by Savour Australia and I was recently invited to a sake tasting dinner held at Kumo, hosted by owner, Andre Bishop. Andre also runs other establishments including Izakaya Chuji and Nihonshu sake bar, and was the perfect person to teach us all about sake, having been titled a Sake Samurai by the Japanese Sake & Shochu Association in 2013 to award his knowledge and dedication to the world of sake. The sake...

23:06 / Bar/Pub / Brunswick East / Food / Japanese / Kumo Izakaya & Sake Bar / Restaurants
30 Jul

For the last few years, Lounge has been better known for its late night music and entertainment program, but are now seeking to further develop their kitchen service to complement their other services. Head chef Elystan Westropp-Evans (ex-Seamstress) has created a new sharing menu, which we tried out tonight. [caption id="attachment_9516" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Yuzu Cured Salmon and Roe on Cucumber Slice[/caption] The yuzu cured salmon with cucumber was a refreshing bite. [caption id="attachment_9518" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Vegetarian Frittata[/caption] [caption id="attachment_9517" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Pork Belly and Apple Jam on Potato[/caption] Our favourite from the night...

21:21 / Bar/Pub / Food / Lounge / Melbourne CBD / Restaurants
29 Jul

Co-owners Emily Bitto and Nathen Doyle, also responsible for Wide Open Road and A Minor Place, opened up Heartattack and Vine earlier this year. It's a cosy space that suits couples, groups and solo diners, with 40 seats indoors, and 30 outdoors. Heartattack and Vine serves breakfast and pastries, then a variety of rolls for lunch, but come evening it transforms into a cinchetti bar. For dinner they offer meatballs, a salad and desserts, but the biggest item of interest to me was the  selection of cinchetti - small...

22:25 / Bar/Pub / Carlton / Food / Heartattack and Vine / Italian / Restaurants
25 Jul

Homeslice is the next venture from Daragh Kan and Myles Munro - the people behind Mr Burger and Fancy Hank’s (and soon, Welcome to Thornbury, a the food-truck park and beer garden) - and business partner Hugh Hindle (Tall Timber). Together with head chef Antony Campbell (ex-Enoteca Sileno), they've put together a menu that deviates a little from the combinations typically found on pizzas. Previously a yarn store just off Swan St, the long and narrow space has been reworked to now feature a simple, bright interior designed by...

12:28 / Food / Homeslice Pizza / Italian / Pizza / Richmond
23 Jul

  With five branches, including the one in Melbourne, they must be doing something that appeals to the masses. Heaven for those who dread 'no split bills' signs, Vapiano provides everybody a chip card that records everything that's order, and patrons pay at the end before they leave. The vibe is casual but smart, and tables are well spaced - something that seems almost like a luxury nowadays. Pizzas, pasta and salads are available, as well as a bar providing wine and cocktails. The pasta is made on-site, packaged into...

21:47 / Food / Italian / Melbourne CBD / Restaurants / Vapiano
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