Kalimera Souvlaki Art, Oakleigh MELB

Every now and then I crave for a high protein meal and when that does happen, I jump straight to looking at a few restaurants that I know would not disappoint.

Highly regarded as one of the better souvlaki restaurants in Melbourne, it comes as no surprise that the bulk of their menu consists of a choice of meat with carbs in the form of chips and freshly made bread. One has the choice of either chicken, pork or minced lamb; each served either in the form of a wrap or platter.
 

My friend had the pork platter whilst I opted for lamb. Both were served with a side of chips, bread, thinly sliced raw onions, tomatoes and a dip. Not accustomed to eating raw onions, I understood it’s role of refreshing one’s palate from an otherwise rich meal after a bite of the combination.

I would like to say that we had tzatziki although it does taste creamier in comparison. Lamb mince kebabs were well seasoned and had a very strong grilled fragrance to it. I was expecting it to be dry but on the contrary, it was juicy. I’d recommend trying this out if red meat is a favourite of yours.

 Pork souvlaki too did not disappoint and had the same amount of juiciness with a notch less smoky aroma to it compared to the lamb. In both instances, I didn’t think the overall meal was too greasy at all and would happily drop by again whenever I need an energy boost.

Bakemono bakers, CBD MELB

I love waking up early in the morning and walking around aimlessly before the city wakes up. Less congestion and lower chances of unpleasant interactions with other individuals. 

Having been to Little Rogue on quite a few occasions, it was only natural for me to visit their sister shop a short distance down the road. We got there 10 minutes before the bakery opens and patiently waited for the doors to fully open.

Hojicha latte - has a good aroma of freshly brewed roasted tea and albeit being slightly sweet, I found it quite refreshing and a good start to the day.

Blueberry crumbled croissant, plain croissant, chocolate croissant and yuzu and almond croissant - Blueberry croissant had a thin layer of jam sandwiched between it's flaky buttery layers and was generously topped with fresh blueberries. 

Plain croissant and chocolate croissant were almost textbook perfect, only downside was the layers were slightly thicker. Yuzu and almond croissant had a good amount of citrus infused into the almond mixture. Overall, very satisfied and am looking forward to being able to dine-in in the future. 

Spicy Flames, Mount Waverley MELB

A little impromptu walk along blackburn road and I came across an Indian eatery that my friend was keen on for their value for money meals. 

At $10 for rice and curry, one would get a good serve of rice with chicken/lamb curry and three small serves of vegetables be it beetroot, kale, potatoes or beans. Slightly a bit more salty for my palate, this portion could feed me for 2 meals.

Chilli squid - priced at $15, I didn’t think I was getting a lot but was surprised when the lady behind the counter was genuinely trying to fit as much as she could into a 500ml takeaway container. Again, a little salty for me but nevertheless, it was delicious and would go well served with rice.
 

Pafu, Melbourne Central MELB

I’ve walked past Pafu a few times whilst commuting around in the CBD and never once did it cross my mind to try it out myself. For those unfamiliar, creamy types of sweets do not appeal to me but rather, receive the opposite reaction. 

I have bought a few for a friend as a treat and after much contemplation, I thought it’ll be nice to bring some home for sharing. Flavours include pineapple, apple, strawberry and a chocolate version; in addition to savoury options for those wanting protein alternatives. 

Priced at $16 for 4 pieces, they weren’t exactly the cheapest snack in my books. I tried the Apple and strawberry flavoured puff pastries that very night after purchasing some a couple of hours prior. 

The verdict? The delicious fruity filling and flaky puff pastry was a winning combination albeit its seemingly ordinary appearance. Despite using jam/preserve as a filling, I was surprised at how fresh and flavourful it was. 

Definitely worth a try and I would recommend getting the ones that came out freshly baked from the oven. 

Axil coffee roasters , MELB

I can be spontaneous on some days and this particular day was no exception. My body refused to let me sleep in even for an extra hour and so, I texted my walking pal to see if he was keen on going for a morning walk.

He replied almost instantly that he was going to the CBD to move a few items into his apartment and asked if I would like to join him. Yes, he threw in the promise of freshly baked croissants from South Melbourne market, a deal almost too good to resist.

So fast forward, we picked up our croissants and he parked near Melbourne central where I intended to plant myself at a cafe and catch up on reading. I passed by Axil on my way to use the lavatory and immediately headed there after using the washroom. 

I was surprised (and secretly pleased) that they have opened a branch in the CBD as this means I have yet another favourite outlet within my vicinity. 

 
Buckwheat and pistachio bircher muesli with rhubarb, strawberry and coconut sorbet - I was not in the mood for savoury options that particular morning and opted to have a fresh and lighter meal to accompany my cup of coffee. 

I rarely do eat muesli at a cafe as it is something that I can easily whip up in the comfort of my own kitchen but I have to admit that Axil does it well. The sorbet was a perfect addition to the muesli and gave it a refreshing boost. Not overly sweet nor bland, I would happily reorder this.

 Croque monsieur - as it name suggests, this dish is basically a pressed sandwich filled with cured meat and topped with melted cheese, fried egg and a small side of salad. As always, Axil did not disappoint. Prepared with utmost care and attention to detail, it was not overly moreish and was cooked to perfection,

Stanley, Mount Waverley MELB

All Melbournians are now entitled to “freedom” which gave most of us an opportunity to finally enjoy a meal outdoors, one that I am guilty of abusing. 

Stanley is located along a quiet street in Mount Waverley and is frequently by residents living in the surrounding quarters. After my first experience outdoors, I’ve learnt the importance of making bookings in advance.

Pork Benny - pulled pork served atop half a (deep fried)waffle and topped with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce. Overall dish was well prepared and seasoned. Only qualm I have is it’s small portion size.

Hot cakes - served with strawberry purée, meringue pieces and a small quenelle of mascarpone. Whilst I liked the dish’s concept, the hot cakes felt dry on the palate and could do with some much needed syrup or cream. Sadly, portion size here did not fare any different from the pork Benny.
 

Jugetsu Ginza Kabukiza, Tokyo JAPAN

In August last year, I had a few days to myself in Japan to explore the city, something I have been meaning to do but never did get the opportunity. Making my way around Narita airport felt akin to walking around Melbourne CBD in terms of familiarity and soon enough, I transported myself to the heart of Tokyo, ready to check-in and explore.

Knowing that I was a bit early to check into my hotel room, I headed to Jugetsu Ginza Kabukiza which was located about 10 minutes by foot from the hotel. Unfortunately, the blazing summer heat made it unbearably hot and I appeared rather flushed upon entering the premises. 

The menu comprised of a few sweet treats in addition to a good selection of drinks to enjoy with it. After gulping down two cups of water, I proceed to order a rich matcha drink which came accompanied by a little sweet wagashi (traditional Japanese sweet) filled with red bean paste. 

Yes, there were other options to sample but being a solo traveller, I wanted to save my tummy space for other prospective treats scattered around Tokyo. My cup of matcha was certainly rich and had an almost syrup like texture; not everyone's cup of tea but was a good contrast to its sweeter companion. 

Upon finishing off the last sip, the waiter then poured some water into the matcha bowl before giving it a good whisk to evenly mix the remaining matcha into a lighter cup of tea. Ahhh the simple pleasures of life extended by another drink.

Decorated by polished bamboo branches and overlooking a small, tidy garden, the cafe itself is designed to look like an escape away from the bustling city. Would happily go back again granted the opportunity and not only sample other items on their menu, but also to purchase more tea from their shop. Tea may cost slightly more compared to those available at the markets but it's quality is undeniable. Oh they do also sell snacks which I too endeavour to try in the future. 
 

Butter Mafia

It has been a good 6 months since I last posted here. Looking back, I realized how unproductive I was during the lockdown period. Gyms were closed so no more rushing out to attend classes; I have stopped working on weekends, I hardly spend any time looking at properties as house inspections are almost nil existence and most importantly, holiday plans are on hold until international travel resumes.

 Indirectly, this could be a sign for me to slow down and reflect on what matters most to me; quality time spent with family and with myself. Too often I push my limits in an attempt to attain what I presume to be "achievement" financially and physically, consequently, losing patience and self-worth when targets are not reached.

This year had been a lesson on it's own and one that I will remember whenever I take things for granted. Butter Mafia treats came in a timely manner during my reflection period, possibly God sent? :) 

I was kindly sent a package from Butter Mafia that included 6 decadent brownie logs and 3 cookies. I will go into more detail but for now, can we please appreciate that these treats are 100% gluten free and are handcrafted to taste delicious, nil compromise on flavour whatsoever.

 

Henchmen cookies - Peanut butter cookie fully loaded with hand cut chocolate chunks. A chewy, crunchy, sweet and salty little number and one that I could easily finish off at least 3 pieces of (despite my mind disagreeing). I am not a huge fan of thin chocolate chip cookies because it isn't satisfying enough for me but this fella proved me wrong.

And now, let's meet the 6 brownie logs aka the mob log. On the front row lies The Mistress surrounded by the Bad Boy brownie on the left and the Don on the right.

The mistress - lemon and passionfruit curd on vanilla biscuit. The perfect marriage of tangy, sweet and creamy on the palate, lightly dusted with fine coconut for added aroma. This would be the perfect little contrast to the other bolder brownie flavours.

Bad boy brownie - the ultimate brownie aka rich, decadent and loaded with roasted almonds and hand cut milk chocolate chunks.  What more can one ask of a brownie.

Don - a remake of the classic caramel slice but made better with the addition of roasted hazelnuts in the rich caramel layer and a chewy chocolate biscuit base. Caramel slice redefined luxuriously.

To the left lies the Mafia Darling and to the right, the Black Widow. 

Mafia Darling - decadent white chocolate salted caramel on a buttery vanilla biscuit, topped with tempered white chocolate with a lovely pink hue swirled into it. I was anticipating sweetness overload for this one but found it rather pleasant and easy to appreciate.

The Black Widow - When you think the Bad Boy brownie takes the cake (haha), the Black Widow is akin it's relative minus the nuts but filled with a layer of coffee caramel and dark chocolate. Ohh now this is one for the really hardcore chocoholics out there.

 Last but not least, the Mob wife; a rich and moist chocolate mud piece layered with raspberry pate. For those who love both chocolate and fruit, this is one not to miss. Would have loved more raspberry pate to balance off the chocolate flavour but then again, I have been overdosed on chocolate so...

Overall a really enjoyable afternoon for myself as I work my way through the various treats. One can easily order online from their website as delivery is available Melbourne wide (free delivery for those lucky peeps living within 5km of Northcote). 

Yu Kitchen, Chadstone MELB

As the situation of COVID-19 worsens day by day, be it from panic buying to travel bans in place, it is only imperative to keep supporting each other and the local economy (not by panic buying tho!).

Many Asian establishments have been alienated in the process and unfortunately, this resulted in job losses and restaurant closures which makes it all the more important to reconsider avoiding places unnecessarily.

Located above Calia, this restaurant is currently offering a lobster banquet for 4, of which, the sister was extremely keen to try. Priced at $198, we thought the it was reasonably priced albeit portion wise, it is probably more suited for 3 individuals.

 Double boiled winter melon pork rib soup - flavourful and well seasoned.

 Lobster wok tossed with ginger and onion noodle - the highlight of the entire menu. Well presented and adequately prepared.

 Special fried rice - am a big fan of fried rice and loved this dish. Who knew the addition of tiny tobiko eggs would make the dish more flavourful.

 Wok tossed chicken with wild mushrooms and water chestnuts in black truffle - sceptical about the addition of black truffle but was impressed at how fragrant the dish was. Am a big fan of mushroom dishes and this was no exception. Chicken bits were well marinated, juicy and perfectly coated with the black truffle sauce.

 Wok tossed seasonal vegetables - nothing wrong with a bit of fibre in the diet!

Mango and chia seed pudding - not sure if this was a pudding as it tasted more like a sweet dessert soup, popular among Chinese restaurants. Having said that, kudos to the extra effort taken with cubing the honeydew(?). Not overly sweet and very refreshing.

Piggery Cafe, Kallista MELB

Seeing as a long weekend was ahead of us, we decided on walking along the 1000 steps pathway located in Dandenong. On the way there, we found out that JB isn't quite ready yet to exit his house and so, the two of us, being hungry as always, decided to drop by a nearby cafe.

Piggery has been quite highly rated thus far and I can see why. The cafe is surrounded by lush greeny and ample of room for both kids and adult to roam around.

Coffee - I found it a tad weak and would recommend a cappuccino or espresso for those wanting a stronger kick of caffeine to kick start their day.

Scrambled eggs - nicely scrambled altho a little too salty. Good amount of chilli folded into it but nonetheless, a tasty afternoon treat for us.

Half chicken - Chicken is my staple at home and one that I would not order at a restaurant nor cafe because I am secretly sick of it haha. Having said that, we thoroughly enjoyed this dish thanks to its smoky, grilled aroma. Very tender and juicy chicken too it was!

Shanghai Red, Chadstone MELB

A very late Chinese New Year dinner with the potato pal and rather impromptu too. I vaguely recalled having weak arms post weight lifting at the gym and was in need of some sugar asap else my arms will be the root of my grief over the coming days.

After a change of initial plans, we dropped by a new-ish Chinese restaurant in Chadstone and as usual, went amok ordering whatever caught our eyes.

Crab roe and soft tofu stew - an interesting dish that undoubtedly has to go with a steaming bowl of jasmine rice. Tasty it was although at times, the dish had a gloopy texture to it, usually from the addition of cornstarch.

Xiao long bao - no strange to the dumpling scene, this is something that I would like to sample at every dumpling restaurant, if conditions permit :p Well seasoned and filled with delicious broth. A must eat when served hot.

Crispy king prawns tossed in salted egg yolk glace - a really yummy dish despite having a thick outer coating. As per usual, goes well with rice to subdue the saltiness from the salted egg yolk.

Anada, Fitzroy MELB

At one of the casual pharmacy stints that I have worked at, I stumbled upon a fellow foodie who recommended this restaurant to me. Curiousity got the better of me and it did not take long before we made our way here.

Service was top notch in every aspect and ambience wise, I found it soothing and easy to communicate with my partner at the table.

Mushroom croqueta, queso Urgelia and truffle - a little disappointed with the portion size here as it was rather small for $5 per piece. The sister ate at this restaurant a few weeks before and upon comparing photos, the difference was far from marginal. Delicious nonetheless but would reconsider before reordering.

Grilled sardines, shallots, preserved lemon, olive and aioli - I like grilled sardine dishes and was quite fond of this dish. Flavours were balanced and the saltiness from the fish complemented the aioli's creaminess.

Seafood paella, octopus, calamari, mussels and blue grenadier - A yummy dish and one that I would have liked more of. There is something magical about the contrasting textures of warm, soft grains of rice against a thin bed of crunchy fried rice.

Stuffed lamb cutlet, smoky eggplant and seeds - another dish that I thoroughly enjoyed and one that I would have liked more of. Meat was juicy and well marinated, pairing well with the smokiness of the eggplant puree.

Can't recall the name of this dish but it was akin a solid form of pudding. Tasty and not overly sweet.