Saigon Sally

Saigon Sally celebrates authentic family food designed for sharing. A leading player within the contemporary Asian restaurant industry in Melbourne the restaurant delights with its take on classic Vietnamese dishes.

The menu is a clever combination of traditional Vietnamese produce and classical technique, paired with high quality and locally sourced produce.

You got girlfriend Vietnam cocktail - Tanqueray gin, junmai sake, lime, cucmber, mint, jasmine tea

The décor is modern and contemporary, embodying a  vibrant vibe perfect for casual dining with friends over a couple of their delicious cocktails.

Kingfish ceviche - pomelo, green papaya, shallots and chilli on betel leaf

The ceviche was an excellent start to our dinner. Displaying technique and skilful restraint, the kingfish was beautifully presented and accompanied by a citrus-based marinade that cured the kingfish. It was a wonderful mélange of salinity, sweetness and acidity.

Fried chicken ribs - gocuchang, sesame, garlic and siracha mayo

The fried chicken was tender, juicy and distinctly flavoursome. We loved how this crispy bar staple was done impeccably well without compromise.

Seared scallop - green curry, apple and salmon roe

The scallops were beautifully seared and boasted natural sweetness while the decadent mixture of green curry, apple and salmon roe added a lovely salinity to the dish.

From left: Wagyu tartare - young coconut, Vietnamese mint, perilla and puffed rice paper; Banh xeo taco - prawn, pork, coconut, turmeric, bean shoots and spring onions

Bia can chicken - whole roasted chicken, bia Hanoi, hainanese style

The Bia can chicken was divine. The chicken was covered with a beautiful herb rub while the inside was wonderfully moist. We loved that it was exquisitely tender, falling-off-the-bone and encased in salty, herby, crispy skin.

Crispy barramundi - spicy pho, lettuce, clams and lemongrass

An absolute highlight of our visit was the Crispy Barramundi. The quality of the barramundi was exemplary. The skin of the fish was perfectly seared to be very crisp while the flesh was delicate and moist. It was a dish that allowed the natural subtle sweetness of the fish to be enjoyed. The accompanying broth boasted a decadent depth of flavour and was the perfect accompaniment to the fish.

Sticky lamb ribs - mandarin, oyster sauce, fennel and star anise

The sticky lamb ribs were expertly prepared - juicy and succulent from having been slow cooked. The outstanding ribs were slathered with a flavoursome mandarin, oyster sauce, fennel and star anise sauce.

Tira-mi-sally - macaron, Vietnamese coffee, parfait, condensed milk and peanut brittle

Cheekily described as a ‘Tira-mi-sally’, Saigon Sally’s rendition of this classic dessert was a wonderful surprise. Combining the flavour profile of a classic tiramisu, it was thoroughly enjoyable.

Dame blanche - bounty chocolate meringue shell, coconut ice cream, coconut cremeux and molten chocolate

Pleasing to both the eyes and palate, this dessert of bounty chocolate meringue shell, coconut ice cream, coconut cremeux and molten chocolate was playful and delicious. The mellow, milkiness of the coconut ice cream and coconut cremeux paired exceptionally well with the dark molten chocolate.

Hidden in the backstreets of Windsor, Saigon Sally presents a journey of flavours: from light to rich, sweet to sour; within a very charming environment.

Location: 2 Duke Street, Prahran, Melbourne

Phone: 03 9939 5181

Link: http://www.saigonsally.com.au/

Cuisine: Vietnamese, Asian

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Saigon Sally.

Snippet: Huxtable

While the buzz has died down, Huxtable certainly has not stopped producing Asian influenced modern Australian cuisine. 

The sharing menu represents good value and definitely suits if looking to dine with a larger group. Staff are out of this world friendly and their excitement for the food and wine on offer is palpable.

Proper & Son

Proper & Son is the new kid on the South Melbourne market block.

Possessing an eclectic familial charm, the café boasts a contemporary fit out of wooden furnishings, ceiling suspended lighting and an open kitchen where diners are able to peer in and be fascinated by what goes on behind the scenes. The result is an inspired, modern vibe.

Proper & Son is an establishment that proudly pays homage to quality Australian produce, as is successfully reflected in its dishes. Being based in South Melbourne Market, the menu lends itself to being created using the best ingredients available from the market.

Proper & Son delivers quality Toby’s Estate coffee to the public poured by adept baristas.

Salmon and leek squeak

The salmon and leek squeak was lovely.  The smoked salmon was fresh, the leek squeak was beautifully flavoured and the egg was perfectly poached.

Lamb shoulder, freekeh

We shared a salad of lamb shoulder and freekeh which was a medley of enlivening flavours and textures.

Field mushroom, haloumi and romesco roll

The field mushroom, haloumi and romesco roll was a stand out. Sandwiched between thick slices of toasted brioche were plump beautifully roasted mushrooms, crisp salty haloumi which matched beautifully with the romesco. Abundantly flavoursome and fresh, it was a triumph.

Proper & Son has succeeded in crafting a convivial atmosphere in which to enjoy a lazy brunch. The menu is delicious and caters for all kinds of appetites while the staff are friendly and affable.

Location: 13/322-326 Coventry St, South Melbourne

Phone: (03) 9699 7057

Link: http://properandson.com.au/

Cuisine: Modern Australian, Healthy Food, Cafe

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of South Melbourne Market.

Smith & Deli

Shannon Martinez and Mo Wyse (the women behind Smith & Daughters) have broadened their footprints to location number two. 

Eschewing dine-in searing, Smith & Deli will focus on take away food, provisions, fresh produce and home-cooked meals in a deli format. The deli offers everything from ingredients to create a meal to pre-prepared components of meals.

The menu focuses on comfort Jewish deli foods. Think knish, matzoh ball soup, pastrami and bagel sandwiches.

We loved the flavoursome offerings that are fresh, seasonal and exciting.

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Smith & Deli.

[Stoke] Bar + Kitchen

Stokehouse City's downstairs offering has been relaunched as [Stoke] Bar + Kitchen. Offering a relaxed bar and eating experience where you can catch up for a quick drink, enjoy a few bar nibbles, or stay for a substantial meal. 

The bar offers a selection of wines that start from $8 a glass from Shadowfax and Michael Hall, and an emphasis on craft beers. 

The food menu is designed to be enjoyed with a drink from the bar at any time of the day. We recommend the Salt cod & speck croquettes on sweet corn puree and Beef tartare as well as their scrumptious Brussels sprouts, cotechino sausage & smoked almonds to share on the side.

More substantial meals are also available like their The Stoke Burger. 

The warm, intimate and moody space has a dramatically different identity to the Stokehouse City restaurant abovee. Warm black gloss sprayed ‘ombre’ walls with an acidic yellow dado line to sharpen the softness of the effect. Parquet floor was striped back to expose natural timber, and graphic borders at the wall and floor junctions were added to highlight the parquet herringbone pattern and bring a vivid sharpness to the space.



Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of [Stoke] Bar + Kitchen.

Dear Liza

Dear Liza is a relatively new eatery on St Kilda Road demonstrating a unique dining experience that has left customers wanting more. 

Owner, Rochelle, makes a conscious effort to accommodate for a range of customers’ needs and aims to deliver a welcoming and friendly experience for anyone who walks through the door. 

The restaurant operates as a cafe by day with lighter options. By night, the restaurant specialises in ribs, seafood and salads with plenty of Build Your Own options.

Edamame: Chilli salt; Bacon; Lime zest and cracked pepper

Everything is made in house by a passionate team that aim to produce the highest quality of food coupled with exceptional service.

Grain & Seed Salad

The Grain & Seed Salad was an enlivening salad of quinoa, pomegranate seeds, slivered almonds, celery, pumpkin, pumpkin seeds, spring onion, feta, basil, mint and coriander was brought together with an OJ vinaigrette, the salad was a medley of exciting flavours and textures which will appeal to even the most carnivorous individuals.

Moreton bay bugs with garlic, chilli, parsley, lemon, crusty bread

The Moreton Bay bugs were stunning and cooked to perfection. The lemon beurre blanc with confit garlic accompanied the sweet Moreton Bay bugs perfectly resulting in a dish that was flavoursome, rich and complex.

Char-grilled smoky beef ribs

The beef ribs were tender, falling off the bone, juicy and packed with flavour. We loved the smoky flavour imparted.

Churros, Barbecued banana, 2 x char-grilled pineapple skewer, both dipping sauces and your choice of 1 serve of ice cream

A playful dessert platter concluded our evening. The churros were of particular note. Moist and light on the inside with a crispy exterior, we enjoyed dipping them in the 3 different dipping sauces before eating each bite with a mouthful of house made salted caramel ice cream.  

With good food, exceptional service and a touch of charm, Dear Liza ticks all the boxes and is more than capable of providing each diner with a memorable dining experience. 

Location: 181 St Kilda Road, St Kilda, 

Phone: 03 9534 5492

Link: http://www.dearliza.com.au/

Cuisine: Seafood, Healthy Food, Sandwiches

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Dear Liza.

Bagelicious

Only a couple of months old, the latest addition to the Bagelicious’ family already has regular customers keen to get their hands on some crispy, chewy Bagelicious creations.

Large baskets of different flavours await the fans at this Glenferrie Road eatery. We loved that each bagel we tried was well-made. Each boasting a wonderful rich glowing crust that was firm and crunchy, protecting its chewy, dense crumb inside.

An array of healthy fillings make Bagelicious a fantastic lunch option. And there are even great non-bagel options such as their healthy and flavoursome soups.

The drinks menu is not to be outshone, with a variety of cold drinks including smoothies and freshly squeezed juices. Their iced coffee is a stand-out. Made from skim milk and real coffee, it is  delicious way to get your caffeine hit for the day.

Haloumi cheese bagel served with pesto, beetroot dip, lettuce & onion (Add On: chicken)

The haloumi bagel was a delicious option. Served with charred haloumi, fresh pesto, slightly tart beetroot dip and our requested add on of chicken breast, the bagel tasted wholesome.

Chicken breast bagel served with avocado dip, lettuce, roasted capsicum, and alfalfa sprout

The breast bagel was just as good. The chicken was tender and went well with the well-roasted capsicum, luxurious avocado dip and crisp lettuce. It was a healthy bagel option which ticked all the boxes.

Blueberry bagel served with peanut butter, m&ms and twirls

We ended our visit on a decadent note with a dessert bagel which was made of… well, the stuff of dreams. An aromatic toasted blueberry bagel arrived filled with melting peanut butter, m&ms and chocolate twirls. It was very naughty but equally delicious.

Bagelicious offers bagels with just the right combination of crispy crust and chewy inside, and a brilliant selection of fillings to please just about anyone.  

Location: 643 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn,
Phone: 03 9818 0066
Link: http://www.bagelicious.com.au/

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Bagelicious.

#GastrologyInGranada

Daring and innovative cuisine @ Los Patos

Regularly described as one of Granada's “destination” restaurants, Los Patos allows diners to embark on a culinary journey through the local flavours of Granada.

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Flamenco show + dinner @ Jardines de Zoraya

Gastrology recently enjoyed an authentic Flamenco Night at Jardines de Zoraya which is located at the heart of the Albayzin in Granada.  

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Breath-taking views of the Alhambra @ Mirador de Morayma

Restaurant Mirador de Morayma boasts the most breathtaking view of the Alhambra. 

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Bodegas Castañeda

Getting a table at Bodegas Castañeda might be a pain but it is well worth the wait. The bar offers a generous selection of rustic tapas which are well-priced and delicious. We enjoyed the bustling atmosphere while sipping on sherries. The incredibly friendly staff will be more than happy to guide you along the way.

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 Futbol Cafe

Opened in 1903, Futbol Cafe is a charming little cafe serving delicious churros and chocolate. Sit on the terrace with some coffee over these sweet treats and watch the world go by.

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Collins Quarter

Collins Quarter is a sleek restaurant that occupies a Victorian terrace which boasts an inspired blend of 19th and 21st century design.

The dining room is at once traditional and relaxed, shunning the grungy look that is today’s Melbourne norm in favour of a more conventional bistro atmosphere. Dimly lit with scattered pockets of luminescence emitting from tabletop candles, it is a comfortable setting.

The menu has distinct European influences and focuses on fresh, local produce. 

Seared scallops, Soused Mushrooms, Black Garlic & Kalamata Olive Tapenade

The scallops were beautifully seared and boasted natural sweetness while the mixture of mushrooms, garlic and olive tapenade added a lovely salinity to the dish. 

Hot smoked ocean trout 

The salty smokiness of the trout was complemented by the fresh salad of quinoa, fennel, baby beetroot and orange which provided a medley of exciting flavours and textures while the crème fraiche and horseradish brought all the elements together.

Roast corn-fed Macedon duck breast

The slices of duck breast were cooked to perfection with the mellow white bean and kale cassoulet allowing the rich flavour of the duck to transpire.  The accompanying cigar was filled with tender shreds of confit duck leg encased in a crisp pastry skin and provided a delicious flavour which was punctuated with subtle aniseed notes. The sweet and sticky pickled rhubarb chutney provided the crowning element to a wonderful dish.

Cape grim beef cheek bourguignon, Paris mash

The slow braised beef cheek was excellent - Simple, delicious and very well executed. The beef was exceedingly flavoursome and "melt in the mouth" while the accompanying mash was luxurious.

Selection of house made ice creams

Hot chocolate fondant 

The chocolate fondant would have pleased any chocolate love with its rich billowing chocolate centre and slightly crisp cake exterior. The vanilla bean ice cream which accompanied the fondant matched it well and was refreshingly light and fragrant while the poached spiced pear and salted honeycomb added interest.

Collins Quarter impresses with well executed dishes which highlight innovative, yet familiar, flavour combinations. A truly compelling dining option. 

Location: Collins Place, 86A Collins Street, CBD, Melbourne,

Phone: 03 9650 8500

Link: http://collinsquarter.com/

Cuisine: European, Modern Australian

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of Collins Quarter.

Suntory Whisky Hibiki Japanese Harmony Launch | Suntory Whisky Pop Up Returns

Gastrology were delighted to attend he launch of Hibiki Japanese Harmony whisky, the latest masterpiece from the award-winning House of Suntory, available in the Australian market from June 2015. 

We joined Mike Miyamoto, Global Brand Ambassador to enjoy a night of tasting and bespoke cocktails alongside modern canapes.

Hibiki Japanese Harmony is a meticulous and refined blend that offers a symphony of more than 12 malt and grain whiskies from Suntory’s Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries, developed by third-generation Master Blender Shingo Torii and fourth-generation Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo. 

Hibiki Japanese Harmony, thoughtfully presented in the classic 24-faceted glass bottle symbolizing the 24 seasons of the old Japanese lunar calendar, pays tribute to the original Hibiki blend. 

Fukuyo meticulously used the exact malt and grain whiskies that went into the first Hibiki blend; American White Oak malt whiskies form a solid base, which are accentuated by the rare Mizunara (Japanese oak) and Sherry malt whiskies. 

These exceptional malt whiskies are the backbone of the award-winning Hibiki range – Hibiki 17yrs, 21yrs, 30yrs and now, Hibiki Japanese Harmony. Grain whiskies from Suntory’s Chita distillery act as the “dashi” or broth, to complete the personality of the malt whiskies and enhance the overall harmony of flavour of Hibiki. 

Hibiki Japanese Harmony is a blend that reflects the expert craftsmanship and delicate nature of the Japanese, and it is at once pure and complex. There is a transparency of taste that allows this whisky to reveal all of its complexities simultaneously. More than 12 malt and grain whiskies are blended together to create an enveloping harmony of flavours and aromas. 

The newest member of the House of Suntory is extremely versatile, recommended to be enjoyed neat, blended with water, mixed as a cocktail, or served with a hand-carved ice ball for the ultimate Japanese whisky experience, and enhances any dining experience. 

Suntory Whisky Pop Up Returns!

Following a successful 2014, and to celebrate the launch of Hibiki Japanese Harmony, The House of Suntory Exclusive Takeover is returning to Hihou next week.

A six course and three course menu paired with whiskies will be available and guests will also experience the popular whisky highball and whisky on hand-chipped ice balls that are currently experiencing huge interest from whisky conoisseurs across Australia.

What: The House of Suntory Exclusive Takeover Melbourne

When: Every Wednesday night in July

Where: Hihou Japanese bar lounge and dining Melbourne, First Floor 1 Flinders Lane

Bookings essential via info@hihou.com or on The House of Suntory Exclusive Takeover Facebook page.

Gastrology bloggers attended the event courtesy of  Suntory.

Bond Melbourne

The new Bond Melbourne set to shine as the city’s most glamorous event space and entertainment venue.

The venue recently received a $5 million facelift which has resulted in a luxurious venue complete with decadent gold-coloured brass curtains, gold-studded lounges and gold lighting, curated by leading design company Hachem. 

Devoid of dark corners but with its own mysterious edge, Bond Melbourne’s unique design space is completely curved, from the bars and fittings, to the walls, roof and retractable curved glass door, creating a flowing space that can be opened up as one area or elegantly divided into seven private and intimate sections.

We loved toasting to the end of another working week at Bond Bar in one of their booths where waiters and waitresses, elegantly dressed in black wafted around the moodily lit area delivering seamless service.

One of the main highlights from our evening at Bond Bar was indulging in their Liquid Nitrogen cocktails. A new menu feature, the Liquid Nitrogen cocktails are a first for the drinks industry in Melbourne. 

Mixologist extraordinaire Jack Coombes entertained us with his skilful making of the classic Amaretto Sour but with a liquid nitrogen twist. 

We enjoyed the theatre of clouds of smoke overflowing from the bucket, quickly revealing a “sorbet” of sorts. 

The proof really is in the tasting - it was delicious. 

We also enjoyed delicious canapés throughout the night of our visit. Hammer & Tong caters exclusively for major events at Bond while an array of rotating restaurants offer catering for the weekly Friday Bond Unwind sessions.

A new Melbourne institution, unlike any seen before. Bond Melbourne brings a new level of luxury with mix of LA-style service and Dubai-style glamour.

Location: 24 Bond St, Melbourne

Phone: (03) 9629 9844

Link: http://www.bondmelbourne.com.au/

Gastrology bloggers visited courtesy of Bond Melbourne.
Images courtesy of Meagan Harding, Rosanna Faraci and Shania Shegedyn.

Baotime

Baotime is a Richmond eatery dedicated to the “bao”. While many restaurants in Melbourne serve the bao, Baotime’s variety are a cut above courtesy of being handmade resulting in a fluffy, soft and delicate bun.

We were delighted to meet owner and founder of Baotime Jes Lau who explained to us that Baotime was created with the vision to provide warm meals and childhoods to children in need, offering hope and love to the less fortunate kids in the world. 

We loved her energetic passion which has translated into a compelling business model - offering patrons with a top notch dining experience. 

The menu, much like the venue is kept small but packs a punch with gourmet bao fillings, delicious drinks and a selection of mains.  The gourmet fillings and mains draw from Jes’ Malaysian background.  Growing up in Malaysia (Asia’s cultural melting pot), Jes has been exposed to many different interesting flavours. These flavours evoke childhood memories and these are the very flavours she seeks to share with her customers. 

From left: Air Mata Kuching - fruity longan juice; Honey Lemon drink

We started with a couple of heart-warming drinks. Both the Air Mata Kuching and Honey Lemon drinks were delightful and especially comforting on an unseasonably cold Melbourne evening.

Captain Bao 

The Captain Bao was filled with Succulent braise pork belly garnished with crushed peanuts. Featuring the tried and true flavour combination of braised pork in soy sauce, we enjoyed the generous morsels of tender pork belly. It really hit the mark!

Cuckoo Bao

The Cuckoo Bao was another winner. We loved the oozy mozzarella cheese which was lifted by the slight kick from the chilli.

Farmer Bao

The Farmer Bao impressed with beautifully roasted pumpkin and tofu garnished with mushrooms. We loved the contrast of textures between the mellow tofu and the robust pumpkin and earthy mushrooms. It was a delightful vegetarian bao that would which would appeal to even the most carnivorous individuals.

Chilli Crab Bao

The Chilli Crab Bao was outstanding. The batter was ethereally light and crispy. The soft shell crab which sat within the batter was fresh and most memorable. The bold chilli broth was the perfect accompaniment with its wonderful punchy flavours, synonymous with Malaysian curries.

Mini Bao platter: Lobster Bao; Tempura Prawn Bao; Aburi Scallop Bao

The Mini Bao Platter similarly impressed. We enjoyed the mini version of the luxurious Lobster Bao in particular which was filled with Moreton bay bug dressed in mayo and a refreshing pineapple salad.

Kahwin Bao 

Our dinner concluded on a sweet high with a couple of sweet baos starting with a stunning little Kahwin Bao filled with housemade kaya jam and butter, and a side of coconut ice cream. The brioche-like baos were filled with kaya jam and worked perfectly with the side of coconut ice cream.  

Durian Bao 

The Durian Bao (strictly for Durian lovers ONLY), was a stand out. The decadent durian ice cream was a welcome departure from the usually weak flavours and instead was vibrant, creamy and absolutely moreish while the Durian Bao itself was wonderful and filled with rich durian flesh - YUM.

Baotime pleases with unique and flavoursome baos satisfying the demand of Melbournians for delicious Modern Asian cuisine. 

Location: 342 Bridge Road, Richmond, Melbourne

Phone: 03 9942 7608

Link: http://baotime.com.au/

Cuisine: Asian

Gastrology bloggers dined courtesy of MATRADE's Malaysian Kitchen Program.

#GastrologyInSeville

Beyond tapas @ La Azotea

More than 6 years on, La Azotea is going strong. Locals will tell you it's the best tapas bar in town, making queues common place for a coveted seat at the restaurant or its bar.

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Confiteria la Campana

A local institution, Confiteria la Campana is a lovely bakery which serves great coffee. Service is friendly and warm.  
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Modesto

Wonderfully located, with a great outdoor terrace in which to watch the world go by, the restaurant serves reasonably good rustic food.

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Eslava 

A quaint little restaurant and bar, Eslava serves fantastic tapas at very reasonable prices. We enjoyed the delicious selection on offer. Everything was well-flavoured and went down a treat. 

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Vineria San Telmo

Vineria San Telmo is great for rustic, traditional food without any of the frills and thrills. A solid dining experience.

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Christmas in July at Sovereign Hill [27 June - 12 July]

With a full day of fun and family activities topped off by a magical Wonderlights show, the whole family will love Christmas in July at Sovereign Hill.

During the day, Sovereign Hill will ring to the tune of traditional carols, with Christmas trees and colourful decorations lining Main Street. ‘Hands-on' activities for children, a full theatre program, faux snow falls and delicious treats will bring Christmas cheer to all.

By night, as the sun sets and the snowflakes fall, Main Street will be transformed by sparkling grand-scale images and bright Christmas Wonderlights dancing along its familiar façades.

You can even enjoy a variety of dining experiences from food on the streets to a tasty two-course Christmas Dinner.

Read our blog post about our weekend away for Christmas in July at Sovereign Hill here.