Black Pearl - A Diamond In The Rough

On a recent trip to Fitzroy, I found myself throwing open the door of Black Pearl on Brunswick Street after a few beverages which were enjoyed at both Naked for Satan and Mana Bar. I had heard whispers from people "in the know" over the last few months that recommended this place as a drinking venue when I was looking for something new and was in the general Fitzroy area. Those whispered voices certainly did not lead me astray.

One of my favourite places to drink in Brisbane is a bar called The Lark. It seems to be well known by the afficiandos of fine beverages and I found it set a "Melbourne standard" when it came to quality, service and atmosphere. It was one of the few highlights in Brisbane and I was sullen after I found it as it took me around a year to get out to Paddington to try it out. It wasn't long after making the discovery of this fine drinking establishment that I moved back to Sydney.

The reason for the aforementioned preface is that when I entered Black Pearl, it reminded me of The Lark. It had a number of customers but it did not feel packed. People were enjoying themselves but it was not loud. Barflies languished at the bar however there was still room to place an order after having a chat with the barman. The bar remains a focal point on the ground floor and it doesn't matter if you are relaxing in the lounge area or watching the sketchy characters wander past through the window, the bar never seems far away. It is well stocked and the menu has some unique concoctions and an excellent cocktail list.

I found the barman to both know and have drank at The Lark in Brisbane as he lived near the boozer at one point. When I told him that I thought the Black Pearl resembled The Lark, he took that as a compliment and a bond was formed. The other barflies overheard our conversation and I got to chatting with other strangers of the night and found everyone to be very pleasant and interesting. The "vibe" is much different here compared to places in the CBD like the Gin Palace as there is no feeling of pretension, which really doesn't exist in Melbourne as it does in Sydney anyway, but I just had a more relaxed feeling and experience here.

The service was extremely professional and when we were not discussing the best parts of Brisbane or Adelaide, some very potent and refreshing drinks were prepared. I enjoyed a perfect Winston Churchill Martini using gin that was sourced in Western Australia. I thought it was great and on par with what you would get at the Gin Palace. The cocktails also did not disappoint and found a certain amount of bliss drinking the "Condelezza" which should not be confused with the former US Secretary of State.

Follow the stairs up one level and you will find the toilets and another drinking area aptly called "The Attic" which allows you to enjoy a more intimate setting. Both levels though were indeed quite a find; a diamond in the rough so to speak in an area where I did not expect to find a place of such superior quality and service mixed with a fun vibe. It proves that expectations will only lead to ambiguity and disappointment if you do experience anything new without an open mind.

Black Pearl
Link to review
304 Brunswick Street  Fitzroy VIC 3065
(03) 9417 0455
no web site
My Rating: 17/20
Service: 4.5/5
Ambiance: 4/5
Quality: 4.5/5
Value For Money: 4/5
Comment: Excellent cocktail list


Twitter: @epicurean3006
e-mail: epicureanofsouthbank (at) gmail (dot) com
web: www.epicureanofsouthbank.com

When I made this post originally, 89% of the reviewers on Urbanspoon also liked Black Pearl. I think you will too.

Punch Lane - Punch Drunk Love

I accidentally came across Punch Lane on Little Bourke Street a few months ago by chance. After visiting Chin Chin, we were looking for somewhere "new" to drink and after stumbling past Punch Lane the cold light of day, we decided to take our chances as it looked like a cool place and whenever I see the words "wine bar" I get especially excited. I was so happy after my first experience, it was my mission to return at some point to eat, drink and be merry, where I could devote the requisite time for my epicurean cause, test to see if the liver and credit card still worked in tandem and if the service remained consistently excellent. When I visited Punch Lane again last week after a few cleansing ales at Beer DeLuxe after watching Evermore perform in Federation Square, I certainly was not disappointed.

After navigating through Chinatown, upon entering Punch Lane, you feel like you are in another part of the city, let alone somewhere else in the world. No longer are you confronted with the mobs or people enqueued for yum cha, restaurant workers thrusting their menus in your face, tourists shoulder charging you and the smell of old ducks hanging in the windows. Punch Lane is nothing like that. High ceilings adorned with wine bottles, dark colours, large comfortable chairs, chalkboards and happy staff are found once you enter this oasis. After entering and the formalities are out of the way, water and menus arrive. Enthusiastic service consults with you instead of just takes your order. Everyone seems to be very knowledgeable, especially when it comes to the very complex and savoir-faire wine list that not only impressed me but left me with reading material that distracted me from my growling stomach.

Being intrigued by the "5 Course Tasting Menu" for $69 which changes daily it seems, I ordered it after the staff briefly described what was in store. I asked for a bottle of Spinifex to complement this mini-tour de force.

Chef Luke Croston certainly thinks outside of the box and delivers. Whenever I start a meal with quail, I always hope that I am in for something special since I love eating the little bird and in this instance, what was delivered accompanied with cracked wheat, bacon and a pickled shallot dressing was just... yum! The second dish, the calamari followed with a blue cod tartare which was mixed with a jumble of scallops, chirozo, pickled rhubarb and most interesting apple. It was a complex taste and I never thought pickled rhubarb and apple would match so well with cod and scallop let alone chorizo but I was pleasantly surprised and this dish was the highlight of the gastronomic journey that I undertook. The fourth Wagyu dish was then followed by a Pear and vanilla custard which lived up to the hype as I was torn between that and the chocolate hazelnut brownie.

It was easy to get lost in the large chair and let the restaurant take care of us. Other diners, including the large group by the window appeared jovial and I know that we certainly were when we ultimately left and found our way to Bar Americano. Throughout the night I thought about the blue cod tartare dish with the chorizo, apple and pickled rhubarb. It was like a ghost haunting me and constantly reminding me that I had better return soon or else I may never be able to experience it again. I really hope that is not the case. I did realise when I went to get some cash later to pay the bill at Bar Americano, I had left my credit card at Punch Lane. After the amount of alcohol that I had enjoyed in the afternoon and into the evening, I wasn't too pleased walking back however the restaurant had happily secured it and returned it to me with a smile.

Punch Lane
Link to review
43 Little Bourke Street  Melbourne VIC 3000
(03) 9639 4944
http://www.punchlane.com.au
My Rating: 15/20
Service: 4/5
Ambiance: 3.5/5
Quality: 4/5
Value For Money: 3.5/5
Comment: Award winning wine list + chef's choice


Twitter: @epicurean3006
e-mail: epicureanofsouthbank (at) gmail (dot) com
web: www.epicureanofsouthbank.com

When I made this post originally, 90% of the reviewers on Urbanspoon also liked Punch Lane. I am not surprised. You will too.

NSHRY - Nosh the Umami

NSHRY, pronounced "Noshery" at the beach at Albert Park on Beaconsfield Parade lives up to the literal translation of the word "Nosh" - to eat food enthusiastically or greedily: "you can nosh to your heart's content"; "noshing my favourite food".

One of their specialities, the Umami Burger, is now one of my favourite foods.

When it was a warm and sunny day last week, my only requirement for the afternoon was to get to the beach, enjoy some food, beer and conversation and take advantage of the first truly warm day in Melbourne since I moved here five months ago. As I had walked past NSHRY about fifty times en route to get coffee in St Kilda, this place stood out, along with Sandbar, as ideal locations to diddle the afternoon away in the sun.

The restaurant has a contained outdoor area that is ideal for pleasant days. We arrived very close to noon with the intention of securing an outdoor table without a booking and managed to procure the last one. After a bottle of water and menus were delivered, we immediately ordered cider and beer, kicked back and enjoyed the day. After walking to the restaurant from Southbank via Bay Street, I had developed quite a thirst.

I have read about the Umami Burger elsewhere and have only heard good things about it so I placed the order whilst I sucked back my second bottle of Beez Neez. Service remained consistent and attentive as we systematically polished off bottles of alcohol and they were quickly replaced along with freshly chilled glasses.

The Umami Burger was amazing. I know in the past I have raved about the various offerings at Andrew's Hamburgers, which is not far away from NSHRY as the crow flies and also what is served at Huxtaburger, but this wagyu burger was amazing. Not only the rich tastes of flesh that was prepared a perfect medium rare, but the bun, sweet and sumptuous like Jennifer Hawkin's bum left me mesmerised. The chips and slaw that accompanied this act of perfection which was presented wonderfully encouraged me to break one of my cardinal rules and take a photo. I sent a tweet about it on the day and the photograph can be found here. 

Despite spending three hours outside at NSHRY, the server remained cheerful and very helpful. We never went dry or wanting and we were always made to feel as if it would be no problem if we hung out indefinitely. On another warm sunny day, I look forward to returning to NSHRY and given that we should experience at least a full season of sunny and warm days in the not too distant future, they will have to stock up on cases of Beez Neez to placate this hungry, thirsty and satisfied diner.

NSHRY
Link to review
129A Beaconsfield Pde, Albert Park VIC 3206
(03) 9682 1077
http://www.nshry.com.au
My Rating: 14/20
Service: 3.5/5
Ambiance: 3.5/5
Quality: 3.5/5
Value For Money: 3.5/5
Comment: Umami Burger for the win



Twitter: @epicurean3006
e-mail: epicureanofsouthbank (at) gmail (dot) com
web: www.epicureanofsouthbank.com

When I made this post originally, 85% of the reviewers on Urbanspoon also liked NSHRY.

The Hairy Canary - Birds and Beer

In the previous post on Bar Americano, I stated that I visited The Hairy Canary on a boozy afternoon. In fact my partner in crime, the epicurean emo, accompanied me to the this songbird for lunch after abandoning attempts to find somewhere "cool" and "relaxing" on this particular Saturday afternoon in Southbank.

I have frequented The Hairy Canary at least ten times over the years. When I lived in Sydney (and even Brisbane for a while) I would escape the dull dining and beverage scenes in each of those cities and find refuge in Melbourne. One of the first ports of call at around lunch was always The Hairy Canary because of its proximity to the Grand Hyatt Melbourne however now it is a convenient stroll across the dirty Yarra River from Southbank.

This is a more "social" venue which is refreshing. You are allowed to take whatever seat that you want and classically speaking you can eat, drink and chatter all you want and you are not molested by pushy staff that like to push the main meals or move you along. On that note, I have not found many places like that in Melbourne, which I continually use a benchmark for service, since the horrible dining scene in Sydney usually involved pushing mains and bodies in and out of a revolving door. Some of us in Melbourne wonder why the seemingly "good" eateries are closing in Sydney however considering service is usually so poor, with Justin North's Etch and Becasse the exceptions on the list that I am providing, I am not surprised the liquidators are circling. Check out this link for the latest round of Sydney restaurant closures as reported in the Sydney Morning Herald as of July 2012 if you can be bothered.

This is the first time I noticed that the Hairy Canary has a special and aptly it includes any of their pizzas for $10. They have a pizza oven that is conveniently rendered into their front kitchen wall and I have always found the crusts to be done properly so I was excited to order one and a bottle of Cricketer's Arm beer.

I am usually bemused when I see a large group of people coming into an establishment and placing a coffee order but since this was a relaxing afternoon I decided to observe and evaluate so I could properly judge service as the aforementioned server was the only employee on the floor. Bemusement usually leads to consternation in moments like this since I realise that when large groups of women order coffee's that everything else is forgotten by the staff and the resulting slurps and hisses are just not coming from the coffee machine but the red faced customers as they wait. In this case we ordered a couple of bottles of beer. I do not even think they needed a tool to be opened but they remained chilling in the refrigerator whilst the single server, reminiscent of when Slim Pickens attempted to fly the bomber in Dr Strangelove; however we know how that mission ended up in the end.

What I appreciated about Bar Americano is a sign is (sometimes) posted that reads "Please do not ask for a latte after 2:00 PM as refusal often offends" and this philosophy needs to be adopted by all eateries after lunch service and beyond as not to impact diners who just require a beer to be opened. Given the profit margins on a Heineken are at least 125% after noticing what a case cost on my recent trip to Costco Docklands, management should be pushing service to open the bottle and get them out as soon as possible instead of standing around and burning coffee produced by the B-52 bomber.

Despite the wrong priorities afforded by service, The Hairy Canary is a relaxed place to meet up, have some tapas, a pizza, a few drinks and start your afternoon. I have also frequented this place later in the evening on a Friday and it is equally relaxed and it should be included in your itinerary as a fuel stop if you intend to power through everything that Melbourne has to offer one day.

The Hairy Canary
Link to review
212 Little Collins Street  Melbourne VIC 3000
(03) 9654 2471
no web site
My Rating: 12/20
Service: 3/5
Ambiance: 3/5
Quality: 3/5
Value For Money: 3/5
Comment: Pizza specials on Saturday, full bar



Twitter: @epicurean3006
e-mail: epicureanofsouthbank (at) gmail (dot) com
web: www.epicureanofsouthbank.com

When I updated this blog post on 24/09/12, 78% of the reviewers on Urbanspoon also liked The Hairy Canary.

HuTong Dumpling Bar - Hot Hot Heat!

What started off as a sane lunch at HuTong Dumpling Bar on Market Lane evolved into a hedonistic tour de force around Fitzroy where I had the pleasure of not only returning to Naked for Satan but trying Mana Bar and Black Pearl for the first time. It was truly a great day that all started over some innocuous dumplings on the border of Chinatown and ended late in the evening.

As I approached HuTong Dumpling Bar, which is across the lane from Flower Drum, I noticed a group of Caucasians milling around outside and after quizzing them, they were waiting for a table. At first I was hesitant as I thought that if the restaurant was filled with Caucasians and not Chinese, that this could be an overpriced trap. I always assume that if a Chinese establishment is actually frequented by the Chinese, it must be good. I entered and nearly all of the tables on the ground floor were taken by Chinese including a long table in the centre of the restaurant where a large group of Chinese were obviously happy, drinking Corona beer and seemingly pleased with the multiple offerings that were being delivered to their table.

My wait for a table for two wasn't long and and we were shown to our table within ten minutes near the kitchen and the aforementioned long table of happy Chinese patrons. The kitchen is enclosed in glass so I was able to keep an eye on the dumpling production line by observing the activity in the fish bowl. I did notice a microwave in the kitchen and I kept one eye on it throughout my culinary journey and I was happy that I never saw it be used. I did find some amusement in watching the assembly line of humans making dumplings by hand, the resulting steaming process and the hive of activity in general.

The server came promptly to take our order. I thought it was interesting that she did not write down that we wanted xiao long bao, wantons with hot chilli sauce, dry chicken in hot chilli, rice, a bottle of Asahi and a vodka bitters. I was impressed when the order was filled and the items that we ordered were delivered, one at a time.

The first dish that came out was the wantons with hot chilli sauce. Simply brilliant is all I can say. It was actually nice to taste some spice and this recipe was about as authentic as I have found. It was easily my favourite dish. Once these wantons were devoured, the xiao long bao was delivered. After adding some chilli which is conveniently available at your table, these dumplings were also very good. I could eat them all day, and substitute them for Doritos at home quite easily. The dry chicken in hot chilli was the last dish to come out. At $20, I thought it was great value for money and resembled a dish that I enjoyed at The Spice Temple recently. The chicken was a bit dry, however it was still very good and I would order it again. Unlike my trips to The Spice Temple, the food left a chilli flavour lingering in my mouth that the Asahi was not able to extinguish, but it was exactly what I expected and what I wanted.

Two people were able to eat and drink for $58, which I thought was good value for money. Although there are other places in China Town with cheaper prices, the quality and service at HuTong makes it a place worth trying again and returning to. I know I am looking forward to my next visit.

HuTong Dumpling Bar
Link to review
14-16 Market Lane  Melbourne VIC 3000
(03) 9650 8128
www.hutong.com.au
My Rating: 13.5/20
Service: 3/5
Ambiance: 3/5
Quality: 4/5
Value For Money: 3.5/5
Comment: Great wantons with hot chilli sauce


Twitter: @epicurean3006
e-mail: epicureanofsouthbank (at) gmail (dot) com
web: www.epicureanofsouthbank.com

At the time of this blog post, 82% of the reviewers on Urbanspoon also like Hutong Dumpling Bar.

World Restaurant & Bar - Atlas Shrugged

Sadly yesterday work commitments got in the way of finishing this post and I was also selfish and decided to get some exercise. Life as the Epicurean of Southbank will lead me down the path of obesity and death if I do not make the positive decision for action to get away from the laptop or off the bar stool on occasion.

Continuing a trend over the past week, I wanted to reflect on my experiences at World Restaurant & Bar, which is located on the Southbank Promenade. at around 5:00 PM on weekdays, the corporate suits like to use this as a place to celebrate beer o'clock and at other times it is frequented by tourists, shoppers and other rogues of the night. Besides for late Friday afternoons when the bar is overrun by people, normally I find the place reasonably relaxed where you can enjoy table service.

Most of the time as soon as you enter the property and are on the outside deck, you will be greeted by staff and asked if you want to sit inside or outside. It isn't as simple usually as rocking up, ordering a few drinks from the barman unencumbered by service as in the end they do want to push food on you. On occasion, I have avoided the gatekeeper and done just what I described though. The bar is not really set up as a place it would seem for the customer to congregate at and I really do not think that they like you ordering from the barman directly, but I do it anyway. Not to be a prick, but because normally when I venture into this funky establishment and wander past the "stage" that is used for live music in the corner, my intention is a few pints and perhaps some bar food. World Restaurant & Bar does have a full dinner menu which I have ordered from in the past but considering what else is on offer in the neighbourhood, I can't say that I froth at the mouth in anticipation for the food from this place.

Recently I met a mate here on one of the rare days that it was sunny and warm outside. We enjoyed the Koscioszko pale ale that was on tap and decided to just order the waygu burger "special" that was being advertised. Although the chips were nice, in comparison to what you would be served at Huxtaburger it was just pathetic. I did not finish mine. I am not saying that it was terrible, but I just personally did not like the taste. It is a bit like other things that I have had on the menu. I felt like I am eating just because it is expected of me and there is nothing really to rave about food wise.

The venue though is pretty cool. They have live music on occasion and it is relaxing to enjoy a beer outside in the off-peak hours when service is able to be attentive. Sometimes their "Happy Hour" deals are reasonable and you can't pass up the "Pizza and Pint" for $20 that is available from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on weekdays. That is why I continue to enjoy this place. I do not ask for much so therefore my expectations are always met and I am never disappointed.

World Restaurant & Bar
Link to review
4/2 Riverside Quay  Southbank VIC 3006
(03) 9690 6999
www.worldrestaurantbar.com.au
My Rating: 11.5/20
Service: 3/5
Ambiance: 3/5
Quality: 2.5/5
Value For Money: 3/5
Comment: Good happy hour deals


Twitter: @epicurean3006
e-mail: epicureanofsouthbank (at) gmail (dot) com
web: www.epicureanofsouthbank.com

When I posted this, 71% of the reviewers on Urbanspoon liked World Restaurant & Bar.

Bar Americano - Do Not Spit!

Bar Americano has been around for over a year now and is tucked away on Presgrave Place off of Little Collins Street in the Melbourne CBD. It was conceived by Matthew Bax of Der Raum fame. The first time I went on the hunt for this small bar, I had intentions to purchase coffee. When I finally found the establishment, it was closed however since the abandoned first visit, Bar Americano has started trading daily, not only opening at the crack of dawn for coffee (with a tipple if you desire) and staying open late to satisfy those who crave the best spirits available.

The entrance to Bar Americano - Look for the sign!

On one particularly boozy yet relaxing Saturday afternoon, after frequenting the Hairy Canary I presented myself at Bar Americano with one other with the intention to drink cocktails with impunity. This venue is the smallest bar that I have ever been fortunate enough to enter and that is an understatement. To say that fifteen drinkers would be comfortable in this place at any given time is a reach. At its peak on this visit, there were eight people in this small room yet it was comfortable and buzzing with great music being played but not at a level which distracts you from the ambiance and more importantly, conversation. Being confined, customers converge around the bar and actually do something that is a bit odd - strangers speak with one another in a civilised way. After living in Sydney for the majority of my adult life, you are not used to such a practice when normally you are drinking in institutions blaring doof-doof and noise so loud that you can not speak without shouting. Sometimes I have to pinch myself and remind myself that I am in Melbourne and not Sydney where the notion of pleasant conversation is not something that is frowned upon.

There is a single bar person on duty at a given time. Considering both the facilities available and the space that service is constrained to, the professionalism consistently shines through. The talent that it takes to mix cocktails (whilst juggling the demands for random orders of coffee and conversing with guests) in such small confines is always impressive. There is an amusing sign on the wall that suggests not to order a latte after 2:00 PM (although I notice that it appears and disappears randomly) as the refusal of service often offends. This is an apt sign however lattes were still prepared after this milestone once but it never impacted the production of alcohol-based pleasures or the conversation with the bartender. True class.

The walls are tiled to mimic Flinders Street Station from a bygone era when Do Not Spit was emblazoned for all to see. Given that the venue attracts some wayward characters like the piano player from one of the local brothels, investment bankers and tourists perhaps the reminder is apt.

On my visits to this back lane boozer, I have always instructed the bartender to make whatever they feel like and I have not been disappointed. I hate to recommend this place as I want it to be one of the hidden secrets that I can attend without a mob of people but as I have found, with the exception of bars on Chapel and King Streets, I really do not have to worry because everyone that I have met in this classy boozer has been fun, interesting and worth getting to know.

Bar Americano frequently puts on special cocktail evenings with guest bartenders. It is worth contacting Der Raum and becoming a member in order to receive a discount on these special and infrequent nights if you want attend one of these sought after events.

On recent weekends of debauchery where I needed to entertain out of town guests, Bar Americano was a featured destination where the bar impressed. It featured in one of my "best of" hedonistic drinking staggers around Melbourne and also was a destination of choice to follow-up a recent experience at Movida Aqui, along of course with Der Raum.

Bar Americano
Link to review
20 Presgrave Place  Melbourne VIC 3000
(03) 9428 0055
www.baramericano.com
My Rating: 17.5/20
Service: 5/5
Ambiance: 4/5
Quality: 4/5
Value For Money: 4.5/5
Comment: Smallest bar I have ever seen, $ only


Twitter: @epicurean3006
e-mail: epicureanofsouthbank (at) gmail (dot) com
web: www.epicureanofsouthbank.com

When I updated this blog post on 14/09/12, 92% of the reviewers on Urbanspoon also like Bar Americano. You will too.


 

Chin Chin - Feed Me! + Damages

I viewed the last episode of season 5 of Damages last night. After being disappointed with seasons 3 and 4, I was surprised to see the quality of season 5. I do not think of Ryan Phillipe as Julian Assange but his storyline seems to loosely follow the Wikileaks saga. Given that Julian Assange isn't really looked at very favourably in the good ol' US of A, it was interesting to see how the season played out. It is a pity that there will never be another episode of Damages again though.

I thought it was time to update a review that I posted two months ago for currency.

There is a fine restaurant on Flinders Lane in the Melbourne CBD that I not only think about frequently but also dine at on occasion called Chin Chin. Most people have heard of it. Usually half of Melbourne is waiting outside of the place, regardless of weather, in an awkward attempt to secure a table at all hours of the day. I have been there a few times and the experiences have always been both positive and fun so today I will provide my musings about this Thai-inspired temple to all things good.

Located not far away from the Church of Scientology, the baby-expelling Coda and the Grand Hyatt Melbourne, Chin Chin is seemingly open and serving to a packed house nightly. I mean packed to the rafters-packed. I first attended the restaurant a year ago and was bemused when my party was informed that we were number 100 on the waiting list for a table. Reservations are not accepted sadly. I informed my bemused friend that I am not a fan of waiting for anything and that we should retire to a bar - any bar - but he encouraged me to stay and claimed the wait would be worth it. After spending two hours proping up the Chin Chin bar, we decided to eat at said bar since we were so familiar with it as the full menu is on offer. There is an option where you announce to the restaurant to "feed me" and you in turn get a five course degustation of whatever the house feels is worthy at the time. My all-time favourite is the soft shell curry and fortunately it has been served a few times now and I certainly hope that it remains a fixture at this wonderful place. The sardines are also excellent and both have been made available after demanding that they "feed me" which was very timely.

I have been to the restaurant multiple times now and have recommended it to people that have travelled from interstate and who have then recommended it to others. I can understand why there is a queue out the door whilst it is raining and freezing in Melbourne on a Monday night because the food is just so bloody good and the place is just fun to be in. This was evident as I walked past a mob of finely dressed ladies standing outside waiting for a table after I finished viewing a movie at the local Palace Kino cinema the other week. One would think that such keenness would wane on a Monday night when the elements are in play, but obviously not for this restaurant. It remains just as popular even a year after the first time I set foot in its warm embrace.

The bar service is extremely efficient and do their job well. If there is a long waiting list, consider eating at the bar as the service, from what I found is better and you never are left wanting for alcohol, whether it be beer from the tap or their speciality cocktails, some of which match with the food very nicely and will keep you hydrated and prepare you for further adventures in the quality bars like Manchuria, Croft Institute or Gin Palace which are all in the area however if you are feeling lazy after consuming this great food, the Go Go Bar is under Chin Chin and can be accessed from a convenient staircase.

This place is highly recommended and is currently one of my favourite venues in Melbourne.

Chin Chin
Link to review
125 Flinders Lane  Melbourne VIC 3000
(03) 8663 2000
http://www.chinchinrestaurant.com.au
My Rating: 15/20
Service: 3.5/5
Ambiance: 3/5
Quality: 4.5/5
Value For Money: 4/5
Comment: No bookings are taken, just say feed me



Twitter: @epicurean3006
e-mail: epicureanofsouthbank (at) gmail (dot) com
web: www.epicureanofsouthbank.com

When this post was updated on 14/09/12, 82% of the reviewers on Urbanspoon also like Chin Chin.

Ludlow Bar & Dining Room - Bring Me Back

According to the Urban Dictionary, "Ludlow" is defined as "a small town in Massachusetts (USA) where pot heads roam the streets and all (that) people care about (are) soccer and Portugal." There are more definitions but this one is the most tame.

Fortunately for the majority of the readership of this blog, we have the pleasure of living in Australia and if you visit the Ludlow Bar & Dining in Southbank, you will find professionals, both those who work at the place and also most that frequent it roaming the restaurant where they care about providing excellent service and encouraging good times by providing quality food, drink and service. It is certainly a stark contrast from what is happening in the city of Ludlow, which I suppose is fortunate for all of us.

Of all of the restaurants on the Southbank Promenade between St Kilda Road and Freshwater Place, I was originally tempted to venture into Ludlow because I thought the fit-out was the most attractive. Like with the Izakaya Den, whenever I walk past it just appears clean which I attribute to the good use of dark colours and light. Everything is always in its proper place. When you combine the two, the place looks sleek and stands out.

My recent trip to Ludlow first took me into the entrance to the bar after deciding that it was far too busy at the Meat & Wine Co to be bothered with waiting for a table. We were looking for something more "cheap and cheerful" which is amusing when you think that we would choose either the Meat & Wine Co or even Ludlow, but given it was really cold outside, I wanted to retreat somewhere I knew was comfortable and calm. We were not disappointed after being escorted from the bar to our table in the dining room near the fireplace.

After having a few beers at the Prince of Wales Hotel earlier, I was keen to continue my appreciation of the ales so I ordered a Moo Brew. The server quickly came around with the alcoholic offerings and whilst I relieved my dehydration, she explained the specials. After polishing of the Moo Brew, I ordered another but before she departed, I asked the server's recommendations for food. This was obviously a night where the only choice that I wanted to make was when to retire home. She recommended both the duck liver parfait and the marinated octopus to start, so we followed her down the path of temptation.

Good duck liver parfait will get me terribly excited. What Ian Curley sends out at the European gives me goosebumps and excites me in the same way that say if The Cure announced they were touring Australia again. What Chef Marc Brown offers at Ludlow hits the spot also. Although the dish doesn't include shaved black truffles like what you will find currently at the European, it certainly is good and makes for a great starter. I started to regret disrespecting it with beer though, so I ate it quickly with the hopes that I could hide my guilt.

I tasted the marinated octopus. Normally I remain wary of octopus at restaurants because rarely it is cooked properly but again, the kitchen did not disappoint. It was not "chewy" in the slightest and the citrus marinade really enriched the creature.

After more Moo Brew was brought to the table, the cheerful server recommended the chicken breast that is cooked in clay, with a lyonnaise sauce and also the Western Plains lamb, which can be shared for mains. I choose the chicken wanting to continue to eat outside of my comfort zone. Like with the octopus, I rarely ever order chicken at a restaurant (unless it is at an Indian restaurant) since it is such a staple food and I feel like I can (and do) prepare it at home so often. What was presented was a pleasant surprise though. Between the lyonnaise sauce and the wild mushrooms, the tastes blended together and worked well. Perhaps it was because I was on my tenth Moo Brew by this time but the taste of the dish overwhelmed me and with the fire warming my back, I felt relaxed and satisfied.

I have been in both the restaurant and the bar a few times over the last few months and the service remains consistent on both sides of the wall that divides them. They seem to turn over a fair amount of punters since they are open not only early for breakfast but throughout the day for the other important meals and late for drinks. It is a small menu in comparison to other restaurants but everything that I have had was done well. In fact writing about this has made me hungry.

I am thinking of heading over to Ludlow for the "workers lunch" today, which is a choice of three bar meals and a pint for $20. I have found the service in the bar and outside areas not to be as professional as I have come to expect in the restaurant especially in busy times, but that is not saying that it should be demonised since it gets popular during the lunch rush. So for me it is either the Ludlow special or head over to the Prahan Markets for a salted beef and sauerkraut roll with polish sour plum dough at the new food stall. Perhaps I will just go hassle someone to go out for a drink and have a liquid lunch. The options are endless in this wonderful city and if you do choose to include Ludlow in your plans during the day, you will not be disappointed.

Ludlow Bar & Dining Room
Link to review
6 Riverside Quay  Southbank VIC 3006
(03) 9699 1676
www.ludlowbar.com.au
My Rating: 14.5/20
Service: 4/5
Ambiance: 4/5
Quality: 3.5/5
Value For Money: 3/5
Comment: Great fit-out, fireplace, river views


Twitter: @epicurean3006
e-mail: epicureanofsouthbank (at) gmail (dot) com
web: www.epicureanofsouthbank.com

When I posted this review, only 67% of the reviewers on Urbanspoon liked this place. My thoughts are on the restaurant itself and do not reflect on the quality or service in the bar area, which I believe many of the reviewers are expressing concern over.

Walter's Wine Bar - The Sands of Time

The rain has started pouring down so I am not going to venture far out today for lunch. In fact, I am going to take advantage of the free Subway 6" sub and drink and retreat back to the laptop and continue to do some work. You may have noticed that I created a "freebees" page on this blog. From time to time when I find a decent offer I will post it there. After I post this, I will also update the "Freebees" page to include the offer from the ACMI in Federation Square this Sunday morning to see Hotel Transylvania 3D for free at 10:30 AM. Not my thing, but no doubt there are some readers of this blog that have kids and would like the price.

I originally discovered Walter's Wine Bar in 2004 after it was recommended after the original site at Southgate burned down. Whilst I was younger and fitter, I would always include a quick stop at Walter's on a whirlwind afternoon either on Friday or Saturday to enjoy a bottle of wine and an entree just to get in the zone for all of the dining and drinking exploits planned during my periodic weekend trips. Since I have moved down to Melbourne I have been able to languish at Walter's with no set purpose or schedule for the most part and enjoy the food, wine, service and views on offer.

Walter's has a small but comfortable balcony on the top floor of the Southgate complex that overlooks the Yarra. I have spent unmeasurable hours out on it drinking and conversing whilst the professional service has attended to our needs, both great and small. Most recently, I spent five hours to the amusement of service, enjoying many bottles of both champagne and wine, but accompanied by not only the gravlax as a starter, with consisted of very tasty cured salmon and delicate quail that certainly matched well with the Pinot Noir from Central Otago that was on offer.

Ultimately we got around to ordering the spiced rack of lamb. The lamb was prepared a perfect medium rare and combined with the spices, matched extremely well with the Katnook Cabernet Sauvignon. Service was always very attentive. They seemed to hide in the shadows and appear just when you needed something which was appreciated. We reflected ultimately this would make for a good venue to enjoy New Years Eve celebrations considering its position on the river, excellent food and most importantly very detailed and huge wine list. I could see myself partying here well into the first day of 2013.

Walter's Wine Bar
Link to review
3 Southgate Avenue  Southbank VIC 3006
(03) 9690 9211
www.walterswinebar.com.au
My Rating: 14.5/20
Service: 4/5
Ambiance: 4/5
Quality: 3.5/5
Value For Money: 3/5
Comment: Excellent wine list and balcony-river views



Twitter: @epicurean3006
e-mail: epicureanofsouthbank (at) gmail (dot) com
web: www.epicureanofsouthbank.com

When I posted this review, 86% of the reviewers on Urbanspoon also like this restaurant and wine bar.

Left Bank - A Relaxed Blend of Everything

I have been drawn into Left Bank at Southbank, near the border of Freshwater Place multiple times now. Sometimes as a matter of convenience knowing that the food will not disappoint (and it never has) and once because I heard live music on a Sunday. What is better than live music, relaxing conversation, food, beverage, a river view and service whilst the sun shines?

After choosing a high chair at a high table outside, we were quickly greeted by a friendly server. She took the drink orders, explained the menu, shared a joke and was generally very affable. A gentleman was inside playing popular covers and nobody seemed to be stressed. Some people were reading the newspaper. Others were enjoying a cigarette and catching up on gossip. Some like my party enjoyed our politically charged conversation over the food and beverage that was promptly delivered. As the minutes turned into hours, we retired inside to the lounge where it was warmer. The lounge is a good hideout from the hustle and bustle of the Southbank promenade and it is a good place to drink and have a yarn.

Left Bank has since changed their menu around a bit since the relaxing Sunday I enjoyed a few weeks ago. When I returned last week, I had to try the Cantonese sticky smoked pork ribs. It is advertised to feed two however for two hungry blokes, we were left wanting more, not because the portion was not generous, but because they were so damn good that we just wanted to fall into a pork induced sleep after devouring them. The servers have always been happy to promptly refill empty glasses of ale and were cheerful about it.

There is always a lively atmosphere at Left Bank. Service has always been efficient. My expectations have always been met and I am pleased it is in the neighbourhood to provide a refuge for the hungry and thirsty patron.

Left Bank
Link to review
1 Southbank Boulevard  Southbank VIC 3006
(03) 9682 4500
www.leftbankmelbourne.com.au
My Rating: 14/20
Service: 3.5/5
Ambiance: 3.5/5
Quality: 3.5/5
Value For Money: 3.5/5
Comment: Live music on Sunday, river views


Twitter: @epicurean3006
e-mail: epicureanofsouthbank (at) gmail (dot) com
web: www.epicureanofsouthbank.com

When I posted this review, 56% of the reviewers on Urbanspoon which is surprising.

Huxtaburger - The Cosby Show Kids + Grace Darling Hotel Collingwood

After a debauched Sunday, it was really hard to get motivated yesterday however knowing that Q&A was going to be on, I had something to look forward to.

I enjoyed a walk from Southbank to Smith Street in Collingwood on Sunday afternoon. My intention was to meet my Sydney mate for a relaxing afternoon of drinking and food, and that is what I got.

We met at the Grace Darling Hotel on Smith Street/Peel Street. There was a good mixture of people. Some hipsters in the corner, footy players eating at a table not far away and an emo or two milled about. I was immediately excited when I ventured in to this place because I noticed that they have both Orion Beer (a beer brand representing Okinawa) and also Coopers Red on tap. Normally I would just get excited about Coopers Red, so I was not in the mood to move for a while once I was given a 400ml glass of Orion. It was a relaxed venue with attentive and amusing staff. If it was a bit warmer, I would have enjoyed sitting outside and watching the various attractions but I suppose that hobby can be delayed until later this season. They have an interesting pub menu that I will want to return to try out also.

Given we spent about three hours drinking in the Grace Darling most of the time in front of the roaring fire, we decided to go to Huxtaburger which was only a few metres away for a very late lunch. The original plan was to visit Huxtable but because of the awkward timing after sitting around and telling lewd stories for three hours at the pub, we decided it was appropriate to get some comfort food.

Huxtaburger has five burgers on offer which are either directly or indirectly named after characters in The Cosby Show. We choose the "Theo" which is the Huxtaburger on steroids. Double beef pattie, double cheese, bbq sauce, mustard, mayo, tomato sauce, tomato, lettuce, pickles and bacon. The place also serves "cold" beer so I happily ordered a Lord Nelson Old Admiral Ale (6.1% alcohol) which is one of my favourite beers made in Sydney. The hamburgers were brought out looking stunning on a silver plate with crinkle chips.

The bun held everything together surprisingly and also complimented the taste. Normally you think of the bun as an aside, a matter of convenience so you can eat with your hands, but this one was quite special and given the large double cheeseburger was a mere $11, it was certainly worth it.

More beer was ordered and the ATM on-site was utilised since they only accept cash. Like at the Grace Darling Hotel, there was an interesting mix of people coming and going everyone looked relatively happy and sometimes even amused as they eavesdropped on our conversation about life. My life was certainly enriched a little finding both Huxtaburger and the Grace Darling Hotel.

Huxtaburger
Link to review
106 Smith Street, Collingwood VIC 3066
(03) 9417 6328
www.huxtaburger.com.au
My Rating: 14/20
Service: 3/5 (table service is included)
Ambiance: 3/5
Quality: 4/5
Value For Money: 4/5
Comment: Cash only, crinkle cut fries are great!


Twitter: @epicurean3006
e-mail: epicureanofsouthbank (at) gmail (dot) com
web: www.epicureanofsouthbank.com

When I posted this review, 81% of the reviewers on Urbanspoon liked this place and I certainly agree with them.

Shed 5 - The Beautiful Smell of Sewerage

What a memorable weekend it was. A mate was down from Sydney and he was looking forward to experiencing all of the usual goodness that Melbourne has to offer. The last time he was down, we ended up having an exceptional long lunch at Cumulus, which remains one of my personal favourites since I started writing this blog. As I was not originally responsible for making a restaurant booking, although good intentions were had by others, it was ultimately delegated to me on Saturday morning to sort out. I in turn got into contact with the lovely Emma at South Wharf centre management and asked if there was anything she could do to help me with my plight. She was able to secure at table for four at Shed 5.

It is rather hard to impress a Sydneysider since they are used to relaxing harbour views, so I wasn't using the view from South Wharf as a draw card, but more as an aside as the precinct is a relaxing area that deserves exploring. Shed 5 had been on my list of places to try for a month now so I was happy that I was going to be able to surround myself with friends and be able to engage upon pleasant conversation. Like in the allegory telling of the journey that Dante made through Hell, I had to abandon all hope of talking about politics, life, sport and the weather because we were so distracted by the smell.

I did not notice the smell of raw sewerage when I first entered the restaurant which is fitted out in an old shed. However as the beer, wine, starters and ultimately entrees and the desserts were presented, the smell gradually took over. We were left to talk about it for a few hours amongst ourselves.

We started with plates of duck cigars and cyprian lamb and pork meatballs. I thought the duck cigars paired with pistachio and cherries was a great way to start the feast however the meatballs seemed a bit uninspiring. As we finished up with the starters and ordered more wine, another blast of the sewerage smell wafted past us. The server first blamed it on the Yarra River. Given that I live on the Yarra River and have traversed its banks more time than I care to count, I have never smelled sewerage so I excused myself and went outside to have a good sniff but the only thing that I got a wiff of was fresh air.

When the dishes of king green prawns, roasted lamb neck and the bannockburn half chicken turned up, the intensity of the sewerage smell also increased. I thought the pairing of the prawns with feta cheese was bold and adventurous but it worked. At one point I considered mashing feta into my nostrils though as I wanted to experience any smell beside the one of waste. We were all so distracted by this noisome odour that we all ended up finding the food to be secondary and it is probably why I do not consider it that special.

Later it was suggested that we be given financial relief when the bill came. Although we ended up with complimentary desserts, the experience just wasn't enjoyable. Besides having the smell blamed on the Yarra, it was later suggested that centre management was responsible and that the infrastructure is the culprit. I believe that the staff were just tired of people talking about the stink as it was distracting from the good work from the kitchen and the prompt and professional service. It was certainly a memorable evening and not one that I will forget any time soon, sadly for all the wrong reasons though.

Shed 5
Link to review
37 Dukes Walk, South Wharf VIC 3006
(03) 9686 1122
www.shed5.com.au
My Rating: 9/20
Service: 3/5
Ambiance: 0/5
Quality: 3/5
Value For Money: 3/5
Comment: Distracted by the smell


Twitter: @epicurean3006
e-mail: epicureanofsouthbank (at) gmail (dot) com
web: www.epicureanofsouthbank.com

When I posted this review, 95% of the reviewers on Urbanspoon liked this place however the sample is constrained to 43 votes currently.