Mama Baba

Following on from the success of his other restaurants, George Columbaris has opened a new restaurant in South Yarra, Mama Baba.  I first got to go there as part of a work function and after dining, wanted to go back and try the food again, but also the extensive list of cocktails.

The fit out is very funky and the bar area lends itself to being a great place for a Friday or Saturday night catch up with friends in a more relaxed setting. 

So for the second outing I met up with one of my 'bad influence' friends who loves food and a good glass of Sauvignon Blanc just as much as I do. 

The menu is designed to reflect George's heritage, his Mama and his Baba.  The 'Mama' side of the menu is  Greek and the 'Baba' side is Italian. In some ways this works, it others it just seems a bit odd.

We enjoyed the Polenta Chips, although we were surprised at how small the portion was, just 5 chips between the two of us.  We followed this by sharing a bowl of the Braised Chicken Meatballs, which was served to us in two bowls - very thoughtful, along with a delicious salad of cherry tomatoes, basil and bocconcini... again, we considered the serving of just one 'ball' of bocconcini to be a bit light on, but delicious all the same.

The drinks menu would cater for the masses and even included  a few surprises such as boutique New Zealand Croucher Beer on tap.  Service was great and we were even more thrilled when George himself made his way around the restaurant to greet diners, clear tables and check on dishes as they left the kitchen! 

Mama Baba

21 Daly Street  (off Chapel St) 

South Yarra 

T: 03 9207 7421

W: www.mamababa.com.au 

Happy Anniversary - Coda

Hubby and I recently celebrated 7 years marriage (and no, theres no 7 year itch!) and decided to check out one of the 'hip' inner city restaurants, Coda.

Chef Adam D'Silva is one of those guys who is well known, features on Masterchef and has a coveted, hard to get into restaurant. And for good reason....

We had tried to get a Saturday night dinner booking at short notice (1 week) but had to settle for lunch. On reflection, this was even better as the day turned out to be a scorcher and we don't have any air-conditioning.  So we used our lunch booking to escape the heat and cool down, while enjoying some amazing tapas style asian dishes. 

As is the current trend, the menu was designed for sharing. We ordered a few 'smaller' dishes - Lettuce Delight (read San Choy Bow), Smoked Duck Rice Paper Rolls, Lamb Cutlets, and a MOST delicious salad of Buffalo Mozzarella with zucchini fritters, mint and peas followed by a 'larger' chicken curry dish to share with some rice. 

Being a special occasion, we also indulged in some super sweet and delicious desserts.  Mine consisted of a chocolate fondant with yummy accompaniments.  Hubby's was a citrus overload of lemon and lime flavours done as a sponge, sorbet and mousse.

Coda Bar and Restaurant
Basement, 141 Flinders Lane (Cnr Oliver Lane)
Melbourne 3000
P: +613 9650 3155
W: codarestaurant.com.au

Mixed Business

After several attempts, we finally managed to snare a table at a local cafe called Mixed Business.  It is one of those places that is so popular that you might as well get up at the crack of dawn to ensure a table. In this instance, 9.30am on Sunday morning seemed to be good enough.

And I must say upfront that Mixed Business is one of those annoying eateries that functions on a 'cash only' basis, which I have never quite understood given I come from the country where Eftpos reigns supreme and you can use it to buy a 50c mix without the cashier even batting an eyelid.

Putting that matter aside, we were able to enjoy a yummy brunch and would definitely go back again to try some of the sweeter items on the menu including the gingerbread waffles which sounded scrumptious!  We were sat outside with dog in tow, and were able to enjoy the flowers and plants on display at the flower shop open next door, which was all rather enjoyable.

The breakky menu.

Apple and berry smoothie - frozen berries, apple juice, yoghurt and honey

His - Poached eggs with crispy pancetta and roasted tomatoes

Mine - poached eggs with potato and rosemary rosti, avocado and relish

Mixed Business

at Stop 25 Queens Parade (Tram 86)

486 Queens Parade

Clifton Hill 

Open Tuesday - Sunday for breakfast and lunch

Fowlers Flowers

488 Queens Parade

www.fowlersflowers.com.au

Billy Buttons at Fowlers Flowers

A short train ride takes you to Armadale...

Armadale is one of Melbournes more upmarket suburbs on the outskirts of inner Melbourne and while it has an element of toffee-nosed about it... it is worth the short train ride from the CBD if a) you are in the market for a vintage poster, b) if you are planning a wedding or c) you would like a nice breakfast or lunch at the Coin Laundry cafe located immediately opposite the train station.

We first ventured to Armadale when we first moved to Melbourne and had this idea that we would try and explore one suburb per weekend.  We actually came across this really cool vintage Air NZ poster but at $500, it didn't fit into the budget when we were busy setting up home in a new country.

So two years later, we thought we would head back and see, if by absolute miracle, we could find the said poster - because then that would be fate, meant to be and we would definitely make the purchase.  Unfortunately in this instance, the shop was closed. Fate, door closed. 

Not to worry, we did have a yummy lunch at Coin Laundry and enjoyed having a wander through the high street shops.  

His - Braised lamb with pilaf rice, yoghurt, sundried tomatoes,
spinach, mint and onion. 

Mine - Moroccan spiced chicken with mint yoghurt, hummus,
eggplant puree, spinach and tomato on toasted turkish bread.

Coin Laundry

Coin Laundry

61 Armadale Street

Armadale

Ph: 9500 1888

Open for breakfast and lunch, 7 days a week. 

Vintage Posters can be found at:

Letitia Morris - 1158 High Street, Armadale

www.letitiamorris.com.au 

Vintage Posters Only -  1136 High Street, Armadale

www.vintagepostersonly.com

Best Breakfast in Melbourne

I know its a big call - massive in fact.  But our local cafe, Mitte, truly is worth the accolade.  Tucked away on a quiet residential street,  this place serves up a delicious range of meals that couldn't be further from your average bacon and eggs or eggs benedict.

My firm favourite is the Potato and chorizo omelette served with sourdough toast, tomato relish as well as a salad of cherry tomatoes, boccocini and basil.  Drinks tend to consist of one or two coffees and a delicious (dairy free) raspberry smoothie. 

Other dishes that rate highly are the Breakfast Crumble... the Baked Eggs... and the Pikelets with berry compote. The lunch menu consists mainly of fresh or toasted sandwiches, plus a few hot options such as meatballs. 

It is a very popular cafe and you cant book ahead, so either get there early (very early) or be prepared to wait for a table.  If the sun is shining, then the tables outside are a good bet. 

If you are visiting Melbourne, then get the 86 Tram from the city heading towards Northcote and hop off at Clifton Hill (before you go under the train line) and make a short walk north to Mitte, which is located on the corner of Michael and Rowe Streets.   Alternatively, get the 112 Tram up Brunswick Street / St Georges Rd and hop off at Edinburgh Gardens and head east. A bit more of a walk but the gardens make for a nice wander. 

Hellenic Republic

We are creatures of habit when it comes to eating out.  We are the kind of people that once we find something we like, we tend to go back there again and again, rather than being perhaps a bit more adventurous and 'risky' with our dining out.  I think it comes down to the fact that if you are going to spend your hard earned dosh, then you want it to be worth it! 

So one place we have been back to several times since initial discovery, is Hellenic Republic, on Lygon Street.  And when I say Lygon Street - this is not the city-end of Lygon Street where you find the tourist trap, inexpensive but unexciting Italian restaurants offering free garlic bread and free wine (read vinegar) to get punters across the line.

Rather, tucked away in what I call the 'locals end' is a gastronomic delight...and its worth the extra tram ride. 

'When you take great Greek food and the famous Hellenic spirit and add it to eclectic Brunswick East, you get Melbourne's hottest Greek taverna - an exciting culinary destination that will leave you wanting more. 

Hellenic Republic is the place to experience traditional Greek tavern cuisine with a fresh twist; where kefalograviera saganaki is served with sweet peppered figs; local wines are served by the half-kilo and whole char-grilled fish is presented with a vase of lavender hiding a bottle of traditional lathalemono lemon dressing.

Our food philosophy is simple – fantastic, fresh produce to prepare traditional recipes in a clean, contemporary style.  We recommend our sharing Trapezi menu as the best way to dine at Hellenic Republic.  Let our chefs prepare a selection of their finest for you to share with loved ones at your table. 

This is a busy and bustling restaurant, it is noisy and brash and very Greek.  We welcome you to our home and hope that you enjoy your time at our Hellenic Republic.  
"Our food is carefully made with agapi; best enjoyed when shared the same way" -  George Calombaris -  Me agapi ke filia. X'

You will need to book ahead and the menu is set up for sharing, so be prepared to order lots of different plates - meat, salads, bread, seafood options, vegetarian options.  Its one of those restaurants that seems to cater to everyones different preferences and dietary requirements. 

One of our favourite dishes is the Cypriot Grain Salad and its one that we have been able to recreate at home (thanks to googling the recipe online).  Having shared it with friends and family - its definitely a firm favourite. Enjoy! 

Hellenic Republic
www.hellenicrepublic.com.au

Cypriot Grain Salad
http://www.chefmasterclasses.com/2011/04/hellenic-republics-cypriot-grain-salad/

Julio

One our local coffee favourites is a small cafe on a back suburban street called Julio.  When the sun shines in Melbourne, it turns this place into an oasis of great coffee, yummy food and excellent sun soaking opportunity.   The staff are uber friendly and I like the fact that they do great bombolone (read posh jam donuts) as well as the Phoenix drinks... (yes I am addicted)

I also like the fact that its a place where regulars hang out, where you can meet a friend for a nice quiet chat while the dog walkers stop by, the kids play on the footpath and the papers are well read. 

 

My half-muched 'Bikini' (ham and provolone cheese) toastie

Julio

171 Miller Street

Fitzroy North 3068

03 9489 7814

My kind of Thai

Last night, after watching the Irish defeat Australia much to our pleasure, we decided to head out to our favourite Thai restaurant 'Thai on Street' knowing that we could expect some excellent food for not too much money.

Thai on Street is located at what we call the 'locals end of Lygon Street', away from the maddening crowds of tourists keen to nab a deal of poorly made pasta and wine that tastes like vinegar, while expecting some sort of authentic 'italian' experience.

Being close to 9 o'clock, we were both ravenous and set out ordering a feast of Thai food that would have easily catered for double our numbers..... pork wontons, money bags,  Larb Gai (salad dish using chicken mince), Yam Nuer (beef salad) and a Gang Massaman (Beef Curry) along with the obligatory rice and roti. With drinks, this came to $68.

And it did not fail to disappoint.

Thai on Street

Delicious Beef Mussaman

Chicken Larb Gai

A delicious 'Taste of Melbourne'

On Friday night I headed to the beautiful Royal Exhibition Building for the annual 'Taste of Melbourne' event.  I have been meaning to go every year and a special deal on tickets meant that 2011 was the year. 

So it is set up like any typical food and wine festival or conference or exhibition where there is a whole raft of stalls with goodies to sample. The currency of the day is a 'crown' and you pre-purchase crowns which you then exchange for food or drink...

Our strategy, amongst our group of four, was to each buy a dish using crowns and we should share.  The rest would be used to buy drinks or whatever.... After stopping at the NZ wine stall, we headed off to make our decision.

First stop, St Katherines which is the latest restaurant venture for The Press Club's George Colambaris and Shane Delia. The two dishes we sampled were the 'KFC - St Katherines fried Lilydale chicken with BBQ sauce' and the Turkish lamb dumplings with garlic yoghurt, sumac and dried fruit.  While the dumplings were yummy (a tad overpowered in terms of meat to dumpling ratio) the KFC was exceptional! 

Next stop was Tobie Puttock's The Kitchen Cat (Tobie worked with Jamie Oliver at Melbourne's Fifteen restaurant) to sample some Pasta Frolla with mozzarella, black olives, oregano, salami and olive oil.  Expecting a pasta dish,  we were all surprised when this came out looking more like the top layer of a lasagne, or a pizza even. 

By this point the crowds were maddening and it was becoming more and more difficult to move around the stalls.  We pushed through to sample delicious cheeses from Yarra Valley Dairy, some exceptional olive oils and balsamic vinegars,  and some AMAZING mozzarella from La Latteria (a mozzarella laboratory on Elgin Street) before deciding it was time to head out and have our 'real dinner'! For that we headed to Ladro on Gertrude Street and it was exactly what we felt like.  A warm, quiet courtyard to aid good conversation together with some yummy pizzas and great Tasmanian sauvignon blanc.  Belissimo! 

The view from the Gallery (first floor)

Bonjour Chez Dre!

Well I always thought my first post would have some auspicious meaning... but at the end of the day, I'm just hear to share with you the fabulous places to eat, drink, play and shop in Melbourne.  Something that hubby and I spend a fair amount of time doing.  We moved here from Auckland, New Zild... and haven't looked back.  While we will always consider Aotearoa to be home, Melbourne offers us a lifestyle we hadn't previously found.... even when living in the UK... and now we are so proud that all our friends and family want to come and visit, and share in the things we love.  So maybe you could consider this a short travel guide, something to peruse before crossing the 'dutch'.

So, onto the subject of my first post - Chez Dre... today we headed south of the River (Yarra, that is) to buy a wine rack to accommodate our ever growing collection and decided to swing by the South Melbourne markets after, then grab some lunch.  Usually we are somewhat uninspired by what is on offer... the South of the River fare tends to be a bit more upmarket, a bit more conventional, maybe even a bit more snobbish? than that north of the River.  But we spied something interesting in Chez Dre and are definitely pleased we stopped by.

One big tick for the full selection of Charlies juices and Phoenix drinks... big tick from Mr for the coffee, and another big tick to the french inspired menu of pastries, macaroons and baguettes as well as a load of other 'bigger' dishes if you are a bit hungrier.  So I definitely recommend making a stop next time you are at the market, or in need of something sweet. Bon appetit!

Some of the yummy baguettes and pastries on offer...

One of my favourites, a NZ organic lemonade that has pleasantly made its way to cafes all over Melbourne. 

Chez Dre

http://chezdre.com.au

(Rear of)
285-287 Coventry Street
South Melbourne, VIC, Australia 3205
Phone: +61 (0) 9690 2688