MELBOURNE FOODIE FOOTSTEPS
I have been meaning to write this post for months (my bad), and the number of unused food photos in my phone gallery is frankly quite ridiculous haha. Here is a review of my favourite eateries i’ve visited so far, and after this post I plan on reviewing more of them individually!
Salmon Nori Taco and Tempura Broccoli
1. Spiced Cauliflower and Scrambled Eggs, Roasted Chilli and homemade Flatbread
2. Ricotta Hotcake with Seeds, Grains and Seasonal Fruit
3. Roasted Mushroom and Smoked Raclette Toastie and Berkshire Bacon Crumb
Danish Smørrebrød topped with Cured Salmon and Crème Fraiche, Daikon, Fennel and Shiso with a side salad of Beetroot, Macadamia and Apple
Ham & Gruyere baked with seeded mustard.
1. Lamb kebab, green tahini and harissa paste
2. Fattoush salad
3. Falafel pita
Red Quail Curry and Pipi Yellow Curry, as part of the Atlas Dining ‘A Trip to Thailand’
1. Mr Miyagi, Windsor
I had heard nothing but praise for this Windsor favourite before even arriving in Melbourne, and since trying it myself I now understand why! Trendy decor, a bustling ambience, and a menu with playful delights such as tempura broccoli in ramen seasoning and salted buffalo ricotta. We went for the Japanese Eggplant Rice Paper, the Tempura Broccoli and ‘David Chang’s Ramen Gnocci’, but the star of the show was without a doubt the Salmon Nori Taco. Grilled salmon belly, sushi rice, spicy napa cabbage, Japanese mayo and chilli oil!
2. Higher Ground, CBD
I felt overwhelmed by all the brunch spots when I arrived here. Melbourne brunches go beyond the habitual poachey’s and avo-smash on sourdough we resort to in the UK. In fact one of Melbourne’s most well-known eateries, ‘Hardware Societe’, fosters it’s own slogan of “No eggs on toast“. Acai bowls, “healthy” ricotta hotcakes, and savoury waffles are all but a few of the plates almost every cafe in Melbourne has covered, and the every one is these is served to be “insta-worthy”. While it may seem a great idea to check out their Insta-pages before hand, *warning* this can make the decision process a whole lot more difficult.
Higher Ground is just one of the hotspots for the Insta-elite over here, but after trying a few of these I would firmly hold that it is the best of the bunch. It’s beautiful high ceilings and rustic vibes are a selling point beyond the menu, but be prepared to put your name down in a queue for a table. It really is worth it though, a friend and I ended up staying for three hours!
3. Öppen, Windsor
A hidden gem behind the commotion of Chapel Street. Modern, minimalist decor complimenting the Scandi-fusion menu which offers unique takes on ham hock hash with sauerkraut, and Nordic spelt granola with Skyr and sour cherry foam. For me the star of the show is definitely the offerings of Danish Smørrebrød (‘open’ sandwiches). I can’t wait to try the rare roast beef with spicy béarnaise and cucumber next time.
4. Lune Croissanterie, Fitzroy
A Melbourne institution, Lune Croissanterie is famous for its pre-dawn queues and selling out before 10am. I’m not even the biggest croissant fan, but how could one pass up “the world’s best croissants” (as acclaimed by the New York Times) when on the other side of the world? My first taste was of the twice-baked almond croissant with its impeccably stood flaked almonds on top of gooey almond frangipane- well worth the $9.20. And my second try was the warm ham & gruyere.
5. New Jaffa, Collingwood
Who says a kebab has to be a sin seen only at the end of a night out? An affordable menu and wide communal benches where you can find yourself using homemade pita to scoop up generous quantities of hummus.
6. Atlas Dining, South Yarra
Described by critics as a “culinary journal”, Atlas Dining has no set cuisine. Instead it presents different cuisines encountered by its owner across fifteen different countries. The cuisine changes every four months, and the menu every week. Find your six course set menu presented in a mock passport of the country you’ll be tasting the flavours of! We had Thai dining.
