Intro: Traditional European delicacies – plum butter cake took hostage over tastebuds

Details: 96 Glenferrie Rd, Malvern, VIC 3144. p: (03) 95093699

Surroundings: Although a warm and inviting atmosphere, this place gets packed quickly. With only a few seats, it is best to simply feast your eyes on the many European sweet and savory items and take it away. No one could resist the exterior window display of pastry land.

Liquid consumption: Latte was great- Vittoria Coffee – my 2^nd favorite bean!

The Food: Almond Biscuits- As usual, I didn’t stop at the cake- so I went right ahead and bought some almond varities. I promised myself that if got them take away, I would wait until after dinner to eat them. Boy…who the hell was I kidding?! I ate them all as soon as I got in the car!! I definitely went to Food Rehab on these babies.

The Sugared Orange Peel biscuit was the prime suspect – texture was perfectly chewy and light with the added bonus of a tangy kick that belts your senses one by one until the orange aroma finally travels through the nose. Inhale…exhale. Now I’m better. It was arrested and devoured as punishment.

Plum Slice The prize winner. I’d usually drive down this end of town just for a slice of this beautifully crafted and freshly baked cake.Its abundance of tangy plums are juicy sitting on top of scrumptious, fluffy buttery layers, ensuring each piece you happily devour simply melts in your mouth. No need to chew.

Bring a date here? Why not (if there’s room). Otherwise, take the sweets away- just don’t eat them in car on the way home like I did.

Get together with friends here? Definitely

Service: Courteous, polite

Food Rehab Verdict: Sent me to Food Rehab – greenlight

Times revisited: Whopping 12- updated July.

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The beloved Curry Laksa is an essential staple during the cold Winter months. I succumb to a bowl of this stuff at least once a week which also means, half a box of tissues as it brings out the sniffles. However, the reason why I’m starting on a Laksa quest, is truthfully, Melbourne has been an inconsistent performer in this dish. It either turns out too watery, too spicy, with too much coconut milk, too sour etc..

My ideal Laksa should be fragrant with the right balance of coconut milk and broth, paste that is not too hot, thin rice and thick egg noodles are mandatory, laksa leaf (daun kesum), mint leaves, tofu, chicken and shrimp. I’m not fussed if bean shoots are missing.

aaahh..drooling! Now I can’t stop thinking about having one right now- happens everytime…..

So the quest begins and the contenders are……

1. Monk and Me

Details: Monk and Me. 9 Evans Pl, Hawthorn East 3123 VIC. Next too Borders/Dick Smith.

Surroundings: Cosy with dark chocolate wooden furniture, communal tables in the centre. Jazz music stirs the appetite.

Curry Laksa: Served with vermicelli and hokkien noodles (relieved!) fried bean curd puff, fish cake, chicken, bean shoots and fresh crunchy string beans. Now this is what I call a damn Laksa- the delectable blend of fresh ingredients and Malaysian flavours being sweet, sour and spicy that all team up to play footy with the tastebuds.

The soupbase was creamy and pulled off the kind of charm that makes you smile after the first spoonfool. To us fellow Foodies, this is the sure fire sign of many repeat visits and recommendations.

The only downfall was the end of the meal.

I was actually thinking “Do I go on without shame and lick the bowl?” Luckily for my embarrassed friends, the bowl was actually quite deep. Dang! Too bad…

Service: Was personable and friendly. Thumbs up.

$$$: 14.00

Food Rehab Verdict: Sent me to food rehab (book this place now! Wowzer) – Greenlight

2. Laksa Me

Details: Laksa Me. Shop 1, 16 Liverpool Street, (laneway off upper Burke Street), Melbourne (03) 96399885

Surroundings: Industrial/warehouse. Brick walls, concrete floors- chili during the colder months.

Curry Laksa: My Mum’s Laksa. Presentation wise, this was a winner being decorated with all the necessary trimmings that make a great laksa- the chicken, tofu, mint leaves etc. Well…that was until I took the first anticipated spoonfool. First of all, what happened to the coconut milk?! There was hardly any. This could have saved the overly spicy, sour, watery and granular broth.

Also discovering that it only came with thin rice vermicelli did not help.

Service: Service was prompt but in terms of friendliness, it was ok. Not a smile or thank you to be found.

$$$: 9.50

Food Rehab Verdict: Still sane (good, not great but check it out if you’re in the area) – Orangelight

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Intro: One thing’s for sure, no dish lacked the heat. Like a crazed fan, chilli stalked the tatstebuds

Details: 27-29 Crossley Street, Melbourne (03) 9662 4200

Surroundings: Dark black bamboo panels covers from wall to ceiling and micro spotlights create an amazing night sky effect.

Entrées: Spiced Swordfish Tataki- served with coconut cream and pickled cucumber best described as Japan meets Thailand. The infusion here works well- a thin crunchy satay exterior and a soft delicate centre.

Green Papaya Salad- perhaps should have been called Green Chilli Salad. I love my chilli, but this was simply overkill. The poor papaya was overshadowed by way too much spice. Pass the damn water!!

Mains: Lime and Galangal basted Chicken: served with peanut tamarind caramel. Chicken was a little dry but being a huge fan of sweet Tamarind combined with chilli, this dish had some balls. Aye Curamba!

Sweet & Sour Pork Belly: with cherry tomato and peanut salad came well presented thinly sliced and ready for the taking. However, the dish was too small too share, sour/acidic and lacked the sweetness to help neutralise.

Just a like a blind date, it looked great on the surface and you saw some potential…only to sigh in disappointment.

Dessert: Spiced Pear and Tapioca Dumplings- oooooooh, these were  good. Luckily we had our own dessert each, otherwise we’d all be fighting over this one like seagulls to chip- I’d be all “Oh No you didn’t!” Favourite part of this finale, was the young coconut syrup combined with the coconut ice cream.

Bring a date here? Yep. Bringing the date to a place with a romantic sense of being under a night starry sky will only add to those brownie points for not doing the dishes during the past few weeks.

Night out with friends here? Yes, but book.

Service: Not the best. Also slow on clearing the tables with our entree dishes still left after the mains. I had hoped for something better from an establishment with this sort of  price tag on “hawker” style cuisine which I grew up eating.

$$$: Total 200.

Food Rehab Verdict: Still sane (good, not great but check it out if you’re in the area) – Orangelight

Times revisited: 0

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Intro: The Japanese equivalent to Movida minus the hefty crowds- Tapas is king

Details: Horoki. 19 Liverpool St (laneway off upper Bourke Street), Melbourne (03) 9663 2227

Surroundings: L shaped bar gives full view of the kitchen where you can watch the skilled chefs prepare your delectable’s or group tables are available underneath soft ambient light allowing yourself to exhale after a hell of a day.

Entrées: Pan Seared Salmon Sushi- was perfect with the right amount of wasabi served on a delicate bed of rice all made in front of your eyes.

Fried chicken wings filled with a gyoza (Seasoned pork mince) mix: This dish made me yell! (In delight) Where the hell did this dish come from? I really do feel for my tastebuds for waiting so long- sorry guys.. Anywho, back to the dish. It was amazing. The best way I’d describe it is imagine a traditional Gyoza Dumpling but encased with a mouth watering, juicy, well seasoned and marinated fried chicken wing.

I ate this thing to the bone or did I end up eating that too?!……..

Mains: BBQ Lamb cutlet: two generous quality cutlets pan fried in all their goodness and lightly treated in BBQ sauce served on a fresh bed of melt in yo mouth mashed potato. I’ll keep it nice and simple. Crispy. Juicy. Finished it and nearly licked the plate within 3 minutes. Oh, and I forgot to offer some to my friend who was looking at me in disgust.

Roasted octopus in garlic butter: wow..presented very impressively, totally did not expect it. Each bit of octopus was positioned in its own little pod bathed in a rich buttery and garlic concoction. If you’re like me who would start devouring this straightaway- don’t. It’s like molten lava. I’d recommend dipping the bread in the sauce until the cool down occurs.

Dessert: Green Tea Icecream: definitely tasted homemade with bits of green tea leaves present. The right blend of bitterness and sweetness teamed up resulting in one of the best green tea ice-creams I’ve had in Melbourne.

Bring a date here? Would make a great first date

Night out with friends here? Yes, but book.

Service: Courteous and friendly.

$$$: Bill came to 55 for two- excellent value.

Food Rehab Verdict: Sent me to food rehab (book this place now! Wowzer) – Greenlight

This place just kept on coming out with the goodies. It felt like Christmas with Santa pulling out all stops to fulfill my every food desire. I don’t think he’ll be back to visit me in December though..

Times revisited: 0

Intro: Totally quirky Japanese influenced eatery, catering for the small and large appetites.

Details: 190 Wells Street South Melbourne Phone (03) 9686 1109

Surroundings: Little picture frames with black and white animated characters adorn the walls, sweetly casual and sociable atmosphere.

Liquid consumption: Green Tea Latte- smooth and an excellent alternative to the traditional latte.

Entree: Just Wings- golden battered wings with the flavours of five spice salt was unbelievably addictive. I could have eaten ten of these myself….but of course, I had kept my cool in front of my peeps…little do they know…

Main: Pros: The menu here is hilarious. It separates the meals according to your appetite from small – large dishes with quirky dish names like Pop Chicken (v. Popular), Chicken Dance etc… Cons: This place is a 2 minute walk from my residence, possibility it can send me broke!

Crispy Honey Beef (bento box)– fried mini strips of tender battered beef, then wok tossed with fresh vegetables and an amazing honey soy sweet sour sauce. This literally, bursts in your mouth, with immense flavour that makes you boast about how good your meal is compared to those of your friends. Side condiments include spring rolls, fresh green beans, steamed rice and sweet dipping sauce.

Dessert: If only…

Bring a date here? Yes, hurry up.

Night out with friends here? Yes, but if there are 4 or more of you, perhaps book yo.

Service: Prompt and friendly.

$$$: Large mains 11.50, Entree: 8.00

Food Rehab Verdict: Sent me to food rehab (book this place now! Wowzer) – Greenlight

Times revisited: 16

To the addition under recipes, you will find chicken part 3 espically crafted for your table. Hope you enjoy them all

Butter Chicken

Chicken Curry

Chicken Liver Masala

Cocktail Chicken

Gingered Chicken Wings

Enjoy them all

Did you ever imagine the possibility where you can buy Food Online? You can term this as a service breakthrough where you do not have to worry about how the system works.

International market is aware of this initiative where you do order food with few clicks, however Indian market is yet to consume this service. There are many players in the market who offer online food ordering, but due to lack of knowledge on the restaurant owner front, they are unable to deliver a clear message.

This service is not only helping a restaurant owner add few orders to his daily reports, but in long run very successful. Understanding the possibilities in the digital world with the power of technology, it is obvious that lack of knowledge has made some business owners unaware of their true potential.

Customers are demanding for newer initiatives. Every restaurant owner dreams of the day he received all his orders from his regular customers & more over they bring referrals. But, this is only possible if they are constantly upgrading themselves with the latest service initiatives. For restaurants, this is the best time to experiment since no one will ever stop grabbing a bite.

Hassle free order placing, no more waiting on phone/at the restaurant for your order are very few reasons why a customer will go online to place an order. As a customer, you wish to always speak with some one personal who would know your ordering pattern. This is all possible since you have a back up of all the orders placed in your history section.

So, here is a deal. You not only view your past orders, but add special instructions where you direct the chef to prepare your meal accordingly. It is difficult to hear the same voice again who knows who you are when you order from a call. But, technology has build in some interesting ventures where at the least some one knows about you.

To keep it clean, it is essential for restaurant owners to deploy this system and pamper their customer & for customers to get spoiled with the services offered.

Intro: Funky Jap joint delivers a stonegroove with their green tea ice cream.

Details: 130 Bourke Street Melbourne 9662 1100

Surroundings: Funky, chocolate wooden benches and backless chairs.

After dinner at Match Bar and Grill nearby, we all had a craving for green tea icecream. Although Ajisen Ramen cooks up decent main dishes (their Char Grilled Steak Ramen is amazing), dessert was the only thing on our minds.

Dessert: Green Tea Icecream was perfect and refreshing. The right balance of bitterness and sweetness offering the perfect dry’ aftertaste you get from from the tea leaves. The thing I love most about it is the ‘no guilt feeling.’ Not sure about you, but somehow, knowing it has green tea, it doesn’t seem that bad if you have seconds! ……right? Anyone?

Bring a date here? Yes

Night out with friends here? Yes, casual and sociable atmosphere

Service: Prompt and polite.

$$$: 4.00. This place is cheap for the value it delivers.

Food Rehab Verdict: Sent me to food rehab (book this place now! Wowzer) – Greenlight

Times revisited:7

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Intro: Hidden local Indonesian gem produces a hit with their Ayam Bakar

Details: 230 Dorcas St Melbourne, 3205 (03) 9696 2192

Surroundings: Simple, wooden theme- polished floorboards and furniture, red walls with traditional artworks, casual atmosphere that lets you appreciate the food.

Liquid consumption: Traditional Sweet Iced Tea was a winner and went well with the spices.

Entree: Tempe Goreng Tepung- Thinly sliced Tofu pieces/Soya Bean Cake dipped with seasoned flour then deep fried. Nothing I’ve ever tasted and was excellent. Crunchy exterior, soft and fluffy filling with a great seasoning – sweet chili dipping sauce optional. Sate Chicken Skewers- served with satay peanut sauce. The chicken was moist and nicely barbecued.

Main: Ayam Bakar (Grilled Chicken) with rice was definitely the highlight. The chicken so juicy and well marinated that you can taste the abundance of flavours of garlic, lemongrass, coconut milk, cumin and lime teaming up with the finger licken sweet soy and crispy skin. Side condiments are chili paste and a hot/sour soup. By the time you’re done with this, you’ll be begging for more.

Sop Buntut ( ox tail soup)- This is similar to my favourite Filipino dishes Kare Kare and Sinigang that both use ox tail. What was once so rare and cheap in the markets, Ox Tail is widely used in many Asian cuisines. When cooked correctly (which takes hours of boiling), the meat should be tender and juicy.  Garamerica pulls his dish off quite well. The broth is hearty with hints of garlic and ginger with generous amounts of ox tail and the celery and tomato added towards the end of the cooking process allowing them to remain crisp.

Dessert: No room

Bring a date here? The wine selection is reasonable and the atmosphere on a weeknight is intimate. So, yes.

Night out with friends here? Casual and sociable atmosphere with bars and other hangouts along Clarendon for after dinner drinks like The Butterfly Room, Groove Train and Honey. Yes.

Service: Prompt and polite. No need to ask for water.

$$$: This place is cheap for the value it delivers. Mains start from $9.90 and Drinks 2.50

Food Rehab Verdict: Sent me to food rehab (book this place now! Wowzer) – Greenlight

Times revisited: 8

Intro: My Favourite Italian eatery in Melbourne

Details: 87 Acland St, St Kilda – (03) 9525 3232 or 797A Glenferrie Road Hawthorn 9818 8212

Surroundings: Ambient, dimply lit feature walls, candle lit tables, polish floorboards, wide open paces.

Liquid consumption: Hot Chocolate - just the right amount of high grade cocoa, not too rich so not too spoil the appetite. Yum. A Flat White equally as good with thick creamy froth- best part about it was the blend- Vittoria Coffee which goes head to head with St Ali’s.

Entree: Garlic and Herb Bread. A generous serving of think slices ciabatta with plenty of mouth watering butter and a hint of garlic that’s not overpowering. If you’re planning to order any tomato sugo based dishes, save a couple of pieces.

Brodo- a classic clear chicken broth with chicken tortellini and fresh oregano. This soup is freakin amazing with each spoonfool warming you up whilst you appreciate the homestyle taste. By the end you’ll be asking “what flu?”

Mains:

Pizza- Meatballs in Tomato Sugo sitting on top of mozzarella and fresh basil. This is the main reason I go to Rococo’s. The thin crust base is light but though supports the toppings really well. The tastebuds are take for a spin, hit with the saltiness of the cheese and sweetness of the ripened tomato sugo finished off with the juicy light meatballs which don’t fall apart or grabbed whole when bitten. Equally as good is the Smoked Ham, anchovy, olive, tomato and parmasen (below)

Ricotta Gnocchi in Tomato Sugo- wowser! This dish which was thought to be plain Jane judging from from the menu, turned out to be the highlight. Served in a fired up clay bowl, the light ricotta filled gnocchi is slow cooked in a tomato sugo forming a stew like consistency, then forged into the oven where an abundance amount of cheese fills the top forming a crispy exterior and then topped up with shavings of fresh parmesan (below). TIP: Save a piece of the garlic bread to scoop up the sugo.

Chargrilled Chicken Bacon Leek Risotto with Fresh Tomato and Basil. A perfect chicken  broth was used here as base and cooked to with the right timing to allow the rice to soften and the juices of the tomato to flow through. The dish came towering with a generous amount of fresh parmesan shavings, crunchy lean bacon, strips of chargrilled juicy chicken.

Dessert: No room

Bring a date here? Why not?!

Night out with friends here? Of Course

Service: Hospitable staff who asks how the meal is going, genuinely friendly

$$$:Mains had 17 – 30.

Food Rehab Verdict: Sent me to food rehab (book this place now! Wowzer) – Greenlight

Times revisited: 7

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Intro: Healthy burgers putting the rest to shame. See! – Mum was right after all- healthy food can taste good.

Details: Various locations. Reviewed: 278 Clarendon St, South Melbourne 3205 TEL (03) 9686 6866

Surroundings: Red themed (red comfy chairs, wall illustrations of stretching and talking cows) fun, casual.

Main: Five years of regularly eating Grill’d burgers, despite competition from similar joints like Urban Burger and Burgers Edge, nothing else seems to compare. It could be the freshness of the ingredients, crispiness of the salad, combination of the tomato relish and herbed mayo and the quality of the 100% lean meat.

The best part about Grill’d is you don’t get that feeling of crapiness or greasiness after finishing off a traditional burger plus it’s 95% fat free.

I’d normally go for Simply Grill’d (beef pattie, lettuce, tomato, herbed mayo and tomato relish) or the Mighty Melbourne (above) which comes with tasty cheese, crispy trim bacon, free range egg, beetroot, cos lettuce, tomato, relish and herbed mayo. Now for the tricky part- figuring how to eat the tower.

FOOD REHAB TIPS- HOW TO EAT A GRILL’D BURGER

1.       As soon as the burger arrives, gently press down on the thing until you feel confident you’re able to bite it comfortably without getting lock jaw!

2.       Leave the Grill’d pick in and gradually move it back as you consume. This will prevent the disaster of the burger falling apart!

Bring a date here? Hell yeah! Watching each other attempt to eat these babies in a proper manner is pure entertainment! Just don’t wear anything white.

Service: Friendly and energetic staff here

$$$: 7.90 for Simply Grilled or 11.90 for Mighty Melbourne

Food Rehab Verdict: Sent me to food rehab (book this place now! Wowzer) – Greenlight

Times revisited: 23

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Intro: Could these ricotta hotcakes be a contender for Replete Providore’s version?

Details: Shop 6/769 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn, 3122 03 9818 8864

Surroundings: Pretty cool place to hang out with communal tables, dim lighting amongst dark wooden furniture. The brightest thing in here is the cake display (which is an evil distraction!!) not too mention the great looking coffee equipment.

Liquid consumption & Muffin: Flat White. With all the hype about this place and its infamous coffee skills, it certainly lived up to it. Next time I’ll try their freshly made hippy juice- apple, watermelon, mint and strawberry which sounds amazing!

The spiced carrot and date muffin- the best part was the buttercream icing.

Mains: Ricotta Hotcakes were great- served with roasted peaches, light caramel and a dollop of cream. Favourite part were the crispy edges of the hotcakes. Some time ago, these used to come with Lemon Curd and Strawberries which is the reason I came here to see how it contends with local haunt Replete Providore who serves up similar hotcakes.  Presentation wise, it’s not by all means impressive, but tastes divine.

Scrambled Eggs with salmon and goats cheese was a winner. The Five Grain toast kept its crunchiness throughout despite being toppled over by the generous serving of delights. A good contrast to the sweetness of the hotcakes.

Bring a date here? Make sure you get in early. It was weekday, but was still crazy.

Night out with friends here? You may have to share tables with other peeps as it gets pretty packed in. I’d suggest booking.

Service: Perhaps a little moody this morning, but in any case, polite.

$$$: 35

Food Rehab Verdict: Sent me to food rehab (book this place now! Wowzer) – Greenlight

Liar Liar VS Replete Providore...I’m still thinking about it

Times revisited: 0

Intro: Replete, replete! Anyone for a pancake addiction?

Details: 302 Barkers Road Hawthorn VIC 3122 03 9818 4448

Surroundings: As soon as you walk in, shelves line the entrance with gourmet delights like cookies, pasta, sauces and chutney leading you to the counter with window displays of cakes and other sweet stuff. By the time you sit down, you are far too tempted to try everything! A cosy back dining area.

Liquid consumption: A pot of T2 English Breakfast tea goes well with any breakfast item.

Main: Ricotta hotcakes served with their delectable house made lemon curd and fresh strawberries. This dish is award winning, and I can definitely see why. It is mouth watering indeed. Just by looking at the sheer beauty of it I was beside myself. The massive sized sweet strawberries teamed with the tangy lemon curd did not surprisingly overpower the ricotta filled hotcakes.

It wasn’t overly sweet which is why I had room for dessert. Problem was…that there were way too many to choose from …dang!

Dessert: Ricotta Cheesecake served with Fresh Strawberries was impressive in its presentation and light enough for me to gobble down with no assistance required. Again, the strawberries were so ripe and fresh.

Bring a date here? Breakfast dates a must

Out with friends here? Place gets packed on any given day, so bookings essential.

Service: Friendly, attentive.

$$$: 27

Food Rehab Verdict: Sent me to food rehab (book this place now! Wowzer) – Greenlight

Times revisited: 4

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Intro: If only I had room for dessert

Details: Scott Alley, 241 Flinders Lane, Melbourne (03) 9639 0307

Surroundings: A hard to find gem nestled amongst Melbourne’s famous laneways. Is quite small with a few outdoor/indoor tables but definitely on the cosy side- perfect for a winter stopover after all that shopping or taking your visiting friends.

Liquid consumption: Flat white – Piazza d’Oro Milano blend. Although it was slightly burnt, bitter and on the watery side, it did go well with the savouriness of the Galette and came with a coffee bean!

Main: Les Galettes-  Egg and Cheese. A Galette is an authentic savoury pancake which comes from the French region of “Bretagne”, made from buckwheat flour. This was my first time here and so I wanted to try something simple and basic with ingredients that would allow the taste of the crepe to shine- and shine it did with its soft elastic texture. Although thin and delicate in appearance, it was actually quite filling. Centre position was the bright orange eggyolk which was perfect for dunking each cheese filled piece leaving a subtle peppery aftertaste.

Dessert: No room- stomach says no

Bring a date here? Make sure you book way in advance for a weekday lunch as tables are scarce.

Out with friends here? Definitely book ahead.

Service: All staff in attendance were French and knowledgeable about their products. Polite.

$$$: 10.50. Well priced as servings are quite large.

Food Rehab Verdict: Sent me to food rehab (book this place now! Wowzer) – Greenlight

Times revisited: 0

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Intro: Hidden gem found above above bustling Swanston St

Details: 301 Swanston Street Melbourne VIC 3000 9663 8477

Surroundings: Warm, rustic, exposed brick walls create a cosy and inviting atmosphere with views across from the state library and surrounding high rises.

Liquid consumption: Homemade Lemonade and Lemon, Mint, Lemon and Honey Tea (pictured below). Both of these were great, but the hot tea was the standout. I occasionally revisit this place just for this drink. It is nothing I’ve ever tasted. The fresh mint leaves, teamed with wedges of lemon and honey all work really well to produce a concoction that not only tastes amazing but could also cure that damn cold!  The place is renowned for its cheap drinks like a Pear Bellini amongst other cocktails/mixed drinks all fall under the $10 mark. For Melbourne, that’s dirt cheap.

Above:  Mint, Lemon and Honey Tea

Below: Homemade Lemonade!

Entree: Turkish Breads with dips was a little on the weird side. There you had the tzaziki but the other two were a mystery. If my tastebuds serve me correctly, one was a mixture of pine nuts and olive oil and the other was finely chopped Spanish and brown onions with olive oil and a touch of vinegar.

Main: Olives, Fetta and Tomato Pizza- this was great. I love Pizzas with a strong tomato base to carry the toppings in case they lack in flavour. In this case though, all ingredients spoke for themselves.

Dessert: Stomach says NO!

Bring a date here? Definitely

Night out with friends here? Cheap drinks in central CBD, why wouldn’t you!

Service: Polite and attentive.

$$$: Mains: $14.50- $29.50. Drinks $4 (non-alcoholic)

Food Rehab Verdict: Sent me to food rehab (book this place now! Wowzer) – Greenlight

Times revisited: 5

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Intro: Please do not cut them open. Simply break them apart with your hands and smell the aroma

Details: 349 Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd Sassafras, VIC 3787 (03) 9755 2081

Surroundings: Brother Jons is both a wedding chapel and a restaurant. Inside it’s fitted out perfectly for a wedding including a chapel. In the indoor/outdoor dining area, its much more casual with views of the jaw dropping plush green gardens where you can take walk after the feast you’ve just had.

Liquid consumption: House Wine (white)

Main: Minestrone Soup served with crusty bread was soooo fresh- the vegetables were crisp, colourful, tomatoes ripe and sweet and the shaved parmesan when blended in, left trails of melted delightfulness with each spoon fool of hearty goodness. Geeze, I would consider driving all the way up to the mountains regularly just for this dish. It warms you up and clams the soul.

Dessert: Heavenly Scones. Now as soon as I saw these babies coming out from the oven, I was like a kid in a candy store, monkey to a banana, seagull to a chip…you get the point? hehe. Getting back to the point, the sign said not to cut them open but rather break them open with your hands. That I did and the buttery freshly baked aroma was enough to knock me out! Served with double cream and homemade jam, these were off the plate into our mouths within the minute.

Bring a date here? Of course. The atmosphere is sublime. Perhaps a marriage proposal considering it’s next to a chapel?

Out with friends here? Sunday brunch is on agenda

Service: Very accommodating and personable. Passionate about the food.

$$$: Soup $10 Mains 14-25 Desserts $10

Food Rehab Verdict: Sent me to food rehab (book this place now! Wowzer) – Greenlight

Notes:  Was supposed to eat at Miss Marples across the road, but was a one and a half hour waiting list! But lucky it was as apart from a few of the savoury items on their menu which are good, the scones are overrated. They’re more like cakes than your traditional scone and are dry in texture. I once had microwaved reheated scones there (even heard the bing) and I could tell as they were served way too hot and turned chewy and dry after a minute.

Times revisited: 2

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Intro: Pizza with four kinds if cheeses you say?! Somebody better quickly bring in the straight jacket- I’m headed for Food Rehab!

Details: 46 New Quay Promenade, Docklands, Victoria 3008 03 9640 0550

Surroundings: Outdoor seating next to the harbour, watching the boats go by whilst soaking up the sun and the savory smells of wood ovened pizza. Indoor atmosphere semi- formal.

Liquid consumption: Traditional Italian Hot Chocolate – was an absolute winner…but maybe I should have ordered this at the end of the meal but could not resist. Hmm.. This was thick, creamy and with the right amount of cocoa. Only problem was that it didn’t leave enough room for the rest of the actual meal. Best hot chocolate in a restaurant to date.

Entree: hell no!

Main: Quattro formaggi pizza- the name translates as four kinds of cheeses being mozzarella, gorgonzola, fontina and parmesan served on an intense tomato thin and crispy base allowing your mouth to pull away from each bite of stringy melted delectable cheese. If this weren’t enough, the next main sent me absolutely hysterical whilst my friends stared at me with their beady eyes in awe. Oh, this is all too entertaining.

Bistecca alla Toscana – basically, steak. To be precise- grilled rib eye steak, served with roasted vegetables and a red wine sauce. Not sure on the marble grade as this was not confirmed, but was certainly in the highs. Perfectly chargrilled just the way I like it with the exterior slightly burnt and crispy and the inside- juicy, the right amount of pink/reds and not too much blood.

Dessert: If only!!

Bring a date here? Perfect place for it. Perhaps on a weeknight if you want to hear yourselves talk as Friday and Saturdays can get pretty noisy.

Service: Welcoming, sociable and humorous manager and staff made the night very enjoyable.

$$$: 54

Food Rehab Verdict: Sent me to food rehab (book this place now! Wowzer) – Greenlight

Times revisited: 0

Intro: French Toast.. who would’ve known it would cause such commotion! I had to calm the tastebuds

Details: 121 Glenferrie Rd Malvern 9509 9119

Surroundings: Bright, fresh ambience with a little nook presenting a classic courtyard shaded under leafy trees

Liquid consumption: One of the only few places that serve the St Ali blend. Please refer to the St Ali review. Of course, I required at least two cups of the stuff – 1 flat white and 1 cappuccino.

Main: Lashings of cinnamon and sugar cover the French Toast made with Chala extra think bread ( soft/moist on the inside, crispy exterior) served with welcomed condiments of double cream, maple syrup and berry compote served all in their own little pods so not to drench the poor dish.

I tell you what! This goes down as the ultimate weekend breakfast indulgence- each piece is succumbed to the sweetness of the maple, the juiciness and tanginess of the berries and the double cream to neutralise the palate leaving an aftertaste of the savouriness of the egg dipped bread.

This combination explodes in your mouth creating tastebud frenzy.

I’m not usually into French Toast as it always seems to disappoint. Too often, it is soggy, bland, made with thin average bread and just saved by the maple. People could make better at home.

Eden have definitely hit a soft spot… or should I say, hunger spot.

Dessert: Are you kidding?!

Bring a date here? Indeed. Weekend breakfast is perfect, especially for first dates- excuses are a plenty at goodbye time e.g.: “oh, sorry, gotta run, I have alot of washing to do- call me?”

Service: Great staff here- enthusiastic about the products and definitely, knows how to make a coffee

$$$: 17

Food Rehab Verdict: Sent me to food rehab (book this place now! Wowzer) – Greenlight

I love accidental findings. I stumbled across this place after discovering my usual brekkie joint: Sugo, in the same area was closed over the holiday period. Lucky it was!

Times revisited: 6

Update- July 09- The coffee is still as glorious as ever- had the privilege of chatting with the friendly barista/owner (who was the master of this domain) where he took time out to explain the direction of the cafe and it all sounds promising indeed. Looking forward to my next visit.

Food Rehab dined courtesy of Eden Espresso- thank you.

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Just got back from my Sydney Food Tour. I have to admit, the Korean food up there outweighs Melbourne in variety and quality

Eden Cafe @ Malvern – French Toast made with extra thickened bread, sprinkled with cinnamon sugar served a side of maple, double cream and berry compote. Eatery revisited 4 times within 2 months. I’m usually a one cup of coffee kinda guy but the coffee here is great (2^nd to St Ali), more than two cups ordered at a time.

Rococos @ St Kilda and Hawthorn- Italian culinary skills at their best. Highlight: Ricotta Gnoccchi w/h Tomato Sugo served in a hot clay style bowl (similar to Morrocan) still simmering at your table. Pieces nestled comfortably amongst an abundance of cheese and toppped with fresh parmesan. Best eaten with their garlic bread so you can dip and scoop at will.

 Replete Providore @ Hawthorn- Riccota Pancakes served with lemon curd and strawberries.

Intro: Traditional yet modern infusion Thai cuisine making a big impact with window theater!

Details: 20 Campbell St, Haymarket, Sydney (02) 9211 1808

Surroundings: Rustic setting, two levels, feature wall adorned with a natural habitat styled plantation. Visiting Sydney on my first official food tour, I was intrigued to see why a line was forming outside this eatery.

From the street view ‘window theatre’, you can see the chefs preparing fresh satay skewers, coconut cakes, deep fried desserts, fish balls, cutting up fresh ingredients amongst other things that make you salivate. Of course, I was way too hungry to wait as I was going to be placed at number 37 in the waiting list! So we went back the next day and was happy to wait being placed at number 25….

Liquid consumption: The Sweet Traditional Red Iced Tea with caramelised milk is addictive. It’s nothing I’ve tasted before which is why I came back for seconds. It helped neutralise the chilli fired dishes and went well with the Fish Balls (pictured below). Love a place with interesting non alcoholic drinks.

Entree: Char grilled Chicken Satay skewers came with mint, onion and salsa style salad along with an abundance of satay sauce. Fresh Spring Rolls was excellent- was not deep fried and was served on a honey soy base topped with fresh chili exploding with flavour. Also good were the fish balls topped with sweet chilli sauce- this dish brought back many childhood memories.

Main: Gai Tort- Crisp fried chicken marinated in coconut milk, coriander roots and garlic. The chicken was deep fried (no batter) juicy and tender with an accompanying dish of soy chilli dipping which was fiery yet sweet.

Sukho Thai- Thin rice noodles in chicken stock with fish paste dumplings, shrimps and pork loin, fresh cut greens and peanuts. (below) This was the highlight.

Dessert: No room

Bring a date here? You can, but it gets packed out and a long wait for a table is not exactly romantic.

Service: Welcoming, friendly

$$$: 42 total spent

Food Rehab Verdict: Sent me to food rehab (book this place now! Wowzer) – Greenlight

Times revisited: 0

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Intro: Onion Soup feeding the soul followed by perfectly cooked rib eye steak, melting inside the mouth, seafood extravaganza presented itself to its beady eyed admirers

Details: Le Bistro – 121 Greville Street – Prahran 9525 2273

Surroundings: Warm, ambient lighting with candlelit tables, surrounded by local artworks changing almost weekly. Intimate enough for a small group or a date. Best place to sit is near the kitchen so you can see and smell each dish passing by.

Liquid consumption: DELATITE _ LATE PICKED RIESLING. Fresh, crisp, slightly sweet, making this a perfect companion with each course. 

Entree: SOUPE À L’OIGNON- Onion soup with cheese “gratiné”. This soup stirs the soul with its deep and intense flavours, each spoonful taken with a the layer of bread and melted cheese.

ASSIETTE DE CHARCUTERIE- Chez Olivier’s platter with paté,  rillettes, terrines, cornichons. Served with fresh bread, the duck liver spreads like butter and was the table favourite as was the pork pate with its smooth texture, further complimenting the wine.

LES ESCARGOTS- You have to get the snails when going out for French! Well, I personally haven’t tried any other snails apart from at Chez Olivier, but these suckers were served in little pots of pesto and crispy croutons.

Mains: CÔTE DE BOEUF – No matter how cooked, this piece of meat aka rib eye just melts in your mouth. Right amount of saltiness and fat. The juiciness and char grilled exterior made the best team players kicking multiple goals into your tastebuds.

BOUILLABAISSE- A Traditional Fish soup from Marseille – with crouton & rouille sauce. This was the highlight of the night- wowser. As pictured below, it was served in a  hot pot unveiled to the delight of the table as the steam seeped, the seafood extravaganza presented itself to its beady eyed admirers. You need comfort food…well, this is it. The companion you yearn for on a cold winters day. The fish broth with its array of favours would seriously have me drinking from the bowl if there weren’t any onlookers.

MOULES À LA CHEZ OLIVIER- Another seafood star. I’d describe it as a surf and turf on a wave. Mussels soaked in white wine and taken hostage by prosciutto, sausage meat and onion sauce. The shells were later used as a spoon alternative. What a great combo this was, the mussels were juicy, big and the chewiness and stringiness was kept at a minimum.

Dessert: ORANGE & COINTREAU CRÈME BRULÉE- was blow torched at the table leaving a thin layer of crisp- a spoonful of which melts into nothingness as it touches the tastebuds.. Many spoon fights were held over this one!

Bring your friends or a date here? Absolutely

Service: The staff here are impeccable. Genuinely helpful, wine and water don’t get a chance to go down, perfect hosts for celebrations, knowledgeable about each menu item.

$$$: Mains range from 26-41 dollars. Entrees from 12.90 Desserts 11.90

Food Rehab Verdict: Sent me to food rehab (book this place now! Wowzer) – Greenlight

The atmosphere is warm, intimate and the staff are more than welcoming- all French.

Times revisited: 3, looking forward to more

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Intro: Made me question “What the hell have I been drinking?”

Details: 12-18 Yarra Place, South Melbourne VIC 3205. Near Coles.

Surroundings: Roasting machines and laneway entrance create an industrious feel, similar to Richmond. Natural light equally teamed up with hanging bulbs highlight the mid-dark colour wooden furniture. Mini alfresco dining area along with hidden corners perfect for confidential convos.

Liquid consumption: St Ali not only roast their own blend on the premises, but they also source the beans. Their barista staff are amazing, ensuring that each cup is smooth, velvety, has the right amount of bitterness and thick creamy froth.

Bring a date here? This place will give you both something to “ooh and ahh” about. Just don’t order to many coffees, otherwise your date may turn real giddy…

Service: Friendly staff who know their stuff.

Food Rehab Verdict: Sent me to food rehab (book this place now! Wowzer) – Greenlight

**** This goes down as my No.1 Coffee house in Melbourne.*****

Times revisited: lost count. This is my local joint, so staying away has proven to be very difficult. In fact, to be honest, impossible! Help…

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Intro: Saturday morning weariness healed by Mixed Business

Details: 486 Queens Pde, Clifton Hill, 03 9486 1606

Surroundings: A quirky cafe fitted out with nostalgic signs like Hot dimsim sims, no fuss wooden chairs and tables, white walls (one black feature wall), a door that doesn’t shut properly, menu on chalkboard, bright atmosphere. Alluring both the art and bohemian crowds.

Liquid consumption: The coffee here is amazing. However, I’d expect that since its one of the few in Melbourne to use St Ali coffee, made at the South Melbourne coffee house of the same name. The Chai Latte was also great (as below) complete with all accessories served with soy milk- creamy indeed with the cinnamon pleasantly dominant.

Main: Menu items were definitely unique and classic from corned beef, Dijon mustard, relish, Swiss cheese and rocket to my favourite a banana served caramelised on a toasted brioche with nutmeg, pecans and yoghurt. The sweetness of the sticky caramelised banana was neutralised with the unsweetened yoghurt- making this a perfect combination.

Dessert: I think my sweet tooth was satisfied enough

Bring a date here? Perfect for a breakfast date, the place itself would give you something to talk about and break up the awkwardness

Service: Welcoming, friendly and informative.

$$$: 35

Food Rehab Verdict: Sent me to food rehab (book this place now! Wowzer) – Greenlight

Times revisited: 0

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Intro: Meat craving resolved with a bib

Details: 474 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne 3004 Telephone 9866 1681

Surroundings: Formal but can dine in casual clothes. Great for a date or dinner with friends. Definitely a place to share dishes around the table. I’ve been back a few times over the years. Dimly lit, communal tables available, windows overlooking the buzzing St Kilda Rd.

Liquid consumption: Whiskey Sour-  Bourbon, Lemon Juice, Egg White, Sugar Syrup, Bitters. This goes well with the meat you will soon devour.

Entree: Our World Famous Onion Rings- these huge sized battered rings are dangerously good for the taste buds, bad for the arteries.  Deep-Fried Squid – be careful not to gobble these down too quickly, its like molten lava on the inside. Aside from this, the 5 spice salt adds an extra kick and the squid was not too chewy.

Main: Ready and armed with a bib, to share, we would always order two dishes- the Rib and Chicken Marriage and Tournedos and Ribs. Why? It’s the best of both worlds. The ribs are great- tender, juicy, not overley drowned in BBQ sauce like other joints. Served with dipping sauce if you feel the need to get a little messy and devour each piece, a salad which is generally ignored and a baked potato nestled among sour cream and cheese. The generously sized chicken wings are equally as  juicy coated in sweet smokey marinade and char grilled crispy bits.

My friends and I usually go into silent mode throughout the caveman like experience, talking to each other in code and giving off occasional wide grins fending each other off for the last remaining pieces. It’s mine!!

Dessert: no room

Bring a date here? Yes, call to reserve though.

Night out with friends here? Yes, reservation a must

Service: Service is reasonable, polite.

$$$: 70

Food Rehab Verdict: Sent me to food rehab (book this place now! Wowzer) – Greenlight

Times revisited: 5

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