Chicho Gelato

October 01, 2016 in food, perth, events

Chicho = Cheeky Kid.

Chicho Gelato has come a long way since its market cart days. I remember being first enamoured by a deliciously fresh mint and watermelon sorbet offered one hot day at the Perth Upmarket. Since then both myself and a handful of other gelato fanatics were in love and Chicho had a following. The little gelato cart continued to move throughout Perth's markets, scoring itself a regular attendance at the Twilight Hawkers Market where flavours of strawberry mascarpone and banana and Mexican chocolate surfaced.

It was a welcome surprise when the little gelato cart morphed into a gelateria run by the enthusiastic and lovely owners, Carly and Chez. Committed to new wave gelato, new tastes and flavour palates, Carly and Chez gained ideas from London, learnt the art at Gelato University in Italy, sought inspiration and flavours from America and honed in on taste in South America, cementing their studies and adventures in a modest gelato cart in Perth.

This combination of art, education and science (one is a chemist and the other an engineer, after all) has paved the way for the circulation of old favourites and seasonal tempters on the menu.

Approximately twenty different flavours are on offer at any given time with specials including gelato collaborations with local chefs. Lavender and honeycomb, banana and black sesame, miso and caramel are just a few seasonal tastes to get your curiosity going. All produce used is locally sourced and all gelato, made fresh.

If your commercial tubs of ice-cream aren't quite cutting it anymore when you feel like binging out - don't fret, Chicho have a takeaway option. We've made use of this a few times and as such Tash has bought some over for after dinner dessert, paired with an apple crumble and boardgames. It's just as good even when you're not amongst the other gelato go-ers or the cute and kitsch setting of the shop. Pozzetti even hold the gelato in pristine condition.

Lines tend to form out the door on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights and the gelateria is buzzing, no matter how cold it may be outside. Besides, cold weather is perfect weather for preventing your gelato from melting - allowing you to savour every last spoonful that little bit longer. With dark and milk chocolate on tap, it's hard to resist.

During winter months, Chicho introduced the Brioche Con Gelato, an amazingly soft and buttery Sicilian brioche bun made by local baker, Bare Baker. You had the option of drizzling a little chocolate on the gelato of your choice and then either eating the brioche fresh or toasting it up in the brioche toaster. I always opted for the latter as you were greeted with a little pocket of goodness. Although not currently on the menu now, it will be back next year. If you're in a group, the Cinque Sapori is a small set of five connected bowls and of course five scoops of your fancy.

I highly recommend a visit to Chicho Gelato. The only problem is choosing which flavour to try first.

Address
180 William Street, Northbridge 6000
Opening Hours
Sunday - Wednesday 12pm - 10pm
Thursday - Saturday 12pm - 11pm

Beau est Mien - Bloom Voyage Launch

September 24, 2016 in perth, events

Beau est Mien is a treasured prints and design store, frequented by an array of members of the artistic community and those with a penchant for beauty. The celebration and launch of an inspirational floral collection designed and illustrated by store founder and artist Magali and lovely store manager and equally talented Alina, was had at Beau est Mien.

A flood of natural light is constant, shining brightly on the beautiful products and items for sale in the store. Upstairs, light floods through the windows of the studio where prints are pressed and artistic talent realised. On the night of the launch, the space was shifted into a contemporary art gallery, showing off unique artworks from the Bloom Voyage Collection and collections before.

I had the pleasure of capturing a few moments of the night's launch. If you feel so inclined, take a peek at what they have to offer!

Beau est Mien Prints and Designs
Address: 458 William Street Northbridge
Website: http://www.beauestmien.com.au
Instagram: @beauestmien
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beauestmien

Tokyo Food Guide

August 30, 2016 in travel tips, travel, see and do

Tokyo is so highly concentrated with restaurants, coffee stops and little hole in the wall food stalls that you would not ever have expected. It is so easy to miss the best and most noteworthy places due to the sheer amount of choice in Tokyo (not that it's a bad thing).

Below are a few key places for ramen, sushi and of course - coffee. It's an ever expanding list! Don't forget to click the name of the establishments, as it will link straight to their website.

Cafes, bakeries and sweet treats

A - Z cafe
カフェエートゥーゼ

Escape the hustle and bustle of Omotesando and visit a cafe of Yoshimoto Nara's artwork. Take a peek at the rooftop bar.
5F, 5-8-3 Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku

akebono mochi shop
銀座あけぼの

Small but perfect is how to describe this mochi shop and their Japanese confectionary. Tokyo's most famous mochi shop has been operating since 1948.
5-7-19 Ginza, Chuo

aOYAMA FLOWER MARKET TEA HOUSE
青山フラワーマーケットティーハウス

A beautiful tea house hidden behind a blooming flower shop. An instant favourite with earnest service. Here you'll find yourself time and space to enjoy Tokyo and nature's splendours.
5-1-2 Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku

be a good neighbour
良き隣人であること

A new day starts here with a perfectly brewed coffee and humble message. Tea, scones and light buttery toast is also offered.
3-51-6 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku

bread, espresso &
パンとエスプレッソと

The original morning requirements, bread and coffee, are staples at Bread, Espresso &. Get yourself a thick slice of French toast in a skillet and enjoy the ambiance.
3-4-9 Jingumae, Shibuya

c*lab project tokyo
シーラボプロジェクト

A Japanese and European patisserie offering cakes, cookies, tarts and sweet spongey rolls. If you want to try a roll but not eat all of it, you can have a slice cut especially for you. Although, who could stop at one slice?
1-30-23 Inokashira, Mitaka

cafe kitsuné
カフェキツネ

Cafe Kitsuné is a must visit, if not because the in-house baristas have been trained by Omotesando Koffee's Eiichi Kunitomo, then for the decor and fox shaped sugar cookies.
3-17-1 Minami, Aoyama

FLORESTA DONUTS
フロレスタ高円寺店

Best known for its animal donuts, Floresta offers organic indulgences if you're a little worried about your carb intake.
3 - 3, 4-14, Koenjikita

little nap coffee stand
リトルナップコーヒースタンド

Directly across from Yoyogi Park, Little Nap Coffee Stand will serve you an unassuming brew in a paper cup with a smile.
5-65-4 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku

rose bakery
ローズベーカリー銀座

Famed Rose Bakery carrot cake. Enough said.
6-9-5 Ginza Chuo

sadaharu aoki
パティスリーサダハルアオキ

Sadaharu Aoki aims to create delicious but simple pastries with Japanese Flavours and French technique.
3-4-1, Marunouchi

Santa Monica CREPES
サンタモニカクレープ

With over one hundred flavour combinations and choices, Santa Monica Crepes and its neighbours down Takashita Street are no-brainers. If you are feeling especially indulgent, get double the whipped cream. One crepe is enough to put you into a sugar coma.
1-16-8 Jingu-mae Shibuya-ku

shiro-Hige Cream Puff Factory
白髭のシュークリーム工房

My Neighbour Totoro cream puffs full of custard and cream and not to mention, so cute!
5-3-1, Setagaya-ku

The roastery by Nozy Coffee
NOZY珈琲

With beans from Indonesia, Brazil and Ethopia, this Single Origin Coffee Shop is sure to delight.
5 Chome-17-13 Jingūmae

Daily Chiko
デイリーチコ

Eight layers of soft serve in varying flavours including grape, soda, banana, matcha, chocolate and strawberry balance in a single cone at Nakano Broadway.
5-52-15, Nakano Broadway

Totti candy factory
トッティのキャンディ工場

Billowing cotton candy clouds of three colours and flavours are often bought from this cute and mega pink store in Harujuku. Cake pops and other sweet treats are also taken away in magical bags full of sugar.
16-1 Jingumae, Shibuya

Fast Food/Conbini Stores

That conbini life cannot be overlooked, particularly as Japa's seemingly understated convenience stores have some of the freshest, tastiest and cheapest food on offer. Here you can find juice, fresh fruit, karaage, icecream, onigiri, sushi, small bento boxes, dumplings and even steamed cakes in addition to your typical sweets and chips. Don't forget to swing by:

Lawson's (There is even a Natural Lawson's selling organic products only and it's the best!)
7/Eleven (More than just an association with Krispy-Kremes)
Family Mart (Also, any place that stores Muji products is an incredible place in my opinion)
Mini-Stop
Newdays

Kaiseki

Nihonbashi Yukari
日本橋ゆかり

For those that wish to experience a traditional multi-course degustation in Tokyo, Nihonbashi Yukari is the way to go.
3-2-14

Ramen

Afuri
阿夫利ラーメン

Yuzu flavoured broth may seem unorthodox however it is a complete treat at Afuri for those citrus inclined. The noodles are top notch too.
1-1-7 Ebisu, Shibuya

Fuunji
風雲児

Literally translating to "Lucky Adventurer", this small but popular shop specialises in tsukemen broth and regardless of what size bowl - be it small, medium or large, it will cost you all the same. Be prepared to want more.
2-14-3- Yoyogi, Shibuya

Ichiran Ramen
蘭

Tonkotsu ramen knows no bounds at Ichiran. Simple but delicious, this ramen restaurant covers the main staples and then some. Customise your sides, choose the way your noodles are cooked and if you'd like the green or white part of the spring onion.
1-22-7 Jinnan, Shibuya

Ippudo Ramen
博多一風堂

Sure, Ippudo can be found in Sydney and Singapore, but it cannot be replaced for authenticity and quality as it stands in Tokyo. Pull up a seat, pick your side dishes and get ready to slurp hot and tasty ramen noodles in tonkotsu broth.
1-3-13, Hiro, Shibuya

Santouka Ramen
めん山頭火

Slices of marinated charshu pork, perfectly half-boiled egg still gooey on the inside and bamboo shoots sit in a beautifully arranged bowl every time.
1-18-5, Nishi-Shinjuku

Tsuta Ramen
蔦

Tsuta Ramen is the first and only Michelin starred Ramen restaurant in Japan. With rare blends of soy sauces, the shoyu ramen is deemed perfection. It is so popular that they now have ticket machines, so be prepared to get in line from 8am onwards if you're dedicated.
1-14-1, Sugamo, Tokyo

Sushi

Genki Sushi
元気寿司

A change to the typical sushi conveyor belt, Genki Sushi delivers your food to you via trains. Just place your order through the touchpad.
24-8, Udagawacho Shibuya

Sushi Dai
寿司大

Tsukiji's most famous sushi bar comes hand in hand with one hour waits and expertly cut sushi. The fatty tuna cannot be missed and the sweet soya is brushed onto each piece with the right amount of restraint.
4-16-10 Tsukiji, Chuo

Sushi Kanesaka
銀座・丸の内の江戸前寿司鮨かねさか

Committed to perfecting the art of sushi - balance, taste and humidity, Sushi Kanesaka has not gained two Michelin stars for nothing.
8-10-3 Ginza, Chuo-ku

Sukiyabashi Jiro Honten
すきやばし次郎

Jiro dreams of Sushi, so does Barack Obama and thousands of other die-hard sushi fans. Take cash and reserve in advance for a seat at the ten seat sushi bar of dreams.
Tsukamoto Building B1F, 4-2-15 Ginza

Sushi Saito
鮨さいとう)

A three Michelin star sushi resutaurant innocently located in Roppongi may actually spoil your sushi tastebuds forever. Reserve at least four months out if you're dedicated. 1-4-5 Roppongi Minato

Soba

Yutoku Soba
ゆふ徳

This home-made soba noodle shop is the perfect place to practice your slurping techniques, especially as slurping is seen to be a sign of pure enjoyment.
4-12-2 Meguro, Tokyo

Soranoiro
ソラノイロ

Although Soranoiro has won awards for its chuka soba, many people tend to visit to test out the Special Vegetable Soba (Vegan), of which includes a healthy serving of carrot-based broth.

Tempura

Tempura Masa
てんぷら真

Fresh ingredients of your choice are presented to you prior to being coated in batter and fried. Tempura Masa (Tenmasa) uses a light oil and therefore the tempura has a particularly light and refreshing taste.
1-1-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku

Tonkatsu

Anzu Ginza Mituskoshi
銀座杏子日式豬排

Tender, intense and flavoursome Joshu pork loin is served with the freshest and finest accompaniments, salads and rice. The loin is marbled, delicious and melts in your mouth.
4-6-16 Ginza

Butagumi
豚組

A restaurant in the middle of a suburban neighbourhood, marked only by a crescent moon window will serve you arguably the best tonkatsu in Tokyo as it specialises in pork and pork only.
2-24-9 Nishiazabu, Minato

Kimukatsu
キムカツ

Crispy and textured, kimukatsu is a little different to your regular tonkatsu restaurant. Thinly sliced pieces of pork loin are layered on top of each other to make one regular cut of tonkatsu.
4-6-5, Ebisu

Maisen Tonkatsu
とんかつまい泉

Incredibly well known in Tokyo for being a restaurant in a public bath house, Maisen Tonkatsu is also known for its succulent tonkatsu and light but crisp coating.
4-8-5 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku

Tonki
とんき目黒店

One of the few restaurants in Tokyo with seating where you can watch the chefs prepare your tonkatsu dish.
1-1-2 Shimomeguro Meguro

Udon

tokyo Ment-sudan
東京麺通団

This self-serve restaurant offers a range of hot and chilled udon noodles among the numerous toppings (buffet style) on offer. Mentsudan is also particularly well known for their tempura, too.
7-9-15 Nishishinjuku

Udon Yamacho
うどん　山長

For less than about $15 AUD, this fancy looking restaurant has all of your udon requirements covered. Fat, thing or medium noodles are cooked al dente. Note, English menus are not offered.
13-6-5, Ebisu Shibuya

People behind the places: OEC Bob Cafe

July 30, 2016 in perth, food, events

I stumbled upon OEC Bob one Saturday, looking for a place to stop and spend a little time while running errands. I was welcomed with a friendly smile and conversation from the manager behind the counter. I ordered a matcha latte and was later on my way. I came back a second and a third time with friends for food and on the fourth I decided to ask the manager with the welcoming disposition a few questions about her unique cafe and its fusion of Japanese, Korean and Western flavours and elements.

Laken manages Original Eco-Friendly Cafe (OEC) Bob, while her sister owns the cafe. Their hometown in Korea is well known for traditional Korean food and Laken has spent a lifetime enjoying her mother's incredibly good cooking. Admittedly a picky eater growing up, Laken's high standards are due to the influences from her childhood, with access to the freshest ingredients and surrounded by good food. This has no doubt influenced her understanding and knowledge of taste.

Although her hometown is known for traditional Korean food, OEC Bob is a welcome fusion of Japanese and Korean flavours with Western twists. Here you can delve into an ebi katsu burger where tempura prawn balls are filled with wasabi tartare sauce and placed between two soft buns and sugar fried lotus crisps on the side. The summer menu features Laken's favourites - an assortment of fresh sushi options, the Japanese cuisine of which her sister specialises in.

OEC is related to the eco and environmental consciousness that is reflected throughout the cafe. When undertaking hospitality and management studies in Sydney, the courses offered had a very environmentally sustainable focus. Laken recounts that it was only ten short years ago that the Korean government began to take an interest in nature and preserving the environment. Her studies enforced the importance of sustainability and Laken wanted to contribute her efforts and commitment to the environment with respect. Even the take away containers are cardboard boxes, where possible, in the effort to reduce reliance on plastic.

"Around the area, we saw a man delivering plants on his bike. We now fill our cafe with plants from this company, where they provided training to people who needed jobs and this included using bikes to deliver plants to people. We wanted to keep the focus to be as eco-friendly as possible, a local artist painted on our walls some interesting art with environmentally friendly paint and gave us the idea to re-cycle second hand furniture, tables and chairs from the second-hand shop, with the designs done by us."

The cafe has an interesting feel to it, the service is so friendly and warm and the team at OEC are committed to their customers and friends. Not to mention, the playlist of music is great - say hello to some sweet 80's tunes and a little Bob Dylan. In terms of the winter menu, Laken's recommended and favourites are the Bulgogi kimchi burger and the soft shell crab burger, where the lotus crisps are sprinkled in chilli and salt flakes. The bibimbap is also a notable choice, although keep in mind that the ingredients that make a traditional bibimbap what it is are not necessarily included, as the flavours cater to a majority of Western tastebuds.

The curry is warm, mild and perfect for winter, coming with a generous cup of miso soup. The tonkatsu is crispy but not dry and although it looks a little heavy, it is far from it. It smells and tastes great and is incredibly similar to Japanese curry restaurant in Tokyo, but with the seaweed salad and daikon on the side adding fresh relief balancing the dish. You can also choose if you'd prefer deep fried chicken, pork or tempura prawn on soft steamed rice.

The takoyaki is generously sized and all pieces have octopus inside them, unlike some restaurants that do not always include octopus in each bursting mouthful. What's wonderful about the takoyaki is that it's available all day. Especially if you have cravings at particular times of the day, OEC Bob has it covered.

The drinks menu has some interesting options which also include fairy floss affogato and hot chocolate. If you are wanting something sweet, check to see if there are any home made baked cheesecakes in the fridge, because they are seriously so good. OEC is the perfect cafe for a catch up with friends, a burger or even some alone time over a good cup of coffee and a novel. If the weather is good, the patio is the perfect place to sit. The cafe also offers free wifi for customers.

For Laken, the most rewarding aspects about running and managing the cafe is the "interaction with customers, and providing a true service. If I didn't want to provide a true service I could just shut the door. [...] When I first arrived in Perth, I didn't know very many people, but after running this cafe I have made good friendships with customers and have gotten good ideas and feedback through the time spent with them. I can walk down the street and feel a bit like a movie star, with people stopping to say hello!"

In addition to the earnest exchanges with valued customers, the ability to use her knowledge and commitment to eco-friendly values, is the aspect of having freedom to change and direct the design of the cafe, the menu and the layout to incorporate what the customer wants while running the business.

All dishes have such unique twists to wholesome and hearty staple meals that are incredibly flavoursome. The food, presentation, quality and service is consistent, with plenty of regulars wanting to keep this cafe a secret for themselves. I kind of cannot blame them, the atmosphere is welcoming and warm, much like Laken and the staff at OEC Bob.

Address:
Shop 1, 145 Newcastle Street, Northbridge

Opening Hours:
Monday - Saturday: 8am - 6pm
Sunday: Closed

Dinner by Heston

July 30, 2016 in food

Expressing his own philosophy and science of fine dining, Heston Blumenthal has made a mark in the culinary world. After choosing to move his entire Fat Duck restaurant and staff to Melbourne and back again, he decided to keep his premises at the Crown Towers in order to open a sister restaurant to Dinner by Heston at the Mandarin Oriental in London.

After noticing the incredible amount of acceptance and adventure in the rapidly developing food culture of Australia, it made sense for him to do so. The man at the helm of this restaurant however, is none other than Ashley Palmer-Watts, making dinner an institution and not a habit. Heston? Well he pops by every now and then but has given full reigns to Palmer-Watts to hit the mark and maintain it.

While Dinner by Heston is not overtly theatrical, or as much of a play on emotion and the senses as three Michelin star restaurant The Fat Duck, Heston's restaurant in Melbourne is just as delicious and as high a standard as his two Michelin Star sister restaurant in London. Dinner by Heston offers an unforgettable food adventure through centuries of British cuisine.

As a restaurant that entices the tastebuds and fuels the senses, it ensures the delivery of full and flirting flavours. Service is on another level and the staff are earnestly friendly, well trained and well read - ready to answer your every question or to educate you on the flavour profiles and history of the ingredients forming the dish on your plate.

Guests are first confronted by a long and dimly lit hallway that doesn't appear to lead anywhere. You're left standing there for just enough time to consider if you've made the wrong turn when a door slides open - a play on his guests he's kept from the Fat Duck and his love for Lewis Carrol's Alice in Wonderland.

Each and every dish on the menu pays homage to traditional British cuisine, recipes sourced from century old cook books and even recipes from cooks of the royal family. Wrapped around napkins are paper holders on the back of which a few words on British cuisine and Heston's vision are written. Each napkin is different and it's here that the attention to detail even in the table setting is first showcased. Although some recipes are old in flavour, they have been redefined and re-imagined in a modern light, take the Meat Fruit for example.

Meat Fruit (c.1500) - Mandarin, chicken liver parfait & grilled bread $38.00

Now a trademark dish, the Meat Fruit appears to be an unsuspecting and deliciously sized mandarin placed alongside grilled sourdough bread. For many who are familiar with this surprise, it is in fact a wonderfully smooth chicken-liver and foie gras parfait rolled into a sphere and dipped into a mandarin jelly made from mandarin puree and essential oils.

Although it appears to be rich, it's light, perfectly smooth and somewhat creamy. The mandarin jelly caught on the back of the spoon adds a little freshness to the flavour. Also - if you have more parfait than bread left, don't worry as the bread is free to be replaced upon your request. In fact, the staff will insist.

Frumenty (c.1390) - Grilled octopus, spelt, pickled red moss, chervil emulsion & smoked sea broth $38.00 — Frumenty (c.1390) - Grilled octopus, spelt, pickled red moss, chervil emulsion & smoked sea broth $38.00

The Frumenty was so full of depth. Made primarily from grain, the dish itself resembled coral and seaweed - the kind that washes up onto shore. The grilled octopus sat tall above the transluscent smoked sea broth and sea herbs. The sea herbs looked delicate but gave an extra crunch to an otherwise soft textural dish. The octopus was not at all tough or rubbery. It was hard to believe that this was in fact an entree and not a main course.

I cannot fail to mention that all dishes are brought out at once for the table. Two waiters came to our table, paused, signalled at each other with a nod and placed the dishes on the table at the exact same time - a resounding clunk following. They then began to explain each dish, the history and its elements in a conversational and professional manner.

Savoury Porridge (c.1660) - Garlic & parsley butter, grilled abalone, pickled beetroot & fennel $36.00 — Savoury Porridge (c.1660) - Garlic & parsley butter, grilled abalone, pickled beetroot & fennel $36.00

Slow cooked Pork Belly (c.1820) - Spelt, lardo, baby turnip & Robert sauce $58.00 — Slow cooked Pork Belly (c.1820) - Spelt, lardo, baby turnip & Robert sauce $58.00

Roast Snapper in Cider (c.1940) - Silverbeet leaves, roast onions & fired mussels $56.00 — Roast Snapper in Cider (c.1940) - Silverbeet leaves, roast onions & fired mussels $56.00

The duck had been sous vide, was incredibly tender and made me wonder if I should have also chosen duck over the pork belly because it was so perfect with the fennel. That's not to say the pork belly was bad, it certainly wasn't.

The flavours were deep, wholesome and rich. The Robert Sauce was on another level and I've never had pork that was so easy to cut. The snapper? Well I barely had a taste as my mother was a little territorial over this dish she now loved.

Powdered Duck Breast (c.1670) - Smoked beetroot, grilled red cabbage, umbles & pickled cherries $58.00 — Powdered Duck Breast (c.1670) - Smoked beetroot, grilled red cabbage, umbles & pickled cherries $58.00

The strawberry fields dessert was and is a beautiful feast for the eyes. I do not think I have ever seen sorbet look as smooth or as creamy (sorbets are rarely creamy) as this one, perfectly sitting atop crumble. Almost too pretty to eat, all elements on the dish act as support and accompaniment both visually and tastefully.

Tipsy Cake (c.1810) - Spit roast pineapple $32.00 — Tipsy Cake (c.1810) - Spit roast pineapple $32.00

Hot, soft and sticky caramelised brioche straight from the oven, divided into five guilty pieces soaked in alcohol was hard to share.

Although super light and fluffy, the brioche is still reasonably heavy on the tastebuds by itself. The tart spit roasted pineapple is what balanced the flavour and you couldn't help but go in for another piece.

A short while after our desserts began to digest, one of the waitresses suggested wheeling over the nitrous ice cream trolley. With such theatre, who could resist? Certainly not myself or my brother. Although my stomach was on the verge of popping from being so full, I was easily tempted by the nitrous vanilla custard turn ice cream that was coated in toppings of your choice that ranged from white chocolate and raspberries with popping candy and fish and chips flakes.

Just be aware that the ice cream is so incredibly cold. The waitress explained to us the process of making the custard ice cream, even telling us a few facts about the custom made nitrogen ice cream trolley. What is brilliant about this dessert is the little palate cleanser of strawberries and orange blossom compote at the bottom of the cone, which provides some much needed relief and freshness throughout the creamy custard scoop.

Just when I thought I couldn't possibly have anything to eat ever again in Melbourne because I was so gloriously full and satisfied, out came an unexpected meal finisher, a post-dessert dessert. In a small glass sat Earl Grey-infused chocolate ganache and a caraway biscuit sat on the side. The tea infused ganache was refreshing, particularly as most tea infused desserts rarely have notes of the tea at all. The consistency of the ganache was so smooth but full-bodied that it fluidly fell from the spoon with each small scoop.

The interior of the restaurant is of course incredible - although I did keep searching for remnants of The Fat Duck Melbourne in the hopes that they had forgotten to take something back with them to Bray. I was unsuccessful but I did find the interiors for Dinner to be of equal attention to detail, even with people smoothing down the lush velvet lime green seats with gloves to ensure no tush marks.

The blinds moved up and down, triggered by the way the natural light filtered through the windows and you often found yourself staring either through the open kitchen in awe, out over the beautiful Southbank of Melbourne or at the ridiculous food on your plate.

We left drunk on food and wine, and if I didn't have my eyes set on Vue de Monde as my next food frenzy splash out for when I next visit Melbourne, I would revisit Dinner by Heston.

How to eat your way through Melbourne

July 03, 2016 in travel

It is incredibly tough not to abandon all sense when it comes to eating in Melbourne. Self restraint goes out the door, hand in hand with whatever was left of your sensibility. Melbourne is full of guilty indulgence where its food culture far surpasses its drinking culture (yet it doesn't shy away from an expertly mixed cocktail or a delicious mulled wine). Here's a few suggestions on how to eat your way through Melbourne. Don't hold the sauce and remember, wear loose pants.

Dinner: Tonka

Another from the Adam D'Sylva Empire, Tonka presents upmarket Indian food with a contemporary twist. If you cannot find a seat at the back of the restaurant, perch yourself at the bar Thali where you can enjoy an extensive cocktail list and divulge in smaller and bigger plates consisting of tuna tartare and classic butter chicken.

Dessert: Coda

Asian and French inspired cuisine are the keywords at Coda. Must try sweet plates include the Toasted meringue with vanilla sponge, young coconut, roasted banana and yuzu. Don't forget to ask what other specials are not listed on the menu, as you may find yourself having the additional option of a perfectly made fig souffle.

Early morning snack (Plan A): Lune Croissanterie

Early bird gets the buttery, flakey croissant. I mean it. These croissants are elusive, baked fresh and rested and overnight. They are no longer supplied to cafes around town as they have their own warehouse/bakery in Fitzroy with lines billowing out the door. Everyone wants a bite of Paris and Lune offers that in exchange for a weekend sleep in.

Breakfast: Industry Beans

Mid-morning take away (Plan B): Rustica Sourdough

If Lune Croissants falls through, Plan B in Fitzroy is Rustica Sourdough. Rustica Sourdough supports sustainable farming and employs local produce in all the deliciousness they make and bake.

Few places offer coffee caviar with brioche and pineapple. The same can be said about pea pannacotta. As a warehouse that roasts its own coffee, it comes as no surprise that their signature blends are paired perfectly with their breakfast options. The coffee is seriously top notch, brewed with love and perfection from their invested experts.

Lunch and : Dinner by Heston Blumenthal

You would think that no further words need to explain the genius and ingenuity of Heston Blumenthal - and that's correct. You merely need to taste his food. Take the opportunity and dive in.

Dessert: Adrianno Zumbo - Fancy Nance

Dessert degustations are an experience in themselves, particularly when they're curated by Adrianno Zumbo. A complete dessert magician, he can incorporate the strangest of ingredients together and make them work. Potato puree with blueberries for example, are a strange but somehow suitable combination. The lemon meringue pie was a definite favourite with just the right amount of stickiness, tartness and sweetness.

Dinner: Mamak

Pass me another satay stick please. Although not a roadside stall, Mamak on Londsdale Street is an eatery that doesn't beat around the bush and offers street side dishes. You're in for some spice or you're out.

Brunch: Top Paddock

Most places only give you one poached egg per dish, but Top Paddock gives you two, beautiful eggs and a gorgeous setting by which to enjoy them. The food is delicious and breaks away from conventional breakfast ingredients, offering roasted pork and crackling for breakfast and thinly sliced potato stacks. Don't even get me talking about the breakfast hot cake which is by far the most colourful breakfast I've ever laid eyes on.

Pit Stop: Short Stop Coffee and Donuts

Donuts, glorious donuts. You can watch them be prepared fresh for you through viewing glass or you can attempt to stop the salivation as you peer through the bay-maries. Each day the donuts on offer change, but the quality and taste remains the same. Make Short Stop a Pit-Stop.

Cafes, bakeries and sweet treats

A - Z cafeカフェ エートゥーゼ

akebono mochi shop銀座あけぼの

aOYAMA FLOWER MARKET TEA HOUSE青山フラワーマーケット ティーハウス

be a good neighbour良き隣人であること

bread, espresso &パンとエスプレッソと

c*lab project tokyoシーラボプロジェクト

cafe kitsunéカフェ キツネ

FLORESTA DONUTSフロレスタ高円寺店

little nap coffee standリトルナップコーヒースタンド

rose bakeryローズベーカリー銀座

sadaharu aokiパティスリーサダハルアオキ

Santa Monica CREPESサンタモニカ クレープ

shiro-Hige Cream Puff Factory白髭のシュークリーム工房

The roastery by Nozy CoffeeNOZY珈琲

Daily Chikoデイリーチコ

Totti candy factoryトッティのキャンディ工場