Solo Escorregadio

. . .

[RoseGPO Hotel, 1003 Point Nepean Rd Rosebud]

Open: All day, everyday for breakfast, lunch and dinner

Phone: (+613) 5982 3200

&

[The Box Stallion, 64 Tubbarubba Rd Merricks North]

. . .

Solo escorregadio, slippery when wet in Portuguese!!

No, I’m not learning Portuguese, however it does dance very fresh in my mind as I had a just a little taster for it and enjoyed and introduction into the language.

This girls’ weekend was a spit, drizzle and downpour away from being a washout. Lucky no-one slipt… 😉

We had breaky altogether on the saturday morning before we parted ways into impossibly heavenly Hot Springs and the surrounding area.

There was an unspoken consensus to order death by hollandaise sauce… I hardly order Hollandaise sauce, as it’s always so dubious and can easily go wrong. However, we ordered, we drowned and most were very satisfied.

(#1 was repeated a few times 🙂 )

Death by Hollandaise #1 with ham

Death by Hollandaise #1, with smoked salmon

Scrambled eggs and bacon

I’ll be honest, there was a little too much inconsistency and “blase” waiting staff. We had dinner there the night before and the young waitress brought my Pinot Noir over…it was white. Upon asking if that was supposed to be Pinot Noir, and she slaughed and said “yes, ofcourse”

It was one of my more embarrassing moments to advise the young lady that Pinot Noir is red wine… awkward.

Having said that, the eggs were perfectly poached (mmm poached-poke-ooze heaven) but I would’ve gone without the overtaking lava of Hollandaise.

Next stop on Ladies weekend was the Peninsula Hotsprings…. wow!

Below is a picture from their website of how magical it is as the sun sets.

We were there during the lunch/late lunch and were lucky enough to soak in some sunshine at points and some drizzle in others, that was also truly beautiful.

We left all lovely and pruned and relaxed like you wont believe and floated all the way to The Cups Estate and experienced some very lucky sunshine (much like last week!) and got some supplies for the weekend. Just quietly, this winery has probably one of the most beautiful views (see below), however their website doesn’t even market this serenity and landscape… strange.

Anyway, it’s an intimate and gorgeous place for lunch, pit stop or some wine in the sun overlooking the beautiful property. Bit muddy when wet, so bring appropriate footwear. 

Saturday evening was interesting… it all got very interesting upon entering the mostly 17-year-old infested time warp that is The Conti” (The Continental Hotel, Sorrento)

. . .

[The Box Stallion, 64 Tubbarubba Rd Merricks North]

Sunday, we had some wine tastings and settled down for some lunch under the heater at The Box Stallion

There were a few functions on, so it was bustling with laughter and the waiting team darted in and around the smallest of the clients.

Something to remind me of my old home…

Probably the most crunchy and “so bad for you”chips I have ever eaten…. soooo good. exactly what we needed after the night of Ace of base and dirty RnB.

The beautifully presented trio of dips with yesterdays bread… yesterdays bread was a special touch. *insert blank face here*

Lil miss “eww” and I shared some Beetroot, candied walnuts and feta salad which was just the most excited textures and flavours to have dancing around in our mouths!

For main, I ordered the below.
What is it? Juicy succulent garlic and buttery prawns on a bed of “risotto”, or rather soggy rice with sad celery that clearly wanted to die in yesterdays soup… (sorry, it was a strange contrast of “amazing and fresh” and “amazingly dead…”)

Chicken saltimbocca:
One really enjoyed hers, and the two other ladies thought it was bland and dry and didn’t enjoy the Polenta. (Me however, being a polenta fiend thought it was lovely)

Now this was, in hindsight, what I should’ve ordered!
Perfectly cooked Salmon on a bed of fresh salad and Haloumi. 🙂

Dessert was melt-in-your-mouth moorish and delicious! (but didn’t quite want to get my gear off…)

Sticky date pudding playing in caramel sauce: (DROOL!!!) with a side of fresh cream…. droool again!

Chocolate cake with strawberry reduction:

Girls weekend was such a success and can not wait for the next one 🙂
Always lovely to share good food, moments and laughs with a bunch of great quality ladies who will support you on your best and worst day.

thank you ladies for a lovely weekend, til next time…

. . .

Tastefully yours,

Menus:

Advertisement

While you wait…

Good morning (just) breakfast/food lovers,

Feel my pain if you will, I had written a fairly long entry about a beautiful and very tasty weekend with the girls and for some ridiculous reason it didn’t save…. Defeated, and drained, I went to bed to wait for a new day for inspiration.

In the meantime, for a food related read and pics, click and “like” the link below.

Link…. HERE! 🙂

(shameless, shameless plug)

Tastefully yours,

D) All of the above

. . .

[St Kilda Pelican, 16 Fitzroy Street St Kilda, Melbourne]

Food envy for me is part and parcel of my dining experience, that’s why I love when its tapas style – “mi casa es tu casa” (so to speak) & I’ve been to Pelican on numerous occasions, ironically never for breakfast and it’s always been on a warm summers eve getting amongst the warm summer vibe…

I know, I know, Melbs hardly experiences a TRUE winter (we’re currently sitting on 12.5 degrees….however, I AM COLD! …How did I ever survive a German winter…?

In this instance, I once again pretended it was summer and we sat outside… rookie error! Who can concentrate on pretending its summer, sipping a pretty summer drink when its freezing??

So we migrated to the cosy comforts of the indoors, surrounded by the aromas of the kitchen and the light hum of the conversation, normally quite busy – it was intimately quiet. 🙂

As I was too preoccupied trying to get my gear off at pretty much every mouthful and every drop of wine, this unfortunately hasn’t been properly visually documented.

However, I do have a little mish mash of photos from previous visits….(excuse the bad lighting and flashless phone camera)

Arancini balls lying on a bed of “heart attack” 🙂

(Fcking delicious)Moroccan lamb meatballs in sauce with yoghurt:

Char-grilled Calamari with a side of rocket drizzled with “delicious”

The one thing I couldn’t help but document was the dessert.

My English teacher taught me once that DESERT (as in “Bear Grylls stuck in the middle of a…”) has one “s”, and the other-DESSERT (the sweet delicious kind) has 2 “s” because you want more.

Fair enough.

And boy did I want more! We in fact went for an option called “All of the above” – I thought it was a joke, and cross my heart (Burz, this is for you beb) this was no joke!.

Please see below for “how I got diabetes”: (clockwise)

1) Creme Brulee with short bread (O.MY……..sweeeet Jesus, Mary and Joseph…..)
2) Minted lamington (hmmm, could’ve gone without)
3) Peanut brittle ice-cream (I went to the bathroom, and came back to find it mysteriously gone….so the verdict is good 🙂 )
4) Rich chocolate mousse cake (heavens above!!)
5) White chocolate Rocky Road with pistachio (mmmmmm)

Excuse the commentary, but seriously?? What in the world of decadent, moorish heaven was that??

I suppose “all of the above” options eliminates any chance of “food-envy”, it did however leave me in a severe sugar/life high.

(Pinky promise, my next Pelican visit will involve breakfast :))

. . .

Tastefully yours,

Satisfy the “bodhi”, mind and soul.

. . .

[Monk Bodhi Dharma, Rear 202 Carlisle Street, Balaclava]

Open: Mon-Fri, 6.30am-4pm; Sat-Sun, 8am-4pm

I’m not vegetarian, but don’t really eat that much meat (unless of course its Jamón ibérico, then its all a bit of “excuse me while I undress”) and Vegan? I doubt I could ever go there as I get my “bake on” way too often, and you have to agree almost everything that makes you go “mmmmm” has butter in it. (mmm butter…I’m really a heart attack just waiting to happen)

However, I will be honest say that and didn’t even notice Monk was a culinary heaven sensation for vegans anonymous. (what a mouthful, could’ve just gone with “vegan cafe”)

I often find Vegetarian/Vegan food and menus to feel like they are “missing” a key ingredient (derr, obviously), however on this day my eyes feasted, and my tummy left feeling loved, nourished and super satisfied. (yes, SUPER satisfied :))

Good deed for the day? *tick*

Juxtaposed on this beautiful day for breakfast lovers was my “newest cafe find”coupled with my oldest friend in the world!

I met this man when we were children – I was 5, he was 6, and it was lovely to see him again. It’s always surreal to reminisce about yesterday, be in the moment for today and ponder about tomorrow with someone who knew you a lifetime ago.

Lots had changed, and change is a beautiful element of life. Nothing is permanent, and we are ever evolving.

For instance, when I was 5, I hardly spoke any English and articulating my thoughts into words was a challenge… (I still find it difficult to say EXACTLY whats on my mind…pictures help :))

Today, I write this without much thought as to the words on this electronic page, but to the story I wish portray…(yes I waffle on a bit)

So…on to the main attraction, the food and coffee? Here goes:

No ridiculous latte art, just a beautiful creamy latte made with love:

Yucatan “peasant” beans, toasted carbs and vibrant Chilli jam that kicks a punch:

This deceivingly petite dish is a reminder not to judge a breakfast by its portions. It was very filling, and satisfying, and you have to say the colours were delicious!

Marlo sweetcorn ricotta hotcakes:

These were perfect balance of flavours, and were visually exciting too-I’m one to eat with my eyes first, and little Mr Marlo Sweetcorn here was easy on the eye ;).

Some cafes are great, but there is no urge to work your way through the menu from start to finish. And some – like Monk, are a real treat and keeps you coming back to try new dishes and/or relish in your “sunday favourite”.

Breakfast lovers beware, it is a little hard to find (in an alley, behind a carpark….very Melbourne) But I assure you, whether you are Vego/Vegan or not, you will enjoy every minute of this beautiful little hideout and will leave having satisfied your “bodhi”, mind and soul…

Tastefully yours,

Light reading:

About the Monk “Bodhi Dharma”: click here
Broadsheet review: Click here
Age review: Click here

Dukes: Leaders in their own right

. . .
[Dukes, 169 Chapel Street WINDSOR]

Open: 7-4pm daily

Duke: A duke or duchess is a member of the nobility, historically of highest rank below the monarch, and historically controlling a duchy. The title comes from the Latin Dux, ‘leader’ (Wikipedia)

There is nothing more perfect than great Melbourne weather + beautiful company + amazing breaky.

On days like this, you could seriously soak in some of Melbourne finest vibes and fall into a beautiful food/coffee induced coma…

As weekends are a feeding frenzy on chapel street, all the best are packed to the rafters, as a result we sat up against the window – which was a blessing in disguise. I could “food-perve” without too much fuss :), and check out talent on chapel street-such a multitasker ;).

Aesthetically beautiful & simple menu: 

Smooth, creamy, deliciously & sensual Soy Chai Latte:

Beans on toast:

Shy had the very simple-sounding beans on toast, it was in fact the most fulfilling and rich marriage of flavours – perfect for the “day after the night before”

I had the free-range poached egg on avocado smeared (amazing) toast with CANDIED bacon… one word: WOW!

Fresh, creamy, and slight delicate “nuttiness” of the sesame seeds were a perfect accompaniment to my soy chai latte.

And did I mention: CANDIED BACON??? wow!!! 🙂

Check out this “poached-poke-ooze”: (drooling. right now!) 
Duke, a latin derivative of DUX: meaning leader is a very fitting name for densely populated location for coffee and breakfast.

. . .

Tastefully yours,

TWEET-a-licious!

. . .

[Yellow Bird, 122 Chapel Street Windsor]

There is just SO MUCH variety and choice on Chapel street and any time of the day for any of your food related needs!

Yellow bird exites me!! – birds do not!
I have an odd fear of birds, or rather the weird movements they make and the flapping of their wings.

One time, I woke up fresh as a daisy to the odd sound of the “trapped bird in my fireplace” sound.. YES that EXACT sound…. Lets just say it wasn’t one of my finest moments… 🙂

So, this is the shining beacon of scariness that I have to endure whilst breakying it up that day… ONLY for you Jessica Allergory! (and the awesome fritters!!!!)

Jess ordered a heart shaped love breaky, b/c she is just so in it right now 🙂

Green eggs and ham, yes m’am!

It was just a BIG plate of lovely – much like Miss Allergory. (you like that Jess???)

I ordered a big FAT plate of F*CKING amazing!

oh! and take a look at this “poached-poke-ooze”:

sooo good!

Crunchy, flavoursome fritters smothered in avocado and overflowing with delicious egg yoke!. This was also accompanied with a moorish dollop of sour cream and fresh tomato salsa. The combination of the gooey egg, creamy sour cream and nutty avocado married together with the crunchy and moist corn fritter is bloody awesome! The fresh tomato relish/salsa is fresh and is a nice break from the heavy flavours of the Sunday bliss.

Just posting this entry now is making me crave a nice dose of Yellow bird’s finest….

Totally tweetalicious!! 🙂

. . .

Tastefully yours,

“Poached-poke-ooze” (in that order)

. . .
[Whyte kaffe, 1122 Glen Huntly Road Glenhuntly 3163]

Tel: (03) 9569 2212

Outside we were in the middle of the full throttle Vietnam style torrential pour down! No joke, the weather was psychotic and raining without warning. Actually let me rephrase….. SH*T pouring down without notice.

Inside however, we were warm and toasty and surrounded by the aroma of coffee beans and eggs.

There was the light buzz of conversation, and was surpisingly busy for a friday morning.

Weekday breakies often attract the “ladies of leisure” or young mum types, however today there was a nice healthy mix of ‘cbf going to work on Friday’ folk.

This little cafe is a pretty much the only one of its kind Glenhuntly (that I’m aware of), and one of only a handful in the Carnegie/Ormond/Glenhuntly area.

Daniel ordered the most amazing looking portobello mushies with poached eggs – which was causing some food envy on my part!

Soooo exciting to see the perfection of the “poached-poke-ooze” shiver. Yes, it gives me a thrill to see the oozing golden lava flow over the meal.

Although the presentation was appealing, there is something about seeing Rocket on everything that urks me…. I think I’m pretty bored with the same green everywhere I go….I think I’m craving some ‘pushing of boundaries’ when it comes to leafy greens. (Portulaca would be not only visually playful but a varied addition to the breakfast flavour.)

I ordered corn fritters which originally came with bacon, but thought I might mix it up and alter to come with smoked salmon:

I added the salmon instead of bacon b/c I secretly think I was craving corn fritters from Yellow bird.

What I had failed to foresee was the intense Morrocon infusion of flavour in the fritters….and the Salmon didnt play well with that.
It in fact was really disappointing – but totally my bad. (sad face)

I ordered my usual soy chai, and ate away my troubles. At least I didn’t alter that order, and it was beautiful and creamy and sprinkled with cinnamon love dust!

As a result of my bad first experiene – totally my fault for changing a good menu, I think i’ll need to try it again.

For a “kaffe” trying to be a little different in a very “sameness” area, they were doing a good job, and wouldn’t hesitate going back for a second try.

. . .

Tastefully yours,