Melbourne Eats
Vue De Monde – Personality on a Plate – Round 2
The last time I had visited Vue De Monde I was crazy impressed to know that my belly could not eat the next morning. Maybe it was because we had devoured an entire degustation menu, who knows. I was so convinced this time round that I’d know the menu off by heart but I was entirely wrong.
The adventure begins
Flashbacks appeared when I walked into the restaurant and was welcomed with Melbourne’s CBD view, but this time the night sky. Photos don’t do this restaurant any justice!
That view
We were first greeted with the pumpkin and all. Simplicity was a key for this course. Texture was whipped to perfection like I was eating air with hidden gems of walnut pieces to bring you to the crunchy side of things. The dip had a creamy outcome with a whiff of Indian cuisine and a tinge of curry taste. It went pleasantly well with the bite-size house made naan bread.
Pumpkin and all
So this is what it feels like again using top notch fork and spoon. This was the only time I would appreciate and carefully use utensils as I was told by the waiter it costs hundreds and thousands of dollars. I did my Google research and yeah I can confirm I would need insurance if I ever snapped these babies…YIKES!
Them baller cutlery
For our second course we had turnips with fresh milk curd and emu which had a variation of Asian herbal flavours that was topped with a few petite pieces of chicken skin crisps. This dish had a heavy fragrant of turnips and blended so heavenly with the milk curd
Turnips with fresh milk curd and emu
The third dish had arrived in a raw manner that I thought we were eating beetroot but I was fooled by the looks and only discovered closely that the dish had charred seasonal greens and buried underneath raw squid with smoked chicken fat, and fermented Davidson plum as a intriguing sauce. It was fascinating munching on these strings of charred greens as it somehow reminded me eating those packets of Korean seaweed snacks and the noodle like squid played well with the plum dressing.
Raw squid with charred seasonal greens, smoked chicken fat, and fermented Davidson plum
Full speed ahead and VDM train brought us Western Australian marron. The three ingredients ran and swirl so well together, amplifying each other’s flavour of pine mushrooms, macadamia and glued so well with the tender piece of marron sure got my belly squealing for some more, I almost shouted out “ENCORE”.
Western Australian Marron with pine mushrooms and macadamia
Uncovered the Western Australian Marron with pine mushrooms and macadamia
The world is your oyster when our cleansing plate of moonlight flat rusty wire oyster with lemon myrtle had arrived. I was fueled by the tangy, sour and vinegar flavours on my taste buds.
Moonlight flat rusty wire oyster with lemon myrtle
One would weep just to touch the crusty curves of the beer and fennel bread as it was still warm, crunchy and brown. Sitting beside was a rolled up cultured butter that compliments so well with the bread. Ahhh….Breaking Bread.Haha.
Beer and fennel bread with cultured butter
Next up was the Mark Eather kingfish with spanner crab and beach herbs, which I personally wasn’t a fan of due the the acquired taste of the beach herbs that had overtaken the spanner crab. On a happy note I was amazed by the tiny froth bubbles surrounded the greens which seemed like this dish was living on the wild wild side.
Mark Eather Kingfish with spanner crab and beach herbs
By now you can almost hear my expandable dress burst it’s last stretch but the show must go on and we had the bright and beautiful Kohlrabi with Yarra Valley salmon roe and a mountain of marron coral. This was seasoned to savoury perfection and made good friends with the beer and fennel bread.
Kohlrabi with Yarra Valley salmon roe and marron coral
Close-up of Kohlrabi with Yarra Valley salmon roe and marron coral
My eyes fell instantly to the Davidson plum sorbet with sorrel and flowers. It sure was a promising delightful taste. Picking up my silver spoon, I spooned out a dollop of sweet, tangy plum sorbet which was bathed in liquid nitrogen. The pleasant smoothness of the sorbet blended perfectly with the bitter-sweet taste of sorrel and flowers.
Davidson plum sorbet with sorrel and flowers
A unique flavor experience was tasting the raw kangaroo with figs and muntari berries.It wasn’t a typical dish you’d have on the menu but an eye popping experience for your tastebuds. I felt the figs and muntari berries overpowered the chunky cube pieces of kangaroo meat, however it’s a taste you’ll need to try it yourself to explore.
Raw Kangaroo with figs and muntari berries
Just its aroma won me over was the sizzling wallaby snag and how can I not include the part where a chef comes out to greet us and cooks right on our table with a transferrable hot stone pot. We’re big fans of a good sausage (no sexual jokes intended ;P) but have you tried a wallaby snag before?
Wallaby snag with wattleseed damper and condiments
Wattleseed damper being cooked
After all the condiments had arrived at our table and the snags and damper were cooked, we had the opportunity to get our hands dirty and participate in DIY snag roll. And if you’re wondering do we get to eat it? The answer is YESSSSS!!!!
Wallaby snag with wattleseed damper and condiments
It’s hard to dislike this Aussie fusion snag because well…I’m a sucker for theatrical presentation. I was quite intrigued with the flavours of the sausage and the damper bread.
The finished result of a Wallaby snag with wattleseed damper
It wasn’t long the waitress returned to our table and greeted us with a very sharp knife to let us know the next course was about to arrive. Hmmmmm I wonder what do need this knife for?…
Have you seen this knife holder before?
Most desirable meat dish was the David Blackmore wagyu striploin. Each pain-steakingly selected ingredient contributed to the greatness of the dish. Wagyu melted in my mouth even before I could chew and the marron coral and cabbage puree had me salivating.
David Blackmore wagyu striploin with marron coral and cabbage
And oh did I mention during the entire degustation we had this spectacular 180 degree view of Melbourne CBD. Nothing special…haha.
Melbourne’s CBD Night View
What a way to start the dessert course was the moment a clay pot bursting with flames comes arriving at our table and I knew we’d be served with entertainment. I’ve got my fun goggle cap, have you?
Roasted marshmallows
You just could not go wrong with eating the roasted marshmallow with frozen pear hidden in the center. It tasted naturally sweet and matched so well with the warm fluffy marshmallow cover. The only sticky situation I had was it easily fell apart, but overall I was pleased with the flavours, it was pear-fect.
Roasted marshmallow
A tantalizing treat was the tea tree, mandarian, and desert limes. You cannot go wrong with something tangy towards the end of the degustation as it loosens up the bloated feeling I got after having a non-stop fulfilling meal.
Tea tree, mandarian, and desert limes
In between my desserts I got distracted by another roasted marshmallows but this time filled with cho cho choooc…you guessed it CHOCOLATE.
Roasted marshmallows filled with chocolate
The squiggly chocolate pieces were easy to crack into with my front teeth and the squishy soaked lime sponge cake had a refreshing taste, texture and fragrant of all things citrus.
Tea tree, mandarian, and desert limes
A chocolate treat guaranteed to make any chocolate lover beg for was the chocolate soufflé. You just can’t go wrong with chocolate especially if you are eating it in front of an amazing Melbourne view.
Chocolate soufflé
Couldn’t contain my excitement when the lamington and gumnuts had arrived. Oh I have missed my petite fours and there was no way on Earth I’d share this with anyone else besides me, myself and I. Each velvety bite of the lamington reveals chocolate mousse swirled with fresh raspberry compote.
Lamington and Gumnuts
It was a superb finish with the gumnuts as it was served frozen and it had a powerful minty flavour that was refreshing with every bite. This reminded me of an eclipse after every meal but a classier way to have it. Haha.
Gumnuts
Vud De Monde Lights
For the second time in a row the real star for the evening was when I was being farewelled with a paper bag of goodies called “For the next day”. I couldn’t contain my childish excitement when the waitress tried to explain what she’d be handing out to me at the very end. There’s a reason why this bag is called that because after we had exited the restaurant, we waddled back to the hotel in 9 inch heels. The bag contained freshly tea leaves, two fun-size croissants and muselli, which are all housemade from Vue De Monde.
Overall this was my second visit and again Vue De Monde is a very sophisticated theatrical fine dining restaurant with a sweet little price tag between $250 -$300 per person. Surprisingly this restaurant never ever ever fails to bore me and made me feel like a kid in an adult body. I have yet to visit other similar restaurants like VDM, but in the meantime I’d say it’s still my favourite fine dining place to eat in Melbourne.
“For the next day”
Photos by Vanny Tang
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Date with Vue De Monde at Rialto Towers |Melbourne
You may have seen the acclaimed Australian Executive Chef Shannon Bennett earlier this year and that’s because his appeared on MasterChef Australia with his mouth watering and nasty surprise: the theatrical warm chocolate and orange mousse from Bistro Vue. Bennett who is one of the world’s most talented chef at his restaurant Vue De Monde is widely recognized as one of Australia’s top 100 fine dining venues and most impressively it is situated at level 55 of Melbourne’s iconic Rialto building.
For a price tag of $200-250 per person for the gastronomes menu and a commitment to have the wine pairing as well, ranging from $30+ per glass is only appropriate. Ahh, this review is going to be long because the food is too good. Continue reading and you may drool. Just a little as each dish really plays on your mind.
We start off with compressed apple crisps with macadamia pureé. The crisps were a perfect crunch. It contained a nutty and sugary taste that seemed like a crime to eat with the compressed macadamia puree being intense. You’ll be nuts not to eat this because it almost tasted somewhat like Kettle chips, but only in a “healthier” form.
As far as first impression goes, two thumbs up.
Compressed apple crisps & macadamia pureé
From this point onward, the menu was on fast-forward mode.
With no menu in front of me, Vue De Monde decides to keep it all mysterious or perhaps YOLO style. Our next snack was the pine smoked salmon pearls. I had absolutely no regret eating the colourful mini vegetable garden on a plate with that heavenly intense burst of flavour from the salmon pearls. It was impossibly difficult to pretend I didn’t like this dish.
Middle: Pine smoked salmon pearls
I may have studded when I devoured the CANDY COATED smoked eel with a bit of caviar sprinkled on top and tucked underneath, white chocolate. I had immense fear this would vanish quickly and I was right. I enjoyed the savoury flavour and light candy crunch, but what was mind-blowing was that delightful buttery taste coming from the chocolate. I completely lost my mind…
Smoked eel, white chocolate, caviar
Next on the entrée menu the BBQ lamb heart and duck tongue with a dash of pepper. I was utterly shocked to see these quirky parts of the animal in the menu, but that didn’t stop me from eating it. I wasn’t expecting this to be super impressive with that generous amount of caramelisation and light smokey smell, but after one bite it changed my perspective. I loved it. To accompany these BBQ meat I had to order a glass of NV Charles Heidsieck ‘Brut Reserve’. This bubbly had its own personality with fresh floral notes.
Top right to bottom right: BBQ lamb hearts, Duck tongue w mountain pepper
Left: NV Charles Heidsieck ‘Brut Reserve’, Reims, France
Soon after that oysters arrived with a citrus taste. They were fresh and creamy, just the way I like it, classic and simple.
Oyster
Just when I was so convinced that the snacks were over, here comes a massive piece of Himalayan pink salt rock and as a bonus we get front seats watching thick slices of salt-cured Flinders Island wallaby being rolled up at our table.
Prepared at the table
The wallaby was pretty damn good with a drop of green herb puree. It almost had the same texture as a tuna sashimi, but slightly tougher and leaner. But yeah more of the wallaby would’ve been good because everything tastes better with pink salt rock.
Salt cured wallaby
Vue De Monde’s open kitchen
At this point I realise that each of those rocks were hand-crafted.
Felt like I was eating with the Royal Family with these cutlery.
Now can we start on the first course? 😀 😀
The Spanish mackerel with cylinder potato filled with chicken puree and on top a teaspoon of caviar was simply perfect. The square piece of fish was fresh and succulent. My goodness the light crust was enough for a crunch but not enough to take over the entire dish. Now the quince sauce offered a sweet balance and tied together beautifully with the thinly sliced potato.
Spanish mackerel, potato, chicken, caviar
I had no clue where the chef came from, but I was so excited to watch first-hand what he was preparing for me next. The chef explains to us that we are having Blackmore wagyu.
I know I am having meat…
Fast-forward a minute later and it’s just oh so right watching wagyu being cooked like that. VDM knows how to serve me well. Medium rare please chef.
Blackmore Wagyu “steak & onions”
So okay, yes I was drawn to this dish and it wasn’t just because VDM served wagyu…*rolls eyes*. I hearted that meat with the sauce which had the right amount of tenderness and were balanced out with the smoky scent in the air with a hint of pepper. Besides that piece of meat the garden greens looked astonishing.
Adding the final touches
Baby I lost my breathe at my first bite of the wagyu. I just couldn’t keep up after that. I particularly liked the texture and I wish I could have a larger portion.
Medium rare is just the way I like my meat
Not sure if you can handle this but this has got to be the best theatre experience I have ever had for pallet cleansing. You can’t go wrong with a bit of science especially when it’s liquid nitrogen. Liquid nitrogen was poured into a bed of wood sorrell and this instantly snap-freeze the ingredients.
Cucumber, wood sorrel
We were then asked to pound into fine pieces then a scoop of cucumber sorbet was spooned in. The result was freaken astonishing. Definitely super refreshing and no signs of it being tooth achingly. This dish was amazing and would return for that alone.
Cucumber, wood sorrel
The kitchen sent us a small black leather pouch and in it contained a warm loaf of sour dough bread and to accompany hand churned butter. Somehow this just made my soul feel all fuzzy. I had no regrets covering my slice of bread with butter, NO REGRETS! As expected the butter was silky soft.
Sour dough and house made butter
Excuse me but I think there seems to be a mistake. I didn’t order breakfast. In continuation of this mysterious menu, we were served with eggs on toast! Oh how I cannot resist this, especially when you can serve it with a glass of 2006 Louis Roederer Cristal champagne. I think this is called “Champagne Breakfast“. And that kids is how VDM will spoil you for breakfast.
“Champagne Breakfast”
This dish was TOP of my list at VDM because the textures were incredible and satisfied my tastebuds. That duck yolk and drizzle of truffle sauce did not disappoint. The crunch of the saltbush plus paper thin toast had my head spinning. It’s crazy rich, but you will not reach the overwhelmingly sick stage. Round 2, thanks!
Duck yolk, pear, truffle
OOOOZY!!! Oh how I love a good runny yolk, soooooo creamy and so heavenly deeeeeeeelicious! Gotta love me some calories. Get that calorie action game face on!!!!
I don’t think you understand…this duck yolk belongs to me.
Butter time!
Our next course was the three way marron. I had high hopes for this and I am glad it delivered. And while you are living the high life you might as well sneak in a glass of 2013 Bourgogne Chardonnay Domaine Paul Pernot. This wine maintains a great balance between fresh citrus notes and the lively acidity.
Three Way Marron
The marron was super juicy, like, fully JUICY! I tell you this course was just pretty darn addictive. I smothered the marron into the super silky brown butter like full on. This baby marron has got to be right up there on my favourite fine dining course ever! I was pleasantly surprised how well the three way marron married so well together.
Top left to bottom left: Brown butter, Marron & Marzipan
You know what’s perfect about this marron sandwich? EVERYTHING! Saving the best to last was an excellent idea. Not a single crumb was left behind and we all know that’s a really good sign. This delicate piece of sandwich required to be eaten with the hands and there may have been some finger-licking in between, so be prepared.
Marron sandwich
OH NO! Savoury course is almost over and to be frankly honest, food coma had already been activated, but that didn’t stop me from appreciating the next dish. Ox tongue with beetroot and bone marrow sure opened new doors of discovering something adventurous. Greeted with a white powdered creme fraiche that visually looked dry but as soon as it lands on your tongue it instantly melted like a snowman that was under the sun.
Ox tongue, beetroot, bone marrow
I had a bit of trouble trying to find the ox tongue but as soon as you scoop a tiny portion into your mouth there’s an enormous amount of meaty, creamy flavour laced with shreds of beetroot. Add a glass of 2010 Joh Jos Prum Graacher Himmelreich Riesling Spätlese and you get a remarkable flavour.
Can you spot where the ox tongue?
By now I mentally imagined I had gotten up and walked off the calories that I just digested. I did say mentally. Teehee. Helllllo butternut with sunflowers and passionfruit. This isn’t your ordinary pallet cleanser as I never heard these combinations before. Crunchy crushed sunflowers says howdy to my teeth with burst after burst of butternut and passionfruit flavour.
Butternut squash, sunflower seeds, passionfruit
They tasted like summer with the fresh sweet fruity taste of the passionfruit. Sydney needs more of these nice light dessert to end the meal with.
A ball of happiness
Spotted the cheese trolley!!! Say CHEEEEEESE.
I should have probably invested in 15 pairs of granny pants because I felt so overweight that I would require someone to roll me out of here. The goat’s milk with blueberries and fennel was welcomed to our table. Topped with sugary crystal that you could easily break with a spoon and the texture was sooooo fine with the similarity of a panna cotta times creme brulee that was served cold.
Goat’s milk, blueberries, fennel
How can you decline chocolate soufflé when you get to witness the icing in action on your table? This dusting was going on for a solid 10 seconds. Shame it had to stop…
DARK Chocolate soufflé
BELLY SATISFYING souffle I have come across. I was not quite sure how I managed to finish this dessert but I did. It was light and fluffy with a knock in the face dark chocolate and an oozy molten chocolate centre.
To celebrate the end of our degustation a selection of petit-fours arrived. Get ready to BREATHE HEAVY. It’s nothing you’ve seen before. These salted caramel chocolate seashells had me eyes tripping. With sprinkled salt added to them I honestly couldn’t spot which one was the edible ones. AHHH sugar gods why weren’t the rest of those shells be made out of chocolate?!
salted caramel chocolate seashells
We were offered jelly pennies and I liked the novelty but the taste wasn’t how I pictured. There’s a teeny wenny sign of alcoholic flavour but hardly noticeable, with a hint of sweetness made with it.
Jelly pennies
Have you ever had menthol lollipops? For me this was my first time ever and there was rarely any actual menthol flavour, which is alright for me. Served frosted I digged the presentation more then the flavour. It looked incredibly kawaii. I seriously thought it was a cherry. VDM fooled me again! *applause*
Menthol lollipop
The famous cherry lamington was impressive. I can’t describe how wrong was I to believe yet again what you see is not what you get. This lamington was leaning towards a mousse cake and that cherry brings everything all together.
Cherry lamington
ZOMG! Our degustation is finally over. Before I left the VDM building to head straight to the airport and catch my next flight back to Sydney, we were given a mini tour and we had to stop here to look at this spectacular view.
This is what the view looks like at Vue De Monde.
Yeah we are on level 55!!!
Tiny bubbles…
I seriously didn’t expect to visit Vue De Monde in my final hours in Melbourne. Did I mention I ran straight to the airport to catch my next flight home to Sydney after eating this degustation. I now know the meaning of gastronome. I am belly satisfied 😀 😀 😀
Woo-hoo I can finally tick this off my bucket list!!!!
Just when the fat foodie gang were about to walk out of there, we were given a really awesome surprise package for the “next day”. It’s hard to forget Vue De Monde when they shower you with more food on your way out.
What I truly loved about this experience was the creativity for every single dish that was served to us, the exquisite service and food combined with high theatre. OH and the goodie bag on my way out, which I highly recommend every other fine-dining places should have because adults still act like kids and this big kid loves little surprises, especially when it contains food.
“For the next day” – brioche, honey, digestives, granola & tea
Photos by Vanny Tang
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Just at Jinda Thai, Abbotsford Melbourne
So it is true you’ll find wonderful restaurants, bars and cafes in nearly every suburb in Melbourne, offering best burgers, hipster drinks and celebrity restaurants. For the ultimate Thai food experience, Jinda Thai Restaurant serves the best shared-eating concept, except I suggest you don’t share desserts. Desserts are not made for sharing. Teehee. It was such a coincidence Amy from Milkteaxx was also in Melbourne the same time as me so we ended up driving to Richmond and having a one on one dinner date to catch up.
Get ready to get fat!
Found the famous purple Jinda sign in Melbourne.
To help easy our pain of Amy parking her “mini bus” vehicle in a tiny street in Melbourne I ordered nom yen ($3) that is the direct translation of tea milk cold and basically it arrived looking creamy pink that is flavoured with strawberry. It pretty much tasted like sugary milk and lacked that fruity berry flavour.
Nom Yen ($3)
Another popular drink that Amy ordered was the cha dum yen ($3) which was a sweet iced black tea. This is one of my favourite Thai drinks because I do not know how to strongly brew tea like the Thai’s do.
Cha Dum Yen ($3)
Every foodie loves a bit of fried stuff and luckily Jinda offers the deep fried soft shell crab ($8.90) served with sriracha mayo and sweet chilli sauce. Hello deep fried deliciousness! This one piece crab chopped in smaller itty bitty pieces wasn’t the perfect serving between two starving food bloggers, but enough to hold our stomachs for the next dish. OHHhhh that crispiness was light and with the sriracha mayo have a nice chilli kick.
Deep Fried Soft Shell Crab ($8.90)
The satay platter arrived looking so juicy with 3 pieces of chicken satay ($8.90) that is heavily covered with peanut sauce. It magically disappeared in the matter of seconds thanks to Amy, so judging my observation I think she liked it A LOT. It was marinated in satay awesomeness. There was no sign of lack of flavour.
Chicken Satay ($8.90)
Son in Law’s ($12.90?) includes CRISPY boiled eggs, tamarind sauce with dried shallots, chilli and coriander. The paper thing crispiness covering around the egg whites make a great team. It was win for the chilli lovers as it provided a top notch burning sensation on my tongue. This dish is a treasure for the protein junkies!
Son in Law’s ($12.90?)
Whatever it was the Roti ($3) tasted insanely good. I clearly remember eating this because it was crispy, flaky and the perfect accompaniment to the chicken satay sauce.
Roti ($3)
Jinda’s beef noodle ($10) was tasty and contained rice stick noodle with sweet soy sauce, pickled turnip and gravy beef but unfortunately the sauce level was miles away. It was the most incredible bowl of beef noodle that was rich, intense and perfect on that cold winter night, but it would have been nice to have a few more teaspoons of sauce just to even out the flavours with the noodle.
Jinda’s Beef Noodle ($10)
Basket filled with jars of sauces
I totally wasn’t expecting the Thai milk tea crepe cake ($8) to be FREAKEN DELICIOUS! It was a nice surprise the Thai cream custard was light and super SUPER smooth. It looked heavy when it first arrived at our table and Amy and I wasn’t too sure if we’d be able to finish it, but we gladly did. I loved the layers of crepe and I’m such a big fan of Thai milk tea that I had to order one for the road. It makes sense now why this dessert is constantly flooding my Instagram account. Totes would recommend it!
Thai Milk Tea Crepe Cake ($8)
Now the hard part was getting up and walking my big ass outta here. I really love Jinda Thai Restaurant as their décor is beautiful when you walk in. The food is reasonably affordable and meets the cheap eats guide. I strongly recommend if you visit Melbourne you have to visit Jinda and order their Thai Milk Tea Crepe Cake.
Photos by Vanny Tang
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Mr. Hive Kitchen & Bar – Crown Metropol Continental Breakfast
My first visit to Mr. Hive Kitchen & Bar was on a sweet matter and now the ultimate ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT breakfast (from $38.50 per person) is calling. With the simple smart casual interior approach, one of its unusual highlight is the extravagant wooden bird-cage light fittings. Near the entrance you will be pleasantly surprised by the wine wall and at the dessert bar, shelves decorated with crystal clear glass jars that are filled entirely with house-made candies. On a relaxed day, I somehow managed to skip Melbourne’s famous breakfast hotspots and zombie my way down to Mr. Hive.
Entrance
The quirky elegance of this spacious long dining room is set to be inspired by Middle-Eastern sense- quite a contrast from the usual bright earthy colours. Properly furnished in fine black wooden tables are set with soft snug leather chairs. Bizarrely I kept track of the number of waiters who served us, at least five, who are very eager to help you with anything.
Mr. Hive dining area
Found my own little happy place – this is just one section of our continental breakfast- fresh fruits and cereal is displayed on a HUMONGOUS wooden table, right in the middle of a sacred room.
Secret fruit room with Bird cage like lamp
Something nutritional and healthy to munch on whilst having a bowl of crunchy cereal with milk.
Selection of fruits
Never ending table filled with sliced watermelon, grapes, sliced rockmelon, pineapple, banana, apple and if you are feeling lazy to peel or cut then fruit salad is an option.
The other side of fruit selection
Contemplating on which cereal to eat first… it may take a while…
Can pick any cereal! Which one would you want to try?
I downed several glasses of fruity drinks before I started my next food hunting. It feels like paradise when they offer a tropical selection of orange, mango, apple and pineapple juice.
Juice Station
Dishes are replaced at a crackling pace once a plate is near to being empty. The pink grapefruits are a catch to the big kids, whilst dried fruit such as apricots and sultana and nuts like almond are superb nibbles while I stroll a merry-go-round a few times at the fruit section. Teehee.
Breakfast typically consists of just cereal, right? WRONG. Mr. Hive Kitchen serves smoked salmon for a starter. We were most impressed with the flavours and texture- very smooth and complex. A cold dish that doesn’t disappoint the salmon lovers.
Smoked Salmon
If you much prefer an Aussie start of the day breakfast, don’t fear because pan-fried crispy bacon (top left) is here. Grab a few chicken (top right) or pork (bottom right) sausages or maybe a sunny-side fried egg?
Bacon, Sausage and fried eggs
We are whisked over to the freshly baked pastries area that is too irresistible to not be in my belly. Seriously a pastry haven here in Mr. Hive Kitchen. They offer apricot Danish (top left) with custard for added squishy-ness, light flaky buttery mini croissants (top right), solider of oat muffins (bottom left) and basic bread rolls. Slab on some butter and enjoy it while it’s warm!
Please pack me some pastries to take home.
I am a sucker for the low fat thick Greek yogurt (bottom right) with seasonal mixed berries in a jar. An easy peasy way to finish a luxurious continental breakfast.
Greek yogurt with seasonal mixed berries.
Mr. Hive Kitchen & Bar features a rustic dining area, complete with a very relaxing atmosphere for any occasion. With a delicious range of house made pastries, pan fried bacon and selection of fresh fruits, I wouldn’t mind accepting an invitation if they offered to let me grab something for road to go.
Mr.Hive bar area
Photos by Vanny Tang
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Hammer and Tong – Melbourne’s Top Notch Crabby Bun
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL! Supposedly 2014 was to be about limiting high cholesterol intake and get back to a better health but clearly I disobeyed my new year resolution within the first week of January. LOL. I guess this is going to be one beefing up year for me. Meals get a little fancy over brunch time with options such as juicy soft -shell crab sliders, truffle butter on a parmesan briont, but if there is space left for a cold beverage then save it for the Golden Gaytime shake. You can’t miss Hammer and Tong since long queues waits inside the cafe, blocking the entrance door. With a twist of vintage-industrial chic and dynamic interiors created for former premises The Brix, atmosphere is quite enjoyable and offer friendly attentive service.
Tiny beakers containing salt and pepper.
It’s always packed at Hammer and Tong, even the window seats are taken.
What’s predictably good and has Hermit the crab vacate its way to a warm soft bun is the Soft shell crab burger ($16) – With a mixture of soft, gooey and crunchy texture, it will astonish even the most die-hard burger lover. Filled with chopped fresh crisp cabbage, lightly deep fried and battered soft shell crab, a lot of parsley and drizzled with sriracha mayonnaise, it’s definitely not dry. So tempt those taste buds of yours, I dare you. 😛
Soft shell crab burger ($16)
Just look how lightly battered this bad boy crab is.
Bring out the claws Hermit.
Duck egg, asparagus, truffle butter, parmesan briont ($18) – A splendid buttery cheesy dish that knows how to persuade it to be eagerly healthy with three strands of grilled green asparagus. The one thing everybody knows about this plate is the experience gets off to a bit of a slow start but once you expose yolk porn onto the briont, you’ll be making all the right sounds. Whoever created the briont deserves a million applauses from me because this bread is believed to be half brioche plus half croissant. And I LOVE them both; it’s two in one bread! GENIUS. The briont contains a natural sweet yeasty aroma. It is lightly glazed and unbelievably flakey around the crust. You see the shaved pieces of parmesan? Yeah, it expect it to melt. As for the creamy mushroom sauce, cherish it because you wouldn’t want to share it.
Duck egg, asparagus, truffle butter, parmesan briont ($18)
You see the yolk porn?
Say CHEESE to the briont.
Flat White ($3.80) is reasonably smooth and the aroma had us hooked. The staff even managed to squeeze in some time to create a coffee LOVE HE-ART. Such a fantastic presentation.
Flat White ($3.80)
You know Hammer and Tong has good coffee when this GIGANTIC coffee machine is displayed next to the counter.
Usually, when I read the milkshake section, there seems to never be anything fancy or fun to try. Not the case here, the Golden Gaytime Milkshake ($6) we ordered was surprisingly impressive and LARGE serving size, roughly 650ml. It’s a blend with Australia’s most joyful frozen treat and dairy. Note it’s milkier than thick and there’s a burst of sweet to caramel flavours, also chunks of honeycomb cookie crumbles creates a crunchy delight. Get the brain numbing shake going!
Golden Gaytime Milkshake ($6)
So much dairy-ness in this shake.
Yeah they have donuts alright!
And muffins too. Hmmmm MUFFIN.
Hammer and Tong is worthy of lining up even during peak hours. And yes, it is all because of their famous soft shell crab burger, so get that. If you are crazy for toffee flavoured shake, add golden gaytime to your order. It’s exactly what it sounds like. Till next time Hammer and Tong
Photos by Vanny Tang
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