Thanks to Ashley from FOOD-pampering yourself (a platform that connects bloggers, restaurants and food lovers), Winston from The Hungry Excavator; Ming from Sweet and Sour Fork; and Michelle from the Bake-a-nista and I went on a tasting session at the new Cacao Green opening at Tivoli Arcade, Bourke Street. And thanks to Cacao Green's management team (Alvina, Josh, Jesse) for their kind gesture :) The Restaurant The grand opening of this new store coincided with Fiesta Malaysia 2012, that is 30 March. Great decorations and ambiance, good lighting and is more spacious compared to its original store on Swanston Street.
The store places itself at the entrance of Tivoli Arcade, on opposite of the tram stop along the busy Bourke Street. This makes it a more convenient place to grab your healthy breakfast before heading off to work/university via tram? :)  I especially like the travel guidebooks on the shelf, just hit my soft spots. What to Eat?  THIS IS HOW MUCH WE ATE! we are so bloated we couldnt even finished them!  Mixed Berry Parfait $6.90. I am not a berries person but I dont mind eating this whole day. The berries sweetness is just right and I like the crunchiness of the granola on top! :)  Tropical Parfait $6.90. Nom nom noM!!!  Fruit 'n Crunch ORGANIC YOGURTS $6. They are ORGANIC YOGURTS, not Frozen yogurt. And hence would taste a bit bland as compared to Fro-yo. But with few toppings, they are yummeh! And Healthy!! :D  Orange & Honey ORGANIC YOGURTS. Not too sweet and healthy!! :DD  Apple 'n Passionfruit ORGANIC YOGURTS. Personally Im not a passionfruit person. So... I would go for the other two yogurts lol  Mixed Berry MUESLI :) So much textures going on Im a happy person! :)  Tropical BIRCHER MUESLI. See the Chia seeds on top?? :) What makes a good breakfast now? :)  Honey Bread with Mixed Berries $8. A generous slice of honey bread. Served Hot. Like the crunchiness and sweetness!! :) But eat it fast, otherwise it could get a bit soaky :O  Blueberry Almond Waffle $9. Like the shape. I like Waffle, so nom nom nom! But again, not a berries person haha.  Warm Quinoa Pudding with Strawberries $7.50. Honestly, I havent even heard of the word Quinoa Pudding before this (you could see how unhealthy I am :P). The texture is a bit different from other grains, a bit too funny to my liking, but worth a try! :)  The fresh Lemonade! :D How to Go? When to Go? Opening Hours:
Mon: 8am-9pm
Tue: 8am-9pm
Wed: 8am-9pm
Thu: 8am-9pm
Fri: 8am-10pm
Sat: 8am-10pm
Sun: 9am-9pm READ MORE ABOUT Winston's post on Cacao Green here. READ MORE ABOUT Michelle's post on Cacao Green here.
The Restaurant I have this thing for Greek food. So as I was searching online for good Greek restaurants, names like Hellenic Republic, Stalactites and this, Aspro Ble popped up. 95% likes on Urbanspoon and it is in CBD!
Aspro Ble means Blue White in Greek. And indeed the restaurant's decoration lives up to its name, where you could find cute blue and white tables and chairs.
Situated near Hardware Lane, this restaurant is packed. Bookings is essential. Been here once but being turned away because the restaurant is fully booked. What to Eat? This is one of the good quality and reasonably-priced Greek restaurants in CBD. The food is great, although i craved for a bigger portion for their dishes.
And sorry about the quality of the photos, left my bulky DSLR at home :P
Fetta + Ricotta Cheese Balls with capsicum Aioli $13. I couldnt have enough of this! This outer layer is crispy, with yummy cheese engulfed within :)
How could you not try their infamous Slow Roasted Lamb with Garlic Yogurt Dressings. Damaged done $22. Perfecto Lamb, so tender! I wish the serving of the sauce could be more generous though.
(Half) Butterflied Oregano & Lemon Chargrilled Chicken with Mulberry Vinegar dressing $20. Hmm, this dish is a bit too heavy flavoured and oily to my likings :O But i guess the salad on top made it up.
OMG their home-made Baclava is to die for if you like sweet stuff!! :) and the coconut ice cream and nuts are just perfect!! :)
How to Go? When to Go? Opening Hours:
Mon: 9am-10pm
Tue: 9am-10pm
Wed: 9am-10pm
Thu: 9am-10pm
Fri: 9am-10pm
Sat: 9am-10pm
Sun: CLOSED
The Restaurant
Finding a restaurant that has spaces for you without booking on a Saturday night could be hard.
Trying our luck, we came to the doorsteps of Movida Aqui. And YAY we were shown two seats at the bar, Yay I dont mind that :)
It turned out that, Movida has quickly become one of my favourite restaurants. Friendly service (appreciate the fact that the waiter actually took the time to explain the menu to us and even made recommendations without us asking); good ambiance and great food! :)
Menu, might seems a lot to take in at the first glance :O
Bustled with activities :)
What to Eat?
Complimentary bread with olive and sea salt to start? :D
ANCHOA $4.50 each. Hand-filleted Cantabrian Artisan Anchovy on Crouton with Smoked Tomato Sorbet. Can i have more of this please? :) The saltiness and crunchiness just hit home :)
BOCADILLO DE CALAMARES $7.00 each Calamari sandwich with Basque Guindilla and Mayonnaise. This cute little burger tasted not bad at all!! Like the well cooked calamari!! :)
The slow roasted lamb. This dish is the winner!!! Like the gravy and the lamb is so TENDER!!! :D
BUTIFARRA $21.50 House Made Catalan Pork Pepper Sausage with Chickpeas and House Made Morcilla. The dish is a bit dry for my liking, would like a bit more gravy to go with the sausage :) Other than that, the sausage is packed with meat! :)
HELADOS $14.50 Homemade Ice Creams Served with Fig Bread. Icecream is smooth and the fid bread is fragrant and crunchy, something that I havent tried before :)
How to Go?
When to Go?
Opening Hours:
Mon: 12pm-late
Tue: 12pm-late
Wed: 12pm-late
Thu: 12pm-late
Fri: 12pm-late
Sat: 5pm-late
Sun: CLOSED
The Restaurant
- Hidden in Melbourne CBD is this little gem (I have to use Google Map to get to this place!)
- They made cute coffee arts (we saw pirates; bunny; leaves etc etc :D)
- Service of coffee is a bit slower than usual but the reasonable price and yummy bagels made up for it!
 Rankins Lane, spot the Manchester Press sign! Photo: Shaun Lee from Meld Magazine What to Eat?
BAGEL BAGEL BAGEL!!!
 Hot Chocolate :) I've FORGOTTEN TO TAKE the picture of my Chai Latte (or they amusingly call it Kamasutra HA!)  I ordered an open bagel with soft boiled eggs & salmon. It is actually pretty filling! Salmon's texture is awesome but the combination of everything is a bit salty for me. TRY their Churizo Bagel!!! Heard it is awesome toO!  They have lunch options too: this is You Blue Me Away ie Coffee and blue berry bagel :) How to Go?
When to Go?
Opening Hours:
Mon: 7am-5pm
Tue: 7am-5pm
Wed: 7am-5pm
Thu: 7am-5pm
Fri: 7am-5pm
Sat: 9am-5pm
Sun: CLOSED
The Restaurant - Awarded The Age Best Pizzeria in 2010, it has certainly established itself as one of the best pizzerias in Melbourne.
- Do make a reservation OR go early (like we did, 6pm, and the restaurant is pretty full by then)
 - The restaurant decoration is simple. They do have some funky pizza flavours that raised my eyebrows, such as Broccolli Pizza and Truffle pizza!? HUH What to Eat? PIZZA DUH  Da menu! :)  - Start off with a MIXED DEGUSTATION (Best of both world; try the Cheese and the Cured Meat!) AUD $26; Aussie Style lol. Feel like I’m back at Victoria Market Meat & Cheese section!  It can be get pretty salty so order a focaccia to go with that!  -SOLE E LUNA: Half Calzone filled with Leg Ham; and Mozarella AND half Margherita; The calzone is interesting (with melted cheese and slices of ham inside, yummy); but the margherita is a bit dry and salty  - SALSICCIA: Tomatoes; Mozzarella; Italian Berkshire Sausages; Porcini mushroom and Parmesan; Pretty Meaty! And a bit too heavy flavoured for me!t  -MAXI SWEET PIZZA: Hmmmm. Sorry to disappoint, it tasted just like a pizza with nutella and strawberry topping. Nothing too special to boast about. Mercadante Chocolate Pizza is better :P How to Go? When to Go? Opening Hours:
Mon: 7am-10pm
Tue: 7am-10pm
Wed: 7am-10pm
Thu: 7am-10pm
Fri: 7am-10pm
Sat: 7am-10pm
Sun: CLOSED
The Restaurant
We would normally go here for its dimsum (yum-cha during the afternoon), for their dimsums are pretty consistent! (despite sometimes slow service). This time it is our friend's birthday and we decided to go for their ala carte menu instead!
The restaurant is as always busy (and crowded with Australian rather than Asian, I wonder why :O)
Interior of Shark Fin House, not to be confused with Shark Fin Inn, which is just a few street up along Little Bourke Street.
What to Eat?
Surprise, surprise, their menu is in English :P And they have banquet menu as well :) (despite a little bit too pricey for stingy Asian like us)
The menu...
Fried Coral Trout Fillets with Garlic & Five Spicy Chilli. A little bit too dry and would appreciate some gravy =/
A forgotten dish :O
PRIME PORK RIBS? Deep Fried with Sweet & Sour Sauce if not mistaken? :O THIS IS GREAT!!!
Spinach with Thousand & Salted Eggs with Stock. Hmm couldnt really taste the salted eggs =/
A Selection of Fresh Seafood, Vegetables & Beancurd Baked in a Hot Pot. YUM YUM YUM
How to Go? When to Go?
Opening Hours:
Mon: 1130am-300pm // 530pm-1100pm
Tue: 1130am-300pm // 530pm-1100pm
Wed: 130am-300pm // 530pm-1100pm
Thu: 1130am-300pm // 530pm-1100pm
Fri: 1100am-300pm // 530pm-1100pm
Sat:1100am-300pm // 530pm-1100pm
Sun: 1100am-300pm // 530pm-1100pm
435 Elizabeth St Melbourne, VIC 3000 Website: n/a-Read more about Rose Garden BBQ on Urbanspoon-The Restaurant
If you are hungry and you dont have lots of money left in your pocket, this place is perfect for you!
I won't usually go to this restaurant for a meal but my parents apparently changed my mind about this restaurant. Except the exterior being a little bit dodgy, everything about this place is great, from the extensive menu selection; affordable price; friendly waiter (I refer to the waiter guy who has worked there for quite some time); reasonable taste and quick service!
Getting a place is near to impossible if you came in in a large group during lunch/dinner hours.
And what's more, EXTRA RICE without charge! :)
What to Eat?
The menu is so extensive but if you have no ideas what to choose,they have their Top 10 Dishes for you!
Of course not to be missed out is their BBQ stuff! BBQ chicken; duck blah blah blah!
One of the Top 10 dishes: crispy skin pork omelette! Beneath the egg there are roast porks! And a generous serving of gravy!
Mum's curry chicken. Mum liked it! Keep you warm during cold days during summer (how ironic Melbourne weather could get)!
How to Go?
When to Go?
Opening Time: n/a
Lunch & Dinner everydays except SUNDAY
66 Bourke St Melbourne, VIC 3000 Website: n/a-Read more about Pellegrini's on Urbanspoon-The Restaurant
Retro, often overlooked, friendly elderly staff, unique dining experience, NO MENUS, this place boasts one of the homiest Italian dining experience in Melbourne. Service is quick and great for quick lunch!
 The deco the deco! :) What to Eat?
Order from the "menu" on the wall! :) If you are really hungry, go for the humongous Spaghetti Marinara! :)  Spot the Menu contest.  The big mirror & the cute seating!  Complimentary Bread. A bit tough but like the buttery smell :)  Pellegrini Espresso Bar's famous Lasagne :) Not spectacular, but very homey, $15 & a very filling and happy stomach! How to Go?
When to Go?
Opening Hours:
Mon: 11am-11pm
Tue: 11am-11pm
Wed: 11am-11pm
Thu: 11am-11pm
Fri: 11am-11pm
Sat: 11am-11pm
Sun: 11am-11pm
The Restaurant
Cosy little Korean place famous for its beer, and believe it or not, the famous fried chicken in town! Could potentially beat KFC!
Having two outlets (one near Flagstaff Garden, another near Exhibition/Little Lonsdale St), Gami does provide home-delivery too! What to Eat?
 Gami's Menu. Simple & Nice.  Gami famous beer. YUM indeed! :) Refreshing with a tinge of bitterness :)  Seafood & Spring Onion Pancake! Just OK. A bit bland to be honest.  Teok Bok Ki - Rice Cakes + Fish Cakes + Vegetables + Noodles. Pretty YUM, came with salad too!! :)  YOU HAVE TO TRY THEIR FRIED CHICKEN! (DUH!) Half-Half, best of both world, get to choose 2 flavours from: Original; Chili or Soy Sauce. These are Original & Chili Flavoured! How to Go?
When to Go?
Opening Hours:
Mon: 530pm-1am
Tue: 530pm-1am
Wed: 530pm-1am
Thu: 530pm-1am
Fri: 530pm-3am
Sat: 530pm-3am
Sun: 530pm-1am
255 Swanston St Melbourne, VIC 3000 Website: n/a-Read more about Your Thai on Urbanspoon-The Restaurant
Service is pretty quick and the shop is surprisingly spacious
One of the cheap eats amongst the thousands of restaurants along Swanston Street, with large variety of dishes to be chosen from with affordable price, this is the place to go if you have no ideas what to eat and are on a tight budget!
What to Eat?
Da menu
I like the menu! PHOTOS of the food! (although the final product might differ from the photo)
Pineapple Fried Rice, that disappointingly, doesnt come in a pineapple shell. But taste wise, it is acceptable. Not overly great but is something that I dont mind eating everyday.
Jeng Jeng Jeng. $13.90 set meal NOM NOM NOM Thai Fried Rice with minced meat & salad & shrimp paste? :)) like the minced meat much! :)
Drink (cendol) that came with the set meal :))) like the milky taste, but would appreciate less ice :P
Mongolian Chicken with rice. Pretty decent, like the sweetness of the sauce! :)
Ok. this might look a bit too similar to the Mongolian Chicken. This is Honey Pepper Chicken with Rice. Haha. A bit too "peppery" for my liking :O
Green Curry Chicken with Rice. Don't really like this dish despite a lot of ingredients ie Asparagus, Carrot, Mushroom, Onion, Cucumber. The gravy is too waterly and tasteless, but it is still edible :O
How to Go?
When to Go?
Opening Hours:
Mon: 10am-1030pm
Tue: 10am-1030pm
Wed: 10am-1030pm
Thu: 10am-1130pm
Fri: 10am-1130pm
Sat: 10am-1130pm
Sun: 10am-1030pm
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