Thursday, March 26, 2015

Hellenic Republic - Kew, Victoria

What experience fine Greek food but don't want to travel to Melbourne or a main city to enjoy it. And you may want easy parking and a nice inner suburb like Brunswick or Kew. The Hellenic Republic may just be for you. These excellent restaurants are owned by George Calombaris so you know you are about to enjoy something really special. There is a cafe section if you want a more casual feed. There is only one kitchen and therefor food quality consistency. 

The wine list is extensive with lots of Greek wines up for the taste. The Red I had was light and delicious wand married well with the slow cooked shoulder of lamb. Yum! I want more! Dips were rich and full flavored and the breads perfectly made. The kitchen is open to all for viewing, these guys are hiding nothing and giving you the best they can. All meats are available and as well as veggy dishes though the carnivore in me was chasing red meat delights.

It would be hard to imaging you could ever experience a bad meal here and my dining mate, Bill, eats here regularly. The staff know him by name. He says the food is always exquisite and worth whatever they ask for payment. It is not over-priced but right priced. Staff are friendly and food served in a timely manner. For lunch you can just arrive and take a seat but I would imaging dinner seating may be at a premium. Go and enjoy what George sees are tradition, beautiful, Greek food. His vision will have you wanting more. I do. Highly recommended

Roti Boti Indian Restaurant - Hampton, Victoria

I have had the good fortune to dine at Roti Boti on two occasions and both occasions have been a great dining experience. The decor is modern with some Indian notes. There is both a downstairs and upstairs area and the restaurant can cater for large groups.

At both visits the staff were friendly and professional and nothing was too much trouble. Big bonus; its BYO. On our second visit we left the ordering up to our waiter who may have just been part of the family. He ordered us traditional Indian and in the manner which the Indian patrons would normally order and eat it.

The food is delicious, simply delicious and there is plenty of it. You will not go hungry. Start with dips and bread and work your way through a few mixed dishes. Disappointed is off the menu. Book because, though this is a large restaurant, at both our visits the place was full. Upstairs is a lot quieter but even downstairs will accommodate a quiet dinner for two. Go, enjoy. Great food.