Friday, September 28, 2018

Ristorante Fra' Crudi & Cotti - Polignano A Mare, Puglia, Italy

Stumple on a gem, plan the best meal out ever, toss a coin and land it on a map. You may still pick a "dud" restaurant. Our finding of this knockout little eatery in the Puglia region of Itally is even more bazar than any of the above. We had booked a $260 a head (three of us) restaurant in the same region (two courses no wine) which hung above a raging ocean on the night. Due to the gale which was blowing and the excessive price, we jumped ship.

The Puglia maffia (they really were) shuttled us back to our parked car 15minutes drive away. BUT on the way and near our car we noticed and really top looking restaurant. You now have three starved (but still wealthy) individuals. Ristorante Fra' Crudi & Cotti welcomed us with warmth, relaxed decor, fresh fish and sweet wine.

Lest's get this out of the way now. In the region, go there. Why? Best fish meal, pasta meal and just bloody anything meal you will have at a better cafe price. Good service, relaxed environment, absolutely the best fresh fish served any way you want, great sides (bullshit, excelled sides) top wines and it won't dint the wallet.

They have the fish selection, on display, out on ice. Pick you swimmer, tell them how you want it, take a whole fish or they will fillet it and enjoy with sides. If you get the feel we three had a great nights dining you're right. We may never return but you may get the opertunity, take it!


Friday, September 21, 2018

Gradska Kavana Arsenal Restuarant - Dubrovnik, Croatia

One of the biggest restaurants in the old city Dubrovnik is the Arsenal Restuarant . It spans from two large outdoor eating area inside the old city through to a number of huge inner sections to large outdoor undercover eating area port side. The port side has a spectacular view of the port and small craft reaching into the hills to the side. Dine here and you feel like a movie star in an exclusive Monaco Michelin star restaurant.

What you get is Mediterranean style fine dinning with a view to kill for. Absolutely professional service from informative, highly experienced staff and fine food to live for. Not only is the food fine dinning quality and presentation but good qualities for the big eaters amongst us. My wife said the best meal she has ever had. Now that's a bold statement considering we have both eaten at Michelin star quality (chefs hats in Australua) restaurants.

The number of table and bar staff, seating staff and mangers is a sight in itself. From the moment you enter from either of the two main entrances you are looked after with care and responsibility. All staff are there to ensure you have a great dinning experience. The food menu is not extensive but there is plenty of choices for all. A good wine list and beers to chose from. Both the house whites and reds were very good.

In Dubrovnik you must eat here. It maybe a little pricey compared to other good restaurants but when you add up what you get, even in just food quality alone, it is value for money. You may find yourself confessing; "best meal I have ever had". It's that good.

Sunday, July 1, 2018

Trax Cafe -Bonbeach, Vic.

Not a bad place to drop in for lunch or dinner with a friend. Or maybe just drinks and nibbles. Food is OK cafe quality so if you are critical about food, move on. There are some good beers on tap and a host of food selections. The wine menu should satisfy most and then there are spirits.

Staff  at Trax are warm and friendly, parking is available but pick your time to visit. Décor is modern\hip\smart. A big front window will provide people watching over drinks or coffee. I went for lunch so no live bands and chatting was easy. I understand when bands are on it gets loud. Depending on what you want pick your time. A romantic lunch or dinner? - why not but pick the quiet times. A bonus is Trax are right opposite the Bonbeach station. Intend to drink? then take the train.

Sunday, June 10, 2018

L'Auberge French Cafe - Lilydale, Victoria

Sometimes you just have to stumble on a restaurant to find something really special. Drive down any main street of any city or country town and an array of cafes and restaurants will clearly come into view. Drive down some back streets, only a block or two back, to sometimes stumble on a culinary gem. Well I let the internet do the stumbling for me. I wanted to find a fine little café or restaurant in the Yarra Valley region. I wanted a drive, dine and eat. Fortunately, electronically, I stumbled onto L'Auberge.

Off the main drag of Lilydale lays a quaint little church built in 1888. Over the years this classic building has been a few different restaurants and has been used for other purposes. Thank God for now it is a great little French Café. Inertia still displays a lot of how this building was back when it was a working church. There is ground and mezzanine floors and you can dine on either. Through winter a massive fireplace. For us we finished our drinks on the couch in front of the fire.

Food is French of course with some good selections. French onion soup heads up the menu with vegan and vegetarian options. Not for me, French Algerian sausage on my plate, merci! Both my wife and myself thought the food delicious and meals I saw going out looked equally as inviting. The wine selection is limited but enough and the sparkly and Merlot I had were good. The meals are of good size and there is a selection of sweets and cakes for afters or just cake and coffee. Coffee was also good.

My biggest complaint with most restaurants is choice and volume of music. French café - French music, Spanish café - Spanish music. But how many, even fine dining establishments, play loud rock\pop from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Please! Not here, classical music filled the air though it may have been just at touch too  loud.

Want to take the wife or lady friend out for a romantic lunch after a drive in the country. This is the place to do it. Its nice and quiet with good service, easy and free parking and pleasant, relax décor and surrounds. Small period rooms are open for hire for special occasions. I have already marked in my diary when to return and this time with friends. Bon appetit!

Thursday, May 17, 2018

Sunny Boy Beach Club - Mordialloc, Victoria

This little place use to be called Sails. Well not any more. It is a far cry from the fine dinning of Sails. Does that make it bad? No but it certainly makes it different. "Different" is the key word. Sunny Boy Beach Club is more of a "club" than a fine restaurant. Once more does that make it bad. No.

As you are aware I rarely mention what I have ordered. I'm not a food critic but a restaurant reviewer. Of course it is a big part of eating out but there are many other factors which must be considered for a good time out. I have to mention their hamburger. The Wagyu burger. This bad boy was "BAD". Yep, bad a good way. I have not stopped raving about it since I ate it. I did get negative comments about some of the other meals. Think "pub food" and you won't be disappointed.

There are lots of boutique beers on tap, try a few, what I tried I liked. There is some unusual seating on packing crates and then again there are everyday tables and chairs. The places is very "Friday night\Saturday afternoon". Get my drift. Casual, noisy and relaxed, this may well suit you, for us it was just a little irritating. Thank God for the burger and beer. As typical up this way you will pay for parking and depending on when you visit you may struggle to get close parking. Do not get a parking fine, it may be the dearest meal you have ever had.




Sette Bello - Glen Waverly, Victoria

After picking up the new car for the wife and spending way too much time in the car yard, it was time for a serious meal. Passing Sette Bello was too much of a temptation to pass-up. We love Italian. It was a little quiet on the restaurant so service was on the ball. We ordered a drink and selected from the menu. The food was hot, on time and delicious. Just what we wanted after the excitement of replacing our 2002 Astra.

Wine selection is good, décor is modern if not a little industrial, service professional (that's a god thing) and a little cold. BUT we are here to eat and eat we did. Big serves, good value for money and on time plus easy parking. No reason not to go back.




Monday, May 14, 2018

Nevsky - Russian Restaurant, Elsternwick

Ok, you have been to your many Italian, French, Indian and Asian restaurants but put up your hand if you have been to a Russian restaurant here in Vic. This is how it is, if you have not been to Nevsky's then you have not rounded out your eating experience. Russian, Russian, Russian! Our foodie buddies and our in-laws stumbled on this place while waking the main street but wanted to "try" this place with us. In fact they were a little unsure what to expect. I'd seen it reviewed on TV only months earlier and was very keen to go. And go we did.

You must start with a Vodka, it is traditional darlings!  Nasdarovje! The menu here is extensive so while sipping your house vodka (also available at any liquor store) peruse in print the delights which await you. My chewing chums went for a parade of entrees and I headed for the most basic of basics - stroganoff. Luckily I got fed a taste here and a spoonful there of the entrees. All really yum!

The strog. was big and hearty - chronically delicious -  just what I expected from a Russian meal. Every slice of bread or taste or morsel of the entrées (from the chewing chums) was equally so. We weren't looking for fault or disappointment and there was none. No fault anywhere just delicious food. Freshly cook and served hot as!

This establishment is two story and either up or down had little intimate areas where couples could indulge and feel they had their own place and space. It is not overly noisy so a good place to take your friend and expect to eat well and dine in peace.

Even with Vodka and two bottles of wine and a number of courses the night was inexpensive. Parking can be an issue but that is soon forgotten with a friendly Russian waitress full of knowledge of the local eatery and a love of food. You will be very impressed and wonder why Russia has not invaded your stomach in the past. Good, fresh food in generous serving portions wholesome and inviting. I can't think of a single reason not to go and not to go back. JUST GO!!!


Saturday, March 17, 2018

Le Bouchon French Cuisine - Balnarring, Victoria

After touring through the South West of France and dinning on some of the finest French food we could find, to discovery a truly remarkable French restaurant  right on our door step is just fabulous.  Normally you would think you would have to travel up to Melbourne to experience exceptionally good French food. For too long we have been denied fine French Cuisine on the peninsula but not any more.

We are blessed with some excellent Italian, Indian, Chinese, Argentinian and Greek restaurants on the Peninsula but not French. When the other food styles, particularly Italian, have dominated the culinary landscape it is  about time French made a big return. I'd like to see more Frenchies pop-up!

Le Bouchon is situated in Balnarring, itself a quiet little town just thirty to forty minutes drive from Frankston. The Balnaring shopping center has been established for a very long time but there is a whole new and very European looking addition been built. Le Bouchon itself has a good French vibe. Just what you want when you dine out and feel you are anywhere else but Southern Vic.

I'm not going to go on about my meal or my wife's meal or my in-laws meal I could never do it justice. I must say though on a scale of one to five, five being extreme fine dinning, this French eatery is a definite four and that is with some tough marking. Is this the finest dinning experience I have ever had, in other words a "5"? No. But it was half the price and nearly as good. Value for money - off the planet.

Staff are funny, warm and friendly and knowledgeable and senior staff are French. The owner will probably be your waiter. Parking is easy and dine inside or out. If outside the view is ordinary but inside, on a busy day, may be very noisy. Pick a Tuesday to Thursday night to dine inside and you should have a quiet and exceptional experience. Good French food done well and on the Peninsula. Bon appetite!

Sunday, March 11, 2018

Soumah Wines and Restuarant - Yarra Valley, Victoria

As part of a wine tour, Soumah Wines, provided one of tasting. Not only a tasting but they also put on lunch. The whites didn't really excite me but the Cabernet fell in favour. After the tasting of eight or so wines you got a glass of your fav. to have with lunch. The Cabernet was very good and had me go back for another glass, this time I had to pay.

You had a choice of about four different mains. I went for the "Agnello Brasato" (braised lamp). It certainly look extra yum but fell short of the mark by being too dry. There was lots of a weak source to lubricate it but it didn't really hit the mark. Don't let this put you off. A lot of my fellow sippers were quite pleased with the whites and meal.

Staff are friendly and very informative and the winery is idyllic. Good enough reason to try it yourself. Go for a meal and vino and enjoy the drive there and the view. Go anytime of the year as you can dine in or out.

Sunday, February 11, 2018

The Pig and Whistle - Main Ridge, Mornington Peninusla, Victoria

The Pig and Whistle is just a little out of place on the Mornington Peninsula Victoria. Doesn't mean to say it ain't nice. It is nice. According to the signs at the entrance this establishment has been here for a very long time. Lets move on. There are a number of English beers on tap and a lot more in the bottle in the fridge. Go nuts.

Not a beer drinker, you're covered. Wines and spirits are available. The food is English Pub orientated; Guinness pie and fish and chips if you get my drift. The place can be real noisy if busy so be warned. Dine and drink in or out. Pick you days and it may really be a great experience. I'd go back.

Fury And Son Brewing Co - Keilor Park Victoria

Don't you just love it when you turn up for a beer and they are brewing it right in front of you. But further more there are other beers on tap and a few vinos. Fury are aggressive about their brewing, done right and done here. I tried their Stout and IPA and really enjoyed them. Now on tap and open.

Add to this if you show on  a Friday night you can select some food to go REAL WELL with that freshly brewed foaming top! Slow coked and well smoked meats are on the menu. Good selections and cooked slow and long. Snap it up!

Fury And Son Co freshly opened "beer on tap and smoked easy eating food" onsite. Get in now and be a part of the action. Slow cooked, smoky meats and fresh brewed local beer on tap. Nice!

Saturday, January 27, 2018

Los Argentinos - now at Karingal Hub, Franskton Victoria

I enjoyed this restaurant when it was on Nepean Highway Frankston. It has moved to Karingal Hub only 15mins away and I think better. This night we had been to the movies and now out for dinner. Argentinian steak is all about flavour and this night I wanted the best steak I cold have. I was not disappointed. Not only was the steak hand height and wide it was deliciously cooked over a charcoal grill. Perfect.

If it was only the steak that was delicious you would be happy but as they say in the classics, "there is more". And there was. The whole baked potatoe was also charred and stuffed full or sour cream ( I did ask for more sour cream which was happily delivered). Add to this warmed veggies (just a few), a glass of the house red and your laughing! I was.

So close for us and so nice. This may well be our second "go to" restaurant. For a man who is happy to pay $55 for a steak in the heart of Melbourne, Los Angentinos is a no brainer and a lot cheaper with easy parking. Décor is only fair, staff or barely coping but the food we bring you back. The steak will make you wish you were there every night. Just go.

Geonbae - Korean BBQ, Frankston Victoria

If you want something just a little different how about a BBQ right on your table top in the restaurant. Really the BBQ is sunk into the table and has a large exhaust snoot which is lowered down. The plate is convex and heated by gas flame from below. Your friendly waiter\cook\drinks waiter lines up bowls of food to be cooked then goes ahead and does it all for you. Great idea, novel and really nice food.

Geonbae is a Korean BBQ done right in front of you. The décor is modern diner style with booth style seating, more open general seating or even outside dinning. Not only is there a good variety of food but some great beers and wines to choose from. I tried a couple of the Korean beers and found them excellent. It just adds to the experience.

This restaurant is right on the Kananook Creek which these days has been cleaned up a lot. Plenty of local parking and once you have had your fill you can take a walk to the beach or a creek walk. Don't get too hung up on the quality of the food and you are in for a good. Something different as I said, lots of food cooked fresh and well and a clean modern feel about the restaurant. Go, have a good time, do try the beers and take that walk after.


Friday, January 26, 2018

The Lorne Pier Seafood - Lorne, Victoria

Not hard to imagine a warm sunny day on the coast, looking out across the water, cool breeze blowing and the smell of freshly cooked seafood. If you are outside of Lorne Pier Restaurant this reality is not difficult. In fact it is very real. For my first here visit we went inside, the night was too warm but we did get a window seat.

Boy did it get noisy real quick. Not only patrons, but the staff lifted. Staff smashed down fresh crockery and cutlery at the servery and the diners yelled over the top. Then the cooks, who were elevated, yelled service to the staff below. So loud and such a calamity. Awful.

The food was ordinary, dry, tasteless and poor quality. Staff were efficient and friendly but it didn't make-up for ordinary food. Add to all of this the noise this would not be the venue for a first date. Here is the flip side; sunny day, no too hot, outside taking in the scenery, cold beer and a meal. If you are not a super foodie the meal may just suffice, want better than "just ok", go elsewhere.

Monday, January 15, 2018

Joseph's Restuarant and Bar - Mansion Hotel, Werribee.

Staying at the Mansion Hotel in Werribee has a number of benefits. Firstly you don't need a car and can walk to the Winefax winery for wine tastings of both local and inter-state wines, have a meal indoor or out or just tipple as desired. A short wander back to the extensive Mansion Hotel and Werribee Mansion for a meal and a night or two away. How convenient. When finished your tasting and selected vino walk the grounds for some interesting history, wonderful scenery and sculpture park.

Back at the hotel, which are the converted monks dorms, the lobby is grand and there are many guest's common rooms to explore. Joseph's is the restaurant within the hotel complex. . Décor is modern but music a little (attempted anyway) esoteric. What's more the music is boring and not conducive of ingestion. But few eateries ever, if ever, get the music right. Evidently all restaurant mangers are deaf! Wait staff, here, also need some serious training. My wife signaled the waiter twice over a ten minute period to be told "just a minute" on both occasions. In the end she just gave up. Also don't order any common cocktail the barman has no idea. Ask him for a whisky and you'll get a bourbon. If you say that's not whisky he will reach for every other bourbon on the shelf until you say "I'll have a bourbon instead". Ask for two ice cubes and no more and he'll plop them into your glass curtesy of his bare fingers!! OMG!!!

Back to the restaurant. My food was OK but just OK. But my foolish wife, the one still waiting for "just a minute" to expire, asked for steak. The steak was pathetic. Now that's a new way to describe food. A pathetic steak. Roll-up, no other restaurant can serve the "Pathetic Steak". I wouldn't serve meat to my friends that looked like this but here they charge you for the privilege. OMG!!!

Now here is the clincher. About 30 minutes after eating the steak my wife had to rush to the toilet and was violently ill, both ends. She was sick all night, the whole night and extremely weak the next morning when we had to drive home. The steak? Who knows? Fist time we have left more than we ate. In the morning breakfast is back in Joseph's and a reasonable spread, no complaints. Oh that's bull shit of course there was something wrong. The same shity atmospheric music. It's obvious they only have one CD. Here's a tip, buy another then you will have two.

The Werribee Mansion is a must see. Sick and weak my wife dragged her weak body though the many and palatial rooms which make this magnificent building. If nothing else see the Mansion. If you don't want to spend the big bucks at the restaurant there is café. Just don't order the steak unless you want a whole body detox.

Friday, January 12, 2018

KONG - Asian BBQ, Richmond, Victoria

I'm not going to waist a lot of words here KONG BBQ speaks for itself. Lots and lots of delicious food, succulent tender meat, cooked fresh and lots of it. Go for the $60 all you can eat meat plan. There is not just meat but the meat courses are really exceptional. Décor is OK staff are great parking may be an issue. DO NOT MISS THIS PLACE. Go before you die.