Formosa House - Nanawading, Victoria

Generally I not a big fan of Chinese food but being stranded in Nunawading around lunch had me drop in to Formosa House for a midweek meal. The decor is delightful and service is fast and efficient. Chinese music plays and I think this adds to the experience. The food and wine list are extensive and it is BYO. The restaurant is large and I would image on Friday to Sunday could be quiet busy.

Unfortunately this is where the good news end. Firstly the special fried rice was excellent. Served on a huge plate, enough for four big eaters, it was fresh, colorful and tasty. The Pork in spicy plum sauce was awful. The pork was dry, tough and lacked any flavor and the sauce spice was badly balanced against the sweetness of the plum. The pork may have been leftover from the night before or pre-cooked and re-heated or re-cooked again for my meal. Even the veggies lacked any freshness or flavor. I can't recommend this restaurant but maybe the meals are better at night? They'd want to be or this place will go bust real soon. 

Portico - Greengate Hotel - Killara - NSW

While supporting our daughter at aerobic national competitions in NSW we needed find a place to eat. We had an hour or two before heading back to the competition venue to see her team perform. While driving on the Pacific hwy.  through Killara, we spotted the Greengate Hotel. With intentions of eating at the hotel we parked at the back but to our surprise there was a very nice restaurant, Portico, as part of the hotel complex.

I wouldn’t put Portico in the class of “fine dining” but it is extremely nicely laid out with just a touch of class.  The decor is modern but with a cosy feel. There is a bar and couched area for drinks and nibbles. We took a window seat and spent time drooling over the menu. There really were some nice selections. After a prolonged period (we just couldn’t decide) we shared a platter.  Pate, calamari, prawns, crisp breads, etc. adorned or large wooden platter. A light beer to start and a local red to finish the lunch just topped off a beautiful meal. Every part of the platter was perfect.

Food selection is mouth watering (if not a little over descriptive on the menu), service was first class, decor was modern, spacious and smart and the whole experience – transporting.  We were hoping to visit Doyle’s while staying close to Sydney but it didn’t happen. Though Portico is no Doyle’s I don’t feel jilted. Portico gave us a very delightful eating experience and a pleasant distraction while away. Don’t drive past the Greengate Hotel and just make sure you drop into Portico. Give yourself time to savor the experience.

Thyme Square Cafe - Hornsby - NSW.

Thyme Square Cafe can be found in the heart of Hornsby in NSW just north of Sydney. It is situated between a number of both India and Chinese cafes and restaurants. We dropped in for brekky but coffee and cake, lunch or a beer and wine can all be catered for. It is a bright (quite white) cafe with booth or table seating and two eating areas. A window seat can be obtained and a eating bar with stools for a quick snack is provided.

Staff are courteous and efficient in what was a very busy little cafe. Families do dine here so expect a little noise but booth seating will help reduce this a little. Foods yummy, coffee excellent  and though the menu is a little curtailed there should be something there for all. There is a bar so a drink after work or over lunch is possible. A pleasant place to eat.

Crackerjack Cafe - Carrum - Southern Victoria

Sometimes I think there is a God especially when I visit cafes and restaurants for the first time and have a heavenly experience.  For me it is only a twenty minute drive to Carrum from my home and a pleasant easy d rive at that. To find at the end of the short trip a modern waterfront cafe with delicious food, stunning Port Phillip Bay views and great service is a real blessing.  My first “holy” experience for was breakfast one chilly winter’s morn.  Breakfast with good friends themselves religious foodies.  Crackerjack is a crackerjack.

Not only is there a main cafe area, but also decking for drinks and coffee and add to this a function room. In the function room music afternoons are held regularly (too, loud for me). There is something for everyone here. The main cafe is small and extremely busy so book first to ensure a seat. The establishment is modern and boasts extensive use of timber and glass, all very nice.

Our host was most accommodating when we arrived for a table of six, on a Sunday, in the middle of their busiest period.  Service and staff were very warm and friendly and meals arrived in a reasonable time. The kitchen is right on the ball here with food not only being exceptionally delicious but hot and served promptly. All credit to Chef and kitchen staff. Meal size is generous and pricing very reasonable.  Crackerjack is open seven days a week. Go in a quiet period for a relaxing meal or drink. You will pay for parking though.

A few weeks later we dropped back for coffee and cake. I went for the wine list which is sufficient without being extensive. Locally grown wines and beers are very well supported and this is great to see. Carrum awaits you for Sunday service or any other time you feel sinfully hungry. Praise be those who serve and thank God for Crackerjack.

The Great Provider - St Kilda Marina - St Kilda

My wife decided to jump out of a plane. We check in at St. Kilda Marina where the "Jump" office is and from here she was driven off to Moorabbin airport to head for the skies. Of course jumping out of a plane at fourteen-thousand feet can make you hungry. Lucky for us The Great Provider restaurant was also on the marina. So we ate.

The restaurant, cafe and bar has a casual, relaxed feel about it and looks over the marina. Decor is modern and in the warmer weather the plastic curtains are lifted to allow out door dining. Parking is plentiful nearby but you may have to pay. Service is efficient and friendly. The three of us all ordered different meals and we all though the food quality excellent. The wine list is sufficient for most tastes. This is not five star, fine dining but then again neither was the bill. Coffee is good and if a stroll down on the marina begs a coffee and cake to balance calorie burn and intake there may be no better place.  A pleasant experience can be had here.

Koko - Southbank - Melbourne

Once more we were staying at Crown Promenade for the wife's 50th birthday. As usual our stay was excellent and we always ensure we find some where fine to dine.  Crown were offering $50 off any meal if you ate at one of their half dozen or so restaurants. Number 8 and Koko were on the list. Number 8 didn't excite us so off to Koko we gogo.

Koko is fine dinning Japanese. The ambiance and decor say "Japan" and a window seat overlooking the Yarra, late into the evening, made for a romantic dinner for two. I had Saki with my waygue beef which came in a clay steam pot. Sitting atop the beef was a half cooked egg with a thin mushroom soup at the bottom. Well we were eating Japanese. Though the dish looked disappointing the beef was moist and sumptuous. I can think of no better way to enjoy this type of beef.

Service was efficient if not a little funny from our kimono clad waitress. Combine this with great ambiance, surrounds, the view and unusual tasting delicacies plus a little rice, wine you have a night to remember. We will. Try a meal from the house of the rising sun, dine at Koko's. Not cheap but a must try -ganbattene (good luck).

time out - Fed Square - Melbourne

My ventures to Melbourne these days are few and far between. It’s a pleasure these days to wander around the City after working there for twenty-fives. No pressure, exploring new and old stores, nooks and crannies and trying eateries and bars not normally visited.  Federation Square, near Flinders Street station has been established for quite some time. It has become a place to meet with restaurants etc. and often free entertainment.

My wife I ventured here looking for a bite to eat on a sunny but very cool day. Time Out, which is a modern establishment offering inside and outside eating areas, became or choice. After an hour or two of walking and not finding anywhere else we fancied we were quite hungry. Being a dedicated fine ales man I ordered a pint of White Rabbit Dark. I had partaken of the non-dark variety a short time before and though I liked it I wouldn’t bath in it. The “Dark” was another matter. It was scrummy.

We ordered three entre size meals wanting to try various foods. The bruschetta and crispy calamari dished was spot on. All three dishes were very appetizing, well presented on the plate and of good size. We had definitely picked the right place. We sat outside in the cool sunny conditions, a pint in hand and fine tasty meals in front of us – thanks Melbourne. The service was warm and friendly and the bill goes down as easy as the food. Mark this place on you fine eats list, pick a sunny day when you have plenty of time on your hands and take Time Out. We did.