Noir - Richmond, Victoria

“Black is black, I want my baby back”. Los Bravos had a hit in 1967 called “Black is Black”. If you want your Veal Parmigiana then don’t visit Noir in Richmond Victoria. Nestled right in the heart of Richmond and on Swan Street. “decored” in a very sombre black Noir is not you big eater’s paradise. No Parmas here baby

Give me five! And that’s what you get. Five courses of tastes, textures and flavours (sorry Teks I just had to say it). Titbits, nibbles and savouries. Thank God for wine. The dinning is fine. Very fine and not to disappoint. Service is fine and very fine and not to disappoint. Food quality is fine and very fine and not to disappoint.

You do not have to go the five courses and I may suggest you don’t. For us quantity was low but other courses may fill. Wine is fine. Very fine and WILL NOT disappoint. If Black is Black then here is where your baby is if not the local may be grey since she went away.

OK but not convinced, Mark.

The Parlor, Milkbar and Kitchen - Beaumaris, Victoria

How many times have you wished there was a restaurant just around the corner where you could simply walk there and have a meal or a few drinks. That’s it, leave the car at home, enjoy the stroll, meal and good company and then wander home after. No booze-bus fears if you kick on, no parking issues or having to pay for packing if you can get it at all. What if the added bonus is this ideal little establishment serves fine food, inside or outside, with drinks prices held at a reasonable level and staff who are friendly and knowledgeable.

Wait there is more. Italian food is on my list of favorite cuisines and this fantasy, neighborhood, wine bar, milk bar, café, restaurant, eat house happens to specialise in YOUR fav. food. Too good to be true? Your good friends, who you love to dine with, share a meal with, have a drink with, and holiday with, just happy to live nearby.  You could meetup, stroll to this idyllic “feel good” place, enjoy time together, feel content and satisfied with great quality food of generous proportions and not have to sell your first born to pay your way. Fortunately my sister-in-law and her husband live near such a place in Beaumaris – The Parlor.