Port Phillip Estate - Red Hill, Southern Vic.

Port Phillip Estate is a most unusual building. It looks military, industrial or simply YOU feel you are on Mars and about to join the colony. I like it! Industrial architecture was been in vogue for sometime but its not until you experience it that it really strikes home. I can imaging the older set (yes there are some older than me) not getting all that excited. I'm happy to move with and be moved by the times. Industrial is here!

We had a dinner date with this very expansive estate which meant we had no view from many meters of roof high glass. It was pitch black outside. A concrete building, inside and out and concrete floors with the merest of furnishings doesn't give you a look to ogle. One very good thing about our night, apart from one loud table a table or so away, was it was quiet. Lately every where you dine is loud and noisy. Also it appears grownups have forgotten their inside voice. Music was well suited (for once) to the environment.

To get to why we were here then let's talk food. Three courses for $68 and $60 for a nice bottle of wine. In the scheme of things the wine may have been the best value. Valentines Grenache - 2017- was fragrant and delightful. The food was fine but my main was well short of a serve. Even in three courses, with a prima pasta, I felt a little ripped off. If it had not been so expensive and we expected it to be so, meal size may have been acceptable. My pork was very good but half the size I would expect. Dessert was far better value. The pasta had an extra $15 surcharge. Pasta? Go figure.

 If you ordered the beef and you don't want it rare when you say "medium" then ask medium to well done to expect a genuine medium. It was so rare my wife could not finish it. Even I struggled and there were parts in this good size serve which were un-cooked fat and inedible. Sides were very good, service was first class from a knowledgeable young waitress.

If, as leaving, we feel we would not return it means the experience really didn't shake us. At the fine dinning end of the meals spectrum we must be moved to vow to return. No vow made!

Sacrebleu - Rye, Mornington Peninsula

As the name suggests - French. A small café on the main street opposite the beach and tucked in with many other cafes and shops. Just a little unassuming and not really a place you would remember if the eating fare wasn't that good. The menu is short and they do have lunch specials. So soup and main is the way to go. And they throw in a glass of bubbly.

The wine list does contain French wines as it should. What of the food? This is where this little non-descript café comes into its own. French all the way, delicious and simple. I get the feeling they are not over complicating the menu or what they serve. They want to get the food out to you in quick time though I never felt rushed. Keep it simple, keep it decidedly French and get it out hot and in good time. I would image many drop in here for a quick (but pleasant) lunch while visiting this beautiful area. A stroll down the mains street and in for lunch then back on the pavement. Why not do it with a French twist. Sacreblue - definitely worth a try.

Monkey Business - Dromana, Victoria

When you go for a drive to chase up some brekky you just never know what new eating house you are going to end up at. Take the challenge and stop going to your absolute fav. or the café just down the road or in the local shopping center. See what you can find. We did and it certainly paid off for us.

Monkey Business on the highway, Dromana is a fresh good size open café. Eat in or out or sit up front inside with the big double glass doors open. No excuse not to find a seat? Well I have a good one not to sit inside. Bloody noisy. One large table of people and still way to audibly distracting to try and eat. Simple fix, move outside. Concrete floors, no soft furnishings and high ceiling creates a bad acoustic.

Now the food which is really why you are ready this blog entry. Lets start with "heart on a plate". Add to that "respect of product". Now finished with "generous and balanced portions". If you think I like this place then you are right. Food to live for. Next time I go back, which will be soon, I'm trying something else. So many good sounding dishes to choose from and all looked as good as mine.

Presentation is big of the list of not what people want but what chef wants. Prepare it right, cook it right and serve it better. If you weren't hungry when you got there, when you see your gorgeous food served as a great presentation, you will be. Delicious, creative and inspiring. Chefs not always going to be at this café. Get in early; breakfast, lunch or dinner. Just pick a day when you can sit out. All the foodie stars will align all in the one place and over your meal. Really - ENJOY!!