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.