Tuesday 29 May 2012

Pom Rak coon nan lowel (I Love you long time)

If you may recall my adventures in my last post showing up to the wrong restaurant. Well I am pleased to say I finely ventured my way for a date night to the right restaurant and was glad I got there.

Nestled on the corner of a small block of local shops this white stone restaurant with it's warm interior is not only reminding you of a little country house, but it is welcoming like one too. Entering the doors we are greeted with open arms and big smiles. Shown to our table, right beside the small fire, the atmosphere is pleasent and design is simple. Nothing over the top, but keeps to it's Thai herratige. I have to say I do love the iron chandelears that highten the class from other Thai restaurants.

To beginin out feast this evening I wanted to compare the Roti and satay against the restaurant from last week, but try some new delicasies that Thai and Rani Have to offer us. On order we start with Prawn rolls, served in a golden crisp pastry these light and succulent marinated King prawns are served with their own sweet and sour sauce of which was honey like and with a hint of sesame were divine. Of course some Roti bread with satay was in the first course, although yummy, I found this Roti bread and satay a lot more oily that the one from the previous week. However this satay was more authentic with slight lumps of peanuts and also a lot thicker. It did pack flavour and was devoured by the both of us rather quickly. The final touch on our first course was to bring in some freshness and decided to try the Nam Zod. A spicy minced pork packed with flavours of finger, roasted peanuts and lemon juice. Similar to a warm salad, this dish blended amazingly together as well as each individual flavour bursting in your mouth.  They also have a beef and a chicken dish similar to the pork but each have there own combinations of flavours, so please yourself here, the Zam zod, Nur Num Tok or Larp Gai you have to try at least one. It was a great refreshing starter.


Now I am not one to go out for soup based dishes in Thai restaurants as I am not much of a fan of the Tom Yum combinations, but I wanted to go for something new so I head towards the claypots. Originally I was ordering the prawn claypot cooked with ginger, onions and bean thread noodles but our waiter suggested for me to try their special of the night, the mixed seafood claypot. Based with the same mixture but served with cellophane noodles, so I figure why not. At least someone suggested it too me and explained it, unlike other restaurants where they expect you to have seen the specials board. So congratulations to her for her service and her ability to up sell.


As it is put down in front of me this soup bubbles away in it's hot claypot, and the aromatic flavours of ginger floats through the air and makes your mouth water. Exploding with seafood and noodles I can not wait to get into it. The seafood has soaked up the ginger flavour as well as the hints of lemongrass, coriander and chilli. Paul steals my mussel and was amazed at the flavour this single mussel holds. I couldn't wipe the smile of my face it was delicious and also if your feeling a little gloomy with a cold and flu this could be your cure.

Paul went for the Musman Curry which you could choose either chicken of beef and is then cooked in coconut milk and a beautiful sweet curry served with potatoes, onions and peanuts. A safe option for those who don't like the heat of curries.  This vibrant dish was filled with juicy succulent chicken which just pulled apart and the sauce was just so smooth and creamy, you drifted away to paradise.

Now the one thing I have not mentioned yet as it was the one thing that made us Fall in Love, and almost made us have affairs was the coconut rice. There is nothing on this earth that could separate either of us from the rice. Now I know people serve coconut rice all the time, but NOT like this. It was so moist and powered with coconut milk, not gluggy nor dry. It was similar to a sticky rice I guess you could say but oh my goodness it was heaven in a bowl. Hints of dried lemon grass also mixed through it truly made the moment of our night, and we are still talking about it. We wanted more and neither of us wanted to share.

Still on the high of coconut, we finished out night with some bananas served in a warm coconut milk finished with sesames. Unusual at first but delicious, the sesames added that texture and flavour and broke up the sweetness of the banana and milk, Paul could only think of it being made into a breakfast smoothy or a pudding, but it was a good authentic finish to our night.

Thai and Rani set with it's all matching ceramic green plates, and it's warmth from it's interior is a good place to stop, or if you don't have time call in for take away. The staff are lovely, welcoming and take interest in serving you which these days has become somewhat rare. A pleasurable evening and huge smiles when leaving, and what's best is that we are still talking about it. As much as I speak about my adventures, it is seldom that we continue telling people about where we've been after a couple of days, but Thai and Rani has entered our hearts and will be I think one of our top 10.



Thai and Rani on Urbanspoon

Monday 21 May 2012

She put the lime in the coconut

My evening begins on a rainy Friday night and after our initial restaurant is fully booked we lead ourselves to one of the Thai restaurants that I have had on my list, since moving to Black Rock.  Driving home from work I ask the hubby to make the reservation for me and everything is set. A quick speed home, hot shower and get myself gizzied up we head out.


Convinced I know where I am going I take to the wheel. When arriving I am welcomed but am somewhat confused that the name of the Restaurant is not the same anymore,  but we where shown to our table and offered drinks straight away so I push my confusion aside and get into the menu.


One Eleven Bluff is filled with traditional Thai cuisine that burst with flavours. A large variety of curry, stir fries and noodle dishes there is bound to be something for even the fussiest of eaters. To begin I go with the the crispy Golden Bags that are stuffed with flavoursome chicken & prawn mince and corn. These little treasures are delectable to enjoy and was a great start to the evening and went perfectly with my glass of Pinot.


I also chose to try something a little different which was the Taro bat. Not having has taro before I must say it is a texture and flavour of its own. With it's overpowering flavour of starch and not much more, this kind of like potato texture comes through it's golden crisp coating, filled with minced chicken on the inside. It was a dish that left you wondering and trying to dignify what you were eating. Unfortunately this may be the first and last time I try Taro, but at least I can say I have tried it.


Main course was headed our way and I selected the house special "One Elevens Curry" a combination of red curry with succulent king prawns infused with lime and coconut and served in it's own coconut shell. Who wouldn't get excited about this dish and who else have you seen put a curry in the coconut shell??? In one word to describe AMAZING! In more words this red curry had a fantastic balance of flavours, filled with authentic Thai spices and the essence of lime which cut through making it enjoyable and diving in for more. Each bite took you on a journey to Thailand. The prawns were cooked to perfection and were fresh and juicy it was great to see that they gave you a large portion of prawns inside the coconut. I must say that this dish has been successful in reaching my top 5 in curries and can not stress this enough to you that you have to go and try it. Unfortunately this one is not available on there take away menu, so you are going to have to go and enjoy a night out in the restaurant for this one.



Now I just have to bring up the Roti bread with satay sauce. Another weakness of mine is Satay, there is something about this sauce that makes me weak at the knees. And I have to say this was mouth watering. Not like your Chinese satay, this smooth creamy sauce was perfectly combined and left me wanting to lick the bowl.


Slightly disappointed that no desserts were available or offered, as both my friend and I would have dived into that option, but who's to say you really need it. With a great entree and a perfect main I felt satisfied and didn't want to over indulge.


The service through out was attentive, but at times a little dominant than expected. Meals were quick and our waters always topped up. This quaint corner restaurant could be under appreciated for what it has to offer. So if you are local or even if you are on the out skirts of the area come on down and give them a go.


In the end I am glad I got confused as I found out once I got home, that I went to the wrong restaurant, falling a block short of my initial destination. Because if I hadn't I wouldn't have been able to take such delight in trying One Eleven Bluff.






111 Bluff on Urbanspoon

Sunday 13 May 2012

And you will simply call her Mum

Mothers day is like no other for Restaurants and Cafes. Like Myers boxing day sales, families line up patiently and also some impatiently waiting to get in and devour their meals within there provided 2 hour sitting times. But what about the Management and Team of the venue? They are sprinting around frantically all day long, serving, re setting and ensuring the venue is maintained and well presented for their next sitting.

We try to make Mothers day just as special as the last, making sure there is breakfast in bed provided, Fresh flower arrangements, Mothers day cards, Luncheons and of course who could forget the new slippers and dressing gowns for presents. We put in every effort to show Mum we Love her and this tradition is for each and everyone of us, and Mother's enjoy it, seeing their children blossom and grow and have them show her appreciation for everything she have done.

It conquers all special event days, Christmas to Valentines day, New years eve to Fathers day. It's a day that you can not compare to any other, and Restaurants have to divide there trading day into seating brackets to allow for the overwhelming bookings they encounter for this one single Sunday in May.

My day begins with a quiet Family gathering at my Grandparents where we enjoy divine tarts, cakes, macarons and of course champers. A delightful brunch cuisine made by daughters for their Grandma and Mum. With the chill of winter in the day and Melbourne's weather being at it's best, there was no better way that to indulge in sweets and drink champagne while warming up in front of the heater and watch those grey clouds roll by.

Off to lunch at Paesano International Buffet Restaurant of which only opened it's door mid April and to experience it's first Mother's day. The line was endless for our seating time, and only being it's second seating of the day I can only imagine what they have tried to get through in there first seating. Stuck in Melbourne's down pour and 30 minutes later we are able to get though and to our table. Pleased to be away from the  mad house of the inside and enjoy the heated and covered outside area, we were able to hold conversations and enjoy family company with out having to yell or be bumped by those who walk past.

An endless wall to wall buffet assortment of cuisines, from fresh seafood and hand made sushi rolls, to cooked for you pizza and pasta bar, a selection of Indian cuisine, Asian noodles, The fried seafood selection and of course the dessert bar.

The line circles through the tables not knowing what you are going to immerse in. Unfortunately the line cutters were a draw back but came at an advantage to us as we always ended up with fresh produce. Not feeling like Indian we venture straight through to the seafood selection, fresh crab, natural oysters & mussels and prawns ahoy, with a selection of salt and pepper calamari to go with. All of which was tasty, the salt and pepper calamari was mouth watering and tender, and the fresh seafood department was extremely fresh and delicious in it's natural flavours. Just needing the chefs to watch for the bearding on the mussels and they are set.

Sushi bar was overwhelming with fresh produce and hand rolls being made in front of you, a selection of fresh pickled ginger, seaweed and sesame combination and of course the wasabi to compliment them. The tuna, king fish and salmon rolls were prefect and enjoyable.

Pizza pasta bar, look out. This area is packed with children waiting for there own individual pizza to come out of the oven, and the pasta cooked in front of you is a great idea instead of having to try and enjoy cold gluggy pasta with luke warm sauces. The thin crust pizza was a winner for me, but as there was an overload of margarita coming out and no takers I chose to put my own additional toppings on it from there cold meat and anti pesto selections and was pretty tasty I must say. My sister ventured to the pasta bar and came back with gnocchi and pumpkin sauce, a little bit more salt and you would have had a winner.

Now if you are wanting to venture into treturous waters on a day filled with families with young children, then head over the the dessert bar. A chocolate fountain with all the trimmings and an ice-cream bar with lollies and sprinkles and then a display of mini cakes from cheese-cake to pavlovas, jellies and slices. It's every kids and adults weakness and just like the beginning the line up for dessert is endless. And I just have to say the creme brule was possibly the best of the selection.

Although we had a great time and Mum was having the best time with her seafood selections, I question whether I really ate $45.00 worth of food. Although full and unable to eat anymore in fact I'm pretty sure I rolled out the door, I was left wondering this one question of which I don't often find myself doing so.

At times I felt pressured to eat fast due to time restraints and was also feeling over crowded in the lines at the beginning, but at the end of the day it's the company your with that makes your day. I understand the pressure that the staff were under, and perhaps I will return another day to experience the experience on a less demanding day.

But a word to the wise for Mother's day celebrations, get in to the first seating times, you don't have to wait as long and although you may feel pressured to get out on time, it's better than getting in late and then feel pressured to eat quicker as you see the next sitings arrive.

For the buffet eaters....... start at dessert first and work backwards. This way you can skip lines and not feel so claustrophobic while you move at snail pace and get people cutting in.

Overall for there first Mothers day, Paesano has done well, and will learn from this for Mother's day's to come. It was crazy as anything and the seating arrangements were holding over 600 people at the one seating. I know not everyone would be entirely happy with everything, but since when can you please everyone? What matters is that the Mum's had a good day.

To each and every Mother out there, I hope you were spoilt by your Children and enjoyed a memorable Mother's Day.


Paesano International Buffet on Urbanspoon

Sunday 6 May 2012

Immerse yourself in goodness

Walking through it's iron gates feels like finding your place on Cloud 9 with  front outside seating shaded by a luscious green tree, through to a large warm dining area you stop in amazement at the macaroon and cake display.

Magnificent floorless designed cakes with there shimmering glaze and gold leafing, leaves your mind wanting each one, even though you know you'd be crazy to do so. Not to mention Macaroon's, the craze that has left Melbourne in an uproar on who does the best flavour combinations. With over 10 flavours on offer there has to be at least 1 or 2 that would take your fancy for sure.

Although this tempting display of naughtiness lays in front of me I am here to enjoy a late breakfast with a friend. Welcoming staff allow us to take a seat and are quick to bring out menu's and get the first round of coffees going. Unfortunately due to us choosing to sit outside our lovely smooth flavoured coffee was quick to become an iced coffee due to the chill in the air, but with both of us being in a busy hospitality environment, this has never stopped us drinking cold coffee this very same way before.

A read over the menu and I am drawn to the cheese and corn souffle served with smoked salmon and corn, avocado salsa. who could refuse such temptations for a late breakfast? My friend chooses the herb crepes filled with ricotta, semi dried tomatoes and basil.

My souffle is so light and perfect mounded with salmon, it was exactly what I expected. The salsa accompanied it perfectly and with it's added Parmesan crisps made the entire dish delectable.The crepes were over flowing with the ricotta tomato and basil mix and were also fantastically balanced in flavour and the crepes perfection I think is how you could rate them.

After indulging in breakfast and feeling the wintry air, we venture inside for some take home delicious goodness. Unfortunately I do not have proof of the awesomeness that was my desserts that night as the didn't last long enough time to get my camera out before they entered my mouth and devour them all.

I can tell you though that they were worth every penny spent. A cake overloaded with a coconut lime and pineapple was the highlight. So light and heavenly, one mouthful will take you straight to your happy place. Along side this there was an extraordinary delight of raspberry creamed filled pastry that towered together finished with gold leafing. Both were remarkable and incomparable against each other.

I did also take some macaroons to to treat some work colleagues for an afternoon meeting that day, with a mixture of coconut, tonka (almost jaffa like), salted caramel, raspberry, lime & basil and hazelnut. All were bursting with flavours and enjoyed by all.

This hidden surprise down a side street near South Melbourne market is truly somewhere that you want to venture too. To unwind after market shopping or to hide away from the rest of the world, it is a perfect location to immerse yourself in beautiful food, friendly service and temptations galore.



Chez Dré on Urbanspoon

Saturday 5 May 2012

Not for Vegetarians

There is nothing more hearty than to enjoy some good steak or perhaps a burger on a miserable cold and wintry night, some good comfort food makes the bad weather seem so distant. With friends in tow we set off to find somewhere that can help us with the much needed cuisine.

Big Boy BBQ seemed to be a place where all our thoughts and dreams could come true, with anything from a burger (sandwich) to meat platters, it is a great fixture to accommodate the smallest to the largest appetite.

No reservations for tables under 6 it was a risk for the 3 of us, but we were more than happy to wait as we inhaled the smell of grilling meat smothered in spices, and watched the team produce platters of endless meat. The line to order was out the door, so it's clear signs it must be pretty good. A 20 minute wait for a table when arriving just before 7 isn't too bad as there is limited seating with approx 3-4 booths some bar seating and a larger table to accommodate groups more than 6. There is an upstairs area but I am unsure if this too is restaurant seating for bigger nights or perhaps for functions, but this area was closed when we were dining.

As we sat down and began reading the mouth watering menu, the question was raised whether someone had just finished watching "Man V's Food" as it menu shouted traditional American all time BBQ with it's Rubbed pork ribs to its Pulled pork and Beef Brisket sandwiches. Not that any of us could complain, we had been looking for a place like this for a long time that could actually deliver the authentic American BBQ.

Feeding 2 boys with mighty appetites and myself who also loves her food, it was guaranteed that we could have chosen tastes of everything and gone crazy but we held back......or did we????

The boys went for the Wings 'N' Ribs meat platter with a serve of regular wings and a 1/2 rack of ribs with an accompaniment of 2 sides of their choice (chips, onion stings, beef chili, coleslaw, potato salad or pickles).

Me well the decision was too hard, confusion set in and my world collided just like a kid in a milk bar trying to decide what their $1.00 could buy them from the lolly selection or trying to choose and ice- cream. Having to almost toss a coin to make my decision I was still uhming and ahhring, what happens if that one is better than the one I choose? Process of eliminations I worked out a strategy where I could get the best of both worlds. Why not combine the two? So I chose to start with the Carolina Sandwich where I enjoyed pulled pork with coleslaw and BBQ sauce and combined in with it some beetroot and pickles.


Moments later out comes the boys massive platters with buckets for bones, all we needed was a bib and the boys were set to get down and dirty, alas no bib provided but that never stops anyone when the smell is so mouth watering. A tower for a sandwich that couldn't fit in my mouth overflowing with pork and dripping in sauces I couldn't wait to get in and devour it.

Although the Carolina sandwich has a chili beside it on the menu of course we would presume it had heat to it. My first initial bit I felt no kick and with deflation's setting in it was soon to be destroyed. It's not in the bite where that spice hits you, without you knowing chili sweats begin and then your mouth booms with spices galore. It's the coleslaw that hides it's initial burst of flavour and leaves you with the ultimate surprise at the end. It allows you to enjoy every mouthful without having to reach for a dyeing need of a drink, which is always a positive.

The meat platters were said to be full of tender, fall of the bone ribs and giant wings which was even better. Smothered in it's Kansas rub of glaze for the chili wimps the flavours were intense and soaked into the meats giving it a vibrant flavour. It was pleasing to see that they served proper ribs full of meat rather than the stingy meatless ribs you get most of the time.

Almost bursting at the sides we sink back into the comfy booth seating contemplating a slice of peanut butter cream pie...... well we only live once don't we! Overloaded with peanut butter goodness (yes my thighs felt every mouthful) with a layer of chocolate ganache and chocolate tart shell it was almost eating a large Reese peanut buttercup. Wishing for a big glass of milk to accompany it, it was definitely and American delight to finish your American BBQ feast.

If you are out for an adventure of good BBQ meat or if your not able to fly to America any time soon, then travel to South Caulfield and feast away. It's a meaty delight that shouldn't be refused.

Big Boy BBQ on Urbanspoon