Pho-give me father as I have Sinned

Pho is beginning to be this years trend and I can see why. Something that can be so simple but capture a perfect balance of flavours and is easy on the pocket, who wouldn't be craving Pho.

Coming into winter all the Pho kitchens of Melbourne will soon be having lines out the door.

But it's not always just about the Pho, although a big factor. It's the little extras you can enjoy on the side. The spring rolls, rice paper rolls and the Banh Mi's.

Recently I was invited down to enjoy dinner with a group of fellow Pho lovers at Pho 24, located on the corner of Little Bourke and Spencer Street, of which I was blown away with their Pho-nominal (pardon the pun) menu.

Starting our evening with delicate rice paper rolls filled with Barramundi, Prawn or Chicken, and choosing between the traditional Hoisin sauce as the accompaniment or changing the pace with beautiful homemade chilli oil or my favourite satay chilli oil.

For those who love a kick of chilli and the acidic lemon dive into the Octopus salad. Not only does it make your tastebuds dance but it sure will bring that smile on your face. Jam packed with freshness, and the dressing truly holds impeccable flavouring that you can't bring yourself to stop.

I am a Banh Mi lover and I have to say, diving into the pork Banh Mi I was taken away to my happy place.  Succulent pork coated in a soft paprika sauce combined with fresh vegetables, chilli and coriander and a sensational house made pate, you will end up one happy person.

A crusty baguette soaks up all the sauce and pate and encases the chilli. It was that gorgeous I had to rush one home to the Husband for him to devour. I had to share my joy.

Now for the extravagant Pho. If you want something that is going to be made for you in record breaking time, go for the Pho. A choice of Beef, Pork, Chicken, Vegetarian or Barramundi are on offer. A regular size is huge and the large eye popping.

I did choose the pork which was in a clear and silky like broth that allowed the vegetables to hold their own flavours which is perfect. You don't want everything to taste the same in a Pho. Wedges of lemon or lime adds the citric flavours to allow you level out the Pho to match the palate. Adding chilli, fish sauce for saltiness and the best part, pick your herbs to add.

Along the wall and on the tables fresh pots of herbs are their for your choosing. Snip off some basil and mint and your Pho will become the best Pho, matching to your taste like ever before.

If you want to try something away from the norm, I have to say go for the Barramundi. A bowl of incredible smoked broth and amazing succulent Barramundi pieces blew my mind. It has got to be one of the best Pho's I have ever tasted. My eyes lit up with enjoyment and have not stopped thinking about it since.  Not saying that my Pork Pho was terrible, but wow.

What I love about Pho 24 is that every dish in itself it eye catching. Bold luscious fresh Vietnamese ingredients stare boldly at you as you eat. It makes you feel uplifted and brings a vibrancy to you while you eat.

I got to enjoy hearing about the owners adventures and backgrounds which has developed Pho 24 what it is today. Taking traditional Vietnamese dishes and flavours and incorporating French techniques into their cooking has really shone through.

Being right across from Southern Cross station Pho 24 is non stop in service and ensure that it is fast and efficient, understanding their clientele and the amount of suits that venture out for a quick lunch break. And hey, its ok..... They don't judge the slurping here wither.

Wine on tap by D.O.C wines ensure to be a perfect match to your Pho or Vietnamese delights too, so you can make for a casual meeting or night out before the Footy.

It's worth venturing there for a nourishing, bold flavoured evening or lunch. I know I'll be going back shortly.

Pho24

656 Little Bourke Street

Melbourne

5915 9047

Exceeding the Normal

Well Christmas is over and the new year has begun and I've been off the radar for a good 6 weeks, but never fear I've been eating lots and have plenty of reads coming your way.

The only thing I have to really put my mind to is where should I start? Should I start talking about the many burgers I have devoured, the brunches that were relaxing, the ice creams that are so heavenly or just about my Christmas feast in my new home.

Let me think....... Maybe I should just start at the beginning of my many weeks of my food comas and adventures.

Super Normal Canteen (Test Kitchen) is a delicious source of a pop up eatery and opened through till the 1st of March. A  sample of what will be an amazing restaurant serving us scrumptious modern Asian dishes.

Succulent prawns drowning in a miso sauce tantalises your testbeds and although I dislike the word that I use next to describe it, but it's true. The flavours make you salivate and is a soft way to begin your evening.

Some Peppers are ordered but saddened to find out that the seeds have been gutted and don't stimulate heat. However add some lovely chilli condiments that sit in front of you to flavour it up a notch .

The soft Bao never goes astray especially when you fill it with some wild boar meat to add more adventure to your evening. Not over powering in flavours and easy to enjoy. The bao's are fluffy like a new pillow and the meat a little richer than a simple pork, and very delicious.

Speaking of rich flavours the lobster rolls are a given choice for any seafood lover. Sweet milk buns becomes the home of sliced lobster in a creamy mayo dressing and rice. Simple but yet pretty scrumptious. When I read Lobster rolls my mind does tend to think American, but for some reason it works on this menu.

Of course when their are dumplings are on offer you have to have them. If your not a dumpling fan, then clearly you wouldn't but I'm just putting it out there that you would be missing out on something here.

Soaked in chilli oil these little dumplings are divine. Full flavoured gems that heat up the taste buds. I just wish the servings were bigger, or perhaps next time I devour a serve on my own....

Would you believe that we had to keep ordering dishes due to the fact that every time a dish came out and was presented on our communal table we wanted it.

I don't think strangers could fall for that what's that over there trick and steal their food. Could cause a rather abrupt argument.... but I do sometimes wonder what if I did that on a communal table. Food envy is a real thing and could potentially come to stealing other people food at a restaurant.

Dishes such as Tempura crab  served Vietnamese style with fresh lettuce and mint, cured octopus on a spiced capsicum and then Carpaccio of Waygu beef were all magnificent and hard to fault.

Everything was so tempting and there is still so much more that I wanted, so will only mean one thing.... I need to go back.

We of course though enjoyed some rather outstanding desserts though I have to admit. Some of the best desserts we have enjoyed for a while to tell you the truth.

A Lychee and sago dessert with freeze dried raspberries was sweet and textually amazing. Bursts of sago with the tartness of raspberries and sweet from the lychee was an adventure on its own.

The other hit and almost very hard to get a taste of due to Paul loving it so much was the Pink Lady soft serve ice cream. Luscious creamy soft serve exploding with sweet apple flavour and drizzled with a thick caramel and crushed nuts. It's as though you were eating a candy apple.

Service was a delight and food exceptional. As a test kitchen I don't think these guys will have to much trouble opening their real doors when the time comes.

Limited dining area of course being a pop up, however it still seats a good 60 or so. Get in early and their will be no problem getting a seat quickly and if you go at the usual peak eating time of 7:00 you will clearly be battling the many other hungry diners like any restaurant around that time. It's worth a visit and a trial, there isn't much you can choose wrong here.

Supernormal Canteen (Test Kitchen)

53 Gurtrude Street

Fitzroy

9419 4888

It's so Dandy, I'm not Lying

If you're wondering where you could enjoy a fancy evening, where the dishes are full flavoured and smacks you in the mouth, cocktails that can enchant you and is away from the hustle and bustle of the city then look no further.

Elwood has captured the ever enchanting and sleek 'Dandelion Restaurant' showcasing the true essence of Vietnamese with a modern swing to what was a very flavoursome evening.

We were overwhelmed  with the menu as our taste buds were tantalised as we read. The decision to go for the Feed me selection where an array of dishes are bought to you or do we go full guns blazing and create our own.

Of course saying this when we do go full guns blazing we go crazy..... you know what I'm saying, you've read my blogs. We always end up ordering enough to feed a party of 6 or maybe 10. Food babies turn into octuplets and we always roll out the door. Well tonight is no different, it was a special occasion, it's Paul's Birthday.

So let us begin. Some gorgeous tartare enhanced with some great kicks of chilli made for a great starter and got those chilli sweats going. Just make sure that if you are needing to cool yourself down from the burn, maybe not do what I did and order a cocktail that has chilli through it too. It doesn't help you in this instance, that burn keeps on going.

I did however get to enjoy the cool down from the Snails that were filled with pork and prawn. A big spin from the usual french version where it is doused in garlic butter. These shells were jam packed with flavour and with the slight essence of spice from the sauce, it did make for a rather enjoyable dish.

A palate cleanser of Locus stem salad with Vietnamese squash, crisp tofu, herbs, snow pea sprouts and a mulberry vinegar dressing was quiet delightful. The salad towered on the plate and is a great accompaniment with any large dish if you were looking for a lighter option to rice. It's also a great add to your selection of dishes to remove the powerful spice flavours during the evening.

For something more solid you have to go for their curries and clay pots. There was nothing but amazement with the boldness of the two dishes we chose to enjoy.

A delicate Duck braised in mandarin juice and Star anise with chilli, ginger and basil was simply delectable and was well balanced with the combination of flavours. Although rich the duck was tender and soaked up every inch of the sauce making every mouthful as enjoyable as the first.

The winner dish for me though this evening has got to be the Western Plains pork belly. Simmered with a caramel wood ear mushrooms there is nothing more mouth watering and tender. The flavours were soft and sweet and only made you return time and time again. The pork belly fell apart and was so succulent you would not want to miss out on this one.

Bulging at the sides from what is being an enchanting evening, both company and food combined there is just one more thing to do that would make it complete....... Dessert!

It's without fail that when deep fried ice cream is available it's always the must have. But when you see it as a Black Sesame deep fried ice cream the excitement is lifted even further. How gorgeous is the flavour of black sesame or even sesame in general. I could eat them all day long if given to me.

A golden ball of heaven was brought to the table and all though I couldn't eat it all I was one very happy person that I had the pleasure in attempting to do so.

Banana spring rolls was a pleasant spin on the standard banana fritter. Served with a passionfruit sorbet it made for a quaint ending to the evening.

Dandelion is surly a stand out and slightly hidden gem in Bayside and people should really get there to have their mind blown away with the depth of flavours that is captured and the elegance that is delivered in each dish.

It was and enjoyable night and made for Birthday celebrations to be even more perfect.

Dandelion Restaurant

133 Ormond Rd,

Elwood

9531 4900

A Hawker Food Sensation

The term "Hawker" was once used to best describe vendors who moved around in mobile carts with delicious in-expensive dishes, bringing everyone out from their homes and onto the street to buy their favourite snack.

Developed into different fixtures;
Roving Hawker - a familiar fixture in the neighbourhood,
Roadside Hawker- setting up shop on the streets after dark when majority of the car parks were emptied and dining area of wooden tables and stools were bought out.
Pushcarts- doubled from a service section and a kitchen in one.

Alas hawkers have slowly disappeared from modern Singapore, but Hawker-styled food remains a huge success and has now found it's way to the South Wharf Promenade of Melbourne.

BangPop has Popped into Melbourne with a "BANG".  Delivering a magical combination of flavours, mouth watering dishes and ultimately a fantastic service from the entire team.

A lot of hard work has gone through to the study of bringing us Hawker styled dishes, staying true to the origin of the dishes and ensuring our experience sends us on a journey.

A serve of light and deep fried rice crackers were served with nam prik ta-kari to get us started along with some very tasty cocktails. If you enjoy a good bevie to get you started I'd highly suggest the Gin Pop - Gin, Lemongrass & Kaffir lime sorbet and soda water. A very refreshing cocktail and cleanser.

The rice crackers were delicate and light but don't go crazy on that sauce.... it's a Warning to you! If you want to feel the chilli hit on the way in and on the way out then go nuts. But I'd suggest to go gentle as there's more heat coming your way.

A combination of dishes for the entree:
Kor Moo Yang: Marinated char grilled pork neck slices with nam jim saap and sticky rice
Tod Mun Pla: Barramundi and red curry paste cakes with nam prik pla-grop
Sai Krok Isaan: Sour Isaan pork sausage with chilli, fresh herbs and cabbage

The Isaan pork sausage was a combination of 2 styles, one with chilli and one sour. Roll the pieces into the fresh cabbage, squirt some fresh lime juice and add some mint and basil and be taken away with some glorious flavour combinations in your mouth. This dish can be heated up with the addition of fresh chillies.

The fish cakes were soft in flavour, nothing over powering but very well balanced. You always appreciate fish cakes when you know they are fresh, bought in cakes always have that rubbery texture to them. But these delights were tasty and went fast, Medium in heat

Marinated pork neck, what can I say..... tender and delicious. Combined with the sticky rice it was magical. Not too much heat in this dish so it's a good break away from the chilli.

For Mains we saw more noodle and rice combinations that were truly to die for:
Pad Thai: Thai stir fried noodles with tofu, garlic, chives, bean sprouts and crisp shallots
Pad Ka Prow Nua: Stir fried beef mince, basil, garlic and chilli finished with a fried egg
Kang Daeng Phed: Slowed cooked duck leg red curry with basil, fresh chilli and roast coconut
Daily Special: Crisp skin duck salad, combined with lychee, fresh sprouts and herbs

My favourite dish of the evening was the Beef mince as well as the Duck curry.

The stir fried beef, was soft in flavours but what I loved was the fascinating fried egg that nestled itself on the top. A light golden colour on the out side but when you break through the egg a glorious golden runny yolk spreads through the mince. Just hints of spice to enhance the flavours but nothing to concern yourselves with

The Duck curry originally removed away from myself and my hubby by my sister explaining it was disgusting was to be very quickly discover that it was far from that. Tender duck leg sits in an aromatic spice powered red coconut sauce. The flavour combinations had essence of perfection in there also. A fight amongst the 3 of us as none of us wanted to share it. Combine it on top of some Pad Thai or just have some accompanying rice on the side, but know that you will not want to waste any of that scrumptious sauce.

The Pad Thai is everything you would expect Pad Thai to be but with a slight difference. Brought to you with all ingredients separated for you to combine it yourself. The flavours were fresh and tasty. Add some of the condiments on your table to enhance the well balanced flavours to your liking, or leave it ad grab a curry to enjoy the two together. Very filling indeed and glad to be sharing, medium in spice but you can go out with a bang by adding more chilli kicks to the dish.

The Duck salad was refreshing and light. Sweetness from the lychee added additional flavours to the crispy skinned dick pieces which nestled combined the fresh sprouts, basil and other beautiful herbs.  We were pleased to hear that now that BangPop has settled in that they will be bringing out daily specials just like this to entice you for your return..... It has delivered and has worked.

Although the 3 of us were bursting at the seams you can never pass up dessert, and with my sister getting excited about seeing pandan on the menu (she has recently travelled to Malaysia) room was made.

On order was:
Saku Song Kreuang: Tapioca and pandan pudding with mango sorbet
Aye-Teem Song Kreung: Mango sorbet, peanuts, young coconut flesh and coconut juice
Aye-Teem Krungthep: Bangkok street ice cream selection

All desserts were a refreshing finish to the evening, and a true palate cleanser removing all chilli burns from your lips and mouth. The sorbets are truly extraordinary, true powerful flavours and if you ever have the lemongrass and lime you will understand what I mean by powerful. It's lip smacking!

 Our evening was sensational and I have to applaud the Mathis Group on converting what was once the Sharing House into something new and fresh on the streets of Melbourne.

The Crew at BangPop delivered nothing but spectacular service through out. Hamish and the entire Front of house crew are showing everyone what service in Hospitality is all about. Happy to talk to you, explain the dishes and more.  Head Chef Kam McManamey and the entire Kitchen crew are continuously serving you immaculate dishes to get you heart pumping with chilli sensations but over all fantastic flavour combinations that will make you return for more. It's won me over and there is no doubt in my mind that they will be seeing me back there soon.

BangPop

35 South Wharf Promenade

South Wharf, Melbourne

9245 9800

unPHOgettable

If anyone is looking for some top quality Vietnamese food I'd suggest for you to take a trip down High Street Prahran and nestle into Hanoi Hannah.

This quaint little place opening it's doors from 6pm is instantly full with foodies trying to get their hands on some very tasty dishes.

Arriving on a raining Tuesday evening at 6:15 their was already a 25 minute wait on a table unless wanting to bare the outdoors. With large heating outside their was nothing to do but to accept the challenge of the cold winds undercover and heating overhead as our stomachs were churning for some dinner.

To start off the evening in true Vietnamese style their was no way around it but to order some fresh coconut water, served in a young coconut. Delicious and soothing is all I can say with it's fresh sweet taste I really felt like I was on some tropical island far far away.

A first round of some dishes to share and to get us in the true spirits of the cuisine were duck paper rolls, salmon and green mango paper rolls, salt and pepper school prawns and some pork belly sliders.

Both the paper rolls hand made and packed with flavour. The salmon delicately cures with the subtle hints of fresh mango combined with herbs was refreshing and cleansing, along with the duck which was a little richer in flavours and served with a Peking sauce hit the spot perfectly. Served in lots of 2 you can sweet talk your waiter and help you out for an additional if your a table of 3 like us.

The school prawns would be one of my favourite dishes that I had during the night. Bite sized salt and pepper coated prawns, crispy and tasteful. Seafood lovers would find it easy to eat a plateful on their own or difficult to share amongst friends. Succulent and delicious, bring on the summer days and you'd be treating yourself to this and perhaps one of their alcoholic ginger beers and you would be whisked away from city life and taken away on a brief holiday.

Pork Belly Sliders were although not so much traditional Vietnamese, more like an American trend with Vietnamese flavours were still pretty yummy. Bite sizes, well actually 2 -3 bite sized buns filled with pork belly pieces, fresh cucumber and a tasty sauce. I myself would have preferred the pork to not have been so well cooked as it made it slightly difficult to eat or bite through, however tasty tasty tasty.

With plates from the first round were cleared we continues in the sharing of things and grabbed a rare beef with a seeded cracker and some soft shell crab.

The salad was Amazing to say the least. Fresh lime coriander and a hint of chilli shone brightly through the raw salad mix and the rare beef tender at best and small pieces that hit amongst the combination. The crackers added depth of texture and spooning the salad onto the cracker then eating it really made it a little challenging at times but gorgeous. True flavours of Asian cuisine came through on this one.

The soft shell crab had a similar coating to the school prawn from earlier, but the sweetness of the crab changed the overall flavours. Perfectly cooked, crunchy like a potato chip and not destroying the sweet crab flavours. served with an accompanying sauce and some fresh lime. If you have never tried soft shell crab, it's pretty great. The ability to eat this little creature with each section having completely different flavours is pretty amazing.

To complete our evening we had to test out the Pho. This is the first time of having Pho and I was pretty excited to finally have one.

Pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup and served with Asian basil, lime, spring onions and bean shoots. Choosing the mixed mushroom Pho, this smooth delicate vegetable broth over flowing with rice noodles and jam packed with mushrooms was pretty fantastic.

Each of us tried each others between the Beef, chicken and mushroom and each of them are just as tasty as each other. An additional plate of bean sprouts, lemon and Asian basil was serves to allow you to add as you choose. We also grabbed some fresh chilli which added that kick of heat. But be careful not to add too much maybe 3-4 pieces is plenty any more and you take the chance of destroying something beautiful. Although this big ginormous bowl looks mainly full of stock, don't jump the gun and think it's not going to fill you, cause it will. The noodles and protein/ veg will fill you up just as quickly as the restaurant fills up.

Hanoi Hannah is a great place for tasty dishes and helps the budgets with it's more than reasonable prices. Worth the wait if you head there later in the evening, but hey if you have to wait they will call you if you choose to go for a walk and grab a beer or vino down the road. They are hospitable which adds to the pleasurable evening, and if your local and don't want to wait then grab take away and enjoy in the comfort of your own home.

Hanoi Hannah

180 High Street

Prahran

9939 5181