Fritz Gelato - St Kilda

Voucher for: One complimentary GELATO CUP or CONE when another GELATO CUP or CONE of equal or greater value is purchased
Bought through: The Entertainment Book

Fritz Gelato - St Kilda

A summer's night in St Kilda means ice-cream for dessert! After a dinner at Mirka at Torlano, Alister and I headed over the road to the Fritz Gelato storefront I had spotted through our dining window.

Easy casual bench seating out the front, with other fast foodie options either side, you could guess it would be well trafficked during the day and on weekends, though a little quiet when we popped by mid-week.

No matter, the ice-creams we chose (double scoops at half the price!) were delicious, with Alister opting for a lip-puckering Blood Orange and Lemon Lime Bitter combo (which he said could have been a little more tart!); and my own creamy option of Honeycomb with White Chocolate and Raspberry. So yummy!
The honeycomb especially was well mixed throughout the milk chocolate and the two scoops were almost a meal by themselves (though of course, we shared). I don't know how people get through three scoops!

Pros: Impressive milk based, creamy gelato; lots of intriguing taste and flavours
Cons: Citrusy sorbets could have been more tart (according to Alister)

Yo-Zen Self Serve Frozen Yogurt - Camberwell

Bought through: Groupon
Voucher for: $20 to Spend on Frozen Yoghurt (bought for $10)

Yo-Zen Self Serve Frozen Yogurt

Such a hot, hot, hot day! Alister had been at a workshop for most of the weekend and with the promise of frozen yogurt, managed to muster just enough energy to join me at Yo-Zen (in fact, I think the mere thought of a frozen treat what what kept him going towards the end of that afternoon!)

With an expansive space that would probably easily accommodate a couple of primary school classes, and gorgeously streamlined design, we were well impressed with the interiors - and that was before we even got to sample the food.

Like sugar crystals falling from the sky, frozen yogurt parlours are threatening to run traditional ice-creameries and gelaterias out of Melbourne town. And while I love them all, there is no doubting yogurt's boast of probiotic goodness seems to be swaying our health-conscious angels into thinking these treats are all good. Well, maybe before you add all those tempting toppings...

But life is all about choices - healthy nuts and fruit + filling muesli and maybe just a touch of cacao nibs = a delicious occasional treat; everything else from the confectionery section... well, that's dessert!

The staffer behind the counter was helpful in explaining my voucher options and relayed a story about why he founded his shop. He has seen the bustling trade at Yo-Chi in St Kilda (yes, that place is standing room only after school pickup) and thought it would be a great idea to bring to Camberwell. If you build it, the sweet-toothed swarms will come.

Can you tell which was mine and which was Alister's? Hint: I'm a chocoholic

Pros: Easy to get to location; lots of space to accommodate large parties; a good variety of topping choices

Cons: None on this visit

Cocco Latte

Bought through: Living Social
Voucher for: High Tea for Two with a Selection of Sweet and Savoury Treats plus Pink Lemonade (Value $79.90)


Cocco Latte

Oh dear, this was definitely not a special occasion high tea. Compared to the wonderful spread I had at The Spot Tea Room in Caulfield, this was a very pale imitation, and one that would give you a red cordial headache to boot.

The location is nice enough, a reasonably expansive cafe located close to the Surrey Hills train station, and the proprietors have made a savvy decision in kitting out a good sized kids play area on site - it's not an IKEA ball park, but it should keep your little ones reasonably happy and occupied while the grown ups enjoy a cafe meal or coffee.

Alister and I were here to enjoy a lovely afternoon tea and were lucky enough to get a quiet interlude when we popped by on the weekend. 

Having booked in advance as requested by the voucher, we had a reserved table waiting by a well lit windowed corner of the cafe. The cafe seemed to unfortunately only have one type of tea (?), an ordinary black, so I decided to ask (and agreed to pay) for a skinny mocha instead as I confess a preference for Earl or Lady Grey tea. I had hoped to have a hot beverage included with this deal, but I understand that this is high tea not high coffee. 

The three-tiered platter arrived and I have to say, we were distinctly underwhelmed. Really, this was worth close to $80? I've seen better serves for less cost in the CBD!

The sandwiches were dull, other savoury appetizers looked to be from a box and not the Cocco Latte kitchens, and the sweet items on offer were so sugary they practically gave me a cavity just looking at them. And I have a sweet tooth - ask anybody! The rainbow sprinkled cake-pop brandishing a musk stick was pretty much inedible (though I can understand little ones might go nuts over its festive colours).

Our pink lemonade was not even store bought - just clear lemonade with food colouring that left a line of red on the inside of the glass - ick. 

What I was probably most disappointed about though, was the scones. 
I LOVE a good scone and it's one of my favourite indulgences for afternoon tea when I catch up with friends. My favourite is currently made to order at The Cup and Mug in Kew, and I love it with lashings of jam and cream (and extra strawberries if they're going!) 
This hard biscuit served up with a rubbery scoop of jam and cream so evaporative I suspect it came from a can is the sorriest scone I've seen in a good while. 
I have eaten better at MacCafe. All in all, the entire high tea was very dissatisfying.

Pros: A bustling location; a decent play area for children; nice interiors; and they let me have my coffee (which was quite nice) as part of the package when I went to pay for it 

Cons: I cannot recommend in any way this very disappointing high tea

Gringo Vibes Mexican Cantina

Bought through: Entertainment Book
Voucher for: 25% off the TOTAL BILL

Gringo Vibes

Tex Mex is probably one of the most popular go-to meal options for most Melbournians - drawn to the spicy freshness of cilantro and chilli, it's a filling feast with plenty of vegetarian options to boot.

My lovely pal Suzanne was performing as part of the Darebin Music Festival and after her fun and fantastic Tea for Two show, a few of us headed off for an early dinner down High Street.

Gringo Vibes looked busy and smelled delicious so Violeta, Michal, Alister and I managed to swoop in to just as a small group were vacating a front table. While the names were familiar from options seen at Mad Mex and the like, the Gringo Vibes house specials and versions were generously portioned and satisfying to the whole hungry crew of us. Even Michal and Alister, known to appreciate large portions, were impressed, and the taste sensations were lip-smackingly fresh and feisty.

Loved getting 25% off the total bill too - it made the good prices even more of a bargain!

Pros: Easy to find, reasonable parking, on the main High St in Northcote, delicious Mexican food at reasonable prices with generous servings

Cons: Might be too busy to get a table!



Chokolait at Emporium

Bought through: Ouffer
Voucher for: Chocolate Fix for Two People including Platter, Drinks and Take-Away Truffles. Valued at $64

Chokolait Emporium

I am such a chocoholic. Seriously, I have considered giving up "the food of the gods" for FebFast, or Lent, or just to see whether I can - and while it is possible for a short period of time (especially if I'm in a tropical country and have other novelty sweets to pursue) I always come back to the dark stuff. Always.

Chokolait, a boutique chocolatier which already has a successful store in the Hub Arcade of Little Collins St, has purloined some prime real estate at the Emporium CBD. Management must like chocolatiers as it looks like there will be dedicated temples to the dark stuff on every one of their glittering levels.

Chokolait Emporium looks like a whisky bar with is counter-programming colours highlighted by a black on brown textured finish. It's a reasonable size, but not overly expansive, so be prepared to be politely turned away if the place gets too busy, but don't cry, there's another chocolatier/ patisserie/ scone salon waiting to satisfy your sweet tooth not too far away.

The voucher I had was for a tasting platter accompanied by drinks and take-away truffles to boot and I was well impressed with all that was offered. The platter was a good size, the items a wonderful mix of chocolates, cakes and ices, and our drinks were delicious (though a touch gritty towards the end) but overall impressive to the eye. Our truffles, enjoyed later, were also of a delectable variety and elicited much mmmmm-ing with satisfaction.

A sense of humour and a dedication to the sweet palate had master chocolatier Ross popping out to personally deliver your platter and truffles (with a tip that the chocolate frogs are especially for the ladies); with an optimistic suggestion to socially share your theobromic high to all and sundry. Noted.

Pros: Tony location, generous platter with large drinks and extra truffles to take home; friendly staff; delicious offerings

Cons: None at this time

Ba'get

Bought through: Entertainment Book
Voucher for: One complimentary MAIN MENU ITEM when another MAIN MENU ITEM of equal or greater value is purchased. Valid for dine-in and takeaway

Ba'get

There's a fun eatery filled with tasty pho and delicious danishes just down the street from where I work. Ba'get is a concept borrowed from street food during the Indochine period in Vietnam when the French colonised this south-eastern nation and brought forth a fusion of cuisines that celebrated the best of both cultures.

I love pho - so fast and fresh - as does Alister when we caught up recently for a little lunch in the city. The space on Russell St is expansive, with small seats and tables for street dining outside during fine weather (if you don't mind a little traffic), and a reasonably sized interior area as well. 

Ba'get provide complimentary pandan tea in an urn in the centre of their store and the aroma transported me to Penang and Malaysia, it's a bouquet I've loved since childhood. The perfumes of Pan-Asia!

Both of us decided to get the Grilled Lemongrass Pork Bowl (snap!) which has rice vermicelli, pickled carrot and daikon, lettuce, cucumber, a bit of fried onion, coriander, Vietnamese mint, some regular mint, peanuts and fresh chilli - safe for gluten free-ers if you want an alternative to the baguette options. Filling with a great mix of flavours - there was definitely slurping with relish as we reached the bottom of our bowls!

Cute fixtures utilised upside down launder baskets as lights, while a glorious painted script on one of the main walls set the store apart overall in design from the fast food offerings that populate this Paris End of town. 

While you won't feel you can completely luxuriate in the surroundings - the space is not really set up as such - it is an enjoyable and appetising eatery to catch up with pals. 

Pros: Savoury and satisfying food with a fresh palate; good prices including a $5 morning coffee and danish offer; cute interiors and reasonable space for eating in

Cons: None at this time

Mealballs & Sons

Bought through: Ouffer

Voucher for: Enjoy Some of Melbourne's Finest Food in Trendy Fitzroy! Only $39 for a Meatball Feast for Two including Two Mains, Two Side Dishes, Two Desserts, and Two Glasses of Wine or Pints of Beer. Choose from a Tempting Menu Featuring Confit Duck, Slow Cooked Organic Lamb, Free Range Chicken and Much More. Valued at $88 - Top Rated on Urbanspoon


Meatballs and Sons

I love the signage for this eatery and the manager was the friendly, chatty sort, keen to impress the house beer to Alister - though truth be told, he was calmly nonplussed about the wheat beer bevvy on offer. 

I don't pretend to be any type of expert on alcohol so I demurred on this front and concentrated instead of the welcoming decor, staff and the bbq boisterous foodie options.

The offerings were certainly tasty to look at, and the menu seemed to be edging for a homestyle aw-shucks kinda feel - a little Americano, but mainly from their provisions personality write-ups.

We had chosen for our meatball mains: the skewered bourbon glazed pork with battered corn cobs; and the greek lamb with creamy Persian feta, baby spinach, olives and sun riped tomatoes. Both were tasty, with the pork the comfortable winner from a satisfying taste perspective. 

Our sides were the soccotash - a fabulous name for a simple dish of sweet corn with shell beans, some cut tomatoes and mixed capsicum; and the cauliflower gratin with aged cheddar that had Alister pronouncing that he needed to make this type of dish more often at home - it's simple, relatively healthy and absolutely delicious.

Now, as you may suspect, I quite delight in a dessert and our end notes were the homemade brownie with mascarpone and berry coulis; with Mum's home baked apple (mini) pie with custard layer and cream. Both were comfort food choices with the pastry of the pie being my favourite, though Alister was a little harder to please and found the overall meal, including dessert, enjoyable but not extraordinary. 

US homecooking flavours are filling and fine for me though, and I think this is a reasonable charmer with a easy smile and subtle surprises.

Pros: spacious decor with a warm welcome and a nostalgic Northern American nod in the menu; reasonable prices

Cons: homespun styled cooking may not be to everyone's taste

Cacao Green Swanton Street

Bought through: The Entertainment Book
Voucher for: One complimentary FROZEN YOGHURT when another FROZEN YOGHURT of equal or greater value is purchased

Cacao Green

Forget that it's on a crazy busy street that is probably one of the buzziest in Melbourne day and night, forget that the name doesn't refer to green chocolate (!) and more to a holistic and wholesome frozen yoghurt experience, and come for the absolutely delicious non-fat organic yoghurt that is free..! Of gluten, artificial preservative and high fructose corn syrup.

This location on Swanston St means there is always a sea of people on the pathways right outside it's entrance, but somehow this Cacao Green manages to recreate a little oasis of serenity with it's walled greenery and popping pearls of juicy fruits. 

Alister loves this place - the gypsy jazz fuels the beat of his heart and the yoghurt sweetens the palate most exurberantly. 

The staff are quite patient as you agonise over which toppings to choose, all the while you know that putting everything from that mini buffet will most likely overshadow the star attraction and look a mess besides - stick to complementary tastes and surprise yourself with textures.

Don't fret about missing out on something intriguing this time, there's always another warm day to look forward to, and hopefully a second voucher to enjoy with a two-for-one treat.

Pros: Easy to locate; a nice space in the rear of the store to enjoy your yoghurt and relax; absolutely delicious frozen yoghurt!

Cons: Swanston St is pretty busy, so go with the tide of people; hope that you can get a nice seat in the back area if others are planning on a fro-yo moment

The Australian Ballet - La Bayadere

Bought through: The Entertainment Book

Voucher for: One complimentary B or C RESERVE TICKET when another B or C RESERVE TICKET of equal or greater value is purchased - Valid for "La Bayadere" 28, 29 August and 2, 3, September 2014. Redeem after 1st April 2014

The Australian Ballet - La Bayadere

This voucher was soooo definitely worth it! Alister and I had fantastic B Reserve seats (normally ticketed at about $75 - $100 each) and the view was  superb. 
The full stage, clear and unobstructed at half the usual price.

The ballet itself was gorgeously filled with exotic costuming and sumptuous design, and it was the first time I had seen the Australian Ballet perform - having moved from Perth last year, I had previously enjoyed the creative and clever productions from the West Australian Ballet Company.

While the subject matter was a tragic Indian love affair - La Bayadere translates as, "The Temple Dancer", the choreography was quite European and the music serenely French in tone - I was secretly hoping for a touch of Bollywood rhythm, but alas, no authentic temple drums erupted with irrepressible south-Asian beats. 

This voucher does have a caveat - you can only use it for certain productions (and on certain days) that will be listed in The Entertainment Book at the time of printing - you may not be able to use it for just any Australian Ballet performance or throughout the full season.

I'm actually having some trouble finding out if I can use the Victorian Opera voucher for a show next year (still awaiting their consideration from their marketing team), but if you don't mind planning a little in advance this is still a very good deal and a great opportunity to see some world class performances affordably.

Alister and I had a great time at the ballet.

Pros: Half price seats to A-list performances at the Arts Centre Melbourne

Cons: Restrictions on productions and dates within that production

Thai Terrace

Bought through: The Entertainment Book - Melbourne 2014 / 2015

Voucher For: 25% off the total bill

Thai Terrace

My lovely housemate Ashleigh is off on an absolute adventure for the rest of the year - hitting the trek trail to Nepal, checking out meditative ashrams in Central Asia and rounding out 2014 with some time in Europe to maybe enjoy a magical white Christmas.

I thought it might be nice to have a "Happy Travels Ashleigh!" house meal together and as the girl in question is cheerfully vegetarian, Asian food is the perfect option to satisfy all appetites.

Thai Terrace, located in the small shopping village at the Earl St end of Pakingham St in Kew appears to have had a recent refurbishment, and has not only retained it's customers but added to its clientele. 

The warm exotic browns decorating their interior dining area signalled the equatorial tropics and the piquant smells that envelope you upon entry made your tastebuds salivate in anticipation of dishes to enjoy.

The staff were attentive and accommodating, and reminded me of my trip to Thailand where I found the general population full of gentle and sociable smiles towards visitors to their country.

With our party of eight, we were a fairly big table, and the place was pretty busy even mid-week; however I've mostly subscribed to the etiquette that booking in advance will afford you all courtesy, and we had a prime location in the main front section of the restaurant. 

All dishes sampled by my table, be there individually or shared were pronounced as seriously delish, with heavy sighs of appreciation for tropical tastes not usually entertained in the winter months.

I had bought a surprise rainbow cake from Breadtop for Ashleigh (the 2014/15 Entertainment Book has a 25% discount voucher for their gateaus) and Thai Terrace were marvellous in presenting it on a lovely platter and supplying cutlery and crockery for the table with no whisper of cakeage (which personally would make me think rather negatively towards any establishment seeking to retain and cultivate customers). 

Breadtop's sponges are so light, I almost felt like I was ingesting air! The rainbow layers brought forth squeals of delight from the table (dominated by women) and they had flourished it's pristine snow surface with a "Have a wonderful trip Ashleigh!" chocolate plaque.

The whole evening was full of warmth, lightness and joy - a perfect celebration send-off for a gorgeous gal.

Pros: lovely, warm interiors; family friendly and helpful staff; many delicious dishes to satisfy vegetarians and omnivores alike

Cons: None on this occasion 

Me N Roll

Bought through: Scoopon (by Awesome Alister)
Voucher for: All you can eat sushi feast for 2 people (two vouchers)

Me N Roll

Do you like sushi? Enough to relish an all-you-can-eat rice roll-tacular? Well, have I found the place for you!

Me N Roll, a recent addition to the burgeoning Asian food experience that makes up Hawthorn's Glenferrie Shopping Strip, is located close to Swinburne University with reasonable parking to be found at Hawthorn Arts Centre. 

I have to say, I did have some problems making the initial booking over the phone with the voucher Alister provided for me - there is a 90 minute session for the all-you-can-eat option, and Me N Roll are quite insistent that you get there right on your booking. There have been complaints previously from customers who felt they didn't get enough time to gorge on the sushi buffet train before close of evening. Our initial plans with one couple for an 8.30pm meet had fallen through, so we managed to satify the protocol and properly confirm to Me N Roll's suggested booking time of 8.00pm and take full advantage of that strict window before their 9.30pm closing.

The location itself has a small face on Glenferrie Road, but opens to a decent dining size with charmingly cute kawaii touches throughout, a perfect location for Alister and I to chance to catch up with my friend Sarah (who lived and worked in Japan with the JET program) and her Australian-Japanese pal Haruko. 

Onto the food! Now, you get a choice of 4 sushi variations for the table to start off with, but you can only get an extra plate when you finish a platter. The portion sizes were generous, however you had to keep to the options available on their B and C lists. Diners could also help themselves to miso soup from an urn, and table water was provided and easily accessible.

Intrigued by the menu, I decided to try out one of the fruity rice wines and was pleasantly surprised when it arrived in a nostalgic bottle with enough for the whole table to enjoy (though it was mainly Alister and I sipping the blueberry sake shake with lip-smacking relish). 

Having arrived a little ahead of Sarah and Haruko and getting picture peckish from the menu, Alister and I had hungrily chosen four rolls to start off with that we thought everyone might enjoy. We then got egg on our face when Sarah and Haruko arrived - turns out Haruko is vegetarian! Cringe! Thankfully we managed to finish one platter super quick and she proceeded to order one of about four vegetarian sushi options from the lists.

Overall, a pretty decent taster voucher for some fun, filling food and sweet service, definitely worth a visit back to try out more of the menu.

Pros: conveniently located in the Glenferrie Shopping street in Hawthorn; delicious food; yummy fruity sake

Cons: was a bit hard to book in initially; some of the sushi variations might be a bit adventurous in taste and texture; early closing times 

Grafali's Speciality Coffee

Bought through: Living Social (by Awesome Alister)

Voucher for: Brunch and Juice or Coffee for Two ($19), Four ($35) or Six ($55) at Social Media Fave

Grafali's Speciality Coffee

Sundays are made for brunch. Don't you think? You get to sleep in, wake up when you like and potter down to a happy cafe with absolutely no intention of counting calories or stressing about what's in the pantry. Love it!

Awesome Alister treated me on my birthday weekend to a morning meal at Grafali's, located close to the Punt Road end of Bridge Road and one of the few cafes open on a Sunday (this area must be more trafficked during the work week).

Bright and airy with a European feel to the decor, the speciality of the house appeared to be Belgian waffles, but I'm more a of savoury gal for breakfast and instead chose poached eggs and salmon with beetroot, spinach and hash browns. Alister had one of the breakfasts on the menu and coffees were also included in the voucher.

I would say the meals were fine, but not especially outstanding. They both seemed to get cool fairly quickly (maybe the chilly weather?) And as a result I didn't manage to finish all of my dish. Alister also seemed rather nonplussed about his breakfast. The looked lovely plated up though.

The cafe does have lots of lovely sweet selections on offer and of course, it is always an occassion to have a Belgian waffle, so I think I might give this cafe another try in the future.

Pros: Nice staff; good selection of pretty cakes and pastries; an opportunity to walk off your meal window shopping along Bridge Road

Cons: our meals got cold fairly quickly

Table By S

Bought through: LivingSocial (by Awesome Alister)

Voucher for: Korean Fusion Stone Grill and Share Plate Degustation for Four with a Stone Grill and Share Dish per Couple plus a Tapas Dish and Wine or Beer per Person ($98 - value $231.40) - 97% Rating on Urbanspoon!

Table By S

I recently had one of the best surprises of my life. 

It was my birthday weekend, and I thought I was headed for a lovely date night with Alister to new Korean hot (s)pot, Table By S.

Though a little off the dining beaten track on Peel St - normally a relatively lively area during the day due to it's proximity to the Queen Victoria Markets - I'm always happy to try something foodie new and different, and of course, it was my birthday! 

The chilly night's air was completely forgotten the moment we stepped through the entry and a sociable babble permeated throughout the restaurant's open plan setting with direct views to the kitchens at the far end of the space. 

Heaters throughout kept the Melbourne artic temps at bay and there were little spot fires everywhere as the speciality of the house was food cooked on a Korean stone grill, a spectacular way to entertain diners and have them salivating in anticipation.

My first twig that something was afoot was that the table we were presented to was rounded by four seats. Interesting... but I was maybe thinking, so they didn't have any other place settings, though the restaurant was pretty busy. Then my good friend Suzanne unexpectedly turned up. Wow! This was great! I hadn't expected to see her and it was a lovely surprise. I guess it crossed my mind that maybe someone else might be joining us, but I didn't think too hard about it, I was busy admiring Suzanne's fun gifts of disco ball earrings and a costume saloon shot garter presented in a pretty ceramic bowl. 

Gorgeous Jessica and I

Then it happened. I had a tap on my shoulder and there, grinning like a Cheshire cat that got the cream was my gorgeous pal Jessica, who had flown in from Perth to surprise me!! 

It was amazing... It was overwhelming...! I think I must have squealed a little (witnesses say a lot), and laughed and cried all at the same time. I just couldn't believe it! I was wondering, where am I? I thought I was in Melbourne, but Jess lives in Perth... am I now in Perth? No, she's in Melbourne! Squee...! Seriously, one of my best. birthdays. ever. Thank you so much everyone.

After that, the excitement levelled out a little (though I kept poking Jess occassional throughout the evening just to remind myself that yes, she was real and here in Melbourne), and our meal was organised and set up in earnest. We had a helpful and hilarious waitress who looked like the younger sibling of funny and fiesty comedian Margaret Cho. She was great and guided us with descriptions for the feast to come. 

And the food...! Korean tapas style dishes whetted the appetite, and generous portions from the stone grill and share plates would almost have been too, too much, however married friends Violeta and Michal turned up just in time from an after-work seminar and brought an end appreciation to the meal to do it justice.

We got our spectacular table show (round of applause everyone!) and meats galore to make any culinary carnivore happy. All in all, an absolutely awesome night!

Pros: generous portions; intriguing tapas and taste combinations; helpful and personality plus waitstaff; warm, popular setting and seating

Cons: a little off the beaten Melbourne CBD dining track (hidden gem!); bring your appetite else suffer from can't-eat-anymore regret