StokeHouse (Melbourne)

One of the thing that i'm gonna miss Melbourne when i'm going back to KL for good is how you can spontaneously call for a beach outing, just for lunch.

It wasn't the best day for beach dayout seeing that it was almost 13 degrees during the day but it's a rare scene for Melbourne to have such a nice sunny but cold day nowadays. What's even rarer is the fact that me and Mr B were up early earlier that day for lunch. We don't wanna waste our precious sunny day, do we?

So i decided to bring him to his favourite St Kilda beach for lunchie. We settled for Stokehouse as Beach comber has became too frequently visit for lunch by the beach.

We had a special guest on that day, so we could only sit outdoor despite the cold wind almost ripping my skin off.. But it was all worth it..Facing the sea while sipping on beer (in my case, i had coffee).. I mean, wherelse can you have this kinda lunch back in Msia (other than Port Dickson which, let's not even go there yea?? hehe )

Our special guest for the post- Cookie dearie (she's not really a Yankee fans, if you ask me.. hehe)

People-watching is one of my favourite pastime. Isn't it amazing how you can try to put a story to each and everyone of their lifes flashing past in front of you?

The beautiful view from where we were seated..

His favourite beer that he ordered throughout his entire trip in Melbourne.. haha

Affogato for me.. This beats Cafe Barbera's hands down.. I'm sorry, i was meant to be loyal to you!! hehe

No surprises as to who ordered this Fish n Chips- definitely a man's choice

Batter was fried to its crisps, retaining the freshness of the fish. Yumz!!

 My steamed mussels. In hope that it would be similar to the one i had in Donovans.. Fat chance!! This was overpowered by the chopped onions, and borth is not even half as tasty.. Failed dish!!

Ms Crazieapple

Mr B in Da Haus!

I was looking forward more to the dessert- Chocolate Semi Freddo w. orange mascarpone. The strong rich dark chocolate taste is so overwhelming.. I lovehow the hint of orange taste is found in the midst of the chocolate!!  (though it's not best to be having ice-cream in a weather like this).. hehe  I was freezing my butt off.. Luckily the thoughtful people in the restaurant actually set up a little fireplace outdoor to warm our hands while mingling around..

StokeHouse

30 Jacka Blvd

St Kilda Victoria 3182

(03) 9525 5555

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Crazieapple Reviews: Donovans (melbourne)

Donovans, was one of my most memorable dining experience in Melbourne so far. I visited this awesome restaurant once last year during September for my younger sister's birthday along with my parents and i thoroughly enjoyed their food, service and ambience there.

It's really a pain in the arse having to book for a large group here for functions (even a table for 2 took Ching 1 week in advance to book it), so i was very excited and looking forward for my return when i was told that baby will be bringing me there for my birthday dinner (part 2)!!


We were ushered to their waiting couch while the customers were signing off their bills and leaving our reservation table to us. A very cosy little cottage design with a touch of vintage feel, aint it? The fireplace was just what i needed to keep me warm from the crazy bizarre Melbourne weather.

After a brief wait, we were led to our table, seated near the window view, overlooking St Kilda beach.

We ditched wine for the night and i opted for a Lychee Martini for a starter drink while the man ordered his favourite Peroni beer.

I knew exactly what i wanted for appetizer at the back of my head (memories from 1st visit)- Steamed mussel in the Spanish way with ancho chilli purée.

I absolutely loved every bits of it!!! The mussels didn't shrink in their sizes from the cooking (it normally does shrink a lot when we cook it right??) and the broth was so flavourful that the man licked his spoon clean!!

(Appetizer was shared between two as they are really generous with the portion)

Mains:

Victorian lamb two ways - roasted rump and slow cooked breast - with creamy mash and rosemary sauce

The man ordered this dish and loved it to its bits and pieces. He gave it a 10/10 from its taste to its flavour to how fairly it's done. The mash was done to its finest, retaining the taste of natural potatoes (not packet powder mashes) and with the compliment from the sauce, it was finger-licking good!!

Black Angus T-bone of beef from the Western District

I was quite disappointed with my dish to be honest. It was great in the sense that it could have been a flavoursome piece of steak, only if  it wasn't for the badly burnt surface and meat was far overdone than a "medium rare"

I know very well that i could have ask for an exchange or return the steak for another piece but i was really hungry and it took some time for the food to arrive, so it wasn't a choice for me then.

The sides that came with my steak: lettuce salad and herb fried potatoes

Wanna know why T-bone steak is called a t-bone? hehe

(very silly question, i know)

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It's because when u stripped it bare, you'll find the alphabet T!!

hahahahahahaha

Ok, that was some cheap laugh.. -.-

Excuse my retardness at this wee hour...

Birthday Girl -Me!!

The man was so satisfied with his meal that even paying the bills makes him happy!! haha

Donovans is really creating with their decorations.ck out their male's toilet

So ruggard eh?

On the very contrary, the female toilet looks like a fairy land garden!! So pweetty!!

Ratings:

Service: 9.5/10

(the attendants are too dedicated to their job!! So so professional and well-trained)

Ambience: 8/10

(it can get a bit too noisy due to high level of chatting conversations)

Food: 8/10

(it could have been perfect if its not for the burnt t-bone!!)

Overall: 8.5/10

(it's definitely a place worth the regular visit!!)

Crazieapple reviews: Cafe Vue

Had a really late "lunch" with Mellissa today at Cafe Vue.. We both had always wanted to give it a try since we've read on so many good things about it..

It was really a shame that i'm such a late wake-up person that my lunch time had to resolve to 4pm.. by the time we got there, the kitchen was already closed for lunch and the only option i had was to order from their Bar Menu which had really pathetic choices to order from..

I took a glance at the list of food and the word "wagyu" caught my attention, never fail to.. Without much hesitants, i ordered the wagyu beef burger right away while Mel only had a cup of coffee..

They serve Illy coffee at Cafe Vue. I asked for a skinny latte but was told that they have no skim milk!!!! @#$#@$@%#!! You mean there are still cafes that DO NOT sell skinny coffees in Melbourne?!?!?! How are you gonna serve health conscious people *cough*like me*cough* ?!?!?!

Coffee fanatic like Mel (and me) disapproved it-best not to order next time..

My so-called wagyu beef burger was another let-down.. Which part of this minced meat pate look like it's wagyu beef to you? it honestly just tasted like any other beef.. Not to mention, they were really stingy with their portion.. It was like a TOY for monster eater like me.. *blush*

Mellissa, behind those cheerful smile is the continuous rant about the hot weather.. hehe

Though it wasn't our best experience at Cafe Vue, we'll definitely come back some time soon for their dinner/breakfast (if we cana ever be awake for it).
*wink*

Café Vue

401 St Kilda RoadMelbourne

Phone: 03 9866 8055