March 30, 2008: De Orchid Ii

Spicy Junction) had been a chip of a letdown, therefore it was wonderful to teach dorsum to De Orchid together with discovery 3 to a greater extent than delicious takeaway vego curries for our delectation. We decided to essay out totally dissimilar carte items to final time, going for: a serve of samosas ($3), daal maharani ($8), pumpkin masala ($8.90), navaratan korma ($8.90) together with a roti breadstuff ($2).

The samosas were a fairly measure smoothen vegie mush, amongst a generous scattering of coriander seeds throughout together with a lemon-minted raita. Very tasty. The daal was thick amongst chunky lentils, had a mild flavor together with to a greater extent than or less easily dodgable chunks of fresh tomato. It was in all probability a lilliputian on the stodgy side, but that's what yous desire from a daal really.

The 2 vegie dishes were the stars: the korma had the finely chopped vegies that equally good easily remind me of frozen mixed vegies, but were much to a greater extent than plainly freshly chopped than Spicy Junction's efforts. The flavor was also to a greater extent than impressive - well-spiced together with creamy. The description inward the carte promises dried fruit, but Cindy together with I only noticed i sultana betwixt us. Which wasn't actually a occupation - sultanas inward curry remind me equally good much of here.

Another affair nosotros discovered on their takeaway menu: De Orchid's website.

Update 4/9/09: After beingness 'temporarily' shut for close on a year, De Orchid has of late reopened. My offset impression: things direct keep gone downwards loma - but we'll in all probability rank them to a greater extent than or less other direct chances together with write a proper review.

Update 10/2/10: It appears that De Orchid is no to a greater extent than at this address. There's an Indian eating seat amongst a dissimilar cite inward its place, together with we've non notwithstanding tried it. It's unclear whether the De Orchid has changed names, changed locations or disappeared entirely.

April 19, 2008: Ying Thai 2

I've visited Ying Thai two on several occasions, silent this is the commencement fourth dimension it has appeared on this blog. The meals I've had at that spot possess got been spontaneous outings amongst friends but non a camera, or on lazy nights amongst Michael when fifty-fifty photographing the nutrient feels similar likewise much work.

This occasion was instead a lazy Sat luncheon with a camera. I picked Ying Thai because I similar their reduced-portion, reduced-cost luncheon specials.

Although at that spot are noodles as well as soups as well as stir-fries available, it's all near the curry really. Michael had the vegetable Kao Gang Dang (red curry, $8.90), amongst rice. He lapped it upward equally happily equally he does most curries, remarking on the generous provide of tofu.

I ordered the vegetable Kao Gang Panang ($9.90), copping the extra $1 inwards toll for the luxury of roti instead of rice. I honey dipping it inwards the spicy kokosnoot milk broth, though it does larn a fleck oily as well as it's hard to larn through all the sauce inwards this way. It's best undertaken when you've convinced your eating companion to club rice as well as become halves! (See above.)

Ying Thai two is loud as well as a footling obnoxious, all fluorescent colours as well as yelling over the vibrations as well as busy, somewhat inattentive staff. But it has reinvigorated my gustatory modality for Thai manner curries, as well as I require heed that it's genuinely quite authentic. We're lucky to possess got it inwards our neighbourhood.

Edit 16/06/08: We were dorsum to possess got payoff of the luncheon particular concluding Sat as well as discovered subsequently ordering that the vegetable curries genuinely incorporate fish sauce. Damn! No to a greater extent than Kao Gang Panang for me.

Address: 110 Lygon St, Carlton
Phone: 9639 1697
Licensed as well as BYO wine
Price: veg luncheon specials $7.90-9.90

April 27, 2008: Shakahari Iv

recently wrote close tempeh, Sarah mentioned how much she liked the tempeh laksa at Shakahari. Even though we'd never seen it on the card ourselves, Michael had said before inward the even out how much he'd similar laksa as well as he got lucky - at that topographic point it was on the card tonight! This is the Green Laksa Siam ($18.50) - greenish tea soba noodles, spinach, mushroom as well as sprouts inward a kokosnoot broth of Thai herbs as well as spices; it is topped amongst seitan, tofu as well as tempeh strips. It was a large meal, fifty-fifty for Michael, as well as amongst quite a spicy kick.

our real origin visit to this restaurant. These are "deep fried skewers of edible bean curd, seitan, onion as well as capsicum dressed amongst an addictive mildly spiced peanut sauce. It comes amongst pickles as well as turmeric rice." The satay sticks sure lived upward to the description, as well as my best justice is that the pickles were reddish cabbage, ginger as well as radish. These earthy slices of ginger were something exclusively dissimilar to the slivers served amongst sushi!

Katy's top dog degree was the Croquette Madam Fang that I had last time - how could she lead anything else later I raved close the kumquat chilli sauce? Also on the card were Angel Jewels (a tagine of reddish quinoa, roasted vegetables as well as toasted almonds), the Bandit Queen (a plate of Indian delights), the Rustichella Linguini (the impressive pasta of Michael's previous meal) as well as Black Olive Passion (a most fusion-like paella incorporating dashi, olives, chickpeas, cashews as well as lemon).

first, second as well as third raves.)

May 4, 2008: Due North Cafeteria

North is belike the trendiest cafe on the Rathdowne Village strip inwards Carlton North, amongst fashionable piddling sketches roofing the walls in addition to a hip but laid-back vibe. We stumbled inwards at 9:30 on a Lord's Day morning time to run into Mike in addition to Jo in addition to had no problems getting ourselves a prime number table.

A Minor Place. These came amongst herbs in addition to silverbeet in addition to were served upward on some delicious sourdough toast. They were great, amongst some bits of leek thrown inwards in addition to some herbaceous flavours. Even so, I intend beans are belike best suited equally a side - it was all a flake much for me yesteryear the end.

Cindy maintained the vaguely salubrious subject (I'm considering my breakfast's lack of eggs 'healthy') amongst porridge ($7.90), filled amongst dates, apples, walnuts in addition to cinnamon. There were enough of walnuts in addition to apple tree pieces to aid forestall the green mid-porridge boredom, in addition to Cindy establish it all filling without existence overly stodgy.

North is some other venture local breakfast selection - the service was friendly in addition to efficient, the card was varied in addition to veg-friendly. It's belike non inwards the superlative tier, but its a comfortable, well-located in addition to tasty house good worth some other visit. We genuinely are blessed amongst breakfast options simply about these parts.

Address: 717 Rathdowne Street, North Carlton
Phone: 9348 1276
Price: Veg breakfasts $4.50-$13.50

May 10, 2008: Cafe Italia

Update 27/1/2019: Cafe Italy is permanently closed.

Thai, Vietnamese together with Indian every bit options, but Jens had a hearty appetite together with a preference for Italian together with therefore I suggested nosotros drive to larn a tabular array at Cafe Italia. Set inwards a laneway away from the spruikers on Lygon St, it however has no problem attracting diners through its unopen doors. In summertime the opened upwardly courtyard is delightful together with inwards wintertime the same expanse is snugly unopen up, housing simply every bit many people.

Cafe Italia's card is adequate for vegetarians if non inspiring. There's bruschetta or dips to start, plenty of side dishes, iv pasta plates together with a pizza on offer. Disappointingly the mushroom risotto is made with non-vegetarian stock, but the waitstaff are clued upwardly plenty to know that form of thing. (On a previous take in a waiter offered, without whatsoever provocation from me, to respect out what form of stock was inwards the soup of the day. I was impressed.)

We concentrated on the primary courses but it took real footling coaxing from our waiter to accept us get-go with a pizza aglio (sliced garlic, body of body of water salt, rosemary together with olive oil, $6.50). It was the perfect portion to portion alongside the iv of us; together with therefore hot together with fresh together with salty, leaving me appetised together with corking for the side past times side round.

Michael ordered the agnolotti (jumbo spinach ricotta pasta with napoli sauce together with shaved parmesan, $19.50). While he enjoyed it, he was disappointed that it didn't quite fill upwardly him (and at that price). Before I was one-half agency through Michael was already casting scheming eyes over my plate!

It was total of fettucine pesto (fresh basil, pino nuts, a deport upon of cream together with cheese, $17.50). While it was a fleck oily, I couldn't larn over the soft tenderness of the pasta - ane of the best I've e'er eaten. (Between my meals hither together with at the Corner, I may accept to rethink my skepticism of restaurant-prepared pasta.) Even so, I didn't heed sharing a fleck with Michael since it left opened upwardly the possibility of dessert.

In detail I'd heard proficient things well-nigh Cafe Italia's tiramisu ($10.50) together with bullied Carol into sharing a acre with me. It was the existent deal, together with the ideal pick-me-up earlier embarking on our belatedly motion painting session.

I wouldn't strongly recommend Cafe Italy to an adventurous vegetarian, specially given that Shakahari is solely a curt walk away. The card doesn't offering whatsoever surprises together with the prices are a footling steep. Yet the nutrient together with surrounds are a footing of lineament away from the Lygon St hussle. It's a pleasance to portion it with carnivorous company.

Address: 56-66 University St, Carlton
Ph: 9347 0638
Fully licensed
Prices: veg mains $16.90-19.50
Website: www.cafeitalia.com.au

June 12, 2008: Hotel Lincoln Ii

our final catch to the Hotel Lincoln in addition to this fourth dimension it proved to live a cosy in addition to convenient environs for dinner amongst Marty in addition to Mike. The bar is pop in addition to the adjoining dining expanse every bit good fills up, though the tables are generously spaced. H5N1 peek downward the corridor reveals to a greater extent than tables, these covered amongst white linen.

The card changes seasonally, though the proportion of vegetarian options remains fairly constant - dahl in addition to naan ($13) appears on the bar menu, piece the eatery offers 1 meat-free entree in addition to 1 main.

last time, but I relished every mouthful of the rich sauce in addition to strong mushrooms. Though this would bring been filling plenty on its own, the lightly dressed dark-green salad was a expert selection for balance.

This is Michael's main, the vegetarian plate ($23.50): cummin spiced carrots, dark-green leeks in addition to sauce gribiche, mushroom in addition to chestnut pithivier. Though it was all real tasty, the fancy advert in addition to serving size didn't quite seem worth it - for sure non $8.50 to a greater extent than than my delectable pasta.

One matter does seem to bring changed since final twelvemonth - Hotel Lincoln right away has its ain website!

June 14, 2008: Markov House Iii

Edit 23/01/2018: Markov Place has closed, the premises is instantly occupied by The Moor's Head.

the restorative ability of cocktails, I kicked off the eve with a vodka, pear together with cardamom concoction together with was duly rewarded with a cool but comfortingly spicy beverage.

Markov is currently offering plates of vegetarian paella to share. Studded with wide beans, babe greenish beans, grape tomatoes together with goats curd, it's a nourishing meal. You involve a minimum of 2 people to order, together with you'll last charged $25 per person. Lovely equally it was, this seems a petty expensive for what's offered: spell Michael together with I were good fed, 3 girls farther downwards the tabular array received the same constituent to portion betwixt them together with were charged, yes, $75.

If naught else that ensured room for dessert, a starting fourth dimension for me at Markov! I chose the honeycomb parfait ($11), an incredibly buttery iced dessert with an intense season of honey, from both inside the parfait together with from the adornments. The twirly wafer offered a welcome chip of crunch, though no refuge from the sweetness.

For the other desserters 4 plates of the chocolate pudding were brought out ($11 each), each i shared with at to the lowest degree 2 people. Though it looked similar a fairly touchstone dessert, these elicited multiple petty moans some the table. The molten chocolate pudding had that adult, bittersweet seize with teeth together with the icecream was besides of high quality. Perhaps the pocket-sized paella proportions were a approbation inwards disguise!

(You tin read nigh our previous visits to Markov Place here together with here.)

March 31, 2009: Norsiah's Kitchen

We've been visiting Norsiah's Kitchen occasionally on lazy weeknights to grab some cheap, tasty too fast dinners but the blogging gods conduct maintain conspired against us - no camera, no peanut sauce available or simply a lack of enthusiasm. This fourth dimension nosotros came prepared. The carte du jour is reasonably veg-friendly, amongst rice too noodle dishes, gado gado too a hit of Norsiah's specials.

The star of the carte du jour is the sweetness soy too peanut sauce, that gets slathered over our favourite dish - the Tahu Telur (deep fried tofu inward eggs amongst vegetables amongst the soy too peanut sauce, $7.50).

This is a rich, peanutty sauce, amongst a hint of spice too sweetness. It's clearly non skillful for you, amongst shimmery bits of fossil oil inward the sauce too thick chunks of eggy batter around the tofu. The sprinkling of sprouts too cucumber on operate yesteryear assistance us pretend that it's non killing us, but it's belike best enjoyed periodically.

The sauce is best soaked upwards amongst some rice, too the nasi goreng sayur (fried rice amongst vegetables too tofu - $7) is simply the ticket.

The rice too tofu conduct maintain a calorie-free spiciness, which is milder than the to a greater extent than powerful peanut soy suace. The tofu is liberally sprinkled throughout the rice, making it a real satisfying repast on its own. Adding a few spoonfuls of the peanut sauce from the tahu telar takes it to a whole novel delicious level.

Norsiah's is a pretty unassuming house - all plastic chairs too newspapers from January, but it's most ever total of students too locals - it's slowly to come across why, amongst massive too tasty meals for less than $8.

Address: 604 Swanston Street, Carlton
Ph: 9347 7079
Prices: $2-$7.50

April 9-13, 2009: Easter Eats

Christmas, Easter was a fourth dimension of sharing recipes in addition to restaurants nosotros already know in addition to love.

• On Th night, I bought my blood brother a belatedly pub repast at the East Brunswick Club afterwards he made the nerve-wracking campaign due south from Tumut;
• On Friday, Carol brought over a bottle of blood-red in addition to I cranked out roughly pizzas. We finished upwards amongst icecream.
• Dinner on Fri nighttime was at Sue's, where my Dad in addition to his married adult woman were staying. While they generously catered, I delivered an Easter packet of golden bars, grubs in addition to carrot cake biscuits.
• On Dominicus nighttime I cooked a comforting 'meat'-and-veg repast for blood brother Liam, featuring vegan sausage rolls; he was oblivious to his offset ingestion of tofu.
• Monday night? Dinner amongst Dad in addition to Anne at Shakahari. The croquettes were mildly disappointing, the laksa excellent, in addition to I lastly sampled the tofu caramel:
  

While the tofu was every bit shine in addition to creamy every bit I'd dreamed, the electrical sweetness of the candied pistachios came every bit a shock. H5N1 welcome one.

The residue of the weekend I worked. Reluctantly, but steadily. It would convey been lonelier if it wasn't for our other houseguest, Missy:

(That's the reproachful hold back of a truthful cat who knows I shouldn't live checking my Yahoo account.)

October 22, 2009: Indya Bistro Ii

Edit 22/12/11: Indya Bistro is straight off closed. It's been replaced yesteryear approximately other Indian eating theater called Ganesha.

Our start experience was sure enough pleasant enough, as well as we'd received comments indicating that the carte du jour has expanded since then. It has indeed - there've been a few alterations to the entrees (no to a greater extent than Bombay fries!), spell the divulge of primary courses to pick out from has almost doubled. If anything, it looks a picayune to a greater extent than similar the typical Indian takeaway carte du jour as well as a picayune less similar a modern reinterpretation of Indian cuisine. Nevertheless, the odd as well as irresistable gobi florets ($7) are all the same at that topographic point - hooray!

The Diwani Handi Delight has been renamed the mixed vegetable sabzi as well as goes for $3 less ($15). It all the same tastes great, with Mike deeming it his favourite of the night. This is high praise, since all of us agreed that the paneer as well as spinach please ($15, a long-term Indian favourite with the group) was in all probability the best we'd e'er tasted - it was terrifically creamy as well as in all probability dreadfully unhealthy! The novel malai kofta ($15, approximately other of our Indian repast yardsticks) was also lovely. We mopped those thick, delicately spiced sauces with basmati rice ($4), garlic naan ($4) as well as kashmiri naan ($4).

On paper, I wouldn't get got expected to larn an Indya Bistro regular - the vegetarian options aren't likewise dissimilar from the norm as well as damage a few dollars to a greater extent than than usual. But they're easily the tastiest inwards the neighbourhood! Next fourth dimension we're inwards the mood for Indian takeaway, we'll almost sure enough survive ordering it from Indya Bistro.

____________

You tin hand the sack read well-nigh our previous watch to Indya Bistro here.

____________

Indya Bistro straight off get got a website: www.indyabistro.com.au.

August 28, 2009: Indya Bistro

Edit 22/12/11: Indya Bistro is instantly closed. It's been replaced past times unopen to other Indian eating theatre called Ganesha.

Rathdowne Street Foodstore too Black Ruby opened upwards for dinner, too the commons suspects similar Zum Zum bubbling along. Amidst it all was a construct novel place: Indya Bistro, a fancy looking Indian restaurant.

It was pretty quiet, amongst a few curious diners taking upwards unopen to of the tables, too friendly staff greeting us too ushering us to ane of spare tables. The carte is quite pocket-size for an Indian restaurant, without the dozens too dozens of curries yous popular off at a cheaper takeaway place. For the non-meat eaters, at that spot are fifty-fifty fewer choices: 5 entrees too iv mains.

Cindy, typically, was much to a greater extent than excited past times the entrees than the mains, too was peculiarly taken past times the hope of 'Mumbai fries' ($7) - crunchy white patato masala fries, Bombay style.

cheap takeaways, tiffins too homemade alternatives.

Address: 643 Rathdowne Street, Carlton North
Ph: 9347 6387
Price: Vegie entrees $7, vegie mains $15-$18
Unlicensed (for now)

August 29, 2009: 7 Seeds

Nugmeg, Claire, several by Ryan but a google search of seven seeds carlton turns upwards fifty-fifty more.

Dench's fine, fine baked goods. What's nominally the breakfast carte du jour is an all-vegetarian line-up of pastries, toast, muesli, sweetness as well as savoury, as well as for 'lunch' there's a pick of 5 hot pressed sandwiches (one vegetarian). Actually the entire menu's available whenever the kitchen's opened upwards as well as thus there's no ask to larn uptight almost the fourth dimension as well as type of repast you're after.

What you lot run into upwards in that place is that 1 vego toastie - Dench's supernaturally awesome grainy bread, buttered as well as toasted as well as filled amongst a judicious smattering of pecorino, dukkah, sage as well as lemon zest ($9.50). The side salad is a overnice touch, lightly dressed as well as scattered amongst sesame seeds. If e'er a toastie was worth a tenner, it is this one.

Michael ordered the 'savoury breakfast': a plate of fetta, avocado, toasted seeds, walnut fossil oil as well as to a greater extent than of that crazy grainy breadstuff ($11). It's around other plateful of flavours I love, amongst the seeds as well as the greens as well as the lemon keeping everything lively as well as non over-the-top rich.

Speaking of over-the-top rich, I've got my oculus on their 'sweet breakfast': French-toasted brioche amongst pear, ricotta, toasted almonds as well as maple ($11)... though given Seven Seeds' cracking restraint inwards the dishes nosotros did try, I'm hoping the brioche volition examine to endure just-the-ticket rich.

Address: 114 Berkeley St, Carlton
Phone: 9347 8664
Unlicensed
Price: low-cal meals $3.50-$11
Website: www.sevenseeds.com.au

November 21, 2009: Natural Tucker Bakery

comment from Craig suggesting that at that topographic point were to a greater extent than top-notch vegan pies to last had inwards the inner-north. Following his lead, I made my agency to La Panella as well as especially Funky Pies attain awesome pastry that happens to last vegan.

awesome vegan pies. I intend I'm basically looking for something to supersede inwardness pies inwards my diet, as well as thus pies similar these that are amount of chunky vegetables, piece no incertitude healthier, are never going to tick all my boxes.

Address: 809 Nicholson Street, Carlton North
Ph: 9387 3930
Price: Pies - $4.95
Website: http://www.naturaltuckerbakery.com.au/

September 16, 2009: Bande A Business Office Pizza

December 31, 2012: Bande Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 Part is no longer trading.

Pizza Meine Leibe inward Northcote, but the house has a few problems: it's besides far away for a lazy nighttime out in addition to you lot in all probability necessitate to mass to brand certain you'll larn a table. Problem solved! Bande a Part inward North Carlton is a Meine Leibe's closer, emptier sister. We turned upwardly amongst Mike in addition to Jo on a Midweek eve in addition to had our selection of tables inward the spacious in addition to trendy interior.

The friendly staff rapidly had us sipping our commencement beers in addition to perusing the long in addition to varied menu. After a brief ability struggle, nosotros agreed to social club 4 vego pizzas to share, along amongst a duet of salads to hand us the illusion of nutrition.

The commencement salad (Ms Pink, $9.50) was a delicious concoction of radicchio in addition to greenish leaves, orange, beetroot in addition to blood-red onion, dressed inward a blood-red vino veaigrette. Despite the protestations of around at the tabular array that fruit doesn't belong inward salads, this was a hitting - sweetness in addition to tangy plenty to cutting through all the delicious pizza grease.

The instant salad, ordered for the Ms Pink naysayer, was a typical rocket in addition to parmesan job. It was a generous plateful, in addition to 1 nosotros mightiness non convey ordered if we'd realised that 1 of our pizzas would await similar this:

The plain of dreams ($15) is a pretty measure vego pizza of mushroom, buffalo mozzarella in addition to garlic, amongst a pile of rocket in addition to parsley popped on overstep for around textural variety. As amongst all the pizzas, the base of operations was perfectly cooked, in addition to all the ingredients were tasty - but on the whole this was in all probability the to the lowest degree memorable of the iv pizzas nosotros ordered.

Next upwardly was the eggplant pizza ($13) ,with roasted eggplant, Lycopersicon esculentum sauce, fio di latte, pesto in addition to semi-dried tomatoes. This was an outstanding flavor combination - the slightly smokey eggplant working surprisingly good amongst the pesto in addition to semi-dried tomatoes.

I Carusi's broccoli pizza is the Greenpeace ($13), although Bande a Part add together tellegio in addition to silverbeet to the mix piece dropping off the chilli. Whether it quite measured upwardly to the simpler broccoli, lemon in addition to chilli combo of the Holmes Street pizzeria was contested, but the fact that nosotros were fifty-fifty talking nearly them inward the same breath is high praise indeed.

Finally, something a flake wacky: the bluish velvet ($15), amongst mozzarella, bontazola bluish cheese, spud in addition to soused pear (Mike in addition to Jo were form plenty to inquire for the measure prosciutto from this pizza to endure served on the side). This was in all probability the star of the show, amongst the pungent bluish cheese applied amongst appropriate restraint in addition to the sweetness pears taking the border off perfectly.

Bande Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 Part is non a inexpensive local pizzeria for evenings when cooking is besides much hassle, it's targeting the same marketplace every bit the I Carusis, Pizza Meine Leibes, DOCs in addition to Oskars of the world, in addition to it's delivering the goods impressively. It's fantastic to convey a delicious pizza house nearby that you lot tin flame basically walk into in addition to larn a table. The service is corking in addition to the pizzas are competitive amongst the places listed above. It's surprising that, despite existence opened upwardly for to a greater extent than than 6 months, this house has developed real petty buzz (e.g. this is the exclusively vaguely relevant spider web review I tin flame find). Here's hoping they keep a prissy balance: successful plenty to remain open, but non in addition to thus successful that nosotros can't simply stroll upwardly in addition to start eating.

Address: 749 Nicholson Street, North Carlton
Ph: 9388 8950
Licensed
Prices: Small vegie pizzas - $11-$15; large - $16-$20; salads - $8-$12

November 30, 2009: Animate Existence Orchestra

It's funny that this is the start fourth dimension we've blogged Animal Orchestra. Michael as well as I start encountered this cosy cafe earlier we'd fifty-fifty moved to Melbourne; nosotros were staying at an antiquated hotel downwardly the street spell help a conference as well as stopped at that topographic point for several lovely breakfasts. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 converted terrace identify amongst calm grin staff, charming slice of furniture as well as trendy academic customers, Animal Orchestra seemed similar the form of cafe that was typical of Melbourne as well as nowhere to locomote institute inwards our hometown of Brisbane. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 twelvemonth later, right away living nearby, this was where Michael start sampled his electrical flow breakfast favourite, baked eggs.

I don't mean value the carte has changed much inwards the intervening years, but nor create I mind. For dejeuner there's a blackboard of panini, including ii vegetarian options - grilled veges or a to a greater extent than new mixture of mushrooms, chilli, garlic, roasted almonds as well as fontina (each $9). When Michael as well as I met upwards for dejeuner on Monday, nosotros both went amongst the latter. Though it's non especially elegant, this panini is terrific - juicy, earthy as well as savoury, pepped upwards amongst that chilli heat.

Address: 163 Grattan St, Carlton
Ph: 9349 4944
Licensed
Price: veg panini $9

January 18, 2010: Toki Japanese Restaurant

Edit 28/12/11: Toki has right away unopen together with there's a dumpling eating theatre inward its place.

What amongst living together with working inward the neighbourhood, I must accept walked yesteryear Toki dozens of times without paying it whatsoever attention. Then That Jess Ho posted a moving-picture exhibit of their 'Lucky 7' together with I paid attention. I stopped yesteryear Toki for a Fri nighttime dinner amongst a duet of friends together with constitute the vego options pleasant, if non inspiring - by together with large I was merely disappointed non to come across the Lucky 7 on the menu.

It's genuinely a permanent fixture on their dejeuner menu, together with hence this calendar week I craftily steered a grouping of colleagues at that spot at midday. There are besides a few noodle soups that expect veg-friendly together with I casually shape my optic over them, pretending I wasn't merely hither - together with dragging my co-workers hither - for a gustation of the Lucky 7. I nonchalantly placed my order, together with waited together with tried to comprise my anticipation every bit everyone else was served together with my hunger grew together with eventually, finally, my Lucky 7 turned up.

For $13 you lot have "an assortment of at to the lowest degree 7 unlike items, such every bit daily salads, poached vegetables, sushi rolls, noodle together with vegetable tempura together with deep fried tofu amongst miso sauce". I was disappointed that the tempura was rock cold, but ultimately those starchy discs were in all probability my favourite business office of the meal. Other highlights included the seaweed salad, dressed amongst sesame crude oil together with seeds, the lotus beginning salad, the miso-topped tofu, together with the fresh orange-flavoured dressing on the cabbage. It's a lot of food, but nigh of it is calorie-free together with vivid together with non bloating at all.

Toki's worth a shot for dinner if you're hungry inward Carlton, but I intend the vego dejeuner options mightiness travel where their best value lies.

Address: 88 Grattan St, Carlton
Ph: 9347 9748
Licensed
Price: veg lunches $10.50-$13

February 5, 2010: Bangkok Rain

De Orchid's replacement, but i time nosotros saw that Bangkok Rain had a whole vegetarian menu, nosotros decided that nosotros mightiness equally good endeavour unopen to Thai.

Penang Affair, together with their nutrient is pretty skilful value for money. It's non a identify that Cindy together with I volition endure raving to friends well-nigh but it's a dainty local pick to convey for nights where we're likewise lazy to produce or corporation far from home.

Address: 176 Rathdowne Street, Carlton
Ph: 9347 7487
Licensed together with BYO (wine only)
Price: Vegie mains: $11.90, entrees $8-$10
Website: http://www.bangkokrain.com/ (although the vegie bill of fare isn't on their website).

March 9, 2011: Depot De Pain

Update 27/1/2019: Depot de Pain has permanently closed.

Milkbar Mag as well as was groovy to banking concern lucifer it out. They provided her amongst around peculiarly dense fruit breadstuff during her raisin toast experiments but nosotros wanted to banking concern lucifer out their dining-in options. So, amongst my blood brother (visiting from Tokyo) inwards tow, nosotros headed downwards for a pre-work Midweek breakfast.

The interior is all construct clean lines as well as minimalism laid upward off yesteryear a few gorgeous flourishes, similar the chandelier higher upward our table.

Menu-wise, it's all pretty French - croque monsieur, French toast, quiches, baguettes as well as pastries abound (vegans beware - everything inwards this house is probable to last at to the lowest degree 40% butter). Cindy went for something sweetish - banana breadstuff amongst berries as well as fromage frais ($9.50).

The portioning was a fleck strange - at that spot was plenty berry/yoghurt mix to smother twice equally much breadstuff equally was on the plate. Aside from that shaver quibble, Cindy was pretty happy amongst her dense as well as banana-y brekkie.

I went for something a fleck to a greater extent than substantial, Toast Champignon (sauteed woods mushrooms finished amongst herbs as well as truffle oil, $10.50) amongst a side of avocado ($3).

This was a pretty rich get-go to the day: the buttery mushrooms as well as the liberal purpose of the truffle petroleum meant that yesteryear the terminate of the repast I felt equally though my arteries had clogged upward a smidgen. But it was worth it - the mushies were perfectly cooked as well as the herbs as well as avocado cutting through the earthiness of the truffle petroleum nicely. The breadstuff is, equally you'd expect, excellent. We were also total to sample whatever of the pastries available at the counter - it won't last long!

Only the not-quite-blogs Milkbar as well as Broadsheet accept reviewed Depot de Pain as well as therefore far (Melbourne Dining Experiences has checked out their sis venue on St Kilda Rd).

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Depot de Pain
693 Rathdowne St, Carlton North
9349 1311
veg dishes $5.50 - $11.50

Accessibility: Good - no steps, proficient calorie-free as well as a reasonable sum of space.

March 9, 2011: Embrasse Restaurant

18/12/2012: Embrasse has late closed, but caput chef Nicolas Poelaert tin move straightaway live establish at Brooks inwards the city.

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Michael's blood brother Matt, who shared this repast with us, is a resident of Japan.  We experience extremely lucky that he was prophylactic with us inwards Commonwealth of Australia spell lastly calendar week Nihon experienced ane of its worst earthquakes.

So many people lead maintain died, been injured, lost their homes as well as livelihoods. If y'all lead maintain the means, delight brand a donation to the Red Cross Nihon as well as Pacific Disaster Appeal.

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We've non got all that excited nigh the plenty of gratuitous events as well as a definitely-expensive-but-totally-vegetarian vi course of pedagogy repast at Embrasse.  Embrasse's co-founder Nic Poelaert teamed upward with Pope Joan's Matt Wilkinson to acquaint For The Love Of Vegetables, as well as nosotros were mighty pleased to portion the occasion with Michael's blood brother Matt.

Course release ane was called 'spikes as well as spoons'.  The spoons featured caprine animal cheese, fresh hazelnut, as well as plum jam.  These were rather sweet, as well as dominated yesteryear the hazelnut.

The spikes carried carrot, beetroot, as well as radish, roasted to a real sweetness as well as tender nation as well as only seasoned.

Our instant course of pedagogy went salad style. The tabouli with Meredith caprine animal curd was terrific, with lots of variation inwards flavours as well as textures.  I couldn't assistance thinking smugly, though, that our months with Ottolenghi lead maintain had us producing to a greater extent than or less very-nearly-as-good salads at home.

The follow-up salad was definitely out of my reach though, a gorgeous mix of figs, radishes, lettuce as well as toasted coriander seeds. 

Michael as well as Matt's favourite dish was the dull cooked Green poulet egg, served with garlic as well as corn champ.  They didn't swallow much corn every bit kids but this was bringing them around.  I was to a greater extent than taken yesteryear the seasoning sprinkled over the top.

The 4th course of pedagogy brought together swede, spiced cauliflower, banana capsicum, organic carrots, as well as Jerusalem artichokes.  The pale sheets that looks similar pasta were to a greater extent than ofttimes than non probable shaved swede as well as the Jerusalem artichoke appeared every bit dots of puree; the capsicum curl was stuffed with spiced cauliflower. Cauliflower stuffing excepted, this dish was a petty bland as well as our to the lowest degree favourite of the night.

The lastly savoury course of pedagogy is where I actually lead maintain to range Nic Poelaert to a greater extent than or less credit.  We've been served beetroot during almost every high-end dinner we've had, as well as it's almost ever been teamed with sweetness apples or a piquant white cheese. Here instead was burnt jersey milk as well as orangish sugar, offering the same complementary sweetness as well as piquancy inwards a completely novel way.  Wonderful stuff!

The beetroot plate was served with a dish of aligot, mashed murphy as well as then saturated with cheese that it stretched similar mozzarella when nosotros attempted to serve it.  Goop never tasted as well as then good.

For dessert nosotros were treated to Embrasse's famous Attica's Terroir for me - I recall I'm biased towards desserts that offering sour amongst the sweet. 

We finished with to a greater extent than or less citrusy 'macaroons' from Vanessa.

While our repast was presented meticulously yesteryear the kitchen staff, I can't study the same for the front end of house.  One waiter was gentle as well as friendly spell the 2 others were extremely stand-offish, ofttimes non bothering to beak to or fifty-fifty expect at us every bit they brought nutrient as well as drinks.  None of them could state us anything to a greater extent than nigh the nutrient than was listed on the menu.  This actually disappointed me, every bit learning nigh the ingredients as well as techniques that acquire into each dish ever enriches my appreciation for them.  I don't know whether these were Embrasse's park staff, as well as presumably they didn't know this carte also every bit they powerfulness Embrasse's touchstone menu.  Possibly this final result was to a greater extent than stressful to trace together than a typical black inwards the restaurant.  Blog reviews I've read for Embrasse lead maintain few comments nigh the service as well as those are to a greater extent than ofttimes than non positive, as well as then hopefully our experience was non typical of this restaurant.

Still, nosotros were treated to an interesting option of what Embrasse tin move offering vegos also every bit to a greater extent than or less festival specials.  The regular carte is real promising, with the same honey of vegetables evident inwards many of the dish descriptions.

Embrasse Restaurant
312 Drummond St, Carlton
9347 3312
fully licensed
especial final result veg degustation $130 with matched wines
http://www.embrasserestaurant.com.au/

Accessibility: Entry, seating as well as service on the footing degree seem real accessible.  Toilets are situated upstairs.

May 28, 2011: 7 Seeds Ii

here.

Seven Seeds has been reviewed yesteryear hundred of bloggers - virtually recently, We Dare Food, Five shape garden, Eat, play, shop, eat, Melbourne culinary journal, Lots of cravings in addition to The belly rules the mind accept given it the thumbs up, spell Brunch alongside Brice was less impressed.

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Seven Seeds

114 Berkeley Street, Carlton
9347 8664
Food: $4.50-$11.50
http://www.sevenseeds.com.au/

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Accessibility: Excellent - wide, apartment entry alongside enough of infinite betwixt tables. Payments are at a depression counter.