Adriano Zumbo Patisserie

12 -14 Claremont St 
South Yarra, VIC 3141

http://www.adrianozumbo.com/

Two Birds One Stone Indeed. After having brunch next door at the café of the same name, we couldn’t resist popping next door into Adriano Zumbo, the long-anticipated patisserie-cum-macaron-mecca hailing from Sydney. 

Adriano Zumbo was something out of a dream. As kooky as the fabled desserts themselves, the store was decked out in what seemed like shiny silver balloons stuck to the walls, and a giant neon ZUMBO casting its pink glow over everything. And possibly most noteworthy of all, the furniture made to look like giant piles of fairy-pink meringue.  

Aside from the famous macarons, aka Zumbarons ($2.5ea), there was a cabinet piled high with pastries, another lined with desserts to rival Burch and Purchese, as well as miscellaneous sweet treats. Once again, literal big kids in a candy store. 

Pandan and Sticky Rice Pudding Zumbaron/Salted Butter Caramel on Toast Zumbaron ($2.5ea)

I had bought myself two macarons, slightly apprehensive about whether or not they would live up to the hype.  One bite however, dispelled that doubt immediately. My Pandan and Sticky Rice Pudding Zumbaron was astoundingly good. The shells were a perfectly crumble-and-melt texture, infused with the essence of pandan, and the rice pudding center had actual chewy little grains of rice. In comparison, the Salted Butter Caramel on Toast Zumbaron fared less well. The macaron was of the same excellent quality, but the copious amount of sticky caramel was much too salty, verging on bitterness.

Because we are a loving pharmily, we shared around our purchases, and I got to sample a few more of the delicious Zumbarons. Especially good were the Apple Pie Zumbaron, which was complete with crunchy granules of sugar, and a Passionfruit and Basil Zumbaron that was fruity and herbal. Also great was the rich fudgy Brownie Zumbaron, and the Marshmallow Zumbaron that tasted like Neapolitan ice cream.

Dr Dot ($9.5)

Dr Dot ($9.5)

It’s a testament to how gorgeous and creative the cakes are for them to stand out even next to the famous Zumbarons, and I couldn’t resist getting one to try. After humming and hawing over the myriad of options, I ended up with the Dr Dot ($9.5), a shiny, tantalising chocolate treat. Aside from the fluffy chocolate mousse, the dark chocolate glaze hide layers of tangy raspberry vinegar jelly, crunchy pistachio nougat, subtly sweet crème brulee, and a base of dense chocolate sable. I loved how you could taste each and every component in the meticulously crafted dessert.

Zumbo lived up to the long-established hype, then some more. The macarons were really a cut above anything else you find in Melbourne, in flavour, execution, and creativity. Add that to an ever-rotating roster of flavours, and that’s how you get fanatics lining up outside on opening day at 5am.

Rating: 16/20 – zumborama!  

Third Wave Cafe

30 Cato St 
Prahran, VIC

http://thirdwavecafe.com.au/prahran/index.php

I’m no expert on Russian food, but I’m certainly fascinated by it. To the extent of my knowledge, the food consists mostly of hearty stews, stodgy dumplings, and plenty of meat – cold weather food essentially. But opportunities for trying Russian food in Melbourne are pretty thin on the ground (though a quick search did turn up a place called Gandalf Restaurant), so it was pretty exciting to be invited by Third Wave Cafe to try out their Russian-inspired menu.

Sister restaurant to the cafe of the same name in St Kilda, Third Wave is a very new addition to Prahran. It’s a long, bright space that is cosy in winter, and I imagine airy in summer. The menu reads like a novel, but on top of the regular cafe food and promised Russian-inspired dishes, there were also some American BBQ plates on offer, which had us hooked from the get-go.

Hot Chocolate ($4.5)/Cinnamon Chai Latte ($4.5)

Is it just me, or are we not going to get a spring this year? Completely disregarding the fact that it’s mid-November, Melbourne is less flowers and hay-fever, and more chilling draughts and eternally damp clothing (and hay-fever). But there is one up-side – it makes Hot Chocolate ($4.5) and Cinnamon Chai Latte ($4.5) go down a treat. Our drinks came in big, huggable cups, and I loved the frothiness of the milk, and the copious amounts of cinnamon sugar on my chai. 

Texan Fry Up ($18.4)

Is 11:30 in the morning too early for beef ribs? Regrettably we decided that it probably was, so we made-do with the Texan Fry Up ($18.4), a very cowboy-ish brunch of beef brisket, kiefler potatoes, and butter mushrooms. 

Texan Fry Up ($18.4)

Texan Fry Up ($18.4)

This was one huge plate of smoky-fried goodness, the succulent brisket and fluffy potatoes soaking up the tingly BBQ sauce, of which there was more on the side if you just can’t get enough of it. It was a supremely satisfying (and filling) meal to start the day with. 

Meat Pelmeni ($15.9)

And of course, the traditional Russian Meat Pelmeni ($15.9), aka their take on the dumpling. These stodgy little parcels were the size of ravioli, and filled with herbed mince meat. Whilst I’m not usually a fan of sour cream, I actually really enjoyed them with the pelmeni. The tangy creaminess of it, together with the grassy dill, made the dumplings elegant not dull. 

Cherry Cheese Blintzes ($15.9)

After sitting around for a good half hour, digesting and reading the notes for my exam, the waitress talked us into having some dessert. Having seen quite a few people wax lyrical about it, I decided to try the Cherry Cheese Blintzes ($15.9).  

Cherry Cheese Blintzes ($15.9)

What started off as buxom little parcels of tender crepes revealed a treasure trove. Served with organic blueberry jam on the side, these cool pillows were an intoxicating combination of eggy pancakes, and a honeyed yet tart filling of smooth cream cheese and plump, alcohol-soaked cherries. 

I admit I walked into Third Wave Cafe feeling a little apprehensive, but what appeared to be a run-of-the-mill cafe turned out to be a restaurant with great personality and even greater food. I would absolutely love to come back for the dry-spice-rubbed pork ribs. With such hearty meals to be had, I guess winter can stay a little longer.

Rating: 15/20 – buxom russian treats.

This rating reflects my personal experience at the time of visit.

Sweet and Sour Fork dined as a guest of Third Wave Cafe.

Two Birds One Stone

12 Claremont Street 
South Yarra, VIC 3141

http://www.twobirdsonestonecafe.com.au/

Happy Birthday Sandu! It may be exam time, and it may be the most important exams we have in our entire degree (as we will hopefully graduate after these), but we will always have time for a get-together to celebrate the birthday of one of our nearest and dearest. Especially if it’s at the hottest new-ish café around town, Two Birds One Stone, opened by the ex-proprietors of the popular Three Bags Full.  

Two birds One Stone is much lovelier than its industrial exterior would suggest. Warm and charming, it is an absolute joy on a blustery, rain-spattered morning. And I firmly believe that birthday luck is a thing, like the time that I got a table at Chin Chin on my birthday within two minutes. To further prove my theory, I managed to score one of the cosy booths for the five of us, minutes before it started getting busier and busier. 

Long Black ($4)

Skinny Mocha ($4)

Coffee makes me jittery, but Sarah and Jan indulged in a Long Black ($4) and a Skinny Mocha ($4) respectively. I found the mocha to have a pleasing balance between chocolate and coffee, though tasting a bit burnt. The long black on the other hand had a beautiful acidic juiciness, served with soda water on the side.

The Reuben ($14.5)

Having perused the menu thoroughly before visiting (of course), I was shattered to find that I could no longer get the charred polenta with four types of mushroom. Instead I settled on one of my all-time favourite sandwiches, The Reuben ($14.5), and was subsequently thoroughly placated. The bread was crusty and buttered, sandwiching thick cut corned beef, gooey melted cheese, and the sweet tang of sauerkraut and seeded mustard. 

Eggs Benedict ($16.5)

Eggs Benedict ($16.5)

The birthday girl went for the classic Eggs Benedict ($16.5), which was classed up with chunky ham hock shaved off the bone. The eggs were beautifully runny, and whilst the hollandaise could’ve used more lemon, it was rich and silken.

Leek and Potato Roesti ($18)

Bilge took a leap of faith and ordered what I had been considering, the Leek and Potato Roesti ($18), and was rewarded for her boldness. Far from the usual decadent affair, this crunchy potato patty was topped with a soft herb salad, folds of smoked salmon, and exquisitely fresh ribbons of pickled cucumber, all mixed in with the delicate yolk of a poached egg for an elegant start to the day. 

Char Grilled Corn Bread ($18.5)

Char Grilled Corn Bread ($18.5)

Jan, having previously been here, decided to try something a little different, and ordered the Red Braised Pork Belly on Char Grilled Corn Bread ($18.5). We were both in two minds about the dish. Whilst the pork belly was indulgently tender with a shell of crackling, the sauce on top was much too sweet, especially in conjunction with the cornbread. The apple and daikon salad on the side unfortunately failed to provide refreshment to the overwhelming flavours. 

Black Angus Steak Sandwich ($19)

After tossing up between something healthy (avocado on toast), and something ridiculously sinful, Sarah went with the latter and had herself the Black Angus Steak Sandwich ($19). Whilst a simple sandwich with only a few ingredients, this was done marvellously. The flavoursome beef absolutely melted in the mouth, and was made even better by crispy bacon and gooey cheese. A little rocket and beetroot relish for lightness, and you have yourself a killer sandwich. 

For those who have had the privilege of eating at Three Bags Full, you’ll recognise their hand in every part of Two Birds One Stone. It has the same familiar warmth and no-frills menu (and the little teacup lights!), as well as a wicked hoard of cakes and pastries on the counter. It yet again proves that you don’t need anything but good, simple food to attract a loyal following.

Rating: 15/20 – three two one go! 

Izakaya Hachibeh

143-145 Bourke St 
Melbourne, VIC 3000

http://www.hachibeh.com.au/

Alcohol is not my thing. To me, you just can’t win with it. Not only does it make me uncomfortably warm around the collar and embarrassingly red in the face, it also takes up precious calories and money that I could be spending on food instead. 

Japanese bars, aka izakayas, are a different story altogether. With a heavy focus on a wide selection of nibbles to go with alcohol, Friday night drinks suddenly became much more interesting. And whilst I don’t know how it took so long, I’m glad I’m finally at Izakaya Hachibeh with Daniel for some post-study sustenance.

Upon stepping inside, Izakaya Hachibeh seemed like the real deal. Spread over two floors, the homely restaurant had all the trimmings – bottles of sake, j-pop playing in the background, and a sushi bar centrepiece. The staff are unfailingly polite, greeting new customers warmly, and calling out to the regulars in Japanese.

Miso Soup ($3.8)

Being a ridiculously cold day (despite it being pretty much November), we started off with bowls of Miso Soup ($3.8) to warm our stomachs. In contrast to your usual earthen brews, this was a mellow bowl of soup with a gentle hint of umami, and plenty of seaweed and tofu.

Aside from miso soup, Daniel also had a carafe of Ukkari Hachibeh Sake ($10), served hot, to warm him right down to his fingertips. I had a small taste and it was sweet and smooth, heating a trail into the stomach. And why no photo? Because they all turned out blurry, that’s why. 

Takoyaki ($9.6 for 10)

Sharing a mutual love for Takoyaki ($9.6 for 10), it was one of the first entrees we decided on. These little doughy balls of goodness weren’t quite as spectacular as you’d find in Japan, and I personally prefer them slathered in mayo and bonito flakes. However, they were still some of the better ones I’ve had in Melbourne, with a creamy center and ample amounts of chewy octopus pieces.

Tuna Rolls ($8.6, 6 pieces)

We also ordered a plate of Tuna Rolls ($8.6, 6 pieces), which were the only disappointment for the night. The serving size was tiny for the price, and the tuna, whilst not of that disgusting mushy texture you get with old tuna, was only of adequate freshness. All in all it dulled the ache for sushi but no more.

Gyutan Shioyaki ($8.2)

I’m really glad we ordered the Gyutan Shioyaki ($8.2), because it was the best dish of the night. The ox tongue was sliced thin and simply grilled with salt and pepper for a miraculous result. Each piece was slightly chewy but still melted in the mouth with an indulgent fattiness and smoky aroma. Daniel, who only agreed to order this because I wanted it, eyed me balefully as I called dibs on the last piece. 

Katsu Curry ($14.5)

To pad out the small dishes, we shared a bowl of Katsu Curry ($14.5), which was a generous and solid rendition of the dish. The pork cutlet was pleasingly lean, and retained its crunch very well. And the curry, whilst mild, was authentic in flavours, and heartily spruced up with large chunks of potato and carrot.

We left Izakaya Hachibeh nostalgic for Japan, but full and happy. The food is good but not magnificent, and it’d be easy to rack up a huge bill in the span of one night as the portions (barring the curry) are quite small. Nevertheless, having such a good variety of food and a great vibe, it really is hard to be too annoyed. With a huge menu of over 200 food items and almost as many drinks, Izakaya Hachibeh really brings some of the authentic Japanese bar experience to Australia.

Rating: 14/20 – japan dreams.

This rating reflects my personal experience at the time of visit. 

Super Bowl Pho and Bun Bo Hue

252 Victoria St 
Richmond, VIC 3121

http://superbowlmelbourne.com.au/

I’ve never been into sports. Aside from being rather unfit (though not for lack of trying), I’ve never gotten competitive sporting events either, despite how un-Aussie it is to not care an ounce about the footy. But this is one Super Bowl I can get into – a super big bowl of pho at Super Bowl Pho and Bun Bo Hue.

The recently opened Super Bowl got its name from its supersized pho challenge – 2kg of pho in a basin for anyone brave (or foolish) enough to attempt to conquer. Other than that however, it is set up like your regular pho restaurant, with the chairs too close together, and the air wafting with the scent of beef stock. Unlike most pho restaurants however, it is clean, pretty, and the owner was far from grumpy and monosyllabic, going as far as to even make small-talk with the diners. 

Bun Bo Hue ($8, small)

Bun Bo Hue ($8, small) is a noodle dish that is often overshadowed by the better known pho, but one that I’ve recently found a great liking for. It tastes a bit like pho, but instead of clear and herbal beef stock, it’s made with beef and pork bones instead, flavoured piquantly with lemongrass and chilli oil. Call it pho’s more vivacious cousin if you will. 

Bun Bo Hue ($8, small)

This was a heartily enjoyable bowl of noodles. The soup was deep and fragrant, a very noticeable tang of lemongrass in the spicy beef soup, and the noodles were thick and chewy. Though the beef is quite thick, it is also generously given, and the fried pork balls were something different and entirely scrumptious. The plate of mixed veggies and herbs on the side really lent the noodles freshness and texture. 

Tomato Rice with Crispy Fried Maryland Chicken ($9.5)

Compared to my noodles, Chris’ Tomato Rice with Crispy Fried Maryland Chicken ($9.5) was a bit bland. The chicken was very mildly flavoured, but the skin was fried to a perfect crisp, and I really liked the fragrance the coriander added to the chicken soup. This was a cleaner, more elegant rendition of the traditional meal that didn’t impress, but was a good quality dish.

Super Bowl is a place for a solid bowl of pho, with a couple of features to set itself apart from the crowd. If grotty floors and irritable staff bother you, then this is the place to be, even if the noodles are a dollar or so pricier than its neighbours.  And every pho fanatic has to try the Super Bowl at least once. You just have to.

Rating: 14/20 – super duper bowl.

This rating reflects my personal experience at the time of visit.