Melbourne Dining Review – Kolache Cravings

I now believe that when Sir Mix-A-Lot claimed he ‘don’t want none unless you’ve got buns, hun’ he was clearly talking about the need to satisfy his craving for the soft, semi-sweet buns of dough filled with sweet or savoury fillings, served at ‘Kollache Cravings’.

Kolache Cravings Micro Bakery & Cafe

Kolache Cravings Micro Bakery & Cafe

New micro bakery Kolache Cravings serves its star product and namesake, the Czech and Texan fusion baked treat. Originating from the Czech Republic, kollaches later rose to popularity in Texas once the traditional recipe was tweaked to begin introducing both sweet and savoury fillings as well as experimenting with the fillings by using modern flavours.

Open Plan Bakery at Kolache Cravings

Flavours of the Day at Kolache Cravings

Flavours of the Day at Kolache Cravings

After living in Texas, owners Phil and Nona Wallis managed to find a rare void in what the Melbourne food scene was missing. Setting up shop in High Street Preston in January 2016, introducing kolaches to Melbourne alongside freshly baked cakes, danishes, croissants, muffins and tarts partnered with quality specialty coffee by Decoy Roasters. Paying close attention to the popular tastes and well-loved flavours preferred by Melbournians, Kolache Cravings aren’t shy to experiment with their ever-changing selection of fillings, churning out dozens of freshly baked goods from their open plan bakery throughout the day.

Kolache Cravings Micro Bakery & Cafe

Kolache Cravings Micro Bakery & Cafe

While the assortment of fillings may keep you guessing, the quality and winning recipe for the softest, freshest buns remains consistent. So whether your passing by for a chorizo and cheese or a strawberry and cream cheese kolache, I would recommend passing by to satisfy your savoury or sweet craving.

 

Kollache Cravings

105 High Street

Preston, 3072

(03) 9495 0706

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Kolache Cravings Cafe & Bakery Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

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Taste of Melbourne 2014

Taste of Melbourne is a four day celebration serving up the best offerings from Melbourne’s exuberant dining scene. Join like-minded foodies in a fun and casual, festival-like atmosphere with the opportunity to try the top selection of signature dishes on offer from a wide selection of the most popular dining locations, in and around the city of Melbourne. Every foodie’s one stop spot to sample the outstanding array of signature dishes on offer from Melbourne’s hottest eateries, participate in food , beer and wine workshops, cooking demonstrations and classes and interact with and learn from the creative and prominent chefs behind the delicious culinary creations.

Just to start those taste buds dancing, here is just a small selection of the dining pop ups that will be present and the dishes that will be served up throughout the event:

Soft Shell Crab Souvlaki by Gazi

Soft Shell Crab Souvlaki by Gazi*

Wallaby Buns by Sake

Wallaby Buns by Sake*

Chargrilled Corn by Mamasita

Chargrilled Corn by Mamasita*

Lobster Rolls by Mr Claws

Lobster Rolls by Mr Claws*

Taste of Melbourne 2014 runs midday and evening sessions from Thursday, November 16 to Sunday, November 19th at Pelican Lawn, Albert Park Lake.

Tickets from $25, now available online from Ticketek, or available for purchase at the gates.

Full schedules, booking details and ticket information can be found on the Taste of Melbourne website:

www.tasteofmelbourne.com.au

Facebook.com/tasteofmelbourne |Twitter/Instagram: @tasteofmelbourne

*Images provided by Taste Festivals Limited ®

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Melbourne Dining Review – Rumi, Brunswick East

If I told you I went to a Middle Eastern restaurant on Lygon Street Brunswick, my guess is that your first question would be ‘which one?’ There are quite a few of Middle Eastern restaurants along Lygon Street Brunswick, but in my opinion, what makes Rumi a stand out was the sophisticated, clean and modern set up, attentive service and wonderfully rich yet homely meals, (also there were no belly dancers or sequinned draped fabrics in sight).

From the eye-catching signage highlighting the restaurant’s name “Rumi’ to the sleek, modern interior of this restaurant, Rumi was impressive, and I am happy to say this feeling remained for the rest of my visit on a Wednesday night. I could not fault the attentive service from our waiter Rose, she was very knowledgeable about the dishes, asked if we had any dietary requirements or intolerences and made very helpful recommendations on how the chefs would alter the dishes to work around this. She was friendly and accommodating, she provided good recommendations on which dishes and wines to order and frequently came over to ensure we were looked after and our water cups were kept full! She was fantastic.

We ordered Sigara, cigar shaped pastries filled with three cheeses (haloumi, feta and kasseri), these were very creamy, rich and salty encased in a crisp and light pastry.

Sigara-at-Rumi

Sigara at Rumi

The meatballs were a little more fatty than ideal but were covered in a delicious, rich tomato based sauce. The chicken kebab was a little dry and bland, however once again helped by the spices and nuts added.

Chicken Kebabs and Meatballs at Rumi

Chicken Kebabs and Meatballs at Rumi

The fried cauliflower was  sweet and tastefully seasoned with spices and nuts. The spiced lamb shoulder was the standout, don’t let the dark, charred appearance fool you, one stroke of a fork reveals incredibly soft and tender, fall-of-the-bone deliciousness!

Fried Cauliflower and Spiced Lamb Shoulder at Rumi

Fried Cauliflower and Spiced Lamb Shoulder at Rumi

The pricing was reasonable but I found the larger meals (like the lamb shoulder) of much greater value and good pricing in comparison to the prices charged for the smaller dishes (like the sigara) which were a little pricey for the small servings. We ended the night with a serving of Turkish Delight which was very nice also, the rosewater flavour was not too overpowering and they were not overly sweet to the point of being sickening.

Turkish-Delight-at-Rumi

A wonderful dining experience overall, where an outstanding variety of dishes on offer, impeccable service and a lovely atmosphere make Rumi the Middle Eastern restaurant in Lygon Street, Brunswick with the most flair.

Rumi on Urbanspoon

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Melbourne Dining Review – Zingara Cafe Thornbury

Zingara Café is an understated gem in High Street, Thornbury.  It was recently closed for renovations over the Christmas period and reopened with a new, brighter interior space, a woodfire pizza oven and a gelato display freezer. While they made some exciting additions to the menu, thankfully they still serve up the much-loved, popular dishes that keep their customers returning time and time again. While I haven’t yet tried their gelato, I can say that their wood fire pizzas were delicious. Thin, crisp bases, loaded with a wonderful selection of traditional Italian toppings. Everyone’s favourite was the ‘Panna e Pancetta’, a cream base with Marscapone, Fior di Latte Mozzarella, Pancetta, Mushrooms and Sundried Cherry Tomatoes.

In addition to the woodfire pizza, I find it hard to go past my top three ‘must-have’ dishes which I highly recommend at Zingara:

Arancini:

I’m biased because I will always rate my own Nonna’s Arancini as the best every single time, however, these Arancini are one of the closest I have so far found to be up there with the best. The breadcrumb crust is fried perfectly, light and crispy and not greasy or thick, just enough to hold the rice ball together until you are ready to cut it open and make way for the oozing hot explosion of cheese and Bolognese risotto inside. The Arancini balls are served with an intense, rich Napoli or Bolognese sauce and flakes of Parmesan cheese to add an extra dose of the sharp tastes from this dish.

Arancini at Zingara Cafe

Arancini at Zingara Cafe

Calamari:

There is no stringy, chewy calamari here! Photos simply don’t do this dish justice, because despite my best attempts at tryign to make thiI can confidently say that Zingara serves up THE best calamari I have tasted in Melbourne so far. The strips of marinated lemon and pepper squid are incredibly tender and so buttery soft they simply melt in your mouth which each savouring bite.

Risotto Amaretto:

The description of the pumpkin risotto on the menu sounded like nothing special, if anything, at first it sounded a little odd, ‘butternut pumpkin cooked in a butter & cream sauce finished with crumbed amaretto, coffee & parmesan crisps’. However this is one flavour experiment that sounds so wrong but works to make it so right. The creaminess of the pumpkin and cream sauce with the sweet, sugary crunch of the amaretto biscuits set off by the aromatic smell and bitter and toasty twist provided by the sprinkle of coffee beans is a flavour combination that risotto lovers have to try at least once!

Risotto Amaretto at Zingara Cafe

Risotto Amaretto at Zingara Cafe

Open Monday to Sunday for breakfast and lunch as well as Wednesday to Saturday for dinner, Zingara serve up a variety of both traditional Italian meals (particularly recipes from Venice) and popular, modern favourites that are great for sharing.  That is, only if you can fight the urge to consume the whole plate of calamari yourself!

Zingara cafe on Urbanspoon

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Melbourne Dining Review – Third Wave Cafe, Prahran

Nestled in Cato Street, a side street off Commercial Road in Prahran is Third Wave Cafe. Don’t be discouraged by the side street location and the exterior design of this restaurant /cafe. I wasn’t sure what to think as I approached the dark, modern, flush exterior design of the café, until I was pleasantly surprised to step inside a modern yet cosy, warm and inviting space. The rest of my experience at Third Wave Café can basically be summed up by saying it really was one pleasant surprise after the next. The menu is fantastically extensive. Third Wave not only serves an array of your staple breakfast and lunch items, such as egg dishes, focaccias, burgers, pastas and salads, but also specialises in Russian cuisine and American BBQ dishes as well. In addition, there is a page of the menu solely dedicated to Paleo dishes. Usually, I approach a menu that crosses over into too many different cuisines with a bit of caution, a restaurant that tries to do too much. However I am so glad to find that this is most definitely not the case here. It does appear to be quite an odd combination to see such an extensive range of dishes listed side by side on the same menu, but upon tasting the dishes, it became clear that this crazy combination and choice of specialisation works brilliantly at Third Wave Café.

Latte at Third Wave Cafe Prahran

Latte at Third Wave Cafe Prahran

The coffee was great, very smooth and each cup was served with a delicious biscuit too (yes, that’s right, a free biscuit that was actually worth eating!) I highly recommend the Russian Sampler Plate for those who are up for trying some new and a little different. The Russian Sampler Plate came with a Russian salad (a cold potato, roast chicken, boiled egg and vegetable salad with a creamy Dijonaise dressing, which I wasn’t sold on by the menu description, but the tastes came together wonderfully), two varieties of blintzes (Russian filled crepes), which I got to try the Mushroom blintze and a Meat blintze, a small bowl of Pelmeni (Russian meat dumplings) and Syrniki (savoury pancakes). I found the standout was the Mushroom blintze which was very full and rich. I also really enjoyed the dumplings that had a thick texture that was chewy but not rubbery. I found the savoury pancakes were a bit of an acquired taste. The small, thick and very dense pancakes of ricotta, cinnamon and nutmeg were not as sweet as pancakes in Australia are traditionally served, but it was wonderful to sample all the different textures and flavours, and I think The Russian Sampler Plate worked really well on the menu, even in comparison to ordering one of the Russian dishes alone, and I would very likely order it again.

Russian Sampler Plate at Third Wave Cafe Prahran

Russian Sampler Plate at Third Wave Cafe Prahran

The Zucchini fritters were fantastic. Made from Zucchini and Buckwheat flour and fried in coconut oil, served with house made smoked bacon and a cherry tomato confit, a poached egg and dukkah, the elements of this meal just worked so well together. The bacon was incredible, laced with a delicious smokey flavour, the bacon was thick and meaty so you could really sink your teeth into it, whilst also being very lean with just enough fat for added flavour. Based on the taste of their house made bacon, I look forward to tasting their American BBQ dishes next! The tomatoes were extremely flavoursome and I am happy to say the egg was poached to perfection which is something I am always on the lookout for! This dish is also available on the Paleo menu, and I highly recommend this dish on your visit. Overall, Third Wave Cafe was a fantastic dining experience and I cannot wait to return!

Zucchini Fritters at Third Wave Cafe Prahran

Zucchini Fritters at Third Wave Cafe Prahran

I dined as a guest of Third Wave Café, but I honestly am already planning my next visit, as I would happily pay for their reasonably priced meals and look forward to bringing my friends here too. I highly recommend Third Wave Cafe, a brilliant venue for breakfast, lunch or dinner, that would also serve a group of diners well, as the wide menu selection is bound to cater for everybody. Third Wave Café shows a lot of pride and a lot of heart in their menu and their carefully prepared, delightful dishes do not disappoint! For the daring, or super hungry, follow the link to check out their American BBQ Ribs Eating Challenge!

Third-Wave-Cafe

Check out their menu online

Third Wave on Urbanspoon

Disclosure: Melbourne Darling was invited to dine as a guest of Third Wave Cafe. This in no way influenced my review and as always, I maintain a promise to provide my readers with content that is my 100% honest opinion.

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Lygon Street – Si Parla Italiano movie review Melbourne

If you only thought of Lygon Street Carlton as the place to get a plate of pasta and cannoli, then you need to head to Cinema Nova to watch the next screening of  the movie ‘Lygon Street – Si Parla Italiano’.

Lygon Street - Si Parla Italiano Movie. Image Via.

Lygon Street – Si Parla Italiano Movie. Image Via.

The wonderful movie ‘Lygon Street – Si Parla Italiano’ restored my hope in Melbourne’s beloved Italian precinct. Just as I started to believe Melbourne’s Little Italy had begun sacrificing its vibrant offering of cultural dynamism in exchange of heading towards a gaudy tourist trap,  this fascinating documentary reminded me to see past the few annoying spruikers and handful of over priced pizzerias. Instead it encouraged me to recall the classic Italian delis and food stores, the number of restaurants still serving traditional Italian dishes, the old buildings and the fond memories I have walking past each of the changing shop fronts through the years.

From the arrival of the first Italian immigrants to the arrival of the Australia’s first espresso machine, this charming documentary narrated by Anthony LaPaglia uncovers a truly rich history that may have otherwise been lost through the generations of families, shop owners and development changes that have occurred in the area. The intimate and detailed interviews, stories and personal photos provide the audience with a highly engaging and insightful trip through time. Sharing stories of hardship and success, of assimilation and inspiration, this movie will provide you with a fresh perceptive of this iconic cultural and social hub.

Even if you were not there to experience the sentimental stories first hand, there is much to take away from this enjoyable viewing.  This movie provided me with a newfound appreciation of what has become a great deal more than just a popular Melbourne street. ‘Lygon Street – Si Parla Italiano’ not only allows you to relive the moments when Italian people migrated to Melbourne, but the moments when Lygon Street migrated to become a solid and special place in the heart of our city of Melbourne. ‘Lygon Street – Si Parla Italiano’ is now showing at Cinema Nova on Lygon Street, Carlton.

 

Lygon Street – Si Parla Italiano

Movie sessions now screening at Cinema Nova

380 Lygon St Carlton

Click here for session times

Click here for official movie trailer

Click here for official movie website

Official movie Facebook page

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Melbourne Dining Review – Huxtaburger Collingwood

Let me start off by saying that Huxtaburger is not for the faint hearted, literally. You may feel like you will end up in cardiac arrest after demolishing one of their ‘Theo’ burgers. But let me tell you, if you are after one messy, saucy, meaty, flavour-packed kind of burger where the fancy relishes and brie, crunchy lettuce leaves and wholegrain buns at Grill’d simply just don’t cut it, you will definitely want to head down to Huxtaburger.

Huxtaburger, Collingwood

Huxtaburger, Collingwood

Don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy Grill’d and can appreciate the sudden influx of menu items containing quinoa, kale, acai berries as much as the next person who uses the hashtag #cleaneating. But once in a blue cheese moon, you cannot help but develop a sudden craving for eating none other than one mean, oily yet delicious burger!

So in times like these, when you simply do not want a bar of wholegrains or leafy greens, no superfoods or salads, then THE best place for getting  your hands on one of the most outrageously grease dripping, artery clogging, mouth-wateringly, enjoyable burgers in Melbourne is at Huxtaburger.

You’ve probably already heard of the name and if you were at the Taste of Melbourne event this year, you would have definitely seen the line of hungry burger lovers stretching across the grass from their wallaby pattie flipping stand. For those less game (pun intended) don’t worry, wallaby is not a regular feature on their menu!

Huxtaburger is basically the Melbourne foodie’s equivalent of the golden arches. Originally Huxtaburger had only one store located in Smith Street Collingwood (across from it’s brother restaurant Huxtable and dangerously close to Gelato Messina if you want a double-trouble dose of food coma) Huxtaburger now has an additional two locations, in the CBD on Collins Street and it’s latest branch now open in Prahran.

This takeaway burger stop offers simple yet flavoursome burgers. The name Huxtaburger is inspired by The Cosby Show and the family’s name the Huxtables. Each burger variation is named after one of the main characters. Huxtaburger offers six varieties of burgers on the menu, four with beef patties, one kid’s burger and a tofu burger for the Vegetarians. They also offer crinkle cut chips with the option of spicy chipotle chilli salt, (I recommend this option if you can handle the extra spice!) in addition to a good selection of  drink varieties including beers, ciders, soft drinks and milkshakes. I would have liked to see some more juices on offer, but I guess they are staying true to their simplistic offering which can be summed up by the saying plastered on their window, ‘Hot Beef, Cold Beer’.  The stores have limited seating but even that does not stop the constant flow of customers who grab their grub to go. The wait time for your order can be quite long, so I suggest that if you do intend to grab your meal takeaway, you can either phone ahead on 94176328 (that’s 9417 MEAT), order online or even order via their smartphone apps for Apple and Android devices.

If you are going to visit Huxtaburger I recommend you don’t deny yourself the full-blown beef indulgence, that you go all out and order the Theo burger. That’s a double beef pattie, double cheese, bacon, barbeque sauce, mustard, mayonnaise, tomato sauce, lettuce, tomato and pickles. As you can see below this burger looks as intense as it sounds and it is intensely tasty too!

Theo Burger at Huxtaburger

Theo Burger at Huxtaburger

So what is the unique factor that has allowed Huxtaburger to gain it’s popular burger status in what has become one of the most burger obsessed cities of all? I believe this lies in the fact that they have the sweetest, softest buns around! Their brioche buns are incredibly buttery and soft and the sweet taste of the bun is sharply set off by the full-flavoured beef as well as the saltiness and spice of the generously added condiments. Combine all these aspects together and what you get with each mouthful is a swirl of saucy, greasy, meaty goodness with a bit of bite (thanks to the pickle)!

While the meat can be a bit strong tasting and had a little more gristle than expected and I understand Huxtaburger may not be to everyone’s taste, it’s not fancy or particularly healthy or fresh tasting. It’s messy, greasy and rich. So if you want a burger that’s going to force you to roll up your sleeves (and remove your bracelets and rings like I admittedly did before tucking into one of these bad boys) then Huxtaburger certainly packs a flavoursome punch. To prepare you for your Huxtaburger experience, I’d like to finish off by introducing you to what I have found to be, the four inevitable steps that proceed eating at Huxtaburger:

1.       You finish swallowing your last bite and start feeling sad that there is no more burger left.

2.       You think, ‘hmm.. is it possible that I am actually still feeling a little hungry? Could I possibly go for a second!?’

3.      That is until after approximately 2-5 minutes later, when your burger first drops to your stomach and you experience a hit in the guts with one mighty sugary, greasy punch.

4.       You decide the diet starts tomorrow.

5.       You end up in a contented daze of food coma and don’t regret a thing.

Theo Burger and Chipotle Crinkle Cut Chips at Huxtaburger

Theo Burger and Chipotle Crinkle Cut Chips at Huxtaburger

Huxtaburger on Urbanspoon

www.huxtaburger.com.au

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Dining Review – Syrup Cafe Watsonia

Syrup is what I believe to be the gem of Watsonia.  Syrup is run by sister duo Denise and Kathy and for what this small café lacks in size, amongst the surrounding mediocre offerings in the area, Syrup certainly makes up for by serving up high quality food and beverages. To walk in and spot the Allpress coffee cups stacked up in a high tower alongside the coffee machine is always a good sign, but to taste the well prepared, good coffee was even more comforting!

(On a side note, I recently downloaded the Allpress Espresso Coffee Roasters smart phone app! You can use the ‘café finder’ app to locate your closest stockist or café using Allpress coffee no matter where you are! Now available free in the Go Store and iTunes store.)

Breakfast options included variations of eggs, as well as a selection of melts and toasted sandwiches. The menu appears a little limited, but don’t forget to take a look at the baked goods including freshly baked , house-made muffins, scones, cakes and slices.

I was drawn towards the description of the Avocado Smash, ‘fresh avocado, feta, parsley, mint and chilli flakes topped with a poached egg on quinoa and soya sourdough. This dish was really enjoyable; a winning combination of ingredients and the egg was cooked to perfection. Eggs may seem easy to cook, but as someone who gets squeamish at the site of an unappetising string of translucent raw egg white amongst an otherwise presumably ‘cooked’ egg, I was so happily surprised at the perfectly poached egg that was served as well as the use of high quality ingredients.

Avocado Smash at Syrup Watsonia

Avocado Smash at Syrup Watsonia

The owners shared their preference to use locally sourced, organic produce and use bread from South Melbourne bakery Brasserie, and jam from Yarra Valley. The Devonshire scones deal was fantastic value. For $10 you get two lovely home-made scones with jam and cream and one great coffee.

Devonshire Tea Scones at Syrup Watsonia

Devonshire Tea Scones at Syrup Watsonia

If I had to stress a point of improvement, it is this. I understand this cute little café is a casual eatery and the owners are quite approachable and friendly, but I found it a bit uncomfortable to be told to have to call one of the workers when we were ready to order, and then asked to call out our order across the café as our order was taken by the lady who continued to remain behind the counter. However, that being said, I think Syrup has set itself up wonderfully in a great location, close to Watsonia station if you need to grab a quick coffee before heading to work and it is a stand out addition to the area.

Allpress Coffee at Syrup Watsonia

Allpress Coffee at Syrup Watsonia

Syrup Watsonia Menu

Syrup Watsonia Menu

 

Syrup Watsonia Menu

Syrup Watsonia Menu

 

Syrup Cafe on Urbanspoon

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Dining Review – Gelato Messina Gelateria Melbourne

I think it’s fair to say Melbourne’s excitement for gelato has just increased at least 3 fold. I feel I can justify this because as a city we’ve recently been introduced to nitrogen gelato, we hosted the Gelato World Tour last month and this past week we finally reached the anticipated opening of Sydney gelateria, Gelato Messina which opened its doors on Thursday, 14th November.

The shop façade on Smith Street, Collingwood features a very modern, sleek and minimalistic design, with dark tinted windows and its name gilded in thin gold lines above the door, it would be easy to not notice this place if there weren’t such a long line of people stretching out from its front doors. I visited on Friday night, the day after it opened and the line wrapped down the outside of the store to the next door front, so were quick to snap up a spot in line before actually deliberating whether or not we were willing to wait in such a long line. However, it didn’t take long for us to notice the helpful implementation of crowd control that Gelato Messina had in place. That’s right, this gelato bar needed crowd control. Gelato Messina would be no stranger to long lines and eager crowds, I have heard that the enthusiastic masses that flock to their Sydney stores can almost be compared to the level of hysteria that would normally be saved for tween girls at a One Direction concert. However, their highly organised method of handling the line was great. There was one gentlemen who had the task of who working his way down the line, handing out menus and pointing out the flavour ‘specials’ of the day as well as guide the flow of traffic into the store at a reasonable time.

Gelato Messina Store Exterior

Gelato Messina Store Exterior

I applaud Gelato Messina for their well organised crowd control outside their store, but once I made it to the front of the line (I am going to say it took about 10 minutes maximum) I was shocked at how quickly the atmosphere turned to a manic free-for-all where waiting to be served became an entirely different story. I was directly in front of the window encasing the high pillowed mountains of gelato where behind it stood a dozen employees in cute Breton striped tops. I was patiently waiting to be served but ended up being numerously ignored as ice-cream servers gravitated towards the most pushy, forceful, demanding customers first, despite order of arrival or length of time spent patiently waiting. So, after my experience, take this lesson from me; once it’s your turn to order, speak up, smile and be quick to lock eyes with the next available server to rein in their attention like a lasso wielding cowboy before you get trampled on or pushed back by overly brazen folk.

Gelato Messina Interior

Gelato Messina Interior

You are certainly spoiled for choice when it comes to flavours at Gelato Messina which gets another favourable tick for the number of variety and level of creativity when it comes to their flavour assortment. A full listing on the regular flavours on offer can be viewed online, as well as their top 10 flavour combinations. They also Gelato Messina won first prize in the Gelato World Tour with their ‘Cremino’ flavour – salted caramel gelato with Italian meringue, gianduia fudge, fresh meringue and crushed amaretti biscuits. Once I spotted this the Specials menu, I was sold. I also tried the ‘Pannacotta with Fig Jam and Amaretti Biscuit’ and what I learnt to be another extremely popular flavour, their ‘Gianduia Bianca’ – white chocolate & hazelnut gelato with hazelnut praline, pictured below.

3 scoop gelato cup at Gelato Messina

3 scoop gelato cup at Gelato Messina

Gelato Messina were thoughtful in their approach to cater to a variety of customers and specific dietary requirements. The menu’s helpful addition of the allergy checklist ensures to state which flavours contains nuts, gluten, egg, or alcohol and in addition to their indulgent ice cream selections, the menu also feature a large selection of refreshing, dairy free sorbets. They are not shy to promote their use of high-quality, fresh ingredients and this was further promoted though the design of a glass window through to their kitchen where you can watch the gelato masters churn their confectionary creations. Also look out for their cabinet of gelato cakes. I did not get to try one but they look incredible! You can see their full range of cakes online.

Gelato Messina Cake Cabinet

Gelato Messina Cake Cabinet

I found the prices were reasonable, but for the length of effort it took to order my gelato I was not settling for one measly scoop or limiting myself to sampling only one flavour (by that I also mean I apologise I do not remember the price of 1 scoop!) but at $6 for 2 scoops and only one cheeky dollar extra at $7 for 3 scoops, you can easily be persuaded for going all out and you won’t regret it later. What really makes the gelato so special is not only the unique and hyperventilating level of exciting flavour combinations. Although the flavours sound decadent and rich to the possible point of being overpowering, the gelato has such a surprisingly delicate texture and incredibly soft, smooth, buttery consistency, juxtaposed to the luscious explosion of taste bud frenzy it produces. They could have been a little more generous with their servings and the ultra-soft consistency caused it to melt in rapid time, resulting in all the gelato combining into one soupy flavour surprise. That being said, it was one amazing treat, Gelato Messina really does serve a superior level of quality gelato and I dare say that if you decide to make the trip here, I can guarantee you will not be disappointed.

Gelato Messina 

237 Smith Street, Fitzroy.

Sunday to Thursday 12pm-11pm
Friday to Saturday 12pm-11.30pm

Gelato Messina Fitzroy on Urbanspoon

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Melbourne Darling’s Top 5 Picks for the Queen Victoria Wednesday Night Market

The Queen Victoria Night Market is back to excite your Wednesday night plans from now until the end of Summer. But before you race on down and make a bee line for the spiral fries like everyone else, read my wrap up of the top  5 things to do at the Wednesday Night Market this season:

1. Hammer and Tong’s Soft Shell Crab Burger

Last week I reviewed Hammer and Tong and their ever popular contribution to Melbourne’s gourmet burger scene with the Soft Shell Crab Burger. Well firstly, I advise you make the first thing you do when you arrive at the Night Market is to pinch yourself a table early, while you still can. I find the Night Market only gets busier and busier each year and the later the night gets, the increasing number of people flock to the dining areas and begin their hunt for a seat.  So before you go exploring the market stalls, I suggest you find a table with your group first and eat early in the evening.

That being said, if you were looking forward to trying the Soft Shell Crab Burger for yourself, the Wednesday Night Market is a great opportunity to do so. Hammer and Tong’s market stall is especially dedicated to pumping out those delicious burgers all night, so you’re getting the same delicious meal as you would if you were to order it in their restaurant, but for a few dollars cheaper too!

Hammer and Tong Soft Shell Crab Burger at the Night Market

Hammer and Tong Soft Shell Crab Burger at the Night Market

2. Vintage Hub

Among the sea of regular market stalls at the Queen Victoria Night Market – cheap sunglasses, handmade soaps, band t-shirts and jewellery - coconut watches anyone? This year it was refreshing to see the addition of the ‘Vintage Hub‘. Hosted by Vintage Garage, The Vintage Hub is a cluster of stalls selling an assortment of all things vintage from pre-loved and reworked clothing to retro homewares. Check out Grandma-Funk for her one-of-a-kind collection of vintage European leather patch jumpers and Vonruby for a gorgeous Vintage hairdo and makeover.

Vonruby

Vonruby Vintage Hair and Makeup at The Night Market

 3. Live Music

Your perfect summer evenings at the Wednesday Night Market are made complete with festive tunes hosted by Multicultural Arts Victoria. Each week features a selection of the diverse mix of performers. From my experience, some bands are extremely funky and engaging and will invite the crowd to get up and dance. A couple of sangria’s later and you may just be more than eager to get up and join them! You can view the full program of gigs for the 2013-2014 season here.

4. Dessert

After all that walking and talking (and perhaps after the last point, some dancing too?) you would have most likely worked up your second (or third) appetite for the night, and with so many exciting and exotic variations of food on offer, you’d be glad you did! There are so many food stalls you are bound to find something to tickle your fancy, but if you are having trouble deciding, try the Creme Brulee or Lemon tart macaron from Macaron De Paris, the Dutch Pancakes or the French Crepes (just look out for the giant tubs of Nutella)

Macarons from Macaron De Paris at The Night Market

Macarons from Macaron De Paris at The Night Market

5. Sangria!

It just wouldn’t be right if you didn’t put Sangria on your list of things to do at the Night Market! Not only do Running Bull Sangria offer a red and white wine variety, but they now have a couple of stalls set up around the market space, so you can sip on your fruity wine mix whilst browsing the market stalls in delight until…

oh! Whats that? You’ve finished your cup already and you’re already on the other side of the market by now? Oh look! There’s another sangria stall conveniently located two stalls down! And on it goes…

(Or for a non alcoholic sipping treat, try the original Lemonade stands instead!)

Running-Bull-Sangria-at-The-Night-Market

Running Bull Sangria at The Night Market

The Queen Victoria WednesdayNight Market

Every Wednesday night from 5pm-10pm

November 6th – February 26th (excluding December 25th & January 1st 2014)

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