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Simon Chen |
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4 Acland St, St Kilda, VIC 3182, Australia
The expectation was always going to be high, given that Gilbert Lau was arguably Australia’s best restaurateur and The Flowerdrum one of the very best chinese restaurants anywhere to be found. Now the Flowedrum is sold, this cosy and very professionally run take on “a family kitchen” is packed at least a week (if not 2) ahead. The food is very good (but not “wow”), the place should be BYO and there are 2 strict sittings for dinner – 6pm and 8pm, so tough titties if you want to have a long conversation. There are a lot of other places that can easily hold a candle to Lau’s Family Kitchen now (Purple Sands and The Teahouse) in Camberwell are both run by ex Flowerdrum people and are just as good.
141 Maling Rd, Canterbury, VIC 3126, Australia
This is the very best cheese shop in Melbourne. You will not find better. Run by 2 very passionate frenchman, they know their cheese and their produce. Exceptional quality and a great experience. Worth the drive no matter where you live.
139 Camberwell Rd, Camberwell, VIC 3124, Australia
Rob Barber and his team are consummate professionals. Bilia has been going for 14 years and have an enormous list of repeat buyers. I’m not even a Volvo owner or driver but I’ve recommended plenty of people to Bilia. They continue to exceed their customers expectations of the whole car buying and car ownership process.
32 Commercial Rd, Prahran, VIC 3181, Australia
What a great pub. It’s been there for years but is now owned by a husband and wife team (ex Walters Wine Bar in Southbank). The atmosphere is great, the decor very chic and relaxed and the food terrific. They’ve even got Trumner beer on tap – one of the best beers around (Austrian). Wine list is very, very reasonable, staff attentive and relaxed . All it needs is wireless and I’d relocate my office there!
355 Crown St, Surry Hills, 2010, NSW, Australia
This is Kylie Kwongs restauarant. You wont find better, fresher chinese anywhere in Australia. The little restaurant in Sydney is tiny, takes no bookings (instead they take your mobile number at the door, send you across the rd to the pub and when a table is ready, they call you!). Very cool and very commonsense. The duck is amazing, as is the San Choi Bow. People queue for hours.
240 California St, San Francisco, 94111, CA, USA
This restaurant has been in operation since 1849. Its an institution in San Francisco – great seafood, great atmosphere and efficient service. Menus printed daily. No reservations taken – arrive early to avoid disappointment. Sitting at the counter is the best way to enjoy your time there.
15 Neutron Place, Rowville, 3178, VIC, Australia
Camten are exceptional printers. www.camten.com.au
Rear 280 Carlisle Street, Balaclava, 3183, VIC, Australia
Wall Two 80 is the brainchild of Dave Sharry. Many argue that its the place to go for Melbourne’s best coffee. Davo is also behind Riverland on the banks of the Yarra. The Wall is something of an institution for people of St Kilda, Elsternwick etc.
1340 Toorak Rd, Burwood, 3124, VIC, Australia
Walking into Burwood Cellars for the first time is like walking into someones private wine cellar. The little shop in Toorak Rd (up near Warrigal Rd) is stacked virtually floor to ceiling with wines of all variety. Its such a pleasure dealing with staff who actually know their wines, who enjoy their craft and who offer terrific service. Graham Jenkins has been there for 20 years. They have wine tastings every Thursday and on the weekends. Amazing variety of top Aussie and French wines and if they dont have, trust me, they can get it.
502 Queensberry Street, North Melbourne, 3051, VIC, Australia
Mr. Prices food store is one of Melbournes best kept secrets. Was taken there for lunch by Brendan Lewis from Melbourne’s Churchill Club. The place is like a private dining room and Mr. Price (Gary) does all the cooking, the waiting, the “everything”. The menu is simple, the food hearty and the atmosphere just wonderful. Bookings essential. Cant believe it’s been there 9 years!
Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Food is a lot better than I expected. Great staff and they have done a great job with outdoor heaters and umbrellas. Riverland is perfect in summer – just get there early to avoid the queue.
