Here in
London, young chef Oliver Rowe made headlines
when he opened Konstam with the caveat that he would source
everything within the M25. Some people thought the idea was
bonkers but it works- and its a brilliant concept. 100 Mile
Café in Melbourne has
a similar ethos. The restaurant sources 99% of its ingredients
from within a 100-mile radius. On the menu diners will find
plenty of Asian-Australian fusion cuisine, including tofu
dumplings in a hot and sour broth of mussels and pan fried quail
gallette. We like the look of the desserts too: there's a
chocolate tasting plate and organic yogurt panna cotta with a
lemon verbena jelly, plus an extensive cheese plate. 100 Mile
Café, Level 3, Melbourne Central, 211
La Trobe St.,
Melbourne03/9654-0808.
File this under
the "one more reason to move to Australia ASAP category." When we
were in Oz, I couldn't get enough of the Asian inspired food
served in so many of its restaurants. One place that is getting a
lot of buzz in Melbourne is the new Gingerboy, the
latest venture from restaurant impressarioi Teague Ezard. The
décor is razzle dazzle, with lots of shiny black and starry
lights. The menu is equally dazzling- the concept is upscale
Asian street food. You'll find crispy chilli salt cuttlefish,
green papaya salad served with sticky rice, and coconut marinated
kingfish. Cocktails are equally zingy, and include Gingergirl
(Kettel One lemongrass infused vodka, coriander, ginger and
pineapple juice) and a Spiced Poached Pear Mojito. Gingerboy,
27-29 Crossley Street Melbourne 3000, Australia Phone:
61 3 9662 4200