Melbourne

Walk A Mile In My Shoes

Submitted by Christina Valhouli on Wed, 2007-11-07 12:30.

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.

Ginger Boys & Girls

Submitted by Christina Valhouli on Wed, 2007-08-29 08:15.

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