Pacific House - City

The 3rd installment of the Pacific House chain isn't really that great. I'd definitely go there for a quick meal but for a proper sit-down meal, Richmond and South Yarra wins hands down. Service was prompt enough and food wasn't anything to complain about. If anything could be said, it'd be that the snazz and oompf factor of the other two outlets wasn't present anywhere in the cafe-styled 'restaurant' on Lonsdale.

Food portions were reasonable but perhaps due to a psychological bias, we felt that the portions were smaller than at the other outlets. The roast duck was enjoyable as usual and the salted egg yolk chicken ribs were up to standard. Pipis in XO sauce was a bit of a let down as were the vegetables in ginger essence but still passable for sure. Don't expect to receive the complimentary soup of the day though. One plus point of the place is the ample space and lighting which oddly enough, probably detracts from the overall atmosphere.

Overall, definitely a place to visit on the fly but for a proper classic chinese meal, give this a miss.

We paid $80 for 4 people. No alcohol.
Location: Lonsdale opposite QV.

Hogs Breath - Melbourne (Warrigal Road)

The shits. Don't recommend the place. it used to be THE place when I had to have a chunk of tender beef at prices I din't cringe at. It has progressively gone down the drain, so as to speak. Prices have also gone up. I paid almost $30 per main. used to be $23!!!

If you ever need to go there (on somebody else's choice other than your own), at least try to save your meal by ordering the Hickory smoked prime rib and RARE. They can't do medium rare so you might as well try your luck with rare. stick with fries for sides. Meat was dry and rubbery towards the center.. I can't believe i paid so much for a frozen piece of meat. Their mashed potato was drier than the Central Australian desert. God, milk and butter can't be that expensive. I had to have a side order of jalepenos to finish the meal. My dinner companions agreed on the shit factor of the place so I'm not alone in dissing the place.

I'm not going to even bother telling you where the place is or their telephone number. SHITS! avoid please. you're better paying $5 more to get a decent ribeye at Squire's Loft, Southbank. Value + quality = Happy Days

Service: 6.5/10
Food: the shits. Edible but shitty, it'd be a 4 or 5 I think but I'd rather not.. so.. no rating

p.s. I do have a 25% discount card (off mains) if you want to borrow it *sheepish grin*

Shark Fin House

Shark Fin House Melbourne
Location: 131 Little Bourke, CBD. On Little Bourke between Exhibition and Russell.

Food Rating: 6.5/10
Service: 6/10

Went for a little Saturday Brunch with Mei, Jon, Grace, Cheryl, Derek, Jax & his lady. Packed to the brim with customers. Ideal to book ahead if you want to sample their fare. Service was mediocre, partly due to their bustling trade but if you get the attention of the right waiter, you might actually get what you need. Food presentation was nice and quaint but portions are rather stingy. The New Royal Garden off Syndal has way better value in terms of food portions relative to price. The cheecheong fun tasted store bought and the other items failed to impress. Perhaps some redeeming notes were the steamed pork spare ribs and the charsiewbaos which were quite decent.

we paid almost $160 for brunch which while wasn't exorbitant, din't leave me with a sense of contentment. Next stop, Shark Fin Inn.

Sakura in Spring Teppanyaki

restaurant: "Sakura - in spring"
location: 329-331 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne, 3205 Melway 2K D3
contact: (03) 9699-4150
food: Japanese Teppanyaki
food rating: 6.5/10
dining experience: 8/10
price range: AUD$38-AUD$78 for dinner teppanyaki set.

food was mediocre for a Japanese teppanyaki restaurant. main complaint i had was that the chicken was overcooked. beef was so-so. nothing fantastic. overall ambience was pleasant. great to have a few friends with plenty of time for good conversation. fun dining experience. the chef will toss food into the air for you to catch with your mouth, toss bowls of fried rice for you to catch.(anne asked: what happens if you miss, do they fry up another bowl for you?) dunno. haha.. good service. Definitely recommend advance booking.

Stokers Cafe, Melbourne

After an extended leave of absence, I'm back! I've also decided a change in direction with regard to the content in my blog. My fellow comrade on crutches, Daryl, asked me about a good supper place to recommend and I thought of this totally magical place to have pancakes till 2am. For the life of me I couldn't recall where it was or on earth it was called (since Welly drove us there previously).

Long story short, I've found it! stole pictures from the website since I don't recall having taken any..


Tips: Cash Only. Bring a small group of friends, not the entire troupe. Go in winter, the open fireplace is the centerpiece of this charming place.

Stokers Coffee Lounge. 1033 Heidelberg Road, Ivanhoe, VIC

Open till 2am most days! Rating 8/10 (best pancakes I've had were in Germany)