Da Noi in Melbourne, Australia

My favorite new restaurant I dined at in Melbourne was Da Noi. The owner/chef is Sardinian and his food is Italian with Spanish and Arab influences. We were told that the menu changes daily according to the produce available. So each course was a surprise. Absolutely everything was fantastic and having the added element of surprise made for a very fun evening.

We started with some appetizers of grilled octupus... We shared 2 mains between three of us. The roast pork melted in your mouth and then we had a black ink risotto with cuttlefish. Both were delectable. For dessert we managed to eat a homemade donut with a custard filling served in a brown bag. I would highly recommend this restaurant if you are visiting South Yarra. South Yarra is a trendy and stylish shopping and eating destination.

Botannical in Melbourne, Australia

This is my first blog for 2011.  I visited Australia for Christmas and New Year.  First stop was Melbourne. Some of my family stayed in South Yarra and the other half stayed in Armadale.  Both are great food destinations.  One of my favorite restaurant/cafe was Botannical. Excellent breakfasts, lunches and dinners.  They also have a very happening bar and outdoor area for after work drinks.

Another day I went to the Vietnamese area of Melbourne, Richmond. Victoria St is one Vietnamese restaurant after another.  My reason for visiting was: I had read an article in the Australian Gourmet about David Chang's (Owner of Momofuku in New York) favorite Pho.   We went to Chu The, Traditional Vietnamese Rice Noodle Soup.  264 Victoria St, Richmond. 3121.  The chicken soup was fantastic, I would highly recommend it.