Bouchee at Chadstone

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It's nice to have a shopping buddy especially on Thursday nights when the shops closes late. Yes, in Australia, shops don't close at 9/10pm everyday like what I am accustomed to in Malaysia! They close late usually on Thursdays and Fridays!

Hence, few Thursday ago saw WM and I at Chadstone, affectionately known by the locals as Chaddie.

After walking, shopping and talking, we headed for dinner. Walked past Bouchee and decided to give it a go. The food was simple and flavoursome! If I remember correctly, there's specials, too and that's what we ordered - carbonara and risotto (both yummy!).

American BBQ at Third Wave in Prahran

Sometime in June, Greg from Third Wave left a comment in my Hammer & Tong 416  post with an invitation for dinner at Third Wave in their Prahran brunch. 

Firstly, I didn't see the comment till much later. Secondly, to my embarrassment, this wasn't the first attempt to touch base with me. Thirdly, seriously? Inviting me, an unknown, next-door-girl for a complimentary meal? Mr. C and I simply couldn't pass up this wonderful opportunity, seeing how we are always on the hunt for yummeh ribs in Melbourne. Even Greg's description of Third Wave's American BBQ menu made it impossible to say 'No' to!

We found ourselves in Third Wave today after a lovely date out in beautiful, hipster, cultured Melbourne city (which I'll blogged about another day)!

Staff was friendly and attentive. They explained the menu well and gave us time to mull over.

As we read the menu, we felt the pull to try our taste buds on the many dishes listed. However, we didn't want to be greedy over ordering - as you  know how some Asians can be when the word "free" is involved - hence, we decided on half rack of smoked pork ribs, smoked salmon, sauteed mushrooms with coleslaw and the best for last, pecan pie for dessert!

 

Mr. C gave the house wine a go and savoured every sip whilst I had my usual - lemon lime bitters. Refreshing and tangy is just right to offset a night of feasting.

Once we placed our orders, we sat back and soaked in our surroundings. It was fairly early in the evening around 6pm explaining the empty seats. Naturally as the evening wore on, seats were filled. The simple, neutral and light interior gave a brunch cafe feel which is what the shop is in the day time. Browsing through the comments on Urbanspoon, the brunch spread is well received. Definitely interested to sample what they have to offer for brunch - baked eggs are my favourite!

The smoked salmon ($23 for medium) was the first to arrive. Brined for 8 hours in salt, sugar and spice, Greg had mentioned, that the salmon is marinated, dried out and smoked with Apple wood. Mr. C and I delighted in the simplicity of the fish; the perfect texture and the smoky flavour. Although the homemade dill that accompanied the salmon complimented the taste, I preferred the salmon on its own. Yes, it was that good!

The next main we had was the pork ribs ($29 half rack). Ok. This is how serious Third Wave is with their ribs. The pork ribs are smoked with Maple wood for 5-6 hours, and is tender and juicy, falling off the bone as any good ribs should. It comes with two different BBQ sauces - Spicy BBQ and Apple Bourbon. I, for one couldn't decide which I preferred that I had both with my ribs making it absolutely yum!

For sides, we had Glazed Mushrooms ($10 for medium). The fried butter mushrooms were glazed with soy and topped with spring onions and roasted sesame seeds. Every mouthful was just wonderful! The juicy mushroom flavour infused with soy taste just made me crave bite after bite for another mushroom. Loved it so much so that Mr. C had to restrain me from licking the soy off the bowl!

The other side we had was the Crispy Coleslaw ($8 for medium) which Mr. C, a vege lover enjoyed.

And lastly, what better way to end the night than sharing a delectable dessert in the form of Pecan Pie. My first, too! It was served warm, sweet and delicious, as stated in the menu! 

I am not a big nut fan but the yum biscuit base more than made up for the crunchy walnuts especially with the spill of the espresso cream topped with vanilla ice cream!

 

Although I would say my first preference for yummiest ribs to be the ones served at Hurricanes in Sydney, all in all, our experience at Third Wave was pleasant to our memories and tummies. Mr. C and I thoroughly enjoyed the humble tastes offered at Third Wave.

We will be back for more, that's for sure!

Now, wouldn't it be lovely to be invited for their brunch?! ;p  *Hopeful and cheeky me*

Hammer and Tong 412 in Fitzroy

On Saturday, Mr. C decided to bring me to Fitzroy to sample the tasty morsel we've heard so much about at Hammer & Tong. Initially, I was worried that the wait would be long but after a short wait or what felt like a short wait despite the crowd, we were seated.

I was pleased.

After browsing the menu, we placed our orders and scanned about our surroundings.

We had our usual drink- him with his latte and mine, a mug of mocha. The froth was really smooth (and that's one of the ways you can tell if your coffee was made right) and the flavour just perfect. For the mocha, the balance between coffee and chocolate was just balance well.

Breakfast Ramen $15

As for food, Mr. C had the Breakfast Ramen. It was ideal for him as he wasn't in the mood for creamy, rich Aussie brekkie. When it arrived, the waitress kindly poured bacon dashi into his bowl of ramen that had 62c hens egg, bacon, oyster mushroom and spring onion. I had a few mouthfuls and it was simply delicious!

Soft Shell Crab Burger $12

I, on the other hand had the famous Soft Shell Crab Burger. It took a looooong while in arriving and when it did, the wait was worth every single bite. Each bite was orgasmic with the flavours bursting in my mouth. The sauce was yum and the crab, crisp! And yes, the burger looked small when first served but for me, I think it was just the right portion together with my mocha filling my tummy.

I admit that describing the flavours and tastes of the food are not my strong suit but then again, what is? Lol.
All I can say is, the Soft Shell Crab Burger and the Breakfast Ramen is definitely a must have!! 

So, what are you waiting for??

Instagram : Thursday bribe

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#1 - A beautiful sunny morning greeted me in the morning on the way to work.

#2 - A rainbow shine across the sky as Mr. C drove us home from work.

#3 - My bribe from Mr. C to follow him for Thursday Futsal; 
Mocha and Yum Strawberry Baked Cheesecake at Rowville Shopping Centre's Coffee Club

#4 - Books, 'lil furry friend, canvas photo of us and $10 clock

Over the Road cafe

Last Saturday saw Mr. C and I making our way to Northcote. I bought a Scoopon voucher for the both of us, $19 for a meal and a drink each at Over The Road cafe. Seriously, Melbourne is breeming with cafes everywhere! In the CBD like Manchester Press, Harware Societe, to name a few. At the fringes of the city and the surrounding suburbs in Brunswick, Fitzroy, South Yarra and so on.

If not for the Scoopon deal, I doubt we would have ever heard of this place.

From the outside, the cafe's sign board looks plain. The reddish brown brick building looked ordinary but even then, the hanging basket of flowers and the French doors give a hint of a potentially quaint cafe.

 

 

 When you step in the shop, you will see a lot of pretty, quirky, cutesie ornaments. I saw owls, cats, dogs, rabbits, elephants (I think), the works! All these crafty stuff are for sale. On the left, you will see the counter to order take away or make your payment. On the right, there is a couple of tables with chairs for customers and a few couch to just lounge and chill.

The lady that served us brought us inner into the shops towards the back where there were a couple  more of tables and chairs for customers. Drape around as deco are more ornaments.

On the left is the front part of the cafe

The picture was taken from where I sat, at the back of the cafe. See what I mean? All sorts of trinkets, ornaments to cozy up one's home surrounded us. Think Mr. C was worried I would buy up the whole shop. You know how some people are partial to say, butterflies, or some, owls etc. 

Me? I love anything that looks adorable. I grew fond of butterflies since my youth, I've loved dogs all my life, I like cute mouse 'cos I was born in the year of the rat (following the Chinese calender) and I fell in love with owls, elephants and giraffe since moving to Melbourne!

As usual, I ordered mocha. It was good

Bought the cat hooks for a cat lover colleague who just moved into her new home

Dainty and rose themed brings Aunt M to mind

Mr. C doing his own thing, being in touch with the world as I explore the wonders of the shop

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mr. C thoroughly enjoyed his big breakfast

Although the cafe wasn't full house, we had to wait for our food. Then again, the waitress did inform us at the start that there will be some waiting time. I think it is because I ordered the baked eggs. 

Or perhaps, they have this thing about serving both our food together at the same time. Something I learnt watching My Kitchen Rules. Lols.

I am sad to say that my baked eggs that day was rather dry. Was a little bit disappointed. Ever since my first wow baked eggs experience last year at Bluebird Espresso, I've always ordered this dish if it was on the menu. So far, I think Bluebird's is still the best in my opinion.

Enjoyed Mr C's breakfast though. So, it wasn't all bad. Maybe they had a bad day or the oven was working up. Anything is possible but I hope, it isn't the norm.

 

 

The food didn't knock our socks off but it wasn't horrendously horrible.

Love the quaint vibe (though it may not be for everyone especially if they aren't into cute ornaments) of the cafe. Mr. C feels it was only alright. Plus point would be that the shop wasn't noisy and overcrowded like some cafes and one comes to mind, Three Bags Full. Lol. Though the food there is amazing!

Basically, because of the Scoopon deal, it was a buy one free one meal and drink. And that made the difference. If I had to pay full price for my baked eggs, I wouldn't think it was that worth it. 

To be fair, I hope to go back there another day and give it another go. 

High school sweetheart

Had tea at Jacaranda Tree Cafe after a trip to Koorong. The shepherd's pie and scones were yummy!! Relaxed ambiance here but I reckon you get more elderly patronage here. Just a nice, relaxing Saturday arvo (Aussie slang for afternoon).