Tea and Cake

What: Storm in a Teacup

Where: 48A Smith Street, Collingwood, Vic. 3066

Afternoon Tea: A slice of the red-velvet cake and a cup of the Royal High Tea was just what I needed after a long day, and they did not disappoint.

Review: This discretely placed café and shop is a true find. The staff know their tea inside out - from the correct water temperature, to the brewing time required. Truly a pleasure for the tea lover or beginner.

Red-velvet cake is very tricky to get right, the cream cheese icing must be fluffy and thick, and the cake must be moist, but not too wet or too dry. And it was perfect!

Royal High Tea was as described; sweet and malty, and is best had with milk. A perfect cup – you really could taste the passion they put into making it.

Can’t wait to go back and try the brownies (they looked heavenly) and other teas.

Lush

Breakfast with Soul

What: Marmalade and Soul

Where: 162 Queens Parade, Fitzroy North Vic 3068

Breakfast:

Cornbeef Jaffle - A toasted jaffle sandwich, filled with baked beans and cornbeef, with a side of ‘salted egg yolk marmalade’. Tasty and filling.

Can’t wait to go back and try the rest of the menu.

Review: This quirky redevelopment is great, trendy but not ostentatious. The wooden spoon chandeliers are fun, the seats comfortable and practical, the décor is appropriate. Definitely a neighbourhood institution in the making, specialising in Modern British Food.

The coffee served here is decent (not quite competing with the rest of the neighbourhood's very high standards), and the desserts are all made in house (I just had to get a raspberry marshmallow takeaway – delicious).

It is soon to be open for dinner (selective nights), in addition to the existing lunch and breakfast.

Lush

Asian Tonight

What: Laksa Me

Where: 1/16 Liverpool Street, Melbourne CBD, VIC 3000

The Meal:

Oyster on Oyster – was definitely my favourite dish of the night. Menu description: Pacific oyster arranged on top of a grilled oyster mushroom which has been lightly cured in a lemongrass, chilli and fresh ginger dressing, partnered with julienne of green apple and finely sliced fresh herbs. AMAZING

Other dishes ordered and recommended:

• Oyster Shots (very well balanced, and nice kick of basil)
• Lolly Pop (vegetarian eggplant – battered and fried)
• Thai Beef Salad (traditional, fresh, and delicious) 
•  Laksa Lemak (how can you go to Laksa Me and not get a laksa right?) 
•  Pad Thai (a good staple)

Review:  This delightful little modern asian restaurant, tucked in the back-streets of Melbourne, truly is worth finding. As per their website, they really do offer “Modern Asian Cuisine with influences that draw from Malaysian, Thai, Chinese, Singaporean, Vietnamese and a bit of Italian cuisines”, and they live up to their concept of “Creative, Traditional and Australian versions of Asia Pacific Cuisine"

Bring a bottle of wine (as it is BYO) – I suggest picking one up at the City Wine Shop (located at 159 Spring Street, Melbourne CBD VIC 3000).

Lush