Circa, the Prince - Winter Solstice Feast

Where: St Kilda, Vic, Australia

When: Tuesday 21st June, 2011, Dinner

Occasion: A's 30th Birthday celebration

Wine: Provided

www.circa.com.au

Milestone birthdays come around with less frequency than the Winter Solstice but it's delightful when they coincide. There was simply no better way to celebrate both than at Circa, The Prince.

We were treated to a truly outstanding meal in a lovely venue with waiters more than happy to help.

As a mushroom fanatic, which you will no doubt hear more about in the future, I was very excited for the first course. Despite the small stature of the dish it, what it lacked in volume it made up for on taste. A delightful, rich and flavoursome broth.

'Entrees to share' followed the rich theme of the night, with some succulent pork and cauliflower more delicious than I've eaten before. The saffron risotto was a delicious cheesy and warming concoction.

Strips of smoky duck with winter veg was incredibly tasty, but the hazelnuts didn't do it for me.

By this time the richness of the food was starting to take its toll on my tightening belly. And the richest of dishes was to come.


All of which were exquisite and richer than the last. I moved slowly from duck, to wagyu pie, savouring the flavours of each. Then on to a breath taking cassoulette (a personal favourite dish). I lack the skill to communicate just how rich they all were, but picture Scrooge McDuck diving through a vault of dark chocolate coins and you'd go close.

Our back teeth were under by the time dessert arrived and the queen of puddings with creme englaise was a stand out, something to enjoy slowly and remember for years to come.

And so we waddled out of there, beyond sated, stomachs full to bursting after a truly spectacular feast.

Santucci's Cafe

Where: 1392 Toorak Road, Camberwell, Vic, Australia
When: Sunday 5th June, 2011, Breakfast
Occasion: Hangover Cure with friends
Wine: Enough already in system!
Website: www.santuccis.com.au

Barker's 30th stretched well into the evening of Saturday the 4th, so when we were invited for a hang over breakfast late that night, we both accepted quickly, knowing that we would definitely need it the next morning! Arriving a little late, we came into this small and well decorated cafe to the smell of fresh coffee and great food around us. Already, we knew we were going to like it! First thing first, coffee. It arrived quickly, was strong and was at a good temperature without being burnt.

A sign of a good menu, I believe, is when there are so many good possibilities on the menu, you struggle to know which one to have. When the orders were placed, we did not have to wait long until the meal arrived. Andrew chose to have the big breakfast that morning. It looked great and according to him "it was very tasty, satisfying and difficult to finish". Chris, one of the friends we were out with ordered the same thing and seemed similarly pleased with what he got. He, however also ordered a plate of bruschetta for the boys to share. Although delicious, I think the boys regretted ordering - obviously their eyes were bigger than their bellies! For myself, I indulged in corn fritters with spinach, avocado and bacon. They were amazing and I am sure I am going to have trouble convincing myself to try something other than them the next time we head to Santucci's. What a wonderful way to begin a Sunday!

Archie's Fish and Chips

Where: 7 Barlyn Road, Mount Waverley, Vic, Australia
When: Friday 24th June, 2011, Dinner
Occasion: Friday night on the couch
Wine: Hunters Hill Chardonnay

After recently moving into the area, Andrew and I have been looking for a new fish and chip spot. A first we tried a few ourselves, then decided to ask a few of the locals for where to find the best. It was the Smiths who put us onto Archie and his fabulous fish and chips. Although we often only just get there before the 8:30pm closing time on a Friday, we always leave happy. Archie has won Andrew over as he makes his own calamari and crumbs it in a herb batter. The prawns are done the same. Without asking, Archie even understands the need for chicken salt on some things and not on others! For about $25 we can go all out, having 2 pieces of fish, 2 prawns, 4 calimari, 4 potato cakes, 2 dim sims and a minimum chips with lemon and tartars sauce. Add a bottle of white wine and the footy and you have a fabulous night on the couch!

Thai Tables

Where: 737 Mountain Highway, Bayswater, Vic, Australia
When: Sunday 26th June, 2011, Dinner
Occasion: Catch up with friends
Wine: BYO - South Island Sauvignon Blanc

This restaurant has come highly recommended to us from many different people so we thought it was about time we visited. The restaurant is clean, the staff are friendly and the food is delicious! We began with a $10 entree platter each which included spring rolls, money bags, fish cakes, curry puffs and prawn wrapped in pastry. For mains we shared a Penang curry, a beef stir fry with basil and garlic, a serve of roti and some coconut rice. Although there was evidence of kafir limes in the coconut rice, it really tasted like plain rice. The roti was fresh and had a good contrast between crispiness and chewiness. The curry and stir fry was full of flavour and both were well priced. We left the for $60 for the two of us including corkage.