melbourne...dining

melbourne has a much deserved reputation for good food, so much to choose from. unfortunately

though unless you have a reasonably sized group the current tide is no bookings. this can make it difficult if you are keen to try a favourite establishment or the current hot spot. wanting to return to one of my favourite eateries...cumulus in flinders lane, we were told there would be at least a 2 hour wait. well at 7:30 already on the clock we wandered up and down flinders lane and pretty much found the same with an even longer wait at chin chin which has received rave reviews. i must say though isaac who was on the door at cumulus was incredibly helpful, friendly and polite and it is exactly this kind of service and attention to detal that will inspire one to come back even if it means having to get there before six....
     in the end our game plan changed, although disappointed wearing heels and a fashionable outfit designed to bring out ones feminine allure we changed strategy and went to lygon st instead and chose svago, a mediterranean eatery. i have to say the waiter originally from berlin was delightful, couretous and went the extra mile to ensure an enjoyable dining experience. my only criticism being  a bit of a foodie myself was that my orrechiette made with tomato, chilli, chorizo and chickpeas faltered at the chickpea line...and seriously i am certainly no food snob but canned chickpeas are canned and there is a difference. and the difference was a good dish could have been an excellent pasta dish that took flavours outside the square. my fellow dining companions chose spaghetti marinara and the last porterhouse, all in all no complaints. so many eateries to choose from that can accomodate you and which you may need to consider if you want to be eating at a suitable dinner time. our dinner was finished by visiting the famed brunetti's on lygon street for coffee and a small gelati. i have to say i was surprised to be informed they would be moving to bigger premises, looked big enough to me...

      not to be thwarted i was determined to take my friends to cumulus the following night after the footy. riding the crest of victory we opted to go straight to cumulus early resplendent in footy attire and i have to say i know it was worth the effort and early dinner time. what i enjoy most about cumulus is the fact you can share the food as this is the intention of the menu. the food is fresh, simple and combined brilliantly to deliver all round gorgeous flavours to the palette. being trusted to select from the menu we ate the following, fried mussels on toast with curried corn, foi gras parfait with toasted brioche, cracked wheat and freekah salad, preserved lemon and barberries, baby iceberg lettuce salad, parmesan, capers and chopped egg, steamed clams, jamon and chickpeas and tuna tartare with crushed pea salad. and as to be expected not a canned chickpea in sight and a thumbs up from my fellow diners. upon finishing we caught the tram to st kilda and finshed off with dessert and coffee at san churros which reminded me of my former life in fremantle which i said goodbye to three years earlier...