Food-Maze Grill

Maze

Crown Casino, Melbourne

I was recently invited to attend the 'soft opening' of Gordon Ramsay's new restaurantMaze located in Crowns new five star third tower complex.

Maze? I asked.

Maze Melbourne is the fourth installment of Gordon Ramsay's French/Asian inspired bar and grill. This completes the quad of Ramsay's Maze restaurants located in London, New York and Prague. Maze opens its doors to the public on the 29th March with both a fine dining and grill area available.

Let's just say my stomach is still full from this outing. I may never eat again. (Hah… no not really.)

The wait staff at Maze were more than accommodating, and were always on top of refilling our water, offering more wine, and recommending several of the dishes on the menu.

The interior of Maze is extremely sleek and modern. The space has high ceilings that provide great acoustics and the lighting only adds to the city/sleek ambiance. There is an open kitchen plan where patrons can sit nearby and watch the action, or as the sommelier pointed out, relieve any awkward first date tension by providing several conversation starters. "Oh hey... look at that chef... he's... cooking."

Outstanding dishes of the night:

- Pigs trotters with a caper garnish, most unusual but hey ill try anything.

-Tomato Arancini Balls; Melt in your mouth salutation reaction

-Soft shell crab

So this place is about meat. (Yay for the men of this world.) Here you can order different breeds and cuts of meat cooked over coal. I went for the NZ Wagu with Béarnaise sauce. From my humble beginnings as a well-done girl, I was proud to announce to the waiter my order of "'medium' cooked please."

Maze also encourages share plates for starters and sides which range from thick cut potato wedges to the strange but interesting quinoa, as well as the potato puree which I'm sorry mum, has outdone your standard mash.

Dessert was the final straw as we left any trace of credibility and maturity behind through excited shrieks and spoon/fork wars as we clambered to get the last bite of the pear and almond tart accompanied by homemade malted ice cream. The Pimms jelly cup with melon sorbet was oh so refreshing after our huge feast.

There was no doubting that my friends and I were more than impressed. The last people to leave we had eaten till our hearts, heads and bellies were content. We may not ever be able to afford such an extravagant outing, but that is the beauty of a soft opening- Free.

Oh the perks in life. Thank you Michael Warner.

Date Rate: Start saving

Coffee Cure: This place is a grill… that is all I will say.

Hangover happy: I would pay to see someone hung over here.

Price: Like I said start saving. (But worth every penny)

Fashion

Funkis. 

You either funking love them or funking hate them.

I funking love them.

These Swedish clogs have been heaven sent for all the women in the world who choose to torture their feet every day in nine-inch heels.

Don’t get me wrong I love my heels, but it’s nice every once in a while to have a break.

From natural tan to lemon yellow, striking silver or rouge red, there is a different colour and style for almost every personality and outfit.

I am especially loving my natural t-bars with denim shorts. "Totes cute."

These shoes give an extremely flattering shape to the legs, and it’s for these reasons that Gorman has been sold out for months; they are literally walking out the door. I managed to pick mine up form Unique Shoes on Carlisle St in Balaclava, and for a reasonable $159.95, cost per wear is all you need to be convinced.

Funkis are perfect to wear at work because they are professional without a grueling heel. You could run a marathon in these shoes.

Unfortunately I have received a lot of criticism for these babies, and even a ban from wearing them around one particular work colleague.

If only they would try this slipper on. Cinderella wouldn’t know what hit her. 

Fandom

What a relief to know I am not the only ‘caffeinated’ individual in this city.

On a recent breakfast adventure I stumbled upon an advertisement for Jeff Martins ‘Café Society’; a collection of 40 sketches (ink wash on paper) of some of Melbourne’s most renowned eateries.

I immediately gathered a group of friends insisting that this was an essential outing to expand our cultural and artistic minds.

Appropriately located in amongst the hustle and bustle of Chapel St, South Yarra, this exhibition features some of Melbourne’s best cafes including Mart, The Galleon, Lawson’s Grove, Kanteen and my neighbour; Jerry’s.

 Well into the second week of the exhibition, the Gould Gallery on Toorak road was packed with individuals from all different walks of life who had come together on one common ground; their love for coffee, whether it be a Long Mac, Skinny latte or espresso.

While some sketches are more elaborate than others, Martin does an extremely good job at portraying the visuals and ambience of each café. 

As expected, my top café sketches were already sold- presumably bought by the owners of the cafes. I must however admit the $1500 price tag was a stab to my wallets heart. Looks like my savings account containing $20 was never going to make the cut.

Perhaps one day I will be able to afford a beautiful piece of art for my apartment… but in the mean time, there is always breakfast.

Money well spent I say.

‘Café Society’ runs from the 13th March - 27th March.

Gould Gallery: 270 Toorak Road South Yarra VIC 3141 PH: 03 9827 8482

Fashion

Boots. Boots. Boots.

The word is out thanks to the highly respected and class act that is Ke$ha. (Don't forget that dollar sign).

As her single titled 'Boots and boys' suggests; footwear is now the next best thing if not equal, to that of a male companion.

I might just have to agree and even argue that boots are better then men. You can walk all over boots and they wont say anything. Marital bliss.

"I wear em both so pretty as I walk in the city" Well Ke$ha I will walk in the city, in the country, I really don't care, as long as I have my boots.

While my recent relationship with D.CO boots has sent my bank balance into a spiraling state of depression, I thought it necessary to scope out some 'reasonably priced' companions.

Its lucky for me that Sportsgirl has brought quite a collection to the table at a very affordable price. I really have to buy those blinkers for when I next walk past a store.

I am an especially big fan of these ‘Tyler’ hiking boots, Don’t you think it is only fair that I should give my Achilles a break from the beloved heel and let my feet do some 'sole searching' in the form of a flat casual bootie? Hey, I'd rock these any day with a cute floral dress. For $149.95, why not?

When you think about it, your feet are probably the most overworked body part. Every day they are moving about getting you from place to place. It is only natural that you should reward them with appropriate attire. Doesn't matter if that involves chains, buckles, laces or leather. These 'boys' look great in anything.

Food- Kanteen

Kanteen

150 Alexander Parade, South Yarra.

People often describe my job as a Red Bull sampler as driving around aimlessly. May you stand corrected, quite often my 'aim' is to satisfy my food cravings; be they hung over, sweet-toothed, or just pure boredom. Working for Red Bull has allowed me to adventure out into areas I would never have been to before, or simply that I had driven past and never noticed.

Take for example Kanteen in South Yarra.

Far from the toilet block it once was, Kanteen has become a popular spot for Toorak mums, Toorak socialites, and people from Toorak who own four wheel drives. Did I mention that people from Toorak go there?

Putting this aside, Kanteen has become one of my favourite eating destinations. The staff here are by far the friendliest I have come across, and will often sit down and engage in random banter with you.

Coffee here is great, if only they made it in large cups :(

My meal of choice: Avocado and cottage cheese on Pide'. This will never fail you. Perhaps because cheese is the greatest thing on earth...or because this cafe uses the best avocadoes in town, but the pide' has become the definite favourite amongst most of the Melbourne Red Bull Wiings team.

Kanteen also takes my award for one of the best muffins in Melbourne. Always moist and usually with an orange base flavour, they vary from poached fruit to berries and white chocolate or hazelnuts and dark chocolate. Yum-O.

Eggs at Kanteen are also worth an order. Go for the Spanish eggs- baked in a terracotta pot and served with crunchy toasted pide. It is different, it is unusual, you may as well be in Barcelona. Caution very hot!

Kanteen has a camp-like vibe going on; its open plan and concrete floors are made cosy by fluro plastic cups and cute floral arrangements on share tables. The outside seating overlooking the Yarra is perfect during warmer days to sit back, read a book, enjoy a latte and appreciate the finer things in life.

Ah Toorak; soccer mums aside, you've done well.

Date rate: I'm a fan

Coffee cure: Prompt and delicious

Hungover happy: Egg servings are small, keep that in mind.

Price: Matched to Toorak expectations

Food- Inkr 7

Inkr7

7 Inkerman street St. Kilda

Following the ethos of the Inkr tribe, the guys from Inkr7 have even gone as far to tattoo the tribal pattern on their forearms. They are clearly dedicated to this bustling cafe, and the love does shine through.

Inkr7 is tucked between Surround furniture and Mr. Wolf restaurant on Inkerman st. It is cosy and inviting, but despite first impressions, offers quite a lot of seating. There is a cute courtyard out back which offers shade and privacy for those in need.

I go to Inkr7 when I'm craving 'healthy' eggs, not the greasy, hungover kind. This is because despite their pint sized kitchen, Inkr7 produces some amazingly fresh breakfasts. The unusual use of fresh spinach, zucchini and relish make for a vegetarian feast, although I must admit I am always won over by 'eggs pancetta'- scrambled.

Danish Feta, Pesto and pine nut dressing, cherry tomatoes and crispy pancetta piled upon thick toasted pide' and topped with fluffy scrambled eggs constantly hits the spot.

Genovese coffee is always made to perfection, and I cant help but order a Phillipa's cupcake to end my 'Inkr' experience. Creme cheese icing you are my hero.

Co owner Vince is always friendly and willing to laugh at the antics of the St Kilda regulars who vary from the busy business people to the loud and obnoxious youths coming straight from a night out. (no names mentioned)

Inkr7 may not be in South America, but it is definitely worth the trip.

Hangover happy: At the appropriate time

Coffee cure: A constant 'pick me up'

Date rate: Cosy, intimate and relaxed

Price: Middle level

Food- Las Chicas

Las Chicas

203 Carlisle Street, Balaclava

If you have ever heard someone rant on and on and on about a venue, person or object, think again.

Las Chicas holds a special place in my heart, it was the beggining and will be the end of my caffeine addiction.

My tastebuds were enlightened around five years ago when a close friend took me and three others to Las Chicas for the first time. As a group of five we sat down to what would soon become our regular hangout.

Years later I am still 'hanging around'.

This cafe offers an extensive menu that i now know off by heart, and with good reasoning; these meals will stay with you forever.

For the hung over soul; try the BBB (Big bikini blowout) it is worth every extra inch on the hips. Lashings of bacon adorn a perfectly toasted bagel smothered in avocado with two poached eggs covered in just the right amount of creamy hollandaise. This breakfast beauty is so amazing that you will forget about your previous nights antics instantly, if you can remember them in the first place that is.

For the sweet tooth, Las Chicas offers their famous sweet ricotta with hints of vanilla and crushed pistachios, piled high onto carrot and date loaf, an interesting and rewarding combination.

Las Chicas draws an interesting crowd, from your indie/alternative to your St.Kilda hippy, to the gossiping school girls and trendy socialites. More recently it has become child friendly with lots of parents realising the potential to please the hungry child. The menu here also satisfies the gluten free individual with plenty of salads and bread alternatives. I could go on and on about the different options but honestly, its all amazing. You have to go experience it for yourself.

Having recently switched from Di Bella to All Press coffee, Las Chicas has maintained their standards in producing a great tasting cup for their customers.

I have introduced countless friends to this cafe, and never have i heard a bad review. I am definately biased, but I cant help it. The staff at Las Chicas, despite being overworked and I'm sure underpaid, are friendly and welcoming to everyone that drops by.

Las Chicas is also pet friendly :) For the lucky few you might just get to catch a glimpse of one particular great dane/lion looking creature, affectionately nicknamed 'Aslan' by yours truly. You have to see him to believe it!

This cafe is my fail safe haven. I know that despite the weekend queue outside I will never be disappointed.

As I have grown and matured, so have my tastebuds, but they are sticking by this little urban spot. It was love at first sight/smell/taste.

and they lived happily ever after....

Hangover Happy- The ultimate in choice

Date rate- Lets just say I shall marry the boy who suggests this place for an outing

Coffee cure- works every time

Price- Easy

Fashion

Is it just me... or is Sportsgirl doing everything right?

I remember maybe five years ago I would hope that when I walked into a store, something would appeal to me. Yet there was no hope. It seemed that Sportsgirl was stuck in a rut in which they overcharged for basic fashion items which you could find for a quarter of the price in locations such as Supre' or Cotton On. The clothes lacked any uniformed sense of style and screamed, "Help me! I'm confused, am I casual or night wear, sporty or girly?

Things have certainly changed.

Since about 2009, Sportsgirl has upped the anti and released range after range of winning pieces. This might have to do with the collaboration of several Australian designers such as Arabella Ramsay, Nicholas Morley, Bec and Bridge and ‘Glint By Mich’.

Their flagship stores also offer several fashion departments such as ‘Recycle It’, which features vintage hand -picked pieces.

A shout out is definitely needed for the team who decided to turn around the visual merchandising and shop front of Sportsgirl. It's windows and displays are always drawing customers in.

Sportsgirl has obviously put a massive focus on increasing their marketing through advertisements and a shift towards selling 'outfits' rather than individual pieces- This dress will team with that jacket, and cannot be worn without a black leather bracelet. Don’t forget the black pumps to match. The ability of their ranges to be worn day and night places Sportsgirl as one of the top destinations for transition wear.

I also love that In 2009, Sportsgirl announced the proud achievement of raising $560,000 for the Butterfly Foundation. These cute little bracelets have been adorning my wrists for a few years now.

I am finding myself drawn like a magnet to this store. Every time I walk by something catches my eye which I must have. Never mind the ten scarf’s I already own; this new purchase is one shade lighter and 3cm longer. Essential to my wardrobe.

And did I mention Lay-by? (Insert Bittersweet symphony track here.)

Since its humble beginnings in 1947 Sportsgirl has grown and developed its own sense of style, from vintage BOHO to grunge chic; there is a look suitable for almost anyone. Sportsgirl's prices are now on par and this is reflected in their ever growing popularity with fashion savvy women. 

This label is everything but Sporty. And I love it.

Source: http://www.archfashion.com.au/sportsgirl

Photo: www.sportsgirl.com.au

Food- Small Block

Small Block

130 Lygon Street. Brunswick East

While most people would turn around and walk away from a queue outside a cafe, Small Block only seems to draw more crowds, despite its waiting lines.

Nestled in the heart of East Brunswick, this cafe has earned its hype as one of Melbourne's best. On this very morning The Herald Sun named it one of the most kid friendly cafes going round.

The interior of Small Block is simple and space efficient. Inside its seating layout is not elaborate however there is the option of a cute balcony style courtyard for guests.

The 45 minute wait for food was tough, especially with the teasing sight of other patrons food going past our table. The excitement and expectation was building, and I was praying not to be let down.

Coffee Supreme made the wait easier, and when the food finally did arrive, boy did it deliver.

Poached eggs on pide, avocado and beans with feta. A-mazing. The eggs on their own would have been suffice. Poached to perfection.

Serving sizes are utterly generous, and the prices even better. One great cup of coffee will only set you back $2.90

For those of you who cant handle lines, this place might not be for you. For those that can, it is worth every minute.

Hungover happy- If these eggs cant make you happy, I dont know what else will

Date rate- A worthwhile trip

Coffee cure- definite

Price- Did someone say bargain?