Two Birds One Stone

With its friendly staff, drool worthy menu and excellent coffee, it’s no surprise that Two Birds One Stone is bustling to the brim on a Saturday morning.

Two Birds’ menu embraces the Instagram age with items such as ricotta pancakes with rhubarb and raspberry compote, vanilla mascarpone, seasonal fruit and toasted pistachio ($18.50), while still staying true to classics such as eggs your way on toast ($11).

Long blacks are served with sparkling water (as they should be) and staff are quick to ask whether you’d like another coffee (when is one ever enough on a Saturday morning?)

The baked eggs with chorizo, capsicum, feta and olives with warm crispy pita ($23) are an excellent choice - especially if it’s a cold Wintery Melbourne day.



The sautéed mixed mushrooms with cauliflower, kale and goats cheese ($23) are another excellent choice - especially for all those mushie lovers out there.



A delicious brunch spot that ticks all the boxes - Two Birds One Stone is definitely on my recommendation list to check out soon.


Food: 4/5
Service: 5/5
Venue: 4/5
Value for money: 4/5
Total: 17/20
Verdict: love - get around to trying it soon.

The New Fave dined courtesy of Two Birds

 

Entrecôte

French inspired restaurant Entrecôte in South Yarra has always been famous for its steak frites - but what about its breakfast menu? I mean it makes sense for it to serve breakfast with its gorgeous European-esque courtyard out the front which is ideal for some morning sunshine. And as soon as I heard that there was a breakfast burger (with frites!) on the menu I knew I had to give it a try.

Although on the occasion I went, I wasn’t quite hungover enough to fully appreciate the breakfast burger, so instead I went for the omelette with herbs and Gruyere, with a side of smoked salmon. Whilst it was quite dry around the edges, and the herbs were clumped in the one spot, it was still soft and gooey on the inside, and the salad on the side was nice touch.

My fellow diner had the croissant with ham, bechamel and Gruyere. Whilst it was overcooked, after flicking off the burnt bits, it was actually quite tasty. 

The service was slow (but friendly) so perhaps it's not the best place to go if you’re in a rush. And you’ll be seated quite close to your fellow diners, so its also probably not the most appropriate place to discuss your Saturday antics. But what it does offer is a little slice of Europe at your back door.

Food: 3/5

Service: 3/5

Venue: 3/5

Total: 9/15

Verdict: like - get around to trying it at some point

Rock Sugar

I’ve never been a big spring roll fan - it’s not that have anything personal against them, but unlike many other Melbournites’ Uber eats orders, the trusty spring roll generally never appears on my order.  But Rock Sugar’s spring rolls have me converted - crisp on the outside, rich and fragrant on the inside - these delicious little morsels are just bursting with flavour and are without a doubt the best spring rolls in Melbourne. 

But back to the venue. Rock Sugar is vibrant but trendy Thai inspired restaurant situated in South Yarra – think bright neon lights on exposed brick walls, and features of neon pink scattered through the restaurant.  Their menu consists of many of your Thai favourites (including massaman curry with beef that’s been slow cooked for 18 hours) as well as a number of dishes with a modern twist (including soft shell crab buns with pickled papaya, green onion, chili jam and peanuts).

The sides on offer also don’t disappoint – including a fresh and fragrant papaya salad, and piping hot roti served with a delicious satay peanut sauce.





But whatever you do, make sure to save room for desert - one of their offerings being a large ball of coconut ice cream sandwiched between two slices of warm cinnamon donut – an absolutely drool worthy desert that is nothing less than memorable.



With its friendly and attentive staff, notable wine list and delicious food - Rock Sugar is definitely a must if you’re in the South Yarra area craving Thai food.

Food: 4/5
Venue: 4/5
Service: 4/5
Total: 12/15
Verdict: love - get around to trying it soon

The New Fave dined courtesy of Rock Sugar

 

AMBA

AMBA on Chapel Street is a cosy oasis tucked away from the blistery cold - with its modern lighting, sporadic greenery and wooden features, this breakfast/brunch venue is both trendy and inviting.

Eggs benedict isn't usually the most beautiful dish on the menu, but somehow AMBA managed to take the cake. The eggs were poached perfectly, the salmon generous and the hollandaise sauce was rich and creamy - delicious!

A breakfast is not complete without a side of hash browns (especially when a mild hangover is involved) and AMBA managed to again deliver. Crunchy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside - these golden little morsels were an absolute gem. 

Whilst only 6 or so months old, with such a beautiful decor and menu, AMBA will definitely be sticking around.  

Food: 4.5/5

Service: 4/5

Venue: 4/5

Total: 12.5/15

Verdict: love - get around to trying it soon 

497 Chapel Street, South Yarra

 

The New Fave dine courtesy of AMBA

Squires Loft

Steak, glorious steak - and with steaks so good they make you want to sing from the rooftops, Squires Loft is an excellent choice if you are wanting to please your carnivorous side.

With restaurants all around Australia - you wouldn't expect such a decent meal from a brand that has been franchised.  But not only does Squires Loft deliver on a decent meal, I would even rate it as having one of the top steaks of Melbourne.

On this occasion I visited the South Yarra venue, which is conveniently just opposite South Yarra train station. To eat I ordered the 200g eye fillet ($38) with blue cheese sauce ($5.75) and to share we ordered a large Greek salad ($13) and baked mushrooms with fetta and herbed butter sauce ($9.00).

The steak was cooked exceptionally and was rich with flavour. Whilst it first appeared to be overcooked, it definitely didn't taste that way - the meat was so incredibly tender that it could have been cut with a butter knife. And the blue cheese sauce - well, an absolute must if you are blue cheese fan! At $5.75 a serve it's a touch on the pricey side - but with such a generous serve, the price tag can be forgiven!

It's no secret that steak and mushrooms are a match made in heaven, and the baked mushrooms with fetta and herb butter were no exception.  Herby, buttery and cheesy - the mushrooms were not only cooked exceptionally, they tasted delicious!

However, next time I will be giving the Greek salad a miss.  Unfortunately it was about as inspiring as a Greek Salad you can get at the pre-made salad section in a grocery store.

Good steak, good fries and good sauce - how can you go wrong? Squires Loft, we will be meeting again soon!

Food: 4/5
Service: 4/5
Décor: 2.5/5
Total: 10.5/15
Verdict: Love - get around to trying it soon