Atlas Dining

With the old saying ‘Jack of all trades, master of none’ going through my head, to be honest I didn’t know quite what to expect when dining at Atlas Dining -  I mean, can a chef really not only cook, but master, a variety of cuisines? Well if you’re going to Atlas Dining, the answer is yes, he can. 

For those not familiar with concept, every 4 months or so, the cuisine at Atlas Dining changes based on the travels of Head Chef, Charlie Carrington. On our occasion, the cuisine was Indian, with a set menu for $85 consisting of:

                                                PRAWN, TAMARIND, POMEGRANATE 

                                HOUSE MADE PANEER CHEESE, DAHL, SQUID SALAD

DUCK CURRY

MANGO, SWEET MILK BALLS, SAFFRON

The squid salad was by far our least favourite, which was a bit chewy and difficult to share, and the palak paneer was also a bit bland. However, the prawns were an absolutely exquisite blend of textures and flavours, and the duck curry was just bursting with flavour. The accompanying naan bread smothered in duck fat was also a nice touch. Not being a sweet tooth, I was surprised however that my favourite dish of the night was the desert - with the syrupy blend of mangoes and cream, it was like a summer holiday in the mouth. 

For an additional $55 you can add matching wines - an absolute must based on our dining experience, with each wine coming with its own story. If you’re looking for an exquisite dining experience that’s a little different from the norm, look no further than Atlas Dining. 

Food: 4/5 

Venue: 4/5 

Value for money: 4/5 

Service: 5/5 

Total: 17/20 

Verdict: love - get around to trying it soon

Taquito

It’s places like Taquito in Carlton that remind me why I missed dining out in a Melbourne so much. With its great food, amazing service and fun vibe, it was definitely a great choice for a Friday night. 

What sets Taquito apart from the usual Mexican haunts in Melbourne is Taquito’s house-made tortillas and totopos. There’s no doubt that you can taste the difference it makes - especially when we were lucky enough to be served a warm crispy batch of totopos straight from the oven. So with that in mind, the Guacamole de la abuelita with totopos ($14) and a serving of the tacos (a flight of four setting you back $26) are definitely a must when ordering - with the baja syle crispy fish taco being so good, we both ordered another. 

While the churros ($12) came out like any good churro should be - warm and crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside - the sauce was definitely an interesting choice, reminding me more a brandy custard to go with Christmas pudding, rather than a dipping sauce.  The churros themselves, however, were delicious. 



If you’re looking for a venue that’s elegant but trendy, service that’s friendly and efficient and food that is utterly delicious - then look no further than Taquito - which is what makes it the new fave.

Food: 4.5/5
Service: 5/5
Value for money: 5/5
Venue: 5/5
Total: 19.5/20

Verdict: The New Fave - put it as number one on the to do list. 

Half Acre

Bottomless brunches are becoming as Melbourne as our graffitied laneways, or our love for wearing black.  Half Acre’s bottomless brunch is no exception.

$69 will get you bottomless cocktails and Proseccos, as well as much as you can eat from their extravagant buffet table which is akin to a (classy and refined) medieval feast.  On one end of the table are your savory options, which includes a range of exquisite meat and Ottolenghi worthy vegetable dishes, including grilled chicken with mustard dressing, and cabbage with torched goats cheese and chimichurri. 

The other end of the table will satisfy your sweet tooth – with the likes of a pavlova station to ensure you leave on a sugar high. 

 

The venue itself is wedding worthy – with its exposed brick, generous greenery and glasshouse-esque main dining room, its nothing short of charming.  

While the crowd (and the dress code) will make you feel little like you’re heading into a night club rather than a brunch spot, if you don’t mind a room of squawky and excitable drunk females, given the quality of food  Half Acre is definitely a great option for a bottomless brunch.

Food: 4/5

Service: 3/5

Venue: 5/5

Value for money: 4/5

Total: 16/20

Verdict: Love – get around to trying it soon

 

Hazel

With cafes such as The Kettle Black and Top Paddock under its belt, the Mulberry Group is no stranger to Melbourne’s food scene. So when it opened its first restaurant Hazel late last year, it’s no surprise that there was a buzz of expectation. Although I’m pleased to say, after dining at Hazel myself last week, it did not disappoint.

Situated in a historical building on Flinders lane, the venue itself – spanning across 2 levels – is nothing short of exquisite, blending sophistication with a welcoming sense of Hamptons charm.

Being such an exquisite venue, it only seemed appropriate to commence our meal with just as an exquisite starter – so fresh, plump, juicy oysters with salted chilli mignonette had to be on our menu.

With a whole section of their menu dedicated to toast, we knew we had to give at least one toast a try.  The beef rump tartare on toast with anchovy sauce was without the doubt the best tartare I’ve had in Melbourne.  Smooth, tender and rich with flavours, it’s the sort of dish that people will make plans to come back for.

For mains we shared the Eggplant Putttanesca, grilled zucchini, creamed corn and why scalloped potatoes.  While none of the dishes were standouts, all of the dishes were tasty and left myself and my fellow diners feeling satisfied.

With its exceptional service, delicious food and exquisite venue, I’d highly recommend checking out Hazel soon.

Food: 4/5

Service: 5/5

Venue: 5/5

Value for money: 4/5

Total: 18/20

Verdict: Love – get around to trying it soon

 

Betty Burgers

There’s certain places in Melbourne where you’d expect to see a long line of people waiting – I’m talking along the lines of your Mamasitas, Chin Chins and fave dumpling houses.  But a burger restaurant? When I saw Betty Burgers constant lines, I knew it was worth checking out.  And Betty’s Burgers didn’t disappoint.  

Offering a range of chicken, beef and veggie burgers, I couldn’t go past trying their ‘Spicy Chicken’ with Southern Fried Chicken, bacon, spicy pickles, lettuce, tomato, cheese and siracha mayo.  While I didn’t love the bacon in the burger, the Spicy Chicken was otherwise delicious and definitely a repeat order (sans bacon).

It would be rude to go for a burger and not have a stab at the fries, so Betty’s fries (with special sauce!) and onion rings were also the menu.  While they were some of the best onion rings I’ve had in Melbourne, I’m sad to say that the fries were on the disappointing side.

The icing on the cake for Bettys? It’s licenced so the ideal place if you’re in the mood for a cheeky beer or wine.

If you find yourself in the CBD craving a burger, Betty Burgers is definitely worth a try.  

Food: 4/5

Service: 4/5

Venue: 3.5/5

Value for money: 3.5/5

Total: 5/15

Verdict: Love – get around to trying it soon

Chilangos Mexican Cantina

Before you think I’ve gone completely mad by blogging about Chilangos Mexican Cantina let me just point out 3 things:

1. It serves beer AND some of the best margaritas I’ve had in Melbourne;
2. The food is actually quite tasty; and
3. It’s in the Docklands, so let’s face it, there’s still not a great deal of competition.
   

Chilangos serves up all the usual Mexican culprits - think burritos, tacos, nachos etc. If you get in early enough, you might even be able to grab one of their enchiladas with the special filling of the day - pictured below was the beef enchilada and I am pleased to say I was not disappointed.

The venue itself has plenty of seating, and the staff are incredibly friendly and accommodating. So while your meals will be served up in cardboard boxes, it’s hard to go past ordering tasty Mexican accompanied by delicious margaritas if you find yourself in the Docklands looking for somewhere for lunch.

Food: 3/5
Value for money: 3/5
Service: 4/5
Venue: 3/5
Total: 13/15
Verdict: like - get around to trying it at some point